Best Western Abel Tasman Airport Motor Inn

We had to find somewhere else to stay at short notice, which cost us considerably more. We’d booked two rooms together, but one hadn’t been cleaned and its linen hadn’t been changed. We tried the phone number on the reception door and contacted them through booking.com, but heard nothing until the next morning. Management refused a full refund, saying one of us could have used the clean room. They didn’t explain where the other two family members were meant to sleep, perhaps in the car or a local park. Booking.com was no help either. Other reviews suggest the motel has ongoing problems.

The room smelled awful, as if it hadn’t been cleaned in ages, and the bath was filthy. The shower and bath were terrible, while bathroom and toilet tiles were coming off the walls. The door was difficult to lock and unlock. The lights didn’t work and there were no cups for tea or coffee. The microwave and fridge shared a single plug, so I had to unplug one to use the other. Drawers and cupboards were broken, and the brown chair outside wasn’t even usable.

The room was in a disgusting state: the mattress was smaller than the base, there was mould in the shower, and there was no smoke detector. Service was just as bad. Reception was meant to be open from 2 to 5 pm, but nobody was there. I rang about three times to check in without an answer. When someone finally picked up, I was told the gentleman had been given the key safe combination when he booked. That wasn’t true, because if he’d had it, we wouldn’t have needed to call. I won’t stay here again or recommend it. Terrible accommodation and service.

The staff were friendly and helpful, but I’m only giving this motel one star because I have to write something to post this. I wasn’t put in the room I’d paid for, though they did try to sort that out. The room itself was disgusting. None of the four bunk beds had fresh sheets and they’d clearly been slept in. There were used earbuds on the floor and the carpets were sticky and dirty. The bathroom was so bad I wouldn’t wash my dog in it. Never stay at this motel!!!