I chose the YHA because it was the cheapest accommodation I could find at short notice. I wasn't expecting a huge amount, having stayed at other YHAs around New Zealand and not had the best experience. The building is quite spectacular, though if you have heavy bags to get upstairs, it can be a pain as there are a lot of stairs and the staircase is quite narrow. The wifi isn't free, however if you go up the main stairs to the top floor then turn left and go to the roof garden, you usually can get access to free wifi. All you need to do is give the site your email address and you're away. Stayed in a six bed dorm, which was surprisingly comfortable. Thankfully, there was not the creeky bunk beds you get at other YHAs! The staff were very helpful whenever you requested assistance. Overall, my stay at the YHA Stafford Gables really made my trip to Dunedin stress free.

YHA Dunedin is located in a quiet part of town and is about 15 minutes walk to the restaurants/bars/cinema at The Octagon and 20 minutes to Countdown supermarket. The building is rather old and the interiors dark. They have a quaint little kitchen. Was in a 4 bed dorm (bunk beds) and felt that the room was cramped. Look out the windows during sunrise for a good view of Dunedin city.

Loved the newspaper clippings that they posted up at the reception area showing events for the day and movie showtimes.

We loved our stay at Stafford Gables! It is an old hospital that has been converted into accommodation and has hallways and staircases that lead all kinds of places! Good kitchen, clean bathrooms, modest rooms. The only downfall was the hike up a hill to get back to the accommodation after a trip to the city. We had a car so it wasn't too bad, we also didn't have any troubles getting parking right out the front.

There is even a very friendly cat who greets guests and makes the place feel even more homely!

We would stay there again without hesitation.

I was surprised wifi wasn't only not free but also crazy expensive. Staff weren't as friendly as you'd like. But the bathrooms are fantastic.
Couldn't compare to competition price wise but you're probably paying for the old world stuff. Locating is really bad. If you're the lively type the neighbourhood will make you miss home