2 Star Hotel

The Cambridge Hotel & Backpackers

28 Cambridge Terrace, Wellington, New Zealand View Map

The Cambridge Hotel & Backpackers1/93
The Cambridge Hotel & Backpackers photo 2
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The Cambridge Hotel & Backpackers

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About

Discover affordable accommodations with character at The Cambridge Hotel & Backpackers, Wellington's heritage hotel established in 1883. Located in the heart of the Wellington CBD, we're just a short walk from Courtenay Place, Cuba Street, Te Papa, the waterfront and many of the city's best restaurants, cafés and entertainment venues. Whether you're traveling solo, with friends, as a family or as part of a group, The Cambridge offers a range of accommodations to suit every budget. Choose from sociable backpacker dormitories or comfortable private hotel rooms with private bathrooms. Most private rooms include SKY TV, a refrigerator, and tea and coffee making facilities. The Cambridge is perfectly positioned for exploring Wellington's major attractions. Te Papa Tongarewa Museum is only a 10-minute walk away, Oriental Bay is within easy walking distance, and Sky Stadium, the Interislander ferry terminal and Wellington Railway Station are all easily accessible. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fully equipped communal kitchen, a spacious guest lounge, luggage storage and laundry facilities. Our reception team is available daily from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm and is always happy to help you make the most of your stay in Wellington. Downstairs, experience the lively atmosphere of The Bridge Bar, a favorite with both guests and locals. Enjoy hearty meals, local beers, live sport, regular Quiz Nights, our popular Sunday Roast and the famous Guinness Club, making The Cambridge more than just a place to stay. Combining historic charm, friendly hospitality and exceptional value in a central Wellington location, The Cambridge Hotel & Backpackers has been welcoming travelers for well over a century.

1,102 Reviews

7.5Good
Cleanliness
8.1
Staff
8.7
Location
9.0

What Guests Say

  • “The location is great and the bar is really cool. We arrived just in time for the free bbq at the bar which was much appreciated after a…”
  • “I thought the place overall was very good. The shared bathroom on level 1 was excellent. And the place was clean and tidy. The Bed was…”
Show 50 Verified Reviews

Top Amenities

  • Restaurant
  • Free Internet Access
  • Kitchen/Kitchenette
  • Non-Smoking Rooms
Show All Amenities

Room Options

Our Best Price. GUARANTEED.

Exclusively for Priceline members Details

Twin Shared Bathroom1/4

Twin Shared Bathroom

130 sqft • 2 Single

  • Air conditioning
  • Alarm clock
  • Baby Cot
  • Bath or Shower
Quad Room1/4

Quad Room

216 sqft • 2 Bunk, 2 Single, 1 King, 2 Bunk

  • Air conditioning
  • Alarm clock
  • Baby Cot
  • Bath or Shower
Triple Room with Private Bathroom1/4

Triple Room with Private Bathroom

183 sqft • 3 Single, 1 King, 1 Single

  • Accessible by lift
  • Alarm clock
  • Bath or Shower
  • Body soap
Double Ensuite1/4

Double Ensuite

130 sqft • 2 Single, 1 Double

  • Air conditioning
  • Alarm clock
  • Baby Cot
  • Bath or Shower
Single Bed in 6-Bed Dormitory Room1/4

Single Bed in 6-Bed Dormitory Room

173 sqft • 1 Bunk

  • Bath or Shower
  • Body soap
  • Carpeting
  • Conditioner
Double Shared1/3

Double Shared

130 sqft • 1 Double

  • Air conditioning
  • Baby Cot
  • Bath or Shower
  • Carpeting

Room Details and Photos

Room Amenities

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    What Guests Loved

    7.5
    Good

    Based on 1,102 reviews

    Location

    9

    Cleanliness

    8.1

    Staff

    8.7

    Overall Quality

    7.7

    Pros +

    • The location is great and the bar is really cool. We arrived just in time for the free bbq at the bar which was much appreciated after a long day travelling!
    • Clean
    • location

    Cons -

    • One of the plugs in our room was unusable which was annoying
    • 1 rude staff member a waitress.
    • There was nothing I disliked. It was very good value for money
    Business Traveler (173)Solo Traveler (671)Traveling as Couple (365)Family with Young Children (309)Family with Teens (1)Senior Traveler (32)Group Traveler (280)Total (2,023)
    9PPosted on: 12-17-2024

    The location is great and the bar is really cool. We arrived just in time for the free bbq at the bar which was much appreciated after a long day travelling!

    One of the plugs in our room was unusable which was annoying

    9Verified guestPosted on: 3-8-2025

    Clean

    1 rude staff member a waitress.

    5Verified guestPosted on: 1-5-2025

    location

    7NigelPosted on: 2-23-2026

    I thought the place overall was very good. The shared bathroom on level 1 was excellent. And the place was clean and tidy. The Bed was excellent and I was pleasantly surprised to find a small fridge in the room.The place has a great value for money set-up and being able to access the Gnd Floor bar was excellent (and a great place to spend some time)

    There was nothing I disliked. It was very good value for money

    7GillPosted on: 2-21-2026

    Great central locationVery comfortable bedFridge sink and kettle greatly appreciated

    Noisy banging doors at all hours Air con or heating directly outside my window so had to keep it closedVery difficult to park locally,had to keep moving the car

    7AlamainePosted on: 2-17-2026

    Great location. Price was fair.

    The room was too hot. No fan. Windows only opened a little.I recommend a fan be available in that room.

    8MaiPosted on: 2-16-2026

    Location and clean room with towel and a kettle for a hot drink. Quiet at night.

    8FelipePosted on: 2-16-2026

    The standard single room may be the best I ever had with a shared bathroom. There's a TV, fridge and sink. The place is kept very clean and tidy and location is as good as it gets, you can walk to the CBD. There was also a handy desk.

    The window blind is needing some fixes and the window shakes in the windy weather.

    1RachelPosted on: 2-15-2026

    Location and staff were nice but the hotel has BEDBUGS.

    This hotel has BEDBUGS! By the end of the day after I checked out, huge welts up my arms. I called to ensure that they removed guests from the room I was in but I don’t think they cared.

    8CynthiaPosted on: 2-14-2026

    Very well located and friendly staff. Good bed and spacious shower as well!

    No parking on-site, street parking was a bit of a hassle. There is a parking lot nearby that is a better long term option if you're staying longer, I was only there for a night.

    7RobertPosted on: 2-13-2026

    Bed was comfortable

    Room was very hot and not the best location

    5KellyPosted on: 2-13-2026

    Nice facilities

    Mighty expensive for what you get. It was a backpackers. How could it cost that much! Especially when the main bar is closed off for an event. Very uncool

    10DianaPosted on: 2-11-2026

    Very comfortable, clean & quiet...

    The pub/restaurant was closed when we arrived and in the morning, would have been nice to enjoy a pint before bed or breakfast before we left.

    8RebeccaPosted on: 2-8-2026

    It was great - nice and clean. We didn't use the guest kitchen/lounge but the toilets and bathrooms were good, comfy bed, nice clean sheets. We asked for a room on the quiet side of the building, took some earplugs and there were no issues. Appreciated being able to leave our luggage until it was time to go to the airport. Airport bus is right around the corner.

    Really nothing - it was exactly as described.

    5AimeePosted on: 2-1-2026

    The staff were wonderful. Super helpful and let me store my luggage after I checked out which was really helpful. They were very friendly and well mannered. Top marks to the staff

    The blinds in my room did not block out the pink neon lights shining outside even when fully closed. This meant I barely got any sleep. The shower drains were also fully clogged, so it made having a shower really difficult. The doors in the toilet are not wide enough to enter the stalls without having to squeeze through which feels quite icky because I don't really like to touch any walls in a public bathroom, but this made it impossible.

    7ThomasPosted on: 1-30-2026

    The staff was very nice I loved the old look The location is very central

    The bunk bed wasn't fixed on the wall. The tiniest movement of another person shook the whole bed. That is very annoying when you're trying to sleep.

    10ClairePosted on: 1-30-2026

    Great location, spotlessly clean, helpful staff and the most comfy beds we had during our trip!

    Nothing!

    8AnnaPosted on: 1-26-2026

    wonderful location near everything and a really nice old school pub downstairs that was super cozy, the room was pretty and showers had a lot of space which is rare.

    there was no cold water from the tap, only warm water worked when I came. Then the water had started runnin when I was out, had no idea how long it had been running !A lot of noise from the traffic, it´s a big road with loads of busses and trucks. Wifi didnt work in my room, had to go out to the corridor to send messages which was Very unconvenient.

    7MelaniePosted on: 1-24-2026

    Beds were very comfortable. Pillows soft. Good clean linen. Staff helpful. Good hot showers, bit dated but ok for price.Price.

    Only 2 Ladies toilets and 2 showers for the level we were on.

    8VickiPosted on: 1-23-2026

    Friendly, efficient check in / check out. Felt very safe and secure whilst there, BEAUTIFUL stained glass windows, beautiful character building, for transport - absolutely great

    Plumbing issue/ tap water pressure - tap rattled when using the water.Cleaner making a loud noise in the early hours of the morning Cultural issue with feet facing a waredrobe mirror

    Amenities & Policies

    Amenities

    Food & Drinks

    • Kitchen/Kitchenette
    • Restaurant
    • Shared kitchen

    Media & Technology

    • Free Internet Access

    Health & Safety

    • Health Services
    • Daily disinfection

    Kid Friendly

    • Family Friendly

    General

    • No Smoking Rooms/Facilities

    Guest policies

    Check-inAfter 2:00 PM
    Check-outBefore 10:00 AM
    InternetFree Wi-Fi is available.
    Children & Extra BedsChildren of all ages are welcome. Children of age 18 and above can stay with extra bed, subject to additional charges. Children of age 0 to 2 stay free with cot.
    PetsPets are not allowed.
    Room RatesAll rates displayed are for two guests unless otherwise noted.

    Important info

    Please note that the Cambridge Hotel Bar and Cambridge Terrace are very busy and noisy from 21:00 until 03:00 on Friday and Saturday nights. You may experience noise disturbances from the bar and from the street during this time. Please note that there is a 1.8% charge when you pay with a credit card. Please note this property can only accommodate guests over 18 years of age due to the onsite bar. Please note if you require a different bedding configuration, this request must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance using the Special Request box or property contact details found on the booking confirmation. Please note that the actual layout, furnishings and condition of your room may differ from the photos. All other amenities listed will be available. Also, a $500 refundable bond must be paid for stag groups, hens parties, or sports teams. This will be refunded in full following a successful inspection of the rooms, provided there are no damages to the facilities or any complaints from guests or staff regarding misconduct.Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply. Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation. A damage deposit of NZD 100.0 is required at checkin. This will be collected by cash. You should be reimbursed on checkout via cash, subject to an inspection of the property.

    Location

    The Cambridge Hotel & Backpackers

    28 Cambridge Terrace, Wellington

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