LyLo Auckland

The Verdict:

Take everything you know about budget accommodation, and throw it out the window. Because there's a new cheap and cheerful way to stay in Auckland City, and it's nothing like you've ever experienced before—think sleeping pods, shared spaces for working and chilling, and a vibrant in-house eatery slinging $10 cocktails and some of the tastiest burgers in the CBD.

We're talking about LyLo, the game-changing budget accommodation experience that's just opened at 54 Cook Street. Right in the midst of all the city action, you're just a stone's throw from the City Works Depot, SkyCity, and all of the other epic things our glorious urban jungle has to offer.

Designed in collaboration with CPRW Architecture to meet the needs of cash-savvy travellers who don't want to part with their life savings for a night away (we hear you), this new concept is most notable for its private sleeping pods—there are 190 of these cosy sleep stations, which you can stay in for as little as $55 a night (shout-out to the female-only pod rooms). Kitted out with a king single bed, Bluetooth storage locker, multiple charging options, unlimited fast WiFi (available throughout the entire property), individual lighting, fan and mirror and an acoustic privacy screen, these aren't half as basic as you might think.

And if sleeping in your own private cocoon isn't quite your style, they've also got 37 private double rooms with shared amenities (from $109) and 70 fully private ensuite rooms (from $159) up for grabs. Simple yet stylish, both feature beds from Comfi, a local social enterprise that works with grassroots charity Woven Earth to donate beds to kids who need them, amongst other thoughtful interiors.

However, chances are you won't be spending much time in your pod/room, what with the many cool social spaces found throughout the building. There's an epic library on the ground floor (complete with a working typewriter)—a boujee lounge on the second level with comfy couches and hanging chairs overlooking Nelson Street—and a dedicated workspace AND kitchen, also on the ground floor. Oh and quiet nooks to snuggle up with your fave book or pop on your fave poddy, too.

All of this has been designed with sustainability, style and above all, fun in mind, with pops of colour and stylish flourishes around every corner. We especially love the gorgeous mural by local artist, Flox, greeting guests at the entrance.

This brings us last, but not least, to Miss Lucy's—LyLo's in-house eatery, found on street level. The work of CTRL Space, this spot is an absolute vibe, with tropical wallpaper, neon lights, a giant shuffleboard, an elevated DJ podium and multiple seating spaces throughout.

The food offering is just as fun—think classic comfort food and cocktails, all for under $20. You'll be especially impressed by the burgers—fresh, juicy, and sodden in sauce, these are some of the tastiest we've had in quite some time. Follow up with some pavlova tacos (yes, pavlova tacos people) and a couple of their on-tap cocktails or cocktail slushies, and you're away laughing.

Whether you're looking for a cheap and cheerful way to stay in the city centre, or simply passing through Auckland on your travels, LyLo is well worth checking out (or should we say, checking in!).

Keep an eye out for additional LyLo properties coming to Christchurch and Queenstown in 2023.

Image credit: LyLo.

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