15 Best Budget Accommodations in Hamilton 🛌🏼 [2023]

Where to Find Cheap Accommodation in Hamilton

A North Island road trip inevitably leads to Hamilton, whether it’s to check out the fabulous Hamilton Gardens, catch a rugby game or simply stock up on supplies. Whatever your reason for staying in Hamilton, you’ll find a range of cheap accommodation in the city. From motels to hostels, we go through some of our top picks in this list of budget accommodations in Hamilton.

For more inspiration on what to do in the city, take a look at The Guide to Hamilton on a Budget and 15 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Hamilton.

1. VR Hamilton

The cheapest hotel in Hamilton, and set in a heritage building nonetheless, VR Hamilton is worth checking out. The four-star hotel boasts oodles of character in its rooms decorated with a Victorian flair. While the “Double Rooms” provide something affordable for couples, it’s worth upgrading to the “Superior Room” for lots more space and furnishings. Plus, families can enjoy the ultra-spacious twin and triple rooms. To top it all off, there’s free WiFi in all rooms. See how VR Hamilton compares to other hotels in the 10 Best Hotels in Hamilton.

Check VR Hamilton out:

10 Best Budget Accommodations in Hamilton 🛌🏼 [2023]

2. Hamilton City Holiday Park

A worthy budget accommodation in Hamilton is the Hamilton City Holiday Park with its self-contained units, as well as affordable cabins with doubles, twins and singles. Of course, there are powered sites and tent sites too and the closest ones you’ll find to Hamilton city centre. Although there are communal facilities like a kitchen, barbecue area, etc. note that kitchen utensils are available to hire for NZ$10. The holiday park is situated 3 km (1.9 miles) from the city centre.

Check Hamilton City Holiday Park out:

3. Backpackers Central Hamilton

Stay right in the heart of Hamilton in this conveniently located backpacker hostel. There’s plenty of space in Backpackers Central Hamilton with two communal kitchens and lounges. Rooms include dorms, single/double/triple/twin rooms with shared bathroom facilities and ensuite rooms. A few welcome additions include free unlimited WiFi, free (but limited) parking and free breakfast! See more recommendations like this in the 5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Hamilton.

Check Backpackers Central Hamilton out:

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4. Makepeace Place Homestay

Interestingly enough, the best prices you’ll find on accommodation in Hamilton are at the city’s various homestays. That’s right, if you want to try the “Airbnb experience“, Hamilton would be the place to do it, such as at the Makepeace Place Homestay. Featuring a twin room, a double room with a shared bathroom and a double room with an ensuite, the homestay is a good place to meet other travellers, as well as your friendly host. Guests are made to feel welcome and use the spacious open-plan kitchen, lounge and dining area, as well as the garden at leisure. The property is close to the Waikato Stadium and Hamilton Gardens. We have many more cheap homestays listed in the 15 BEST Homestays in Hamilton.

Check the Makepeace Place Homestay out:

5. Microtel Lodge

Within walking distance of Hamilton city centre, Microtel Lodge is a small but quality budget accommodation with a selection of backpacker dorms and private rooms. There are private single rooms for those travelling solo, while there’s also the option to upgrade to a self-contained unit with basic breakfast-making facilities. Other facilities include a communal kitchen, free on-site parking and free internet access.

Check Microtel Lodge out:

6. Motel Six

At number six is Motel Six! If heading to a game, Motel Six is a good choice with its location near the rugby stadium. The motel offers self-contained units with full kitchens, free WiFi and Sky TV. All of the eight rooms sleep one to five guests and include a full kitchen and practical, albeit outdated, lounge and dining furnishings. There are attractive gardens on the outside, while you’ll be kept cosy with double-glazed windows and electric blankets on the inside. For more affordable motels, take a look at the 10 Best Motels in Hamilton.

Check Motel Six out:

15 Best Budget Accommodations in Hamilton 🛌🏼 [2023]

7. Alcamo Motel

A short drive/walking distance from the city centre and one of the cheapest motels in Hamilton, Alcamo Motel is worth considering if you want facilities like an outdoor pool and perhaps a spa bath in your room for a more affordable rate. Choose from various double, twin and triple rooms, as well as family units. Family rooms all have a kitchenette, while business travellers might like to make use of the conference facilities. Free WiFi is also available at this cheap accommodation in Hamilton.

Check Alcamo Motel out:

8. Lake Domain Holiday House

Stay on the shores of the picturesque Hamilton Lake at the Lake Domain Holiday House. Not only do guests at this affordable homestay get to enjoy proximity to the walks and views of the lake, but the homestay in Hamilton is just a 15-minute walk from the city centre. The home has various rooms for guests, including single, double and triple rooms with shared bathrooms, as well as a double room with a private bathroom. You’ll also find great value for money with free WiFi and a full kitchen. Learn more about Hamilton Lake in the 10 Best Things to Do in Hamilton.

Check Lake Domain Holiday House out:

Lake Domain Holiday House on Booking.com

9. Tudor Motor Lodge

Offering a discounted solo traveller rate, Tudor Motor Lodge is well worth considering if travelling by yourself. The budget motel offers two levels of accommodation with a sunny barbecue deck and an outdoor swimming pool. Rooms include studios and one, two and three-bedroom units, meaning no tribe is too big or too small. Each room has Freeview TV, free WiFi, a kitchen with a microwave and fridge, as well as heating and DVDs. The motel is just under 10 minutes’ drive from the city centre. For more accommodations with kitchens, take a look a the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Hamilton.

Check Tudor Motor Lodge out:

10. Grosvenor Motor Inn

Set in an Edwardian-style building, Grosvenor Motor Inn isn’t too hard to spot. What’s more, it’s an easy choice when it comes to budget accommodation in Hamilton thanks to its range of practical rooms and extra facilities. We’re talking about a communal hot tub, swimming pool and even a restaurant. As for the rooms, there are studios with or without a spa bath and one/two-bedroom apartments with all of the fixings (including an oven). Nearby attractions include the Hamilton Gardens just 2 km (1.2 miles) away.

Check Grosvenor Motor Inn out:

11. Aquarius Motor Inn

For city-centre convenience, choose Aquarius Motor Inn. The motel offers well-appointed studio units, one-bedroom units and two-bedroom suites. You’ll find fully-equipped kitchens and Sky TV in all rooms, as well as facilities such as a barbecue, laundry, cots, highchairs and even an indoor swimming pool. Free parking is also available. See more recommendations like this in the 10 Best Family Accommodations in Hamilton.

Check Aquarius Motor Inn out:

12. Cedar Lodge Motel

This centrally-located motel offers comfortable accommodation in modernly-furnished rooms with affordable rates. All rooms offer Sky TV, a DVD player, a dining and lounge area and fully-equipped kitchens. While there are studio units and one-bedroom apartments ideal for corporate travellers and couples, the two-bedroom apartment for families has the exceptional addition of a game table to keep the kids (and big kids) entertained.

Check Cedar Lodge Motel out:

13. Mill Lodge

Just a couple of minutes’ drive from the city centre, Mill Lodge offers modern motel rooms at a good price. There are 10 units available, including studios, spa studios and one/two-bedroom units with or without a spa bath. Even the smallest studios have kitchenettes for sprucing up simple meals, not that cooking is mandatory with a choice of restaurants and takeaways within walking distance. The motel also has free WiFi. Note that this motel also has solo traveller rates.

Check Mill Lodge out:

14. Lake Point Motel

Located by Lake Rotoroa and the Hamilton Lake Domain, Lake Point Motel offers a scenic alternative in Hamilton city. What’s more, the motel is still not too far away from the city centre. More conveniences lie in Lake Point Motel’s facilities, which include free WiFi, Sky TV, parking and a variety of rooms. Stay in ultra-spacious king/twin studios or choose a one-bedroom unit with a separate kitchen from the bedroom. Family studios are also available.

Check Lake Point Motel out:

15. Aaron Court Motor Inn

Stay in modern well-appointed studios or one/two-bedroom units at the Aaron Court Motor Inn. Studios have a small kitchenette with a king bed that can be split into a twin layout, while the one and two-bedroom units have a fuller kitchenette to prepare simple meals. Some rooms have the luxurious addition of a spa bath. The motel also features an outdoor swimming pool, Sky TV and a bar/restaurant open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Check Aaron Court Motor Inn out:

More Budget Accommodations in Hamilton

That’s it for our guide to the best budget accommodations in Hamilton. For more accommodation options, as well as things to do, check these out:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Travel Guide to Hamilton on a Budget.

Author

Laura S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in New Zealand over 10 years ago and with a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to travel New Zealand. She knows Aotearoa inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience New Zealand’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides and is the co-host of NZ Pocket Guide’s live New Zealand travel Q&As on YouTube.

Contact Laura via our contact page