PLEASE READ Checked into this motel for the night with family of 6 and had my uncle and grandmother join us - they booked separate rooms within that motel.

Staying in accomodation during holidays for over 17 years this is the first time we experienced this:

• Firstly, we were told we had to pay $300 bond, however this was not displayed on the website at all.

• My sisters (10y and 15y) went to my grandmothers room for a cup of tea, the owner came knocking on the door and demanded they get out as ‘visitors are not allowed’ she also mentioned that it is NZ Law that there cannot be people going into each others rooms. We removed them from the room. She also videoed our faces while we were telling the kids to come out of the room.

• The owner took photos of our vehicle. She took photos of the front (which I assume is the number plate) but also the sides of our vehicle. When asking if everything is ok - she claimed she’s just taking a photo of our rego, this was done without a consent form signed.

• Upon conversation with the owner, she mentioned the NZ Law is ‘no visitors allowed in each others room even if you live in the same motel (next door)’ I told her that was very interesting as we had stayed in Rotorua, Napier and Tauranga prior to coming to Ashbrook motel and never had issues like this. When I asked her this question she said she feels threatened. As quoted, she said: ‘If your not happy to follow rule you can leave.’ She told us to get out of the motel. Such a horrendous experience that I took my family, which also includes my 85y grandmother and drove back to Wellington.

The behaviour of the Motel owner was absolutely shocking. She did not want to hear what we have to say and kept repeating that she feels threatened and wants us gone after asking her 1 question.

I am no expert - but this type of behaviour is legally and ethically shocking. Please beware before you book into this motel.

Also, if you are the owner reading this review, I invite you to email me your motel policies AND send me the relevant NZ legislation per your conversation.