Criterion Art Deco Backpackers

We had a pleasant stay in the Criterion, and the photos around the place remind visitors of how grand the original hotel once looked before a fire gutted the interior.

Apart from being one of the best (i think the best) examples of Spanish Mission Architecture in Napier, it offers large spacious facilities such as kitchen, lounge, games and tv rooms and attractive balcony, as well a lively bar on the ground floor (probably one of the - sorry THE loudest bar in the whole of Napier).

Actually i dont want to put a downer on this accom. but if youre a light sleeper, than you will definitely struggle with this place especially on weekends. For some reason, even if theres blatantly no one in the bar, theyll apparently still pump out the beats well into the wee hours for the benefit of - NO ONE! It just keeps everyone above them in the backpacker awake - but nonetheless we enjoyed a few nice drinks in there so i hasten to criticise it too much.

Unique Quality: Summary:

- Good prices (especially with BBH card) - $20 (dorm) $24 (single) $45 (double).
- Nice facilities, although rooms are a little drab and basic.
- Good bar downstairs (when youre awake)
- Bad bar downstairs (when youre trying to sleep!)

Directions: The entrance is just off Emerson St. which is the main pedestrianised street in the centre of town.

Was able to get a single room for a very resonable rate. Good Facilities, though the TV room was a little small.

Good sized Common room for hanging out.

Unique Quality: Great location, in the heart of town, easy walk to most everyting. They picked me up at the bus station.

Directions: Downtown