Sandy Feet Accommodation

We paid for three nights, starting Monday the 29th, but when we arrived we found a long, steep staircase that hadn’t been mentioned when we booked. With my partner’s spinal injury, the place wasn’t suitable, so we found somewhere else to stay. You said you were happy to refund us and would get in touch. A week later, I still haven’t heard anything or received the money. The room wasn’t as advertised, so under the CGA I believe I’m entitled to a refund.

We arrived after check-in following a full day of driving. There was no later check-in system, though surely we can’t be the first guests to arrive late. A man called us and spoke as if we were children who’d kept strict parents waiting. We apologised and said we were on our way. He told us the key was in the door and Mary was waiting. We tried to come in quietly so we wouldn’t disturb anyone, but I saw my name written on a whiteboard in the entrance, which felt invasive. Mary came over wanting an explanation for why we were late. I tried to explain, but she shouted at us, and I ended up focusing on standing up for myself rather than explaining. She demanded to see proof of payment. I said we had paid through booking and they had our details, but she told us to leave. We were glad to take that invitation and left straight away. Something about Sandy Feet Hotel, also known as North Beach Lodge, felt fishy. If you’ve read this and still choose to book at the newly named North Beach Lodge, that’s your call. We drove to Marble Hill Doc site instead and slept under the stars on a beautiful evening after a very strange encounter.

I booked online and paid for a room with its own bathroom, then called to confirm. When I got there, they’d double-booked it and tried to move me across the road to a single bed with a shared bathroom. That wasn’t acceptable. They should have made more effort to sort out their mistake.

My daughter and I have stayed here many times for hospital appointments, so I was surprised reading some of these reviews. I’ve never heard the owner be rude. He’s been helpful, direct and respectful with us, and I’ve seen him treat people from Asia with the same respect. I have full mataora, and he’s treated me and my family well too. I suspect some of the comments, including the racism claims, may be malicious or from fake accounts trying to hurt the business. To me, that’s nonsense. The place is affordable, homely, and has the comforts you need. The dog is lovely and always happy to get pats and cuddles. We choose to stay here because it’s welcoming, and it always has been. I fully support it as a good place to rest when visiting, passing through, or coming for hospital appointments.