We’re Auckland’s Most Popular Hostel (Again)

We’re Auckland’s Most Popular Hostel (Again)

Some news we’re pretty proud of…

Attic has just been named Most Popular Hostel in Auckland for 2026 at the Hostelworld Awards.

It’s been a minute since we last held this one. The last time was back in 2019, when we somehow managed to win it three years in a row. Last year we were named 5th Best Hostel in Oceania, which was massive in itself — but this one feels a little different.

And that’s because this award isn’t judged by a panel or picked from a pitch deck.

It’s based almost entirely on guest reviews.

Which means this award belongs just as much to the people who stay here as the people who work here.

Why This One Means So Much

The Hostelworld Awards are built on millions of reviews from travellers all over the world — people who’ve slept in the beds, cooked in the kitchens, shared stories in the common spaces, and trusted us to be their first stop in Aotearoa.

Guests rate hostels on things like:

• overall experience
• cleanliness
• atmosphere
• staff
• security
• value for money

So when Attic comes out on top, it tells us something really simple (and really important):

What we’re trying to create here is actually being felt.

Not just seen.

It’s Always Been About People

Attic has never tried to be the biggest or the flashiest hostel in Auckland.

What we have always cared deeply about is:

• being calm, clean, and well run
• creating a space that feels safe and welcoming
• helping travellers find their feet when they land in New Zealand
• and making it easy for people to connect — with each other and with this place

This award reflects hundreds of small moments:

A good chat at reception.

Someone being shown how to open a bank account.

A shared dinner that turns into a friendship.

A quiet, comfortable sleep after a long flight.

That’s the stuff we care about.

A Huge Thank You

To our team — past and present — thank you for showing up every day with care, patience, and pride in what you do. This award is a direct reflection of you.

To our guests — thank you for choosing Attic, for leaving thoughtful reviews, and for being part of the community that makes this place what it is. You genuinely shape the experience here.

And to Hostelworld for continuing to champion hostels that prioritise connection, atmosphere, and people over everything else.

Looking Ahead

We see this award not as a finish line, but as encouragement to keep going.

We’ll keep upgrading spaces thoughtfully.

We’ll keep telling stories about Auckland and Aotearoa.

We’ll keep creating a hostel for curious, respectful, open-minded travellers.

And we’ll keep doing the small things well — because that’s what adds up.

Thanks for being part of the journey.

See you upstairs.

—

Attic Backpackers

Most Popular Hostel in Auckland, 2026 🖤

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