Westminster Lodge & Cottage — Hotel in North Island

Goes by the name : Skyline Mountain View Lodge on Bachcare

Last minute booking, I saw mixed reviews & emailed the host for phone chat, but he suggested messaging, which felt like it would take too long. With limited options, we just hoped for the best. Before our trip, I got a msg from the host about house rules treating me like a teenager. The tone felt off for a family holiday. Upon noticing the booking is not accurate, I told Bachcare & host to clarify. Host claimed it wasn’t an error, implying we’d deliberately not booked for kids. I simply didn't argue & requested the extra amount. Before processing payment, I received multiple reminders as if I were going to skip out on it.

Issues -Empty bottles found under the bed -Insects & spider webs around the house -Strong smell of Asian cooking lingered -Personal belongings from previous guests -Sharp, chipped glass-edged table that could easily hurt a child -No bathmats -Old ceramic heater couldn’t be used after Nov, the house gets cold in night, especially with two sick infants. Despite asking, the host showed no empathy toward the concern -Couch was broken and ignored Pool room non-operational, unlike shown in the pictures—a clear misrepresentation -Upstairs bathroom drain clogged, and despite informing the host, it wasn’t fixed -Cheap Vacuum Cleaner -Old Broken Chairs -Paint Chipped in Walls -Wall paper coming off at multiple places -Most Items are cheap knock offs. Give a feeling that accommodation is maintained very cheaply.

The host was proactive in responding, but lacked empathy. While the house is large and spacious, I would caution others not to expect the Kiwi hospitality, especially at this high price. If you're not too picky, you might still have a good time. We spent around $4k for 3 Nights. If I have a large group I may book this place again with no...

Positives first- quiet location, beautiful view, refund for unused evening

Negatives- Upon arrival, Fiona questioned why I booked on the site that I did. That was weird. If you didn't want me using it, don't do business with them. My bed had what my country calls a box spring or the foundation for a mattress. Not a real mattress. It was very hard. She seemed offended when I checked to make sure the bed did not have bed bugs. This is not meant as an insult. This is only the habit of an experienced traveller. She got offended when I insisted that I needed the Wi-Fi to work. She reset the router and it worked. When the lock on my door malfunctioned, I started knocking loudly on the door to get anyone's attention. When she appeared she reprimanded me about how I could have broken the door. (I was open palm slapping the door for maximum noise- not to break it. ) I asked if she would help me open the door, and I had to slide my key under the door to get out. At this point we both do not want to see each other anymore, and she refunded me my second night, and I went my way.

This is the first place I can say in all of my travels that I do not recommend....

We booked this bnb through booking.com with our main requirements being free parking and a laundry. The room we booked was advertised as having a private ensuite but it only had a toilet. The shower was still in a shared bathroom. The host was really nice and upgraded us to a larger room with a beautiful view. We were disappointed to find that the laundry was off limits to guests. Also worth noting that the oven in the shared kitchen is off limits, a $100 cash bond is needed on arrival, you need to take your shoes off when inside, there is only a television in the larger room and it does not pick up normal tv and things like extra towels and blankets cost extra. However, these were just small inconveniences that weren't advertised on the accommodation listing. The accommodation did have free parking, toast and cereal for breakfast, shared tea and coffee facilities and beautiful garden. The mattress was very firm but surprisingly...