Rydges Wellington

We never got the follow-up they promised, and the night’s credit they said we’d receive never came through either. We were there for four nights. After the first night, my partner and I woke up covered in bed bug bites. The room had been pretty sparse for the price, to be fair. I discreetly told management, and they moved us to another room, said they’d send in a team to deal with it, and promised to let us know whether they found bed bugs. I’d strongly urge anyone to think seriously before staying at this hotel.

The hotel is well located for the wharf precinct, but I left disappointed and won’t return or recommend it. At reception, the staff seemed unwilling to help and unwelcoming. Right from the start, I felt as though they thought I was lucky they’d let me stay. Although listed as executive, the room was small and dated. It was clean, and I was glad to be there alone. The curtains let in too much daylight, and the strange floor-standing AC was noisy even on its lowest setting, which I needed because the room felt airless. Water also escaped from the shower cubicle. The pool was okay, but the sauna wasn’t working. At breakfast, the buffet pots had loose lids rather than hinged ones. It was awkward trying to juggle a plate, a lid and tongs.

The location was perfect, the stay was pleasant, and the complimentary alcohol and valet parking service were nice touches. The hospitality was excellent. The old AC didn’t cool the room enough, though, and it took some effort to find the TV remote and turn off the screensaver at night.

For around 300NZD a night, we were hoping to unwind and treat ourselves. Instead, the spa area was so loud and stressful that we had to leave. Around ten kids were jumping into the pool, fighting with pool noodles, throwing balls and spitting water around. They played ball in the hot pool too, while their parents encouraged them. The whole pool was taken over, and there didn’t seem to be any rules or anyone checking that people were behaving decently. It felt like a family entertainment park, and we needed a vacation after it. A few other things also seemed wrong for a 4-star hotel. Our shower was broken or not holding up, the bathroom counter was damaged, and there were no robes or slippers for the spa, so people walked in wearing street shoes. I’ve stayed here a couple of times before and always loved it and recommended it, but this visit felt very different. Honestly, it was really disappointing.