The Sands - Waiheke Island — Local services in Waiheke

Average Hotel and lazy & dodgy owners. Stayed here over early January of this year, the room itself had no milk in the fridge yet they supply "Tea & coffee making facilities" we question the owner and he says that he went up to get toilet paper but didn't get any milk. No apology or any resolution provided. The owner is barely there and the reception closes at random points during the day, in case of an emergency the owner wouldn't be on site and anywhere to be seen which is a mild concern for the guests safety. They call themselves the "sands" a beachfront hotel which you would associate with the beach, yet they have no where to hang swimwear when it is wet, so therefore using common sense most people would hang wet swimwear over the ledge of the window to let it dry. Because of us doing that we ended up coming back from our holiday to a over $200 fine. The owner had said to us that it was all because of a stain on the window from the togs/swimwear drying. Now I don't know if he knows how to put two and two together; togs,drying...the hotel provided no where to hang your swimwear when you get back from the beach. Also this beachfront hotel called "The Sands" has a rule to have no sand in the rooms yet most people staying are going to the beach where of course there will be sand, what a shocker! There is no consideration for the practical side of this "beach front" hotel and no consideration for the guests experience. The owner takes advantage of the guests payments and steals money for the most unreasonable situations without the authority, explanation and permission from the guests. The owner had however said they will get in contact with us if they couldn't get the stain out and then they will proceed to charge us, no form of contact and here we are with a charge that we were not told about. This owner is sneaky to think that they can put charges on guests accounts well after they've checked out and not let them know about it. If they thought about the kind of location they are in they would have known that people are going to go swimming. It's really not that difficult to understand. A real shame about the lazy standard for one of Waiheke's top spots. Thiefs,dodgy and arrogant. Don't EVER stay here unless you want to drink coffee without milk and come home to a large fine on your bank statement.

EDIT RESPONSE TO OWNER: In regards this was in no way a "revenge" review this was my personal opinion on this hotel. I had a number of issues with this hotel not only was it because of the tog situation. Obviously the owner is delusional to not see that his hotel isn't the perfect beach front getaway. Nobody wants to do washing when they are on holiday and if you put swimwear in the dryer they will shrink. Also the room we stayed at had NO drying rack ANYWHERE. Maybe instead of responding to my review in the first hour you should be checking up on your guests and making sure all the rooms have the correct amenities to begin with and then in no way would I be here writing this review. What a...

This is a great place to stay and relax. Easy to get to ferry from Auckland. You can take your car or go on foot and catch the local bus. $10 a day gives you an unlimited bus pass for the whole island. There is plenty to see and do on the island. Great food, walks, eateries, you can swim, go paddle boarding kayaking, sit and relax in a beach front cafe and watch the day pass you by. Lots of art and ulturnative people who are very interesting to talk to. They have a weekend market with great fresh produce that's well worth a try. If you are into golf check out the course it's stunning with its views everywhere... If you don't mind heights check out the zip lines. Well worth the adventure and tour above the natural bush. If you are into food and wine tasting then you will be kept busy and in heaven, lots to try and buy. Great place to bring a boat, stay over night in one of the many amazing little coves. Catch a fish for dinner or some other delight. For me, Waiheke is a great playground for everyone I have ever taken here. It's an easy place to spent a very relaxing week or two. Very easy to come back. Great place for an afternoon lunch from the city too for something different. It's an easy hop on the ferry, transport is good to some very beautiful restaurants and cafes that have great views, either back to the city or the outer gulf. In short, highly recommend for a visit...

The Sands is really lovely. The owner is super nice and helpful, location is great, and the water pressure is good too. We are right across the road from the beach. The only thing is that when we first arrived the mugs in our room were dirty and in the dishwasher which we couldn't work out how to turn on. It all turned out okay because the owner apologized and came and fixed it for us :) The Boathouse is at the end of the road and very...