Plymouth International — Hotel in North Island

The theme of our two night stay was set by a truly terrible check in experience. We were given the key to a third floor 'deluxe king suite' and, on opening the door, were greeted by two large whirring fans and an awful smell of damp carpet. On feeling the carpet it was, as expected, wet. We phoned reception from this room who told us to return. We transported all of our heavy luggage back to the ground floor and were given a key to another room by the male (shorts wearing) receptionist who offered no apology. Back to the third floor where the key to the second room did not work - back to reception for a second time where the receptionist reset the key. Third time 'lucky' we gained access to the new room which, laughably, is advertised as having 'new furnishings'. The room was very down at heel - broken and watermarked furniture, peeling wallpaper, dirty curtain lining, broken and useless cafetière and a flickering bedside lamp with dangerous wiring. Breakfast on both days was a depressing experience. The male waiter on Day 1 ignored us (2 men) whilst greeting other guests like long lost family and we had to find our own table. The buffet on offer was a dismal selection of tinned fruit and a 'hot selection' of watery scrambled eggs, grey mushrooms, undercooked grilled tomatoes etc. Only self toasted, sliced bread was on offer. The waitress on Day 2 was, at least, engaging and the eggs poached to order (mercifully there was no 'hot buffet' with just a handful of diners) were more than edible. However the kitchen had "run out of mushrooms" and the near empty flask of coffee was cold although she did replace this at my request. All around he hotel the 'Flambe restaurant' is advertised with advice that 'booking is essential'. However on check-in both we and the guests before us were given a hard sales pitch with the assurance that it is "really good". We chose not to find out. Even on check out, we were told that the computer system was not working as the computer...

We've visited this same hotel several times over the last 6 years, but there are several issues that have gotten worse over the years.

Room - Pillows were very old and tired, i ended up using my arm as a more comfortable pillow.

Our room was over the courtyard and regularly smelt of cigarette smoke from the smokers under our window.

we have to keep the curtains closed in order to get privacy as while on the first floor people in the courtyard could see far into our room.

Service - The staff were pleasant and accomodating but very clearly overworked and struggling. at one point there were 3 people on reception, but 1 person trying to manage the bar, kitchen, room service and all other requests and couldn't keep up.

A new policy was introduced that extra towels for going swimming are charged to the room and you have to return these yourself rather than leaving them for room service or get charged.

Breakfasts - The breakfast team are fantastic and very accomodating, although the breakfast offering hasn't changed in 6 years and is somewhat limited.

Restaurant- Last time we dined at the Orangery (on site) we were very disappointed with the value for the quality we were given and so wouldn't try again.

This time we tried Julianna's (sister site restaurant) and were similarly disappointed, although the Mains were very good the Starters were terrible and the desert was poor. Service was inexperienced and our waitress was struggling to keep up with only 2 tables, but was friendly and willing.

Facilities Swimming Pool The pool has been damaged (floor coming apart) since our fist visit and this has never been repaired. Spa pool had some kind of fault again this time and was cold, (they had the same issue last time too)

Overall, it feels like they are desperately trying to keep up appearances but keeping expenses low (maximising profits) the staff are very friendly but...

On the day of checking-in, we found hair and stain marks (mud?) on the bed covering on both beds, however after showing the receptionist the photos, they took it seriously and reacted fast.  The room got cleaned while we were out. They provided us with the complimentary breakfast for two as a courtesy compensation.  With their positive attitude and efficient responses and reactions, we were happy to think that it was just an accident.There must be some sort of car racing going on in New Plymouth on the day of our second-day stay. As we were waken up early in the morning, before 7am, by lots and lots of noises coming from the running of car engines that was so close to us. As we opened up the curtains to see what was going on, we then shockingly saw many racing cars were just lining right in front of the hotel main entrance, getting some sort of registration or something as you can see there was a table and some staff there doing something. Therefore, racing cars kept coming in more and more, and the annoying noises were constantly heard from the engine and people’s talkings over and over until around 7:30am.  Honestly, we were quite unhappy about that! Visitors coming to stay at a hotel hoping to have some good rest, not expecting to be waken up early in the morning in that way.  If they have arranged this type of event, they should have let all other guests know of this in advance when the booking was made to ensure that they are prepared or willing to take it.  Therefore, with this thing happening that morning, I am not sure if I would want to go back to this place or not. Sorry to say that but I didn’t feel well after being waken up that early with constant noises and didn’t feel any respect in the situation.Hopefully to see some...