Waitomo Lodge Motel

We’ve had wonderful stays at Waitomo Lodge before, but this last one was unpleasant because of the host. She asked us to arrive early, around 6:30 pm, since she was busy that evening. We got there at about 6 and waited five minutes at reception while she didn’t respond. She said she’d been washing her hair. Later, Sky Sport wasn’t coming through on the TV. When we asked for help, she refused, saying Sky wouldn’t work if three or four other guests were already watching. Luckily, helpful neighbours fixed the connection and we got to watch the match. The next morning we stopped by reception to mention there was only one plate in the room, but she wasn’t there. The service was poor and just plain rude.

I was visiting from the far north and this was my first stay at Waitomo Lodge. The lady was welcoming and the service was good, but the room was another story. At first it seemed fine, then I realized I had to leave the curtains open to use the A.C., which felt unsafe and left very little privacy. The bathroom was very dated, the dim lights and odd sloping floor made it feel unclean, and the shower wasn’t inviting. The bed felt flimsy enough that I worried it might break if I moved. The next day I noticed bites on my body that hadn’t been there before. For $170 a night, it wasn’t a great experience, and I probably won’t stay again.

Everything was super clean and most amenities were provided. The location was great, just before the town centre and beside all the gas stations. I’ll stay again.

Everything else was perfect, with a spacious, clean room, working TV channels, and easy check-in and check-out. The chairs and table on the balcony were dirty.