Franz Josef Montrose Hostel Lodge

2/10

Poor

05 Jan 2021

Bryan

Hotel was closed when we got there to check in. Tried two phone numbers. Spark message said both were not connected. Went elsewhere as obviously closed down

8/10

Excellent

02 Mar 2020

Kevin

One night in Franz Josef

It was just a one night stop. The Montrose was ok really, it was far from new and without any bells and whistles but it seemed pretty clean and the staff seemed to care about the place.

Self

6/10

Pleasant

13 Feb 2020

Ute

It's close to everything.
The staff was friendly
Good value for money!

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

12 Feb 2020

Alexander

ok for one night

Good location, clean room, but very small. Not much of a breakfast

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

10 Feb 2020

Verified traveler

The room was clean and comfortable- the tv was a nice addition to the room. Kitchen was well kept and the size seemed reasonable for the number of folks staying. Biggest drawback that essentially ruined our stay was that the floors and walls are so thin, we were kept up most of the night by late arrivals (10pm and midnight) then again by people getting up early (5am).

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

18 Jan 2020

Bruce

Hostel

Beautiful city, great location
It’s a hostel

Partner

8/10

Excellent

12 Jan 2020

Verified traveler

Nice place, stayed in the dorm with some mates. Good kitchen facilities. Bathrooms are a little small, but otherwise good. Very nice staff.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

08 Jan 2020

Verified traveler

This was a very well maintained property and all amenities were available, again very well kept for a small town and budget stay! Very impressed and will recommend than shelling out a lot more on other hotels around, the views and access to towns, transport etc are the exact same.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

05 Jan 2020

Verified traveler

I totally liked the great big kitchen and an awesome view from the room.

10/10

Exceptional

29 Dec 2019

Verified traveler

Ease of access and friendliness of staff. Very happy

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

19 Nov 2019

Verified traveler

Everything was good except for the room wasn’t sound proof as I can hear phone conversations on next room n middle of the night conversation in a very clear manner.

Leisure Self

6/10

Pleasant

28 Oct 2019

Verified traveler

We had stayed here before 3 years ago - They offered Soap in the evening and A basic Breakfast ( Toast etc ) in the Morning This was a nice touch and appreciated - Forward 3 years and the Soap after inspecting the fridge it was stored in we elected to pass this - Breakfast was verbally advised to us 7.30 am - We were there in expectation but after a wait decided to travel on - Sad really - On a positive the room was clean and well presented Reception Staff was pleasant and plenty on on site Parking - Negative is in the Review

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

22 Oct 2019

Verified traveler

Nothing fancy but and okay place to stay

The Montrose is a fine place to stay if you're not looking for anything fancy. The place was clean and the staff were friendly.

There are no tv channels, but they do have movies you can 'rent' and return. Just note that the complimentary breakfast is just bread to make toast, coffee and some cereals - its a bit scarce and not very filling if your planning to go do lots of activities during the day.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

06 Oct 2019

Verified traveler

Check in was easy and efficient. The rooms were secure, clean and had everything we needed. Breakfast included in the price was great.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

21 Aug 2019

Verified traveler

The staff I checked in with was super friendly & showed me around. Our room was clean & had everything we would have needed for the night. Absolutely no complaints :)

Leisure Partner

4/10

Poor

05 Jun 2019

Verified traveler

Unbearable odour!!! Would not reccomend

Friendly staff. Good location. Liked that there was a heated blanket.

However...
The cleanliness and condition of this place is poor. I couldn't bring myself to brush my teeth or wash my face on our last day as when I would use the bathroom (was in a private bedroom/bathroom) I couldnt help but gag continuously due to the foul odor coming from the sink pipes. The shower smelt like urine. There was black coloured mould growing in the shower. Would not recommend this place.

Friends

6/10

Pleasant

17 May 2019

Verified traveler

Unit was a bit small. Had poor reception for tv whilst raining. Room selection not good for an old man to walk up stairways to his unit.

Leisure Family

4/10

Poor

30 Apr 2019

Verified traveler

The hostel had good parking and in close proximity to the main town however had the most unbearable smell. Not sure what it was or where it was coming from but I had to hold my breath as I entered and exited the building.

Leisure Self

6/10

Pleasant

25 Mar 2019

Zhee

OK overall, but nothing above expectation. Basic necessities are covered but not more. The place seems old, so it's not spotless cleanliness wise. For the price we paid, maintenance could have been better.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

17 Mar 2019

Verified traveler

I liked the feeling of community. Staff and guests were friendly. The walls were very comfortable thin so sound was an issue when sleep was needed.

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

12 Mar 2019

Verified traveler

Centrally located, disappointed with the musty damp smell of room and facilities. Disappointed with noise levels and the transfer of noise fro the upper storey of the building.

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

11 Mar 2019

Verified traveler

It was OK for the price, accommodation a bit basic, shared toilet and bathroom facilities. Kitchen was well equipped with plenty of seating. Beakfast was adequate with a range of cereals, yoghurt and hot drinks.

10/10

Exceptional

11 Mar 2019

Verified traveler

Quirky but Nice

We were a bit skeptical at first since this place looked like a backpackers hostel but we had booked a room with private bath. Our room was in a separate building with its own kitchen facility. Our room had everything we needed, was clean and quiet. There was bk provided which was served in the communal kitchen. It consisted of cornflakes and a muesli, bread for toasting, jam, a yogurt and some canned fruit. It was served yourself and wash up your dishes etc when done. All in all we had a good stay and could walk around the corner to shops and restaurants.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

04 Mar 2019

Verified traveler

this is a hostel with many rooms and shared facilities....not motel. thin walls. common area, kitchen and dining had a stale stuffy odour....not pleasant. under the bed covers were several strands of long hair from previous person. very basic accommodation....would not rate it 3 stars.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Feb 2019

Stuart

Comfortable basic hostel handy for everything

In amongst a cluster of hotels, motels and hostels ...reception adequate but gets crowded when a bus arrives with new check-ins ... handled swiftly and efficiently ... open area houses dining room, kitchens and lounge. .. dorms basic but comfortable ... bathrooms adequate but short on basins (2 for approx 8 dorms with mirrors at waist height!) ... handy for everything ... Street food van down side serves tasty fried blue cod for $11 ... number of couple of hours walks followed by a visit to hot springs then food and drink ... wonderful

8/10

Excellent

20 Feb 2019

Verified traveler

Cleanliness and staff. Should not be listed as a B&B, but a hostel. Breakfast offerings could be better.

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

10 Feb 2019

Verified traveler

Seriously mis-leading photos but it does a job

Having been spoilt with the previous 4 accommodations we were faced with a bit of reality here. It is basically a backpackers place whether dormitories or separate rooms. If you want cheap basic accommodation this fits the bill perfectly. Class 2.5 appropriately describes this accommodation. The continental breakfast is weetabix, cornflakes, or muesli and brown or white toast. The bed is comfortable. it is also very noisy when guests return or other people walk down the alley.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

02 Feb 2019

Michelle

Clean and convenient for the price. Free breakfast a great addition. Only problem was horrible smell from bathroom when we arrived and place definitely needs new sheets for the price we paid. Great kitchen area

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

02 Feb 2019

Verified traveler

This hostel was great. We had a private double room with shared bathroom. Very clean, provided towels and basic toiletries, arrangements for late check-in. Great location.

8/10

Excellent

21 Jan 2019

Diane

We stayed in a queen ensuite room. It was clean, quiet and comfortable. It was a bit small, and it was upstairs bp, but we had a small refrigerator and hot pot in the room. The shared kitchen facilities were clean and well stocked. Breakfast was good, it would be better if fresh fruit were offered.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

17 Jan 2019

Verified traveler

Easy going staff, small dorms with great views good breakfast

10/10

Exceptional

16 Jan 2019

Verified traveler

All good, bed was comfy bunks quiet showers available when needed

4/10

Poor

12 Jan 2019

Verified traveler

This property is not much more than my rating of a 1.5 - 2 star facility. For such an price paid, the room is small, bumpy bed, a sink no larger than a large pot, very tiny bathroom, no space to comfortable place the luggage without having to bump into it. There is no fan inn the room, so if it hot, then you are stuck with open windows and the noise of the surrounding area. A very captured audience if you want to do anything in the area and the owners charge heavily for the pleasure of having you there.

4/10

Poor

10 Jan 2019

Mike

Wouldn’t stay there again.

About as basic as you can get. The rooms are very small. No where to put anything. We had a room with it’s own toilet and shower, which again was very tiny. Said breakfast included and this again was basic, the only hot available was toast.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

01 Jan 2019

Verified traveler

will stay again

clean room, comfortable bed. en-suite is a little small

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

21 Dec 2018

Verified traveler

Great place to stay in Franz Josef. Clean comfortable room and bathroom,

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

20 Dec 2018

Verified traveler

Clean rooms and bathrooms. Close to shops. A bit of noise coming from the local bar.

6/10

Pleasant

06 Dec 2018

Verified traveler

Get what you pay for. Clean but busy and walls very thin so snoring neighbour a pain.

10/10

Exceptional

05 Dec 2018

Gawie

Central location. Best value for money. Everything was clean. Enough shared ameneties not to wait in ques.

10/10

Exceptional

24 Nov 2018

Verified traveler

Everything is well organized. Breakfast is provided, which is great.

10/10

Exceptional

20 Nov 2018

PY

Room is huge with a kitchen that has basic amenities to cook meals. Heater in the showers is good as well for the cold weather. The hotel is located near to the lake which was great for a morning run. Do note that the hotel reception only open for certain hours, be sure to inform them in advance if you are arriving out of the opening hours. Overall we love this hotel and will stay there again if we visit Te Anau in future.

8/10

Excellent

19 Nov 2018

Verified traveler

Nice people, room a bit small, especially bathroom. Solid continental breakfast each morning

10/10

Exceptional

14 Nov 2018

Ruth

First time ever stayed at a backpackers I’m 63yo
I was pleasantly surprised, greeted by welcome staff, reasonable size room, excellent bed, bathroom next door share, included breakfast
I’ll look at these type of facilities in future
Very happy

10/10

Exceptional

08 Nov 2018

Verified traveler

Good stay

Basic but clean and practical. Everything we needed and good price

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

08 Sep 2018

Verified traveler

Sheets were not clean, seems like it was re-used. Breakfast room needs to be more bright and lively.

6/10

Pleasant

05 Sep 2018

Verified traveler

free breakfast is provided but heater was not working during winter.

8/10

Excellent

22 Aug 2018

Verified traveler

Staff was helpful and friendly. Rooms were clean and just what they look like in the photos. Loved the soup. Missed the breakfast.

10/10

Exceptional

05 Aug 2018

Jess

Reminded me how much I enjoy staying at hostels - one of the nicest I've ever stayed in! Thoroughly recommended.

10/10

Exceptional

05 Aug 2018

Emily

Great experience, great facilities, close to everything, great staff! Would definitely stay again.

8/10

Excellent

29 Jun 2018

teni,s

Pleasantly surprised! Very comfortable and affordable. Were not expecting soup on arrival but it was a wonderful warming feed!

6/10

Pleasant

20 May 2018

Murray

Good overnight Accommodation

Good experience based on this being more a back packer accommodation Beds was comfortable and nice quiet location

10/10

Exceptional

13 May 2018

Verified traveler

Great hostel

This place was clean and comfortable, and the location is great. No checkin after 8 pm is a little annoying if you are driving from Queenstown and want to stop along the way

8/10

Excellent

09 May 2018

Verified traveler

Bedrooms themselves are small but comfortable and the shared kitchen is well equipped. Breakfast is free which was great and we had vegetable soup on the evenings. Good location in the small village of Franz Josef.

8/10

Excellent

29 Apr 2018

Mark

Clean hostel close to town

Clean, short walk to town, and more mature guests (not really any partying). Recommended.

8/10

Excellent

25 Apr 2018

Magdalena

Good stay

Good location with a walking distance to some restaurants etc. It's a type of a backpacker/motel place ... in 2 separate bldgs. We had a double room. Shared bathrooms, but several available. Common kitchen with plenty of space to prepare your meals. The fridge could have been cleaner inside, but that's the only complained we had. Free Breakfast was a nice addition and there was soup at 8 pm for all who wanted. Parking was tight, but off the street and free.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

21 Apr 2018

Verified traveler

Nice hotel, handy location!!

Great accommodation facility. Had only booked for a night for a stopover purpose but was impressed with the service and accommodation facility altogether. There is a common kitchen and lounge area and very tidy and found to be well equipped for anyone to use it. Complimentary soup service on a cold winter night, was the best gesture their side I believe. Also, staff are very accommodating. As mentioned earlier, we were only stopping by for a night and had Ro leave early in the morning and staff kindly offered to put out breakfast half an hour earlier, so we could have breakfast before we left early in the morning. Overall, a great experience.

8/10

Excellent

18 Apr 2018

Verified traveler

Nice hotel convenient location

Good value for money. Central location, close to shops, restaurants and Franz Joseph glacier. We found the hotel neat and clean, our room also had a mini fridge, kettle and 2 cups with selections of tea. The kitchen was well equipped with free breakfast consisting of cereals and toast. Great little stop over location!

8/10

Excellent

16 Apr 2018

Verified traveler

Great location and the reception staff were very helpful, even walking us to our room. The noisy neighbours were the only disappointing thing.

8/10

Excellent

12 Apr 2018

Ali

Great cheap accomodation

Our stay at Franz Joseph Montrose was exactly what we needed - cheap and cheerful.

We had a private double room which had a comfy bed, and a heater to keep us warm. Towels were provided and the showers were good. Bathrooms weren’t stalls, but instead a number of small rooms, each with a shower, toilet and sink which is always nicer!

As a much appreciated bonus, breakfast was provided (cereal and toast), as well as veggie soup in the evening.

Amazing for the price!

2/10

Poor

26 Mar 2018

Verified traveler

Never again!

This is a hostel, but we found it to be an expensive one. The shared bathroom was a bit of a disaster. I went to the shower room and found recent yellow stains in the shower tub.

Room had quite a bad odour and the carpet is well worn/ not too clean. We tried to raise a couple of issues to reception but it was only open at certain times. When asked if we could move rooms (when the reception was open), we were told “impossible, it’s 4.20pm”.

We always knew this wouldn’t be the best 2 nights of our holiday but it really was far below our worst expectations

Partner

8/10

Excellent

10 Mar 2018

Verified traveler

Close to main attraction

Found this hotel very small but also very clean
Internet works only sporadically
Location is very good and price is very good for the area

10/10

Exceptional

28 Feb 2018

Kuo An

房間佷大，廚房乾淨

房間佷大，廚房乾淨

Partner

8/10

Excellent

11 Feb 2018

Xin

Fair to its price

The room is quite small. Same as bathroom. The check-in was smooth. The breakfast is fairly good.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

10 Feb 2018

Dominic

Lack of Privacy and Cleanness

Hotel was nice but cleanness was poor, there was a lot mould in the shower, the toliets for the ground floor made the building smell as often the door were left open. The room was nice and tidy, but the walls were thin and you could hear everything and everyone talking. Privacy in the room was limited by the fact there was no net curtain/ or tinted glass, so you either had to have the curtains shut completely or face having them open. As another house was able to look into the rooms and Vise Versa you could see into their house. It was in good walking distance to town and nice view of the glacier, would be a lovely place if they could sort out privacy issue all round and increase cleanness.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

06 Feb 2018

David

Great for visiting glaciers

Great place to visit FransJosef staff really helpful and friendly local recommendations for tours and restuarants excellent

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

29 Jan 2018

mike

Clean friendly staff nice breakfast dental does what it says on the tin

10/10

Exceptional

29 Jan 2018

Hazel

Sets a new high standard.

Excellent accommodation, made all the better by the free soup in the evening and free breakfast. A definite step in the right direction.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jan 2018

.

Good stay

It was shared bathroom for 3 rooms but very clean with privacy.

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jan 2018

Sinora

Good stay

First time we booked room with share bathroom but it was very clean with goid privacy.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

09 Jan 2018

John

A Night in the Mountains

We stayed one night here as part of our visit to Franz Josef glacier. Location is great. Rooms are small but in general nice and with comfy beds. We enjoyed our stay here.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

11 Dec 2017

Verified traveler

Private Hostel

We stayed in a private room with private bath and it was pretty much just like a dorm. Good for a quick stay. Close to everything in town. Clean and great facilities. Communal laundry and big kitchens. Breakfast wasn't much but it was free!

10/10

Exceptional

06 Dec 2017

Elizabeth

Best hostel in a while!

Best hostel we've stayed in for a while - free soup every night and free breakfast in the morning. Room was spacious and the staff were so friendly - in particular the European guy (we never got his name). Internet was a bit slow but you are pretty much in the middle of nowhere so to be expected.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

04 Dec 2017

James

Nice hotel but rude manager

The hotel car park was full. I went to the office and it was locked but I can see people inside the office. I try to open the sliding door and he came out shouting at me. Told me the office was closed and can't I see that the door was already locked. He was loud and rude. I think he was the worst manager I met during my 15 day holiday in NZ.

10/10

Exceptional

25 Nov 2017

Ron

A great place to stay.

Stayed one night, rooms were smallish, but very comfortable. Modern building, very clean and well maintained. A few minutes walk to the centre. Loved the area, great restaurants.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

09 Nov 2017

Verified traveler

Nice place close to town

We stayed here for one night while visiting glacier. They have free breakfast which is decent and soup for dinner. This is an added bonus if you’re trying to save some money. Room was very comfortable. My only issue was that the walls are paper thin so you can hear your neighbor very easily. Other than that the place was great.

10/10

Exceptional

17 Oct 2017

Ofir

Nice place, comfortable bed.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

02 Oct 2017

Eric

Nice hostel friendly staff

Great place to stay ,definitely recommend

6/10

Pleasant

13 Sep 2017

Verified traveler

Restless night

Ok for a quick stop. Very noisy neighbours. Loud doors. Would not stay for longer than one night. Restricted times of kitchen availablity. Staff very friendly and helpful

Partner

8/10

Excellent

25 Aug 2017

Verified traveler

This was a nice place. The room was in good condition. The common area and kitchen was Ok, and the staff very friendly and informative

Partner

8/10

Excellent

30 Jul 2017

Verified traveler

Good stay in very pleasant backpackers hôtel. The team is very welcome and pleasant. Room well heated and Towels included

8/10

Excellent

18 May 2017

Stewart

Nice, clean, and cozy. Thumbs up.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 May 2017

Verified traveler

Great!

After a long drive and day full of adventure. The staff were friendly, quick and very accomodating.

8/10

Excellent

02 May 2017

alface

Easy access to everywhere

Very cosy shared bathroom and shared kitchen. All staffs are friendly. The hotel is located just beginning of town centre , so we can go market , restaurant, i-site and wild life by walking!

8/10

Excellent

13 Apr 2017

Sim

Clean accommodation

There is a simple breakfast and soup was also provided in the kitchen during the evening. Room is small but clean. Parking can be a challenge as the parking space on site is insufficient for the number of tenants around. Although street parking is free, it is also a challenge as there are multiple accommodations along that street which also seems to have limited parking on site.

10/10

Exceptional

04 Apr 2017

Lorry

Great hotel, close to town amenities/attractions

Reception staff were very friendly and helpful despite arriving late in the day.
We'd booked for a private double with ensuite shower.
They offer free soup in the late evening and breakfast was included in our room deal.
The room was clean and well presented with all the normal expectations from a much higher spec hotel, but with added benefits on being able to self-cater and other facilities from hostel stays.
Really impressed.

8/10

Excellent

01 Apr 2017

Stephen B

Good value in Franz Josef.

Good stay in a value oriented inn.

Partner

4/10

Poor

08 Mar 2017

Deborah

Affordable

We appreciated the affordable accommodation, free breakfast and soup. However, we were quite unhappy about the very weak WIFI. It said free WIFI so we were expecting a WIFI that actually worked.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

07 Mar 2017

Verified traveler

Totally value for money - compact clean room for a night's stay..........hosts are good but they don't take very late check-in so be sure that you reach by 8 p.m.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

02 Mar 2017

Adrian

excellent option for a budget acommodation

-staff
-fair price
-cleanliness
-location
-free parking

10/10

Exceptional

26 Feb 2017

Janice and Ray

Ideal place to break our drive down the West Coast

What a find! It is a long drive from Nelson to Clyde so Franz Josef seemed a good overnight stopover. However, we were not optimistic about finding quality accommodation at a low price in such a tourist hotspot. How wrong we were! From talking to the manager on the phone before arriving through to leaving the next day, service was excellent! Reception staff, breakfast staff, the manager and his wife, all were courteous and helpful. Our twin room was immaculately clean and spacious; the beds were very comfortabe; towels and toiletries were good quality. The shared bathroom, kitchen and dining room were similarly immaculately clean. When we arrived, staff were chopping fresh vegetables for the free soup served at 8pm. it was delicious! Next morning's free continental breakfast included fresh filter coffee, replenished by the attentive staff member. We were truly astonished at the attention to detail and quality offered in this lovely hostel. We only intended to stay on our way down the West Coast but, before leaving, booked to stay three weeks later on our way back home. Repeat business is the best recommendation!

8/10

Excellent

22 Feb 2017

Verified traveler

close to everything

comfortable stay, with free soup on offer for the evening and breakfast in the morning. Shops and restaurants in walking distance and places to book activities. Check out the Kiwi house!!

8/10

Excellent

21 Feb 2017

Caroline

One to return to

Whilst it probably wouldn't have been first choice for us to have shared a bathroom, everything was so clean and tidy, and shared with so few people that it didn't matter. We were very pleasantly surprised and it exceeded our expectations. It was ideally located, at the quiet end of town but within easy walking distance of everywhere.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

21 Feb 2017

Maya

I did not know that the room had no bathroom. Only two next door for all rooms.
The breakfast was very simple.
But compared to the price the hoteĺ was agreable.

10/10

Exceptional

09 Feb 2017

Nancy T

Happily Surprised

It all worked. I was leery about staying but in the end it all worked. The place was filled with adults like us. Quiet, friendly, a kitchen if you like. Never a wait for the bathroom and it was all clean. Great value. If you get a double room you are away from the young backpackers and with families and adults. Go for it and DO THE ECO TOUR... you won't regret it.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

08 Feb 2017

Verified traveler

Great value for money

Very helpful reception staff. Good quality accom. For the price

10/10

Exceptional

30 Jan 2017

Aroha

Lovely place nice facilities

Lovely place and good facilities enjoyed the meals that were provided and staff were very helpful

10/10

Exceptional

26 Jan 2017

Michael

Clean, comfortable and convenient

This was very comfortable....luxury backpacker accommodation!

Partner

8/10

Excellent

10 Jan 2017

Verified traveler

Hostel with private rooms

We stayed in the double room with ensuite. It was very compact, but served the purpose. Room was clean and the heating worked. Could catch a glimpse of the mountains. Easy walking distance to the main road with restaurants. They serve soup in the evening (didn't try) and breakfast is simple - toast, butter, spreads, cereal. (It's a hostel, so self service: you wash up after yourself.)

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

07 Jan 2017

David

Quiet, comfortable accommodation. FREE SOUP!

Great place to stop. Free soup in the PM was a highlight, as was the included breakfast the next morning. Thank you to the team at Franz Joseph Montrose.

10/10

Exceptional

18 Dec 2016

Verified traveler

double room, clean comfortable

we stayed in a double, the room and kitchen were super clean, breakfast was provided and staff were lovely..would def recommend