This is an average BP. It has its strong points and it weak points.
Great location
Only one poor staff member to handle the desk. Be prepared to wait if someone is trying to book a wine tour, or someone is arguing the price of the room over the phone. However the staff member was great, just overworked.
Nice kitchen but it is the usual BP kitchen. It is as clean as the person before you left it. No staff member came through in the am or pm to check it. One plate of old food sat there over night. spray bottles for the dishwashing fluid. I realize that it is to save money and be environmentally friendly but ...
Bathrooms could have been cleaner. I'll admit i'm picky about the kitchens and baths but i stay in enough small BPs where staff come through more than once/twice a day to check things out.
Late crowd coming back from the bars.
Small rooms w/ extremely low bunks. I had to switch rooms which was done w/o question.
The place needs an upgrade. Lots off little things - none of which make you leave, e.g. One bathroom had no lock on the door, didn't bother me but it might have scared someone walking in.

Easy to find, across the road from the beach, staff very helpful at planning our stay and what to do, knew what they were talking about, had a great time, and Napier itself is incredible.

The only negative were some other travellers staying next to us who partied till 5am. Hence poor sleep rating.

Nice clean palce with a large living room a big well equipt kitchen and freindly staff. Our room was quite and clean but the carpet needed to be replaced as it was thred bare.

Yes this hostel is a little dated. Yes this hostel is neither funky or modern. Yes the rooms are not the biggest in the world. But somehow the benefits and charm of this place outweigh all of this. Big welcome from the owner on arrival and helpful advice and maps. Fast internet - though payable (usual in NZ). Clean, well equiped kitchen. Attached dining area. Great comfortable sitting area upstairs with a couple of computers, sofa's, games and TV, good for meeting and chatting. Nice old style - wooden doors, stained glass etc. Numerous bathrooms that are kept clean. Has things that newer hostels forget, like shelves, like hooks. Very boring but so important in a wet shared bathroom. Rooms a little small but clean and comfortable. Has laundery and tumble dryers on site - or a clothes line. On marine parade which is the main road down by the coast but still very quiet (that's Napier!) - easy access to the rest of the city centre. Really liked our time here. Recommended. Not a party hostel.