Zest OK Auckland

If you’re on a tight budget in Auckland, this could work, but don’t expect somewhere nice or fancy. It feels like old student accommodation, and the rooms’ interiors look 30-plus years old. I wouldn’t open the fridge, as it hasn’t been cleaned in a while. There’s a shared kitchen you can use around the clock, table tennis, a lawn out front to relax on, and laundry for $2. You may have to get used to some strange people staying here. The staff are usually helpful. Basil was especially friendly and got us settled quickly after our 12-hour flight to NZ. For what you pay, the value is about what you’d expect.

This morning I passed reception and saw another unhappy resident asking Monica to borrow a vacuum so she could clean her room before checking out. She said Monica ignored her completely, without acknowledging or speaking to her. The resident described her as rude, unprofessional and disrespectful, and said she was ignorant and uncivilised, with disgusting manners. An hour earlier, a male resident had asked Monica to use the hotel phone to tell his family he was ready to be picked up for xmas. She refused, and he lost the chance to spend xmas with them. To me, that shows no understanding of hospitality or customer service. I can’t understand how someone with no people skills is working as a receptionist. Monica acts like an immature, entitled, overprivileged child who doesn’t seem to realise that employment rules and unions can address rude, unprofessional conduct. I’m confident unions and lawmakers would be interested in investigating her behaviour, especially why she’s still employed despite frequent complaints from several disgruntled tenants about her rotten attitude and rude, unprofessional conduct.

I only stayed one night because I didn’t like the environment. Residents were drinking, smoking and using drugs in the motel, and I didn’t feel safe. It was unhygienic too, and not good at all. I moved out the next morning. They still owe me $700 for my bond, and it’s been three weeks. I’ve tried calling, but they know I’m in Tauranga and keep hanging up on me. I agree with the other comments about the receptionist being really rude. This place shouldn’t even be open.

The private rooms are great, and some have really lovely views. It’s not in the CBD, but it’s close to Auckland’s most popular sightseeing spots. Laundry isn’t very expensive, and there are handy little kitchen areas. The staff are friendly and helpful too. Basil helped us a few times. For the price, this might be the best hostel in Auckland. Amazing place.