Ducks & Drakes Boutique Motel & Backpackers

The staff are fabulous.

It was a really good location in a residential area. Fast food restaurants and grocery stores within a short walking distance and not to far from the CBD. A few blocks in the other direction was Pukekura park, a great place to explore.

The bathrooms could have been better. Needs more clothes and towel hooks in the showers.

Great accommodation, very clean and spacious and also at a great price

Communication regarding access was smooth and clear, rendered all the more easy thanks to the electronic code access. The kitchen was extremely well equipped for a small space and was much cleaner than most NZ hostels. The provision of bath towels was also appreciated. The decor was homely, if a little dated.

The upstairs toilets could have done with slightly more regular cleaning, and some of the curtains (e.g. the floor-to-ceiling ones in the upstairs corridor) are due for replacement. However, these are minor gripes in the context of an overall positive experience.

Great location. Welcoming, clean, and comfortable with everything we needed. Lovely outdoor areas that are well kept. Stayed 1 night and could’ve done 5 more. Would stay again.

No air con, however good amount of windows/air flow, so as long as you’re prepared and keep the windows open all arvo/eve, then it works.

Was very homey, and the people working there were really friendly

Not the most comfortable beds in some dorms, but not the worst at all either

Bed, pillows and bedding was very comfortable. The location was super convenient. The living room was cozy and lots of windows in sunroom and doing room. Did enjoy one of the boardgames.

Was quite shabby with very old carpeting. The kitchen surfaces felt unclean and a little sticky.

Very nice arrangement. Nice places to sit, eat, cook, and play. Rooms were nice and mine was close to the bathroom, which was nice.

No complaints

Location was good enough, valued for money and just a quick overnight/1 day stay.

Sound proofing wasn't ideal, no hooks in the bathroom, heating facilities in the room seems lacking vs other backpackers we have tried. Thin pillows. Facilities seem a bit dated but can see that they tried to repaint etc to try and make it better.

The location was the only good thing about the motel

We specifically booked this one because we were coming in a car and wanted a place to park, which it stood multiple places in the booking that this place would have. It did not. The reception for check in was advertised to be open until 20.00, we were originally supposed to arrive at 17.00 but on the way there we got stuck in traffic. We tried calling the hotel because we thought we would not be able to make it by 20, no one answered… we did manage to arrive before 20, at 19.30 but when we went inside the reception was closed and the key to our room was laying in an envelope. On the wall there was a note saying the motel did not have parking, but the street parking outside was free except two spots, and they could not guarantee that there was any space left… if I wanted to figure out street parking in a foreign country I would not have booked a place that specifically advertised parking. I tried calling the number again to ask about the rules about parking near an intersection, he finally picked up to say it’s free, you’ll figure it out… then he rudely hung up. And also there were ants cracking on our beds, so overall an unpleasant experience.

Friendly helpful staff. Excellent location, just on the outskirts of town, easy walking distance to city center, and grocery store, eateries etc a block away. Beautiful common areas with a comfortable lounge, awesome sun room, nice dining room, good kitchen, and outdoor area. Nice decor, vibe and very clean.

Walls were thin. Can hear the neighboring rooms quite clearly.

Our cottage was clean, well equipped and convenient. Our kitchen had everything we needed.A lovely stay , thank you.

One day our overflowing rubbish bin wasn't emptied.

Hostel is very well equipped with a spacious kitchen and lots of cooking space and utensils. There is a large dining area and lounge. Hostel is only 15 mins walk from the Intercity bus stop and only a few minutes walk to big supermarkets

There were no lockers in the room I was in (but Brett was about to install them so this shouldn't be an issue for people in future!). As it was though everything was secure anyway and Brett kindly offered to store valuables for me if necessary :-)

Lounge, sunroom kitchen all above average, comfy beds very central. Would stay again in heattbeat!!

I had to book an extra night and because it was in different dorms the staff actually upgraded me to a 2 bed dorm for my whole stay :)Near a supermarket and plenty of takeaways.Although it's not in the CBD, it is an easy 10min walk to the centre and seafront It had a great homely vibe to the place, definitely my favourite hostel in New Plymouth

Location was great, easy walk down to seafront, town or Pukekura Park. Friendly staff and beautiful big table in dining room makes for getting to know new people.

Very expensive for what it was and a little dated

Loved the location. 5 minute walk to CBD shops, restaurants, supermarkets etc. Cottage had character and everything you need. Lots of windows and doors to let a breeze through on a hot day. Comfortable bed and chairs. Shower was great. Outside table and chairs a nice area to sit at. Amazed at high quiet and peaceful it was. It was perfect for our weekend stay and we would definitely stay again.

Nothing we didn't like but a hook or ring on the wall by the handbasin would be great to hang the hand towel on. Maybe a little shelf to place toilet bags etc on?And a tidy up on the paint in some areas?

Good value for money. Nice house on the fringe of the town with street parking available. Friendly host.

Host was unavailable to help when I reported a problem in the night. Fortunately, it resolved itself. Nonetheless, the host seemed nice.

The owners Brett & Paula were really lovely & as soon as I arrived & met Brett, I had great banter with him. They were both really helpful & friendly & it made my stay there memorable. This is definitely one of the best places I've stayed in New Zealand & I'd highly recommend it.

Cozy backpackers in a central area but without most of the noise. Away from the main road, but in perfect walking distance to shops and all the things you might need.Nice manager and helpful (forgot my phone charger). Thanks.

Depending on the time of day, the showers were a bit busy. Ok in general, but not always available straight away. Everything else was fine, was a good stay.