Trinity Wharf Tauranga

The restaurant was a highlight for us, with delicious food and drinks that were very well priced for the quality. We also loved the view, a solid 10/10. Service was outstanding, and the pool, gym and convenient parking were excellent. We absolutely loved our stay at Trinity Wharf.

The place itself is beautiful, with spectacular water views, but that was sadly the only good part for us. Our group had booked breakfast for 200 people well in advance at a set time. In the end about 100 of us came, most of them elderly, yet the preparation was disappointing. The buffet had hash browns, bacon, breakfast sausages, scrambled eggs and baked beans, all delicious. But after 10-15 people, the food was gone. Refilling just one item took 10-20 minutes, so by the time trays were replenished, much of the food was on the cold side. It was a long wait. Some people ended up with only a couple of spoons of beans, while another had just two sausages after getting tired of waiting. I've worked in hospitality and catered for larger groups. When a big party is expected, the kitchen should have filled trays ready, with more food cooked and more ready to cook as supplies are taken out. With only about 100 of us in the end, things should have been easier.

Our three-bedroom apartment was huge, clean, comfortable and well equipped, and the staff were really friendly. It's well placed for getting to things, though you need a car since there's not much within walking distance. To get to the Mount, you'll have to drive and park, about 10 minutes away. That was fine for us, visiting during the week and early in the season.

We stayed over Christmas with overseas visitors, and our over-water rooms were perfect. Jason deserves a special mention: even while busy looking after all the diners, he made us feel welcome. Trinity at reception was just as welcoming, and all the hotel staff were friendly and professional. Breakfast was great. We'll definitely book again.