We stayed here over the Rugby world cup where they charged double the usual rate (and a minimum 4 night stay which is scandalous enough). We paid on my credit card when we left but they they also took money off my partner's card. This is fraud, despite several phone calls, and emails, 6 months on we're still waiting for... More

I booked for 2 nights over new year and was required to pay in full. Elm lodge emailed the day before cancelling as they had overbooked. They promised a refund but then would not pay it and would not communicate hanging up phone twice and not replying to emails. Mum finally got payment only after approaching BBH NZ Ltd directors... More

The hostel is not in the center of the town, but it is in a walking distance(about 10 minutes). Although one of the showers didn't have lights, the place is lovely. You also get free internet(wifi and computer) and there are plenty of parking spaces in the area. More

After travelling around the Sth Island for 3 weeks, we found ourselves at Elm Lodge. The young lady on reception was friendly enough but we should have asked to see the room before handing over our money. We were in room 9 of the back house which is a twin room sandwiched between the showers and the stairs for the... More

Due to stay for two days and turned up to find no body on reception and no key waiting for us. An 'emergency' contact number was left but failed to connect!!! Have sent numerous emails requesting a refund and have been ignored or presented with rubbish excuses over why they cannot re-pay the money for the room. Very poor level... More

I loved this place. I was snowed in for a couple of days but I didn't care because a stay in Elm Lodge is like a nice cosy weekend at your grandma's. Except there are loads of foreigners there (which my grandma wouldn't like.) It's basically a big house, but this just adds to the welcoming feel. True, it can... More

We stayed here during the rugby world cup and our room was in the 3rd building which has good facilities, however, the issue is this building has very limited heating - an electric fire in the living room and nothing in the bedrooms.... The main house was very warm whenever we went into it.. The staff are very friendly and... More

I stayed in Elm lodge during my trip around the NZ south island and it was a very comfortable place to stay - I decided to stay another night as it was a great place to relax, meet other travellers and visit Dunedin. The hostel has two buildings, the main house and an annexe, both with kitchen, living room and... More

Lonely planet said this place was a short walk to town downslope... we tried, indeed it's a downslope to town, but not that short - 10 mins & a tiring 15-20 mins walk back from town.. was terrible on the first day when we had to drag our luggage along (steep upslope) searching for the hostel after a long bus... More