Takapuna International Motor Lodge

A great place to stay, especially if you have an early hospital or specialist appointment. I really can't fault it. My only tiny gripe, and I'm being extremely picky, is the skimpy one-ply toilet paper. Maybe they're trying to save money.

The late checkout turned into a mess. Reception had confirmed 11:00am instead of 10:00am that morning, but at 10:15am a staff member knocked and rudely showed my parents, who don't speak English, her phone saying, “10am, checkout time.” I had to rush over to help them leave, despite having spoken to reception an hour earlier. The room itself was much worse than the photos suggested. When I questioned that, reception said, “You know how it is, you can’t really trust photos.” I'd booked it for my parents and another person. On day two, staff came in without permission and replaced only two towels, although there were three used towels and they knew three people were staying. I had to call and ask them not to enter again. There was dust and a very strong paint smell all along the corridor to the room, awful for anyone with allergies. The hotel also has direct street access with no security, while reception is unattended around 70% of the time. It was a terrible stay. If you're planning to be in the Takapuna area, I'd strongly recommend finding another hotel.

The balcony mattered because it helped me manage anxiety related to claustrophobia, so arriving to find no balcony was really disappointing. I booked a “balcony apartment” through Booking.com, but staff said the property has no balcony rooms at all. The receptionist blamed Booking.com, even though the motel supplies and controls its own listing details. The balcony rooms are still advertised and bookable, and they refused a refund. The listing was misleading. I'd suggest confirming amenities directly before booking.

Friendly, helpful staff, and the local grocery shop is close by. The rooms were tidy and nice too. We had a great stay and will be back. Thanks from Kerry and Chris!