Gamma Hotel — Hotel in Waitematā

We were stuck in Auckland during flooding and the airport was closed and pretty much every hotel was booked solid, and this was the only place we could find with a room in the CBD....at $270USD for one night. Look, we were thrilled to have a bed within walking distance in a clean property but this was definitely price gouging (at least double normal price) for a property that was (or still is?) a former college dorm or similar, a little off the main path in the city. The place is about 10 minute uphill walk from the main streets downtown in a small and quiet little residential/dorm/ apartment area. You buzz in to the property and a guy behind a giant wrapped plexiglass window gives you a key to your room and a fob for the external entrance. In spite of the documentation indicating it was required, we did not have to leave a cash deposit. The property was clean and quiet with no real "hotel facilities" like food or business center. The room was also nice and clean with a refrigerator and microwave. The bed was up against a window which would not lock but was high enough off the ground to be a real security risk. Free WIFI worked good and free in room coffee was appreciated. The only really issue is that every room has an in-wall air conditioner, and in our room, the dehumidifier / condenser made loud sucking/ draining/ pumping sounds about every 30 minutes so definitely restless sleep. No food facilities at all or breakfast.

While our price was ridiculous and taking advantage of the flood emergency, we were thrilled to get a room so not complaining BUT if it was in normal times, this "hotel" is a basic no-frills property outside the main tourist zone and should be about $100 per night.....and I would check out the air conditioner sounds...

Such a great wee hotel! Perfect location, a little hidden but close to the city and Spark arena. Being hidden also means there isn't much street noise!

Room was clean and tidy, amenities were great. Kettle, toaster, fridge and microwave! Selection of coffee, tea and hot chocolate as well as toiletries. The only annoying thing, despite having a kitchenette, there were no cutlery or plates/bowls supplied, which made it hard to have your own food. Only 2 mugs and 2 teaspoons, as well as a tea towel and dish wash liquid.

Shower heated up quickly and stayed hot, pressure was great as well. Set up like a wet room. No extractor fan however.

Had a heatpump/cooler in the room, which was great for the hot day Auckland had during my stay. Found the room did get quite warm, so having that cooling option meant I could keep the room at a nice temperature.

Doors don't lock automatically/don't have key only access from the outside, so you have to make sure the door is actually locked.

Great sized room. With a lovely big window and bathroom!

Doesn't seem to be an elevator up to some of the rooms (201-220, is the wing I was in), which makes accessibility harder, I assume some of the other rooms are accessible as they do have a small elevator/lift to get to the reception area.

Can only access with a keyfob, so have to ring when you arrive, so someone can let you in, this is a great safety feature!

No issues with late check in either, I personally was not charged a late check in fee, however this could have been due to me ringing to let them know about my cancelled and delayed flights.

A+ would definitely...

I enquired about long term rental of a Queen Studio and had a viewing. Discussed the details and move in costs and explained i had just relocated for employment and that until first week pay came in I was getting financial assistance through Winz as a transitioned from another city and employment and was told they would make an exception to their policy of refusing anyone getting aide via Winz. Well after payment of $650.00 was deposited into their nominated bank account and receiving funds on the 11/07/2025 I went to proceed with securing a studio to be told they are now refusing the application to tenant the room. I have had emails ignored, meetings with the Manager canceled numerous times. refusal of the Manager contact details to reach out and resolve. This grant was a loan that im required to pay weekly installments of until total is paid. It's now the 24/07/2025 and even after they refuse to pay sum directly into my account so I am able to find other long term accommodation im told they can only reverse to the initial account deposited from which is winz. I have requested they proceed in returning payment via winz so I can reapply but they have yet to be honest and do that. I've been staying in a hotel which is an expense above my budget to manager and have no choice to check out and live in my car until they release the money. They are rude and unprofessional dishonest people to have been dealing with. Plain and simple...