Gateway International Motel

The beds were clean, comfortable, big and free (!!!), but I was appalled by how dirty the place was. There was quite a bit of dirt and debris that could easily be removed. It badly needs an update, with fresh paint and a new kitchen and bathroom. It might be OK for a night if it’s just the lads, but I wouldn’t bring my partner here, she’d kill me!

The location is handy and the service was acceptable, but the room quality was way below standard, especially at the market rate. I agree with the other negative reviews. I went into one of the rooms and immediately felt throat irritation. The filth and run-down condition were disgusting. My lesson: always check reviews before booking.

From the outside, the inn was absolutely disgusting. Inside, there was a horrible smell and dusty furniture. The bath and shower didn’t look clean either. I pulled back the covers because I didn’t want to sit on the dirty top blanket, then found the mattress and sheet were wet. I spoke to the cleaner, who gave me an extra towel. I definitely wouldn’t recommend it.

We changed hotels after exactly 10 minutes. I dare you to last longer at the Gateway Motel in Rotorua. The gardens were unkept, the grass overgrown, the walls chipped and the car park dusty. From outside it looked like a drug squad raid set or a Quentin Tarantino film gone wrong. Indoors was worse: rotten old furniture, filthy carpet, and all five of us got that itchy-skin feeling while unpacking. The kitchen was a joke, with ancient cutlery, questionable amenities, a sponge that looked ten years old and cabinets with visibly rotting wood. And the bathroom, oh boy. Thongs are mandatory. I’d rather go without a shower for days than step into that grotesque bathtub.