Reviews of Backpackers International Hostel

07 February 2012

Liked: The only positive was the physical layout of the property which had a nice common area for socialising.

Disliked: I booked this hostel based on the o.k. reviews of this property. Unfortunately, it was an absolute disaster that led my friend and I searching for another place to stay in Rarotonga. The rooms were dirty, unventilated, and small. The rest of the place was not much better - the bathrooms and kitchen have not been properly cleaned in years. The final straw for us was when our room was nearly broken into by two guys outside our window. Yes, it is the cheapest property on the island but you get what you pay for. I've been staying in hostels for years and this is the worst one yet!

29 January 2012

Liked: Good atmopshere. Good hang out spot. Big kitchen

Disliked: Very un clean. Rooms are dirty, bathrooms are dirty, kitchen is dirty. The grounds are dirty with garbage and burnt cars everywhere. Lots of bugs and rats. Very unpleasnt stay. Almost got room broken into.

27 January 2012 Customer would recommend this property

Liked: Nice common area to hang out with other travellers. Had a homey atmosphere. Staff are very friendly and helpful, even if you have an odd-hour flight. Free fruit!! Papaya, passion fruit, banana...

Disliked: The blanket in my room had dead mosquitos or something on it. Could have vacuumed or dusted off the blanket before letting me in. If you have a room near the common area and there are people up all night, it can be a bit noisy.

23 January 2012 Customer would recommend this property

Liked: just of the main street and a lot af character due to the owner who make an effort knowing everyone

Disliked: Customer left no negative feedback.

25 November 2011 Customer would recommend this property

Liked: The owners are lovely, fresh free fruit every day, and activities planned to bring the visitors together. Perfect location to see the sunset on the beach. Our room was clean and comfortable.

Disliked: not much - a hole in the screen of the window made us nervous about bugs but it wasn't really a problem. We had a fan in our room but it was still terribly hot at night.

01 October 2011 Customer would recommend this property

Liked: There is a friendly atmoshpere and plenty of things are arranged for evening entertainment. It is very good value for money compared to everything else on the island! Free fresh fruit on offer everyday.

Disliked: nothing

09 September 2011 Customer would recommend this property

Liked: great location, quiet cheap and friendly other travellers

Disliked: A lot of animals (ants, echos, dogs) in/around the hostel - if you're okay with that a good stay

04 August 2011 julian would recommend this property

Liked: Had such a great time here, the owners are so nice and the people were awesome!

Disliked: Not to many people, but the hostel can't help that.

23 July 2011 MARK HAMILL would recommend this property

Liked: great location. ann and bill really friendly. great place

Disliked: nothing

23 July 2011 adam would recommend this property

Liked: great crew wonderful people there when we stayed, always helpful and friendly activities organised by the staff, and guests always a good way to spend some of your free time

Disliked: the roosters, not that you can escape them at all on the tiny island of raro (they are litterally everywhere)

05 July 2011 Lisa would recommend this property

Liked: A fantastic place to meet fellow traveller's, I've been travelling alone now for three months and I've made so many friends here, I love it so much I've extended my stay.

Disliked: Paying for wifi but you have to all over the island so it's not the hostels fault.

09 May 2011 Armin would recommend this property

Liked: Free pick-up from the airport, free fruits. Only 5 min. to a nice beach.

Disliked: 3-bed dorm is very small.

11 April 2011 Customer would recommend this property

Liked: Free fruit! Right next to beach (well, 100m) Owners are mines of local information: Bill set up the hostel in 1985

Disliked: Room was quite dusty but it's so hot you don't really care! It's not close to many things i.e. restaurants, a supermarket. It's ideal if you can rent a moto though, or there's a frequent bus service. And it's kind of nice to have the whole beach to yourself, so it depends as always what you're looking for.

23 March 2011 Sandra would recommend this property

Liked: Free Papaya, Bananas and other fruits

Disliked: nothing

23 February 2011 Karim would recommend this property

Liked: Great value for your money considering how expensive Rarotonga is. They offer free papaya and bananas all day and they often organize special evenings so everyone gets to know each other. Overall, it was a very good experience and I met lots of friendly people.

Disliked: The sound of animals woke me up way too early every morning.

08 February 2011 Danny would recommend this property

Liked: Free water, papaya and bananas (when in season). You can have papaya and bananas for breakfast, lunch and dinner, if you are desperate.

Disliked: Looks unfinished from inside.

16 November 2010 Rebecka would recommend this property

Liked: The family that runs the place is great. They are really nice and will help you with everything. We met alot of nice people when we stayed here.

Disliked: It´s not a fancy place but it´s cheap and you get what you pay for. The toilets and showers could be cleand a bit more often. I only had a hot shower about 2 times out of 10 and sometimes there was not even cold water...

11 November 2010 Jan would recommend this property

Liked: humble but clean hostel, i liked especially fruit prepared in the morning for the breakfast

Disliked: Jan left no negative feedback.

09 November 2010 Customer would recommend this property

Liked: Fresh papayas free to eat, very good place for single travellers, lots of fun (most of the resorts on cooks are for couples), one of the beast beaches on island are just 10 minutes of walking. Night airport transfer for free.

Disliked: The room bad smells a bit. Ants. Cocks that wakes you up early in the morning. But still it was pretty clean and good value for money.. do expect ordinary friendly hostel...

11 September 2010

Liked: Owners are very friendly.If the weather is good it's got a nice beach with a dive shop nearby.

Disliked: When the weather is bad there is nothing at the hostel (or on the island) to do. They do have a large dvd collection though. I had a few cold showers because they are usually solar and they don't turn on the heat unless you ask.

04 August 2010 Customer would recommend this property

Liked: Met loads of great people whilst staying here- brilliant friendly atmosphere.

Disliked: Customer left no negative feedback.

19 July 2010 Sarah would recommend this property

Liked: This place is great free airport pick up!! great people, i was travelling on my own and i was made to free very welcome and included in everything that was happening weather a wander down the beach or friday nite on the town. 30 seconds to the beach fantastic place to get some R 'n' R

Disliked: Sarah left no negative feedback.

08 June 2010 Customer would recommend this property

Liked: Highly recommend the traditional Rarotongan BBQ, great variety and quantity of food and good value.

Disliked: Customer left no negative feedback.

05 June 2010 Alexander would recommend this property

Liked: I thoroughly enjoyed my stay, location was awesome and the staff were friendly, when i had a scooter crash, they made sure i was comfortable and looked after me, couldn't be happier with the hostel!

Disliked: Alexander left no negative feedback.

06 April 2010 Jordan would recommend this property

Liked: good backpackers lodge, nice big common areas to meet people. right near aroa beach which has the best snorkeling on the island. BBQ saturday night was good as well. thanks

Disliked: Jordan left no negative feedback.