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Based by the Lake - Hostel

2.0 star property
Lakefront hostel with a restaurant and a bar

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Based by the Lake - Hostel

Restaurant
Deluxe Double or Twin Room | Free WiFi, bed sheets
Exterior
Restaurant
Interior

Reviews

7.4 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Housekeeping
  • Kitchen
  • Laundry
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant

Explore the area

Map
7 Tuwharetoa Street, Taupo, North Island, 3330
  • Taupo Marina and Boat Ramp
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Spa Thermal Park
  • Taupo Hot Springs
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Taupo (TUO)
    ‪11 min drive‬

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Room options

View all photos for Basic Triple Room

Basic Triple Room | Free WiFi, bed sheets

Basic Triple Room

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bunk Bed

View all photos for Double Room

Double Room | Free WiFi, bed sheets

Double Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Double or Twin Room

Deluxe Double or Twin Room | Free WiFi, bed sheets

Deluxe Double or Twin Room

  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Shared Dormitory

Shared Dormitory | Free WiFi, bed sheets

Shared Dormitory

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

About the neighborhood

Taupo

Located in Taupō Central, Based by the Lake - Hostel is adjacent to Taupo i-SITE Visitor Information Centre and within a 5-minute walk of Taupo Museum and Art Gallery. This 34-room hostel welcomes guests with conveniences like a restaurant, a bar/lounge, and free in-room WiFi.
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What's nearby

  • Taupo Museum and Art Gallery - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Taupo i-SITE Visitor Information Centre - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Taupo Marina and Boat Ramp - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • A.C. Baths - 4 min drive - 1.8 miles
  • Taupo Hot Springs - 4 min drive - 2.0 miles

Getting around

  • Taupo (TUO) - 12 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Malabar Beyond India - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Dixie Brown's - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Kfc - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Vine Eatery & Bar - ‬1 min walk

About this property

Based by the Lake - Hostel

Lakefront hostel with a restaurant and a bar
Guests of Based by the Lake - Hostel enjoy access to free WiFi in public areas, microwave in a common area, and refrigerator in a common area. Staff members are on hand to provide luggage storage and a safe deposit box at the front desk. Other amenities at this hot springs hostel include free newspapers, laundry facilities, and a vending machine.
Guests can expect to find free WiFi. Other standard amenities include refrigerators and stovetops. Change of towels is available on request.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Languages

English

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • No onsite parking available

Food and drink

  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant

Things to do

  • Billiards/pool table
  • Hiking/biking trails
  • Skydiving

Family friendly

  • In-room refrigerator
  • Laundry facilities

Conveniences

  • ATM
  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk
  • Shared microwave
  • Shared refrigerator
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Housekeeping (daily)

Outdoors

  • On a lake

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Elevator
  • Handrails in stairways
  • Visual alarms in hallways
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible path to elevator
  • Wheelchair-accessible public washroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant

More

  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Shower

Food and drink

  • Cleaning supplies
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Refrigerator
  • Shared kitchen access
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

More

  • Heating

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open Sunday - Thursday (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM) and Friday - Saturday (8:00 AM - 5:00 AM)
Guests will receive smart lock details

Access methods

Staffed front desk, smart lock

Pets

  • Service animals exempt from fees

Property payment types

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit
  • Check-in: 2:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • No parking is available onsite.
  • This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash.
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit.
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

Property is also known as

Based by the Lake
Based By The Lake Hostel Taupo
Based by the Lake - Hostel Taupo
Based by the Lake - Hostel Hostel/Backpacker accommodation
Based by the Lake - Hostel Hostel/Backpacker accommodation Taupo

Frequently asked questions

Are free cancellation options available at Based by the Lake - Hostel?

Based by the Lake - Hostel provides free cancellation on some room rates. For additional details, take a look at the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

What can I see around Based by the Lake - Hostel?

This hostel is situated in Taupō Central, just steps from Taupo Museum and Art Gallery, and within a 10-minute walk of Lake Taupo and Taupo Marina and Boat Ramp. You'll also find Spa Thermal Park and Taupo Hot Springs within a short drive.

Is parking available on site at Based by the Lake - Hostel?

No, there isn't parking available at the hostel.

Does Based by the Lake - Hostel feature a casino on the premises?

No, Based by the Lake - Hostel doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Based by the Lake - Hostel?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hostel.

What will couples enjoy most about a stay at Based by the Lake - Hostel?

At this lakeside hostel, couples will appreciate amenities like a bar and a restaurant plus some rooms include lake views.

Are there hot tubs at Based by the Lake - Hostel?

No, this hostel doesn't have a spa tub.

Does Based by the Lake - Hostel have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

No, Based by the Lake - Hostel doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Will Based by the Lake - Hostel allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at Based by the Lake - Hostel though service animals are welcome.

Does Based by the Lake - Hostel have connecting rooms?

No, this hostel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

What is the closest airport to Based by the Lake - Hostel?

The closest major airport to Based by the Lake - Hostel is Taupo (TUO), which is 4.9 mi away (12 minutes by car).

Can I book a room with a balcony at Based by the Lake - Hostel?

No, there aren't any rooms with balconies at Based by the Lake - Hostel.

Based by the Lake - Hostel Reviews

Reviews

7.4

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 38 out of 115 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 34 out of 115 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 24 out of 115 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 8 out of 115 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 11 out of 115 reviews

7.8/10

Cleanliness

8.2/10

Staff & service

7.2/10

Amenities

7.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

6/10 Okay

Paul

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A good back packers, but be aware of 3 flights of stairs if an issue for you. Shame it is opposite the party pub with lousy loud bands.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

2/10 Terrible

Myrthe

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I don't recommend staying here at all. The noise from other rooms (slamming doors, thin walls) and the noise from outside make for an awful stay. If you do decide to come here, bring earplugs or construction headphones. Even then you'll be vibrated out of your bed. The facilities are sparse and dirty. The kitchen is grimy, disgusting, and missing chairs. Almost all the plastic chairs for the balcony are missing a leg or are completely broken. Sparrows are regularly flying in and out of the kitchen to pick away at breadcrumbs, and leaving birdpoop behind: on the tables, on the counters. We will never return here.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nicholas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good service
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

6/10 Okay

Raman

Traveled with family and small children
It is good the price we paid for. It’s noisy and small room with bathroom which was nice and clean. Its value for money, no complaints!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jemma

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

6/10 Okay

Liliana

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Property was fine, room was clean and was fine. What I didn't like much was the kitchenette as the fridges weren't completely clean.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Emma

Stayed 1 night in May 2024

6/10 Okay

Melanie

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

4/10 Poor

Jenna

Traveled with partner
The windows in our room were left open and the ceiling was covered in sandflies because of this. The room smelled quite bad, and there were no forks or spoons available to use in the kitchen.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Satbir

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything was perfect
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jackie

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Easy access to the township. An affordable stay, great value for money.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rose

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very central, easy parking and good service
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

2/10 Terrible

Erick

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

8/10 Good

Donna

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
There were a couple of things that we didn’t enjoy about staying here, and that was the loud music and noise coming from the nightclub over the road, and the squeaky floor boards upstairs, when people walked up & down the corridor during the night, apart from that, everything else was ok.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

patrick

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
all good , but loud til 2 am on friday saturday
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

priscilla

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024

8/10 Good

Wendy

Traveled with partner
Liked: Staff & service
Very basic but all that we needed. We had an amazing view of lake and everything right at our doorstep. Only drawbacks were that there was no fridge in the room, the plumbing from the room next door was very noisy and there is no lift (we were on the third floor). All in all it was good value for money and suited our budget.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

8/10 Good

Sabine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hostel was pretty much ok. I had a private room and it was like a hotel room. The kitchen was a little bit run down but ok. Unfortunately was my room close to the main AC or something very noisy during the whole night.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024

6/10 Okay

Chesson

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Noise from pub below until after midnight. Then street cleaning noises in early morning meant we didn't get a good night's sleep.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024

2/10 Terrible

Karl

The booking was cancelled by the hostel. They advised the room booked was not available and the reception is not staffed after 10 pm despite it being listed as staffed from 8am- 5am
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024

8/10 Good

Tony

Good place to stay in an excellent location. Ear plugs are included in room and were needed due to street party noise
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Helen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Awesome location

Awesome location with everything you need
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Helen

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort

Close & easy

A 2 night stay for the Taupō Summer Concert. A perfect place to stay as parked the car. & left it for the weekend as everything was walkable.
Broken fan base
View from our balcony in 305
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

8/10 Good

Samara

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024