Empire Hotel Backpackers - Oamaru

$$$$|View on mapOamaru, New Zealand|
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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 room
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Empire Hotel Backpackers - Oamaru
$$$$

Overview

Located around 10 minutes' walk from Friendly Bay, the superior Empire Hotel Backpackers hostel also provides a a swimming pool for guests to unwind. Offering bag storage, the budget hostel is right at Oamaru's Victorian Precinct.

Location

Historical sites in the area include War Memorial Great War, situated just 5 minutes' walk away. This hostel is about 5 minutes' walk from Steampunk HQ Art Gallery and about 5 minutes' walk from Whitestone City.

The nearest airport is Richard Pearse, located within 100 km from the property.

Rooms

Guests may also find Wi-Fi in some of the non-smoking rooms. Offering amenities such as hair dryers and towels, the shared bathrooms have a shower.

Eat & Drink

Temptations Bakery café is a short way from the hostel. You will find a shared kitchen at this accommodation.

Good to know
Check-in/Check-out
from 13:00-21:00
from 09:00-10:00
Amenities
Public parking is possible on site for free.
Wireless internet is available in for free.
Other information
Children & extra beds
There are no extra beds provided in a room.  There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Building
Number of rooms:26
Price calendar
Check availability and prices for your dates now!

Rooms and availability

Dormitory Room Female only
  • Max:
    6 persons
  • Bed options:
    1 Bed in shared room
Dormitory Room Male only
  • Max:
    6 persons
  • Bed options:
    1 Bed in shared room
Dormitory Room Mixed
  • Max:
    1 person
  • Bed options:
    1 Bed in shared room
Show 1 more room typeLess

Facilities

Main facilities

Wi-Fi
Parking

Off-site car park

Kitchen facilities

Shared kitchen

Air conditioning
Laundry
Food/ Drinks

Picnic area/ Tables

TV

Leisure/ TV room

Sports activities

Billiard tables

Sports & Fitness

  • Billiard tables

Services

  • Laundry

Dining

  • Picnic area/ Tables

Children

  • Board games

Spa & Leisure

  • Garden area
  • Leisure/ TV room

Room features

  • Heating

Self-catering

  • Shared kitchen

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
Show all facilitiesHide facilities

Essential information about Empire Hotel Backpackers

💵 Lowest room price 19 £
📏 Distance to centre 500 m
✈️ Distance to airport 97.8 km
🧳 Nearest airport Richard Pearse, TIU

Location
street view

Address
The address has been copied.
Thames Street 13, Oamaru, New Zealand, 9495
Map view
Explore hotel location on the panorama
street view
Thames Street 13, Oamaru, New Zealand, 9495
  • City landmarks
  • Nearby
  • Restaurants
  • Hotels nearby
1 Itchen Street
Steampunk HQ
270 m
2 Harbour Street
Oamaru's Victorian Precinct
310 m
Gallery
Forrester Art Gallery
20 m
Oamaru Harbour Board Office
200 m
1 Harbour Street North Otago
Presence on Harbour
310 m
Museum
Whitestone City
400 m
Museum
North Otago Museum
170 m
Gallery
Grainstore Gallery
340 m
8 Tyne Street
Art On Tyne
260 m
Harbour Street
The Loft
360 m
Church
Church of St Lukes Anglican
160 m
Market
Oamaru Farmers' Market
490 m
10 Itchen St
Tourism Waitaki
140 m
1 Tyne Street Upstairs
Time Travellers Experience
240 m
Harbour Board Building 2 Harbour St
The Victorian Heritage Centre
310 m
10 Harbour Street South Hill
Oasis Oamaru
390 m
11 Harbour St Through The Gallery Onto 15 Tyne St In The Historic Precinct
Ian Andersen Sculptor
390 m
Restaurant
KFC
230 m
Restaurant
Harbour Street Bakery
310 m
Restaurant
Deja Moo
360 m
Restaurant
Lagonda
870 m

Reviews of Empire Hotel Backpackers

7.6 /10
Very good
785 reviews
Verified reviews  
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Our guests’ reviewsWrite a Review
  • S
    Stanley
    United Kingdom
    Wrote a review on 05 Sept
    Perfect
    9.4

    I've been staying at this backpackers for over a decade, and it truly feels like my second home. the staff and managers are incredibly friendly and helpful, making the experience even more enjoyable. the building itself is a historic gem, showcasing its old architecture and design. Though some areas may appear worn, the cleanliness standards are impeccable. the spacious kitchen and dining area allows for socializing while cooking, adding to the overall sociable atmosphere. The location is also perfect, right in the center of the town, making it convenient to explore. Cons: Nothing, it's perfect! 👍.

  • S
    Spencer
    United Kingdom
    Wrote a review on 25 May
    Perfect
    10

    During my recent stay at Empire Hotel Backpackers, I was blown away by the beautiful Victorian location and the amazing value for money. The manager and staff were helpful and were really nice too make our stay comfortable. They gladly stored our bikes and luggage, making our traveling experience much easier. The cleanliness of the room and facilities was great, and the large kitchen and communal areas were a great addition. Plus, the hotel's proximity to attractions was unbeatable. I highly recommend Empire Hotel Backpackers for a fantastic stay.

  • E
    Emily
    United Kingdom
    Wrote a review on 29 Apr
    Perfect
    9.0

    Great location and value for money. The manager was exceedingly helpful and stored our bikes and luggage. The room and facilities were clean, with a large kitchen and good communal areas. The on-road parking right outside the hostel was free until 10am, convenient. The WiFi was super fast and the room was warm and cozy. I also loved the historical building and the Victorian-era architecture, it added a unique charm to the place. I had a pleasant stay at Empire Hotel Backpackers and would recommend it.

  • P
    Phil
    United Kingdom
    Wrote a review on 27 Apr
    Great
    8.8

    Located in a charming historic area, this hostel offers a unique experience. The clean rooms and friendly staff create a welcoming atmosphere. With a wood-burner in the lounge, it's easy to stay warm on chilly nights. The spacious kitchen and dining area allow for socializing while cooking. The hostel's proximity to attractions such as the penguin colony and historical sites adds to its appeal.

    Some areas of the hostel may be affected by mildew due to leaks during bad weather.

  • F
    Francis
    United Kingdom
    Wrote a review on 26 Mar
    Perfect
    9.4

    The Empire is a centrally located backpacker's hostel with great amenities like a billiard table, piano, and guitar in the basement. There are two kitchens, sitting areas, and additional toilets. the rooms are nice and the staff is friendly. Plus, there is a 10GB free WiFi allowance. Highly recommended!

    Felt right at home, no complaints.

  • B
    Barry
    United Kingdom
    Wrote a review on 15 Mar
    Perfect
    9.6

    loved my stay at this heritage building in oamaru. felt at home with friendly staff and sociable kitchen. the cleanliness was superb, fresh sheets were a simple pleasure. will definitely return and recommend to others.

  • J
    John
    United Kingdom
    Wrote a review on 28 Feb
    Perfect
    9.8

    The staff were friendly, and they have adorable dogs. The property has a charming, old charm. The location is great, and it was clean. The option to dry clothes outside was convenient, with excellent wifi. The fire in the room made it cozy, and the lounge and kitchen were accessible even after check out. The toilets were clean, and the showers were good. The staff was helpful, and the location was quiet, except for the occasional train passing through.

  • M
    Mike
    United Kingdom
    Wrote a review on 22 Feb
    Great
    8.8

    We've been coming to this place for 13 years and it truly feels like home. Empire Hotel Backpackers has friendly staff and a quirky building with a billiard table, piano, and guitar in the basement. the rooms are nice and affordable for backpackers, with electric blankets and heaters to keep you cozy. the location is fantastic, just a short walk away from all the main attractions. Plus, there's a 10GB free Wifi allowance. Highly recommended!

    All good! 👌🏻.

  • C
    Clive
    United Kingdom
    Wrote a review on 21 Feb
    Perfect
    9.6

    I recently stayed at the Empire Hotel in Oamaru for three nights while exploring the area. The location was perfect, within walking distance of everything I wanted to see. The rooms were basic but clean and tidy, just as I expected from reading reviews. The staff were pleasant and the atmosphere was nice. I appreciated the cleanliness and the helpfulness of the staff, especially manager Vivian and boss Bruce. The location was great for visiting the blue penguin colony and being on the main street. I highly recommend staying at this friendly backpacker.

    Couldn't recommend this hotel more.

  • A
    Alf
    United Kingdom
    Wrote a review on 14 Jan
    Perfect
    9.0

    Great location, comfortable atmosphere, large kitchen and living areas, good sized double bedroom with good lighting and table, good showers.

    Nothing, all was good.

  • D
    David
    United Kingdom
    Wrote a review on 06 Jan
    Great
    8.6

    As foreign tourists, we loved the historical charm of this hostel, with its old building architecture and design. the cleanliness standard was superb and the fresh white sheets added a touch of nostalgia. the spacious kitchen and dining area provided a sociable atmosphere for interacting with other guests. the staff were kind and personable, offering great advice on how to see penguins for free. the location was also great, and we appreciated the comfortable and cozy atmosphere.

    Felt very lucky to have found such a cute, personal hostel with great facilities and a friendly vibe. No reason to complain.

  • W
    William
    United Kingdom
    Wrote a review on 17 Dec
    Perfect
    9.8

    We had a wonderful stay at this historical Victorian-era building, Empire Hotel Backpackers. the environment was amazing, and we loved seeing the craftsmanship that went into creating such an elegant building. the reception staff was friendly, and the cozy lounge, overlooking the street, was a great spot for people watching and relaxing. the rooms were clean, tidy, and warm, with super-fast WiFi. Plus, there was plenty of tour and travel information available, making it convenient for planning our adventures. Cons: Absolutely nothing! 🚫.

  • G
    George
    United Kingdom
    Wrote a review on 15 Dec
    Perfect
    9.2

    Clean rooms, friendly staff, warm lounge with wood-burner, comfortable beds.

    Nothing.

  • S
    Stephen
    United Kingdom
    Wrote a review on 23 Nov
    Perfect
    9.0

    Cute historic building with friendly and knowledgeable staff. Good location for visiting penguin colony. Comfortable beds and clean facilities. Nice atmosphere and friendly vibe.

  • H
    Harry
    United Kingdom
    Wrote a review on 13 Oct
    Perfect
    9.8

    Empire Hotel Backpackers exceeded our expectations with its affordable rates and superb accommodations. the building, both inside and out, was stunning. the well-equipped kitchens, delightful bathrooms, and cozy lounge made our stay comfortable and enjoyable. the rooms were cool and the beds were super comfy. Parking was conveniently available behind the building. We can't wait to choose Empire Hotel for our next trip to this wonderful city!

    Not easy to find at first glance 👀.

FAQ about Empire Hotel Backpackers

What are the tourist attractions I can visit while staying at the superior Empire Hotel Backpackers hostel?
Landmarks nearby include Steampunk HQ Art Gallery, located a mere 5 minutes on foot from the superior Empire Hotel Backpackers hostel, as well as Connell and Clowes' Store, which is just 5 minutes' stroll away.
What is the time of check-in and check-out at Empire Hotel Backpackers hostel?
Guests can check in at Empire Hotel Backpackers hostel from 13:00 and check out until 10:00.
How much does a nights' stay at the superior Empire Hotel Backpackers hostel cost?
Starting from $17, you can enjoy a one-night stay at the superior Empire Hotel Backpackers hostel.
Which payment methods are available at this hostel?
At this hostel, guests can pay with Mastercard, Visa, and American Express or other payment methods.
Does the property offer luggage storage?
Yes, the property offers bag storage.
Which restaurants in the vicinity of this superior Empire Hotel Backpackers come highly recommended?
Guests can visit Temptations Bakery, located only a few minutes from this superior Empire Hotel Backpackers, or The Roost, situated a 5-minute walk away.
What room types are available at the superior Empire Hotel Backpackers hostel?
The superior Empire Hotel Backpackers hostel provides such room types as Family Room, Single Room, and Twin Room.
Is the kitchen available at the hostel?
Yes, at the hostel a shared kitchen is available.
What kind of bathrooms are featured at this superior Empire Hotel Backpackers?
Shared bathrooms with a shower are provided in some of the rooms at this superior Empire Hotel Backpackers.
Is there a laundry at this property?
Yes, this property provides a laundry for guests' convenience.
Are guests able to enjoy the swimming pool at the superior Empire Hotel Backpackers hostel?
The superior Empire Hotel Backpackers hostel offers a a swimming pool for guests to relax and unwind.
Does the superior Empire Hotel Backpackers hostel offer free parking?
Guests of the superior Empire Hotel Backpackers hostel can use a car park for free.
What interesting sights can I visit near the superior hostel?
Not far from the superior hostel guests can find one of the top landmarks, Steampunk HQ Art Gallery, which is accessible just 5 minutes' stroll away.
Check rooms and rates
Check-in
Select date
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Check-out
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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 room