Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre - Riverside

Always a favourite spot for a good night's sleep. Going through upgrades and the new rooms are perfect and modern. The food has improved too. Well done!

Very disappointed with the service. There was cheaper accommodation available to book in Whangarei but I chose to be loyal (stayed here before), and paid more for a 'quieter' room. It was NOT quiet. Can hear people on the floor above. Can hear people going up the stairs... until all hours! For the approx $160 / night you'd expect at least your cup is washed / replaced with a clean one and clean teaspoons. Nope!!! Bed not made up despite me putting out the sign to service the room! Disgusting! No vacuuming. I'm tired after a long day of auditing, I expect to get what I pay for and that is service! If it was a different guest each night, bed would be made each morning with sheets changed, vacuum, new cutlery and crockery. So to expect a clean cup isn't a lot to ask especially as there is NO kitchen or dishwash liquid in the room. I don't think, for the price you pay, it is asking a lot to have the bed made either. Only good thing. I complained about the disguising dirty shower and the shower cable was replaced. Discussed my concerns with the manager and it was implied that I should be happy that my bed was even pulled straight as other hotels leave linen outside the room in a bag. Evidently company policy is 15 minutes per room, bed pulled straight. I told the manager that should be communicated on the website!!! And price adjusted accordingly. THOUGHTS: 1. I pulled my blankets straight each day. What did the cleaner do? I admit, they folded the fleece blanket BUT THAT IS IT!!!! 2. If the room was rented to a new guest each night, there would be clean linen each night. The excuse does NOT hold. 3. 15 minutes, per the manager, per room. Well, 15 minutes gives me time to make a bed, swap out for clean cups and teaspoons, do a courtesy vacuum and have spare time. If your cleaners can't do that then you need new cleaners! 4. I paid A LOT of money for this accommodation, a lot more than other establishments. Given the economic climate and no international guests...perhaps look after the NZ guests better???? 5. Did I really have to show them the dirty shower hose? Gross!!! I didn't even comment on the water stains and soap scum and dirt around the tray. I will NOT be back. I've stayed at this hotel twice through my employer; once when I had my own business and was there for work; and once privately. If I could give no stars for service and value for money, I would.

Great location. Friendly staff. Clean rooms The bed was NOT good super soft and old, gave me back ache. We ate dinner at their restaurant and the steak was nice and cooked perfectly.

The staff make this place a joy to stay at! Everyone we encountered was friendly, helpful and fun. Our room was renovated stylishly, with very comfortable beds. Great location on the town basin.

Absolutely fantastic stay! Rooms were big enough, beds comfy, strong Aircon units and most of all pool, spa pool and gym on sight! Loved the breakfast, more than enough to pack in to last your tummy the whole day. Thank you to the team for a lovely first time experience and stay in Whangarei!! Surely won't be the last ? P.s the view outside of the hotel, the quayside just beautiful

The welcome and support from the front deals was great. Room was spacious and well laid out, bed was comfy. The dinner was very over seasoned and hardly edible, be meal was not heated through. (Similar on all three dishes). The location was excellent and rooms very quiet!

Checked in one of the twin room for work..this is one of the newly renovated rooms that are much nicer than the old rooms which I previously stayed at. Service is as expected. Didn't eat at the restaurant and why would you, when this is in walking distance to the basin (great location for dining etc). I've stayed in lots of places in Whangarei for work. No this is not the Hilton but for Whangarei..this might be as good as your gonna get (especially for the price). I would stay here again (but only in the newer rooms)

Probably one of the most unclean hotels I’ve stayed. When we first got to the hotel… we asked to use the bathroom. I entered one of the reception cubicles and there was half cleaned up vomit on the wall. The corridors stunk like they hadn’t been washed in years. Our shower had grime/mould… I wiped it with a tissue to check it wasn’t just a stain and it was definitely grime. I understand they are renovating… however, why would you renovate a whole room and not replace the old shower? We also went for breakfast and there was food all over the floor from the dinner. I also asked them what they do with all the left over breakfast items …and the lady said .. oh we keep most of it for the next day… like the bacon. I’ve left one star… as the staff are their only saving grace. The ladies working at reception and the breakfast host were welcoming and friendly. If only their facilities and cleanliness were on the same level as their customer service.