DoubleTree by Hilton Auckland Karaka

The grounds and decor are stunning, with lovely trees and plants around the hotel, and a nice pool for kids. Rooms are decent, depending on which one you get, and the staff were polite and courteous. Still, the service needs work, especially at reception, the lounge, and the bar. When I arrived around 6:30, the three receptionists were chatting and ignored me as I walked in, which wasn’t good enough for a Hilton. It was busy, so I went to the bar, where two people were serving. It took 23 minutes to get three drinks, and I wasn’t the only person complaining that evening. I couldn’t find the function room, but a lovely waitress showed me to the back of the hotel. It was small but adequate. Later, when I asked a waitress for a drink, she said it would take a while because they were busy. Really? The food was okay, just a typical buffet, nothing special. It was my first time at this Hilton branch, 25 kms from Aucklands CBD. Would I return? Yes, for a second stay because of the Karaka horse sales coming up in Feb. I hope the service improves.

We spent a week here with our 3 year old toddler, and it was a great mix of luxury and useful amenities for our trip. The hotel was clean and well maintained, and every day the room was cleaned perfectly with fresh sheets and bedding. The staff were all kind, and the buffet breakfast had plenty of choices and was well worth the price. We’d definitely come back.

I usually skip eating at Hilton restaurants, but the food here was amazing, especially breakfast. As a Diamond Member, I got the continental breakfast for free, and the selection was off the chain. There was so much to choose from that I didn’t need to upgrade to the full buffet. The whole property, from the grounds to the rooms, was super clean, and the staff were friendly and efficient. Possibly the finest Hilton property on the planet.

Just a perfect stay. The best hotel I’ve had in the last 100, and head and shoulders above the “5 star” place we stayed at in Taupo. Ben in the bar was great too, just as another reviewer mentioned.