"Lovely heritage building, excellent location right next to historic district, sound of the sea from the upstairs rooms, spacious kitchen."
Lonie from New Zealand
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"Lovely log fire downstairs, good vibes."
John Love from Australia
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"Free carpark. Easy walk to the old Victorian precinct."
Vivienne from New Zealand
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4-star vibrant backpacking experience in Oamaru
Central Location
Empire Hotel Backpackers is situated on Thames Street, just a short walk from Oamaru's historic precinct. Guests can easily access local shops, restaurants, and attractions like the famous Blue Penguin Colony. The hotel's strategic positioning allows visitors to explore the rich history and stunning coastal scenery of Oamaru.
Variety of Room Types
The hotel offers a range of accommodations including shared dormitories, private rooms, and family rooms. Each room comes comfortable with bedding and access to shared facilities. This diversity caters to backpackers, families, and budget travelers, ensuring options for all.
Common Areas
Empire Hotel Backpackers includes spacious communal areas such as lounges and kitchens for guest use. The fully equipped kitchen allows travelers to prepare their meals, fostering an inviting atmosphere for socializing. A dedicated dining area complements the kitchen, perfect for sharing meals and stories with fellow travelers.
Entertainment Options
Guests have access to a pool table and a cozy living area with movies and games. The hotel organizes social events that encourage networking among guests. These entertainment options provide a fun and relaxed environment for travelers after a long day of exploring.
Affordability
The hotel emphasizes affordability with competitive pricing on all room types and services. Special offers or discounts may be available for longer stays, making it an economic choice for travelers. Empire Hotel Backpackers provides an accessible base for those wishing to explore the region without breaking the bank.
Highlights
Location: Short walk from Oamaru's historic precinct
Rooms: Shared dormitories and private rooms available
Entertainment: Pool table and movie nights
Kitchen: Fully equipped for meal preparation
“In my opinion, this is a solid budget choice, primarily due to its prime location for exploring Oamaru's historic sights and enjoying beach walks. The facilities, including kitchens and bathrooms, are well-maintained, and the staff seems helpful in addressing any concerns. I think it's a particularly good option for those prioritizing location and value in a no-frills setting.”
Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel
Select your room type
Empire Hotel Backpackers offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Bunk Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
2 persons
14 sq. feet
1 Bunk bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Family Room
2 persons
7 sq. feet
2 Bunk beds
Shower
room details
6-Bed Male Dormitory Room
2 persons
12 sq. feet
6 Single beds
Shower
room details
Show all rooms
Price and Room Availability Calendar
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Check-in/ Check-out
Facilities
Empire Hotel Backpackers offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Very good
7.5/10Review score
General
No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Free parking
Off-site car park
No pets allowed
Luggage storage
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Sports & Fitness
Billiard tables
Guest Parking
Shared kitchen
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 more
Empire Hotel Backpackers Location
Thames Street 13, Oamaru, 9495,
Explore Oamaru
Local Highlights
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony
20 minutes' walk
Home to the world's smallest penguins, this colony offers evening viewing opportunities and informative guided tours.
Oamaru Public Gardens
14 minutes' walk
Beautifully landscaped, these gardens feature a playground, rose gardens, and a serene pond perfect for family outings.
Friendly Bay
8 minutes' walk
A picturesque bay with sandy beaches, ideal for picnics and strolling along the shoreline while enjoying breathtaking views.
Oamaru's Victorian Precinct
4 minutes' walk
Historic buildings and quirky shops house local artisan crafts, cafés, and museums, showcasing Oamaru's rich history.
Cape Wanbrow MTB and Walking Tracks
20 minutes' walk
Offering breathtaking coastal views, these tracks are great for biking enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Bushy Beach Scenic Reserve
25 minutes' walk
A tranquil haven for relaxation, featuring serene walking paths among native bush and scenic outlooks of the ocean.
Lagonda
11 minutes' walk
An elegant dining experience with a menu featuring local produce and freshly prepared dishes, ideal for a cozy dinner.
Harbour Street Bakery
4 minutes' walk
Known for its artisan breads and pastries, this bakery offers a casual atmosphere and delicious coffee, perfect for breakfast.
Steampunk HQ
4 minutes' walk
A quirky museum showcasing steampunk art and interactive exhibits, appealing to all ages for a unique cultural experience.
Presence on Harbour
4 minutes' walk
A popular venue for live music and events, with a relaxed vibe that attracts both locals and visitors for a fun night out.
Getting around
City Centre
Oamaru 6 min · 1700 ft
Airports
Richard Pearse (TIU) 147 min · 60.8 mi
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 13:00-21:00
Check-out
from 09:00-10:00
Guest Parking
Public parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
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.
Number of rooms:
26
Reviews and Ratings
Feedback about Empire Hotel Backpackers from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 275 verified reviews
7.6 /10
Very good
78 %
Recommend
Cleanliness
7.6/10
Comfort
7.6/10
Facilities
7.5/10
Free WiFi
9.5/10
Location
9.2/10
Staff
7.9/10
Value for money
8.1/10
Pros
Friendly staff
Clean facilities
Good value
Comfortable stay
Prime location
Cons
Thin walls
Locked front door
Guest reviews
based on 786 reviews
7.5/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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