Paihia Beach Resort & Spa

Disappointed with this place I expected a lot better better. It is in need of renovation refresh and improved cleaning standards and systems. We booked and paid for 2 nights online then paid for extra night on arrival. A nasty carpet stain in bed area was so obvious (ewww I stepped over on first night) had to ask cleaner to sort it out ... she had knocked on door at 9.30am to service room, very poor English (all staff one culture). On departure was asked for payment card again, I assumed prior transaction was just a 'card hold'. We left, I checked bank acct and had been charged twice. Couldn't find a direct phone number but somehow a msg went through and they called back. Was told their system did not show the earlier payment ... that's dodgy ! lucky we weren't already on road before checking. I had my bank confirmation of earlier charge so I went back to hotel and staff said he looked a CC TV and could see I had paid, so refunded double charge. What a poor system, I do not recommend.

Its a very small hotel and surely not a resort. Dont get fooled by the pics. Th reception is like a small store room. The staff at reception is super rude. They are never available at the counter. They never pick calls on intercom if you have any queries. The breakfast has only one drink and one main course. There are no yogurts, fruits , desserts etc. The location is 10 mins walking from main maritime building from where all activities start. Rooms are comfortable. The balconies and views are amazing. They do have a pool, though we never used it. Lots of doors to enter the room. The entry to the rooms is made in very odd way. Water pressure in shower and tempreture is Great. The staff is the worst, in the restaurant and at the reception.

we are currently staying in this hotel. the staff are lovely especially the lady on reception. we are staying in a superior appartment with a separate bedroom. The accommodation is very good, well equipped kitchen and comfortable bed. One issue is that there is nothing to put food in the oven in! And no oven gloves otherwise there is everything you need. The rooms are serviced everyday. The pool is good and stays open until 10.00 which is good. Nice and quiet hotel . Easy to find with a full sea view. Free clothes washing and drying is brilliant. There is free car parking. Our only complaint is the breakfast which is really very poor, I would have rated this hotel with full marks if not for the terrible breakfast. We have breakfast included in our rate. There is no fresh fruit, not even orange juice. You have to choose a cooked option with eggs or a continental option that is very sugary. Fried tinned sausages horrible! You can’t choose what you want to eat. No healthy option.

Rooms are in need of updating, needs redecorating, new kitchen units and modernised bathroom BUT the view is amazing so worth putting up with these cosmetic issues. We were on the top floor, huge balcony with fantastic sea view. It’s a shame they only provide one sun lounger on the balcony. It’s just a short walk to the town where there are plenty eateries, a small supermarket and ferries to Russell and other boat trips. It is very close to the Waitangi Treaty ground which is worth a visit. Our stay included breakfast, which was made to order and excellent every morning, the lady who served us was lovely too. Parking on site was useful as well as free to use guest laundry.

Pros - Great sea views from Large balconies. Spacious rooms. Easy flat walk to town( for eateries, boat trips, ferries to Russell) and Treaty Grounds. Good evening meal in on site restsurant.( though menu v limited and service very slow).Pleasant staff. On site parking. HOWEVER ... Cons- the decor/ furnishings are very very very tired. Scuffed chipped walls and paintwork. Stained carpets. Outdated bathroooms. Thin towels. No 5 star touches like robes , slippers etc. like, looks like, a 1960s motel. So, not a 5 star hotel experience.