Trek Global Backpacker — Hotel in North Island

UNACCEPTABLE!!! without getting to know anything I got charged 250$. When I asked the reception they told it's their policy to charge if the fire alarm goes on. I was frying something for dinner, I did accidentally make a bit of steam and the alarm went on. after asking explanation they just ask me sorry for charging me without telling but anyway they just justify themselves saying that this is part of their policy. TOTALLY RIDICULOUS!!!

PS Hi Erin

1. maybe this is New Zealand standard but usually in all the rest of the world things like this almost never happen. I've been here a few weeks, how could I know? It was your duty to tell me and you didn't. The steam was notable? Your electric stove heat up really fast and the food was actually burning that's why I poured a bit of water. Other guests told me it seems that this happens recurrently. The last time was just a week before my staying. Sorry to say but this obviously means the issue is in the hostel kitchen 2)this is an additional reason for you to let the guests know straight away when they check in for avoiding surprises, for you, for the guests and for the firemen 3)ok, so do you think everyone actually reads completely and fully these signs all the time? Maybe someone does but the majority doesn't even pay attention to this. I usually read but unfortunately not this time I repeat: this is something you should say straight away at the check, it's not sufficient covering yourself behind policy stuff

Yeh I was explained everything because I went to the reception asking about it; if I didn't, I'm pretty sure nobody ever told me anything about it and I would have later found the surprise in my statement, this is a really shameful behaviour, if I wanted I could actually take you to court and almost sure I could win it.

So in the end this is a whole big lot of excuses, I've been secretly charged 250$ to cover expenses for a serious issue of the accomodation functioning and management.

...Let other people and God...

Booked two private rooms for 2 adults and 3 kids two were 15 & 14 years. The booking said a large double and a single bed. I was informed that 1 adult had to be in a room at all times with kids. Once we reached our rooms the beds were a double bunk with a single top meaning we all couldn't fit on the bunks and I had to pull the top mattress off and sleep on the floor. Eveeytime someone moved the bunks squeezed and also had dips which gave my daughter a sore back. The heaters were filthy and when we turned it on it smelt like it was burning something. The kitchen was filthy, the fridge was full with old opened food and looked like it hadn't been cleaned for along time and it smelt very bad. The toilet was shared with a showered for three rooms however others from other doorms were using it as theirs were always occupied. When approaching receptionist on the filth and small beds she said what do you expect it is a backpackers. Never once did I see a cleaner come in after our book in considering the motels managers states they come in three times a day in previous reviews. The reception area is filthy and like the larger lounge every cushion was filthy with stains. The receptionist took a parking fee from my credit card without my knowledge and I will be taking this further for investigation towards card theft. After speaking with the manager he was happy to refund our second night as he couldn't house us in another room but not willing to give any compensation. Lastly we left Auckland 1am to meet up with the hīkoi and arrived at our destination 20mins early, thwy made us wait until 2pm on the dot despite we had a very tired toddler. Lastly my dogs live in a cleaner space then the accommodation I definitely won't be going back. Definitely not for children. GREAT location that is all. The photos show the uncleanlyness of the aircon, heaters and the walls. I had cleaned the kitchen so we had somewhere to sit and eat but...

I lived here for 6 months so it’s only right I give it 5 stars

Pros: Location is perfect. The kitchen setup having individual kitchens per wing works really well. All the amenities you need. Food storage and fridge/freezer space is just about enough. Security is great at keeping the place relatively quiet at night. Good lounge area. Very sociable people and easy to make friends. Friendly staff. Felt very safe. Twice I left my bag/phone in the lounge / kitchen overnight after a few too many wines and both times it was handed in.

Cons: The room prices changed each week and depending on which staff member you got. The staff literally told me that some want to make money for the hostel and some want to help out the travellers. There was zero consistency. And in the end it seemed cheaper to book online via a 3rd party over the long term ‘cheap’ rate. The rooms are very small. Aka you can hold hands with the person in the bed next to you. Lots of kids. Not a major issue but when they are having breakfast outside your door shouting at 6am I felt bad for the people that worked nights and got to bed shortly before. Fire alarms (many fire alarms). Not the hostels fault Usually a queue for bathrooms on your floor - but plenty of options if you go downstairs. Laundary constantly out of action and many battles for clean clothes. Again not reay the hostels fault.

But yeah. 5 stars for a safe place to sleep and a little treck community. I just wish they would sort out...