The Cambridge Hotel & Backpackers

–Excellent location – show map
+85 photos
Scored 8.1
Rated very good

Excellent location!

9.2

Discover affordable accommodations with character at The Cambridge Hotel & Backpackers, Wellington's heritage hotel established in 1883. Located in the heart of the Wellington CBD, we're just a short walk from Courtenay Place, Cuba Street, Te Papa, the waterfront and many of the city's best restaurants, cafés and entertainment venues. Whether you're traveling solo, with friends, as a family or as part of a group, The Cambridge offers a range of accommodations to suit every budget. Choose from sociable backpacker dormitories or comfortable private hotel rooms with private bathrooms. Most private rooms include SKY TV, a refrigerator, and tea and coffee making facilities. The Cambridge is perfectly positioned for exploring Wellington's major attractions. Te Papa Tongarewa Museum is only a 10-minute walk away, Oriental Bay is within easy walking distance, and Sky Stadium, the Interislander ferry terminal and Wellington Railway Station are all easily accessible. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fully equipped communal kitchen, a spacious guest lounge, luggage storage and laundry facilities. Our reception team is available daily from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm and is always happy to help you make the most of your stay in Wellington. Downstairs, experience the lively atmosphere of The Bridge Bar, a favorite with both guests and locals. Enjoy hearty meals, local beers, live sport, regular Quiz Nights, our popular Sunday Roast and the famous Guinness Club, making The Cambridge more than just a place to stay. Combining historic charm, friendly hospitality and exceptional value in a central Wellington location, The Cambridge Hotel & Backpackers has been welcoming travelers for well over a century.

Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 9.1 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

Most popular amenities

  • Free Wifi
  • Family rooms
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Restaurant
  • Bar

Property highlights

Located in the top-rated area in Wellington, this property has an excellent location score of 9.2!

Loyal Customers

There are more repeat guests here than most other properties.

Availability

Select dates to see this property's availability and prices

Select occupancy
Room Type
Number of guests
 
1 king bed
or
2 twin beds
1 twin bed
1 bunk bed
1 twin bed
and
1 king bed
or
3 twin beds
1 twin bed
2 twin beds
and
2 bunk beds
or
1 king bed
and
2 bunk beds
1 bunk bed
1 bunk bed
1 queen bed
2 twin beds
Something went wrong – please try again later.
Something went wrong – please try again later.
Something went wrong – please try again later.
Something went wrong – please try again later.
Something went wrong – please try again later.
Something went wrong – please try again later.
Something went wrong – please try again later.
Something went wrong – please try again later.
Something went wrong – please try again later.
Something went wrong – please try again later.

Guest reviews

Categories:

Staff
Facilities
Cleanliness
Comfort
Value for money
Location
Free Wifi

Select topics to read reviews:

See what guests loved the most:

Stephen
New Zealand New Zealand
“I have stayed here many times so I know what to expect”
Collinson-smith
New Zealand New Zealand
“A nice old hotel but it has a lovely feeling. Very clean and all staff very efficient and happy. Will stay here again.”
Stephen
New Zealand New Zealand
“On previous stays I was on the first floor. My latest stay I was on the second floor. I much prefer the first floor, as I am 74 and I go out often so find the walk to the second floor tiring.”
Yu
Canada Canada
“interesting layout, helpful staff that helped with my super late check-in after the ferry delay, central location. capsulated beds ensure privacy.”
Andrews
New Zealand New Zealand
“The location and the price was excellent for the booking and the amount of length of stay I would highly recommend a stay there to anyone that is wanting to stay and visit wellington will be looking to book again in the near future 👍”
Failelei
New Zealand New Zealand
“Clean, comfortable and very central to everything. I also loved the elevator and just keeping to the era of its time.”
Shannon
New Zealand New Zealand
“Boy just passing thru once again. them parking wardens kept away, travelled for a concert that i pre planned & went thru with it to get that good start for 2026.”
Annabelle
United States United States
“Good location, friendly staff, luggage storage, well stocked room!”
Batu
United States United States
“I liked that I had my own room. Staff was very helpful for the questions I asked. I loved having a sink in my room, yes I had to go to a shared bathroom for taking a shower and using the toilet but I could at least brush my teeth in my room and...”
Julie
New Zealand New Zealand
“Stayed in a twin room with a friend. Beds clean and comfortable, fabulous location right in the city. I have stayed here many times, and it is a great place to stay.”

Area info

Restaurants

1 Restaurant On Site
Restaurant #1
  • Open for
    Brunch • Lunch • Dinner
  • Ambience
    Family-friendly • Traditional

Amenities of The Cambridge Hotel & Backpackers

Great facilities! Review score, 8.1

Most popular amenities

  • Free Wifi
  • Family rooms
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Restaurant
  • Bar

House rules

The Cambridge Hotel & Backpackers takes special requests – add in the next step!
Check-in
From 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card at check-in.
You need to let the property know what time you'll be arriving in advance.
Check-out
From 12:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Cancellation/ prepayment
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Enter your stay dates and check the conditions of your selected option.
Refundable damage deposit
A damage deposit of NZD 100 is required on arrival. That's about $58. This will be collected as a cash payment. You should be reimbursed on check-out. Your deposit will be refunded in full, in cash, subject to an inspection of the property.
Children & Beds

Child policies

Children of all ages are welcome.

Children 3 and above will be charged as adults at this property.

To see correct prices and occupancy info, add the number and ages of children in your group to your search.

Crib and extra bed policies

0 - 2 years
Crib upon request
Free
Adult (18+ years)
Extra bed upon request
NZD 20 per person, per night

Prices for cribs and extra beds aren't included in the total price. They'll have to be paid for separately during your stay.

The number of extra beds and cribs allowed depends on the option you choose. Check your selected option for more info.

All cribs and extra beds are subject to availability.

Age restriction
The minimum age for check-in is 18
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Groups
When booking more than 4 rooms, different policies and additional fees may apply.
Accepted payment methods
VisaMastercardMaestroEftposUnionPay credit cardCash

The fine print

Must-know information for guests at this property

Please note that the Cambridge Hotel Bar and Cambridge Terrace are very busy and noisy from 21:00 until 03:00 on Friday and Saturday nights. You may experience noise disturbances from the bar and from the street during this time.

Please note that there is a 1.8% charge when you pay with a credit card.

Please note this property can only accommodate guests over 18 years of age due to the onsite bar.

Please note if you require a different bedding configuration, this request must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance using the Special Request box or property contact details found on the booking confirmation.

Please note that the actual layout, furnishings and condition of your room may differ from the photos. All other amenities listed will be available.

Also, a $500 refundable bond must be paid for stag groups, hens parties, or sports teams. This will be refunded in full following a successful inspection of the rooms, provided there are no damages to the facilities or any complaints from guests or staff regarding misconduct.

Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.

Please inform The Cambridge Hotel & Backpackers of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.

In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19), additional safety and sanitation measures are in effect at this property.

It's not possible to stay at this property for coronavirus (COVID-19) quarantine purposes.

A damage deposit of NZD 100 is required on arrival. This will be collected as a cash payment. You should be reimbursed on check-out. Your deposit will be refunded in full, in cash, subject to an inspection of the property.

FAQs about The Cambridge Hotel & Backpackers