Dusky Lodge

Had a private room with ensuite, room was clean and nice. Nice shower water pressure in the bathroom. Cons: there were 3 kitchens with the main one being extremely dirty where the occupants would leave dirty dishes and used pots overnight. One pot with tomato pasta sauce was left for 2 nights and still not cleaned, butter knife also left out after using. One of the sink leaked water, and water overflowed to the floor. A couple of us cleaned it up and posted a sign that it was out of order. The next day, it was filled with dirty dishes and flies were hovering around it. No coffee or tea in theain kitchen. Very lacking and unorganised. The admin team should do something about the cleanliness and noncompliance of the occupants for everybody's peace of mind.

On March 1, 2024, I checked into Dusky Lodge for a three-night stay. On the second day, I noticed some minor bite marks on my leg, which I dismissed as insect or mosquito bites. The following day, more marks appeared on my arm, which struck me as unusual, but I didn't dwell on them. Upon checking out early on the fourth day at 8 a.m., I discovered more bite marks on both arms. Unfortunately, there was no one at the front desk to provide feedback as our transportation was early. After arriving in Wellington, the bite marks became more pronounced. Concerned, I visited a doctor who diagnosed them as severe bed bug bites. Reflecting on my stay, it seems likely that the hostel's management was aware of the bed bug infestation, as I observed a few adjacent rooms being gutted and aired with carpets replaced during our stay. I'm particularly concerned for a family with an infant who stayed next to us, hoping they weren't similarly affected. For those who have stayed in the Minke room, I urge caution and recommend checking for any signs of bed bug bites. I have already contacted Dusky Lodge, providing them with pictures of the bites, but have yet to receive a response.

Everything was just so dirty. Just because it's a hostel, it doesn't mean you don't have to clean. There were only 2 female showers on my floor, which were both absolutely disgusting - mouldy anti slip mats, extractor fans covered in dust, some sort of fungus (I think) on the door.

We came as a couple for a few nights and had a terrible experience. The bathrooms were disgusting and when we complained, staff didn't seem bothered and they weren't cleaned got a few days. Our room was ok but there was a word smell whenever I opened the window there was a strange smell, to which on the lost day I realised was because of the curtains. This place is probably fine for backpackers but not for couples or families with kids, as it gets very noisy. One night the fire alarm went off and we had to wait outside for ages. No communication from staff at all

Despite being quite a spacious hostel, the facilities were poorly maintained. The bathrooms in the larger dorms had mould on the shower curtains, and were dirty. Insufficient plug sockets, not enough toilet paper and overall should be improved.

I stayed at Dusky for work throughout the winter of 2021 up until the recent spring. Russell the manager was absolutely incredible.Proper legend. He went out of his way to help me, no request was ever too much and always made sure my time staying was to the utmost standard. All with a smile on his face. I work remotely and sometimes this spans time-zones, giving me strange hours. Russell was always so courteous to this fact and always made sure everything was ok with my work/life/staying schedule. The team he's put together are great; always friendly, happy to help and just to talk to in passing. All this with the uncertainty amid a pandemic. I cannot thank Russell enough. Kitchen is spacious, very clean and always had a great atmosphere with the other guests passing through, so all of the above with absolutely great value, there is no shadow of a doubt that I will be returning to stay; business or leisure.