Reviews of Based by the Lake 4 stars
7 Tuwharetoa Street, 3330 Taupo, New Zealand
#53 of 60 hotels in Taupo
Guests' ChoiceReview score
Based on 1375 hostel reviews
7.1Score breakdown
-
Cleanliness
7.5
-
Comfort
7.5
-
Location
8.8
-
Facilities
7.3
-
Staff
8.4
-
Value for money
7.9
-
Free WiFi
7.7
How guest reviews work
Each review score is between 1-10. To get the overall score that you see, we add up all the review scores we’ve received and divide that total by the number of review scores we’ve received. We are currently testing a weighted review system in Malta and Iceland (excluding hotel and vacation rental chains). For properties in these countries, the more recent the review, the bigger the impact on the total review score calculation. In addition, guests can give separate ‘subscores’ in crucial areas, such as location, cleanliness, staff, comfort, facilities, value for money and free Wi-Fi. Note that guests submit their subscores and their overall scores independently, so there’s no direct link between them.
You can review an Accommodation that you booked through our Platform if you stayed there or if you arrived at the property but didn’t actually stay there. To edit a review you’ve already submitted, please contact our Customer Service team.
We have people and automated systems that specialise in detecting fake reviews submitted to our Platform. If we find any, we delete them and, if necessary, take action against whoever is responsible.
Anyone else who spots something suspicious can always report it to our Customer Service team, so our Fraud team can investigate.
Ideally, we would publish every review we receive, whether positive or negative. However, we won’t display any review that includes or refers to (among other things):
- Politically sensitive comments
- Promotional content
- Illegal activities
- Personal or sensitive information (e.g. emails, phone numbers or credit card info)
- Swear words, sexual references, hate speech, discriminatory remarks, threats, or references to violence
- Spam and fake content
- Animal cruelty
- Impersonation (e.g. if the writer is claiming to be someone else)
- Any violation of our review guidelines.
To make sure reviews are relevant, we may only accept reviews that are submitted within 3 months of checking out, and we may stop showing reviews once they’re 36 months old – or if the Accommodation has a change of ownership.
An Accommodation may choose to reply to a review.
When you see multiple reviews, the most recent ones will be at the top, subject to a few other factors (what language a review is in, whether it’s just a rating or contains comments as well, etc.). If you like, you can sort and/or filter them (by time of year, review score, etc.).
We sometimes show external review scores from other well-known travel websites. We make it clear when we’ve done this.
Guidelines and standards for Reviews
These guidelines and standards aim to keep the content on Booking.com relevant and family-friendly without limiting expression of strong opinions. They are also applicable regardless of the sentiment of the comment.
Contributions should be travel related. The most helpful contributions are detailed and help others make better decisions. Please don’t include personal, political, ethical, or religious commentary. Promotional content will be removed and issues concerning Booking.com’s services should be routed to our Customer Service or Accommodation Service teams.
Contributions should be appropriate for a global audience. Please avoid using profanity or attempts to approximate profanity with creative spelling, in any language. Comments and media that include 'hate speech', discriminatory remarks, threats, sexually explicit remarks, violence, and the promotion of illegal activity are not permitted.
All content should be genuine and unique to the guest. Reviews are most valuable when they are original and unbiased. Your contribution should be yours. Booking.com property partners should not post on behalf of guests or offer incentives in exchange for reviews. Attempts to bring down the rating of a competitor by submitting a negative review will not be tolerated.
Respect the privacy of others. Booking.com will make an effort to obscure email addresses, telephone numbers, website addresses, social media accounts, and similar details.
The opinions expressed in contributions are those of Booking.com customers and properties and not of Booking.com. Booking.com does not accept responsibility or liability for any reviews or responses. Booking.com is a distributor (without any obligation to verify) and not a publisher of these comments and responses.
By default, reviews are sorted based on the date of the review and on additional criteria to display the most relevant reviews, including but not limited to: your language, reviews with text, and non-anonymous reviews. Additional sorting options may be available (by type of traveller, by score, etc.).
Translations disclaimer
This service may contain translations powered by Google. Google disclaims all warranties related to the translations, express or implied, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and non-infringement.
End of dialog content-
Reviewed: 27 May 2024
Neil
New Zealand6 reviews6.0Pleasant- • Leisure trip
- • Group
- • Double Room with Private Bathroom - No Children
- • Stayed 4 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Noisy as very close to bars/clubs
Great central location
Stayed in April 2024
-
Reviewed: 10 May 2024
Georgina
United Kingdom8 reviews6.0Pleasant- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Single Bed in Female Dormitory Room - Sanctuary - No Children
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Really great location, great view of the lake! But not much of an atmosphere
Stayed in March 2024
-
Reviewed: 1 May 2024
Michael
New Zealand9 reviews8.0“Decnt place for a decent price”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Double Room with Private Bathroom - No Children
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Bed a little shaky.
Location and price was good
Stayed in April 2024
-
Reviewed: 30 April 2024
Pujare
Australia6 reviews8.0“Great budget stay.”- • Leisure trip
- • People with friends
- • Double Room with Private Bathroom - No Children
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
Noise from the club opposite is uncomfortable but they provided ear plugs, those made sense later in the night.
Close to the lake, great location. Budget friendly.
Stayed in March 2024
-
Reviewed: 29 April 2024
Elisa
New Zealand16 reviews1 helpful vote8.0Very good- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Single Bed in Female Dormitory Room - Sanctuary - No Children
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Not much interaction with other travelers Not enough utensils in the kitchen (e.g. no forks)
Bathroom in the room In the centre Nice beds
Stayed in April 2024
-
Reviewed: 25 April 2024
Amandine
France19 reviews8.0“Good location and friendly staff”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • 4 Bed Ensuite Dormitory - No Children
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Kitchen, 2 cups, 1 glass for everyone, only plastic spoons and forks
Location, staff, and room were good
Stayed in April 2024
-
Reviewed: 22 April 2024
Leanne
United Kingdom44 reviews5 helpful votes7.0“Good place to stay for a few days”- • Leisure trip
- • People with friends
- • Deluxe Double or Twin Room - No Children
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Shared kitchen was extremely dirty all the time. There was no washing up liquid to clean dishes with.
Comfortable place to stay for a few nights near the restaurants and shops. Room clean and comfortable
Stayed in February 2024
-
Reviewed: 16 April 2024
Megumi
Australia16 reviews3 helpful votes6.0“Noisy for the weekend”- • Leisure trip
- • Group
- • Double Room with Private Bathroom - No Children
- • Stayed 2 nights
In front of the hostel there are some night clubs/bar, so it was suuuuper noisy, really annoying. I stayed Friday and Saturday night, so the worst days for that. I don't know how high is the volume during the week, but those days were impossible for a good sleep. They only have an elevator for ground floor and 1st floor, so if your room is on the second or third floor (as mine) you have to carry your luggage through a stretch stairs. There was a fan in our room that was without the base (broken) so it was hard to place it.
The hostel is in the city centre, super close to the lake and restaurants/cafes, has a parking place for free next to the hostel. The staff was friendly, the place was clean enough, it has a lot of info about activities in the area and a daily update on Tongariro conditions.
Stayed in April 2024
-
Reviewed: 14 April 2024
Scott
New Zealand47 reviews2 helpful votes8.0“Would stay here again.”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Deluxe Double or Twin Room - No Children
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
It could do with a bit of maintenance work - I had to use a lot of force to close the bathroom window, for example. Be aware that there’s no elevator. We were on the third floor and not bothered by this but it could be a problem if you’re not very mobile.
We had a nice view of the lake and the room was comfortable and quiet. Much better room and value than Haka Lodge, where we stayed last time we came to Taupo.
Stayed in March 2024
-
Reviewed: 14 April 2024
Hadar
Israel22 reviews4 helpful votes7.0Good- • Leisure trip
- • Group
- • Single Bed in Female Dormitory Room - Sanctuary - No Children
- • Stayed 1 night
most rooms are located near the main street, on the weekend it gets pretty noisy :( the 4 bed dorms are pretty tiny, would recommend to book a 6 bed which is a lot bigger and more spacious!
My 6 bed dorm was big, with a decent sized on-suite bathroom and had a nice view to the lake!
Stayed in April 2024
-
Reviewed: 8 April 2024
Tracy
United Kingdom31 reviews1 helpful vote6.0Pleasant- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Double Room with Private Bathroom - No Children
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
On the 3rd floor and no lift, a struggle getting luggage up and down.
Great location, comfy room with a good hot shower.
Stayed in March 2024
-
Reviewed: 6 April 2024
Abbie
New Zealand3 reviews1 helpful vote7.0Good- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Deluxe Double or Twin Room - No Children
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
No lift to the top floor, quite a few flights of stairs to walk up. Cleanliness in the bathroom could have been better
Location is fantastic and facilities are basic for a cheap stay.
Stayed in March 2024
-
Reviewed: 5 April 2024
Joy
New Zealand16 reviews7.0“Good location”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Double Room with Private Bathroom - No Children
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
Very noisy. I can hear the airconditioning system Other people occupying other rooms were banging their doors. No lift and we have luggages going up to the 3rd floor with steep and narrow stairs
Accessibility
Stayed in April 2024
-
Reviewed: 3 April 2024
Ella
United Kingdom4 reviews7.0Good- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • 4 Bed Ensuite Dormitory - No Children
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
The kitchen hobs took a while to figure out how to work and there were no forks. Also a bit pricey for what you get.
It’s location was great
Stayed in April 2024
-
Reviewed: 3 April 2024
Stephen
New Zealand48 reviews6.0Pleasant- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Double Room with Private Bathroom - No Children
- • Stayed 1 night
We did strike a weekend when there was a party going on in the bar downstairs. It was pretty loud, and went on till late, but it wasn't really surprising, as we knew were the location was, and we were informed of this as we checked in.
It was what was described. A comfortable room with ensuite at the top of a backpackers. Location was right in the busy part of town by the lake.
Stayed in March 2024
-
Reviewed: 1 April 2024
Elliot
United Kingdom13 reviews6.0“Great location - cheap and cheerful”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Double Room with Private Bathroom - No Children
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
Not the comfiest beds and opposite loud bars and clubs
Great value for money and spot on location. No parking but can park for free on the roads nearby
Stayed in January 2024
-
Reviewed: 1 April 2024
Prabhath
Sri Lanka6 reviews7.0“It was as expected anice stay. The accommodation is a backpacker hostal and place is fairly clean.”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • 4 Bed Ensuite Dormitory - No Children
- • Stayed 1 night
The location is excellent. There was only one bed left when I searched for an affordable place to stay at night during the busy Easter weekend at Taupo.
Stayed in March 2024
-
Reviewed: 27 March 2024
Roy
Canada2 reviews8.0Very good- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Double Room with Private Bathroom - No Children
- • Stayed 2 nights
THe location was excellent for what we wanted. I never looked at the facility close enough when I booked and it was not the type of facility that we were looking for , That is on me.
Stayed in February 2024
-
Reviewed: 24 March 2024
Ben
United Kingdom19 reviews1 helpful vote8.0Very good- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Double Room with Private Bathroom - No Children
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Loud- next to night club
Stayed in March 2024
-
Reviewed: 22 March 2024
Shuet
New Zealand1 review6.0“Good location,nice staff, clean room but smelly”- • Leisure trip
- • Group
- • Budget Double Room - No Children
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
The room is smelly, we keep open the window, noice didnt affected us at all but the smell stay quite strong
Location good, easy to access, have lots of free parking
Stayed in March 2024
-
Reviewed: 17 March 2024
Sydney
Canada1 review6.0“Bring your own spoon and be a heavy sleeper.”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Budget Double Room - No Children
- • Stayed 3 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
What I didn’t enjoy was the INTENSE closeness to a very loud bar that this place was near. Now I understand the supplied earplugs.
What was most likeable about this location was the close proximity to Taupō activities for the day. The large social spaces were great for relaxing
Stayed in March 2024
-
Reviewed: 10 March 2024
Ying
United States18 reviews6.0“I couldn't sleep well so my stay was unpleasant!”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Double Room with Private Bathroom - No Children
- • Stayed 2 nights
The room they assigned to me is super noisy and I stayed for two night and couldn't sleep well at all. I asked to change the room and they said nothing is available!
not sure
Stayed in March 2024
-
Reviewed: 8 March 2024
Song
New Zealand9 reviews7.0“it's okay.”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Deluxe Double or Twin Room - No Children
- • Stayed 4 nights
hard to access Wi-Fi on the first day. NO lift is inconvenience for carrying bags when stay in level 3 a bit messy in entrance
great location staff are friendly and helpful.
Stayed in March 2024
-
Reviewed: 8 March 2024
Anom
Netherlands63 reviews4 helpful votes8.0Very good- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • 4 Bed Ensuite Dormitory - No Children
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
The common area is a bit small for so many backpackers. Kitchen can be completely full or there is sometimes no sitting place after cooking.
Nice friendly hosts, really central with everything nearby. Free pasta and rice is nice! The dorms are nicely sized with good beds and free lockers.
Stayed in February 2024
Guests also reviewed these properties:
-
Hotel DaniaSilkeborg, Denmark
-
Sorell Hotel AdorBern, Switzerland
-
TRH Jardín Del MarSanta Ponsa, Spain
-
Kolyada HotelOdesa, Ukraine
-
Residence Scirocco e TramontanaFavignana, Italy
-
Citadel House HotelPlymouth, UK
-
Monte Carlo by Miami AmbassadorsMiami Beach, USA
-
La VillaMatera, Italy
