Exchange Hotel and 67 Pilmuir Lodge - Lower Hutt, New Zealand

For travelers visiting Wellington and other nearby destinations, Lower Hutt is an affordable alternative for a night's stay or longer. Exchange Hotel and 67 Pilmuir Lodge provide clean, safe, and affordable accommodation.

Located in Lower Hutt Central, Exchange Hotel is part hotel, part sports bar, and part restaurant. Eighteen rooms are situated on the second floor with the bar and reception on the first floor with the Hogs Breath restaurant adjacent to the hotel. Reception is from 9 am-5 pm daily and the bar staff are more than happy to assist after hours. With rates starting at $80 NZD nightly and $180 NZD weekly, Exchange Hotel provides comfortable accommodation and convenience at reasonable rates for casual and business travelers.

Although the rooms are small by American standards, the hotel is a perfect match for single travelers. Recently renovated, this historic hotel blends modern comforts with tradition. All rooms come with SKY television, telephone, electric kettle, tea and coffee, heated towel bar, oil heater, wardrobe, desk and chair, and in room shower, toilet, and sink.

The decor is modern with the beds made up in navy sheets and khaki duvets. The shower and sink areas of the room are beautifully tiled with tan marble pattern and stainless steel fixtures and a modern green glass bowl sink.

Other amenities include a nearby kitchen with a microwave, toaster, refrigerator, and dinnerware as well as a laundry room with washers, dryers, iron, and ironing board. However, there is no elevator at Exchange Hotel and no handicap facilities. Also, since there is live music on Friday and Saturday nights until 3 am, early risers would do well to stay at another hotel on those nights. On the other hand, night owls may find the lively atmosphere a plus as well as an opportunity to socialize with local Kiwis.

Exchange Hotel's location is another one of its assets. The number of nearby restaurants makes eating out no more difficult than stepping out the front door. Furthermore, the Westfield Mall on Queensgate is a 3 minute walk from the hotel and from there visitors can catch a bus to a variety of places including Wellington Central Business District, Upper Hutt, and Petone. The New World supermarket behind the hotel is easily accessible and there are nearby Westpac ATM facilities available 24 hours a day on Queens Drive.

Budget-minded travelers can find affordable accommodation at 67 Pilmuir Lodge. The lodge is located in the Hutt Hospital complex and is a short walk from the Melling train station. Although the lodge is quite far from Lower Hutt's Central Business District and has shared bathroom and kitchen facilities, the rates of $50 NZD nightly and $160 NZD weekly make up for the distance. A few other caveats to consider is the long distance to restaurants and Lower Hutt CBD, and the lack of an heater in the room which can lead to uncomfortably cold nights in the winter.

The amenities differ depending on what room you are assigned. However, all guests are provided a bed, linens, wardrobe, and chair. Internet access is also available through a kiosk in the lobby.

Depending on preference, Exchange Hotel or 67 Pilmuir Lodge can meet nearly any traveler's accommodation needs.