Ramada Encore By Wyndham Palmerston North

The location by the square is the only real plus. We asked reception for extra towels, and the man said he needed to check whether we were on the list. Once he realised we were staying two nights, he said they’d be brought up, but they never arrived. The crockery was old and falling apart, and a loose handle made cooking unsafe. We wouldn’t stay again. At best, this hotel deserves one or two stars.

None of the rooms have opening windows, so it feels airless and smells of cheap air freshener. Don’t bring kids here. The washing machine was out of order, there was no TV remote, and the foam pillows and squeaky spring mattress weren’t comfortable. I could hear the neighbours’ TV while trying to sleep. We’d been promised a garden view but were moved to a rooftop view because other bookings were more important. No apology, no care. The front desk staff seemed as lifeless as the rooms. Parking out front costs money, or it’s $15 a night in their lot. I’ll never return. There’s plenty of better-looking accommodation down the same road.

The room looked tidy and nice, and the receptionist was helpful when I arrived. He showed me the secure parking space before charging me, in case my car wouldn’t fit, and arranged a late checkout. The view was nothing like the photos, though, just air conditioning units and a shabby building. The fridge made a loud wind-like noise all night. When I showered, water ran across to the toilet and onto the kitchen tiles, which got very slippery when wet. That doesn’t feel safe, especially in an accessible room. Reception was closed at checkout, so I couldn’t raise these problems. It was handy being close to town. I’d arranged a 6:30 pm check-in, but they rang at 5:50 to ask where I was, as if I were inconveniencing them, even though they’d said reception was open until 8 pm.