Richmond Guest House - Mount Victoria

(TW: unsafe conditions for women) Good parts: Clean, Easy to come and go, I visited in a chilly early spring and the room was really warm. My night flight was delayed and I missed my check in time, owner was totally fine with it. Petty complaints: breakfast starts late, making it hard for people trying to get out in the morning quick. I'm an introvert and nothing about me says talk to me, yet he forced me into another awkward one-sided conversation. Limited food options for breakfast. I leave one star as a woman-appearing person who was travelling alone. When I came late the first night, he checked me in, but wouldn't let me leave the conversation, and even when I tried to excuse myself he made a point to keep talking and maybe accidentally, blocked the door via using his body in the way. Despite me telling him I wasn't hungry, and just wanted to go to bed, he insisted I eat or drink something; I settled on tea and so I could make it myself, just in case he was about to drug me (call me paranoid, I was a young college girl travelling alone, if you are too and you're reading this don't accept food/drink from an older guy who's the only person around). This conversation took place while we were the only ones there, and I hadn't seen any other patrons yet. What he said that disgusts me still (I visited in early 2018) is him saying along the lines of pretty young girl like you really shouldn't be travelling alone, he made reference to his past incarceration and said he knew plenty of men that would take advantage, so be careful. Outside of the owner, there seems to be little security outside the house, and you receive physical keys for the outside door and your specific room. This kind of set-up is dangerous for women as keys take a good while to jiggle with, providing time for someone to take advantage of you - twice in this situation. I see 1 star reviews that discuss the owners' physical deformity. This review is too-long because I want to reasonably review it. Despite my thoroughness I cannot in good conscience not address that I'm sure some people saw an older man with albeit a severe physical deformity and judged him wholly. In others' reviews I've seen them state he was rude to other guests, gruff, and didn't make accommodations. Despite everything I've said thus far, none of those complaints I experienced or saw. He provided an extra towel when needed, was accepting and patient despite me arriving late to my check-in time because of a plane delay, and was only friendly to other customers at least in front of me. TLDR: Yes, the price was reasonable for a step above a hostile & clean, but bc of how deeply unsettling the owner is I cannot recommend. DO NOT COME HERE IF SOLO YOUNG WOMAN! If there's no options and feel safe/are a man, it's an OK cheap option. If you can choose elsewhere I'd suggest supporting a different locally owned business.

Arrogant and rude host. Me and my girlfriend didn't feel safe and had to spend the night somewhere else. My girlfriend felt intimidated as he talked down to her and start criticize her, this is not an expected behavior to have towards guests. I don't recommend for single female travellers.

Location was idyllic, quiet & close to Mt Victoria reserve. Host John & Ms (sorry missed the name) were polite and accommodating, easy to converse with. The rooms were clean, comfortable with everything you need and the continental breakfast a great touch. Don't be fooled by appearances. I've finally found my regular lodgings for my trips to wellington. Oh! also very cheap!

I had no issues at all, the room I had was spacious, warm and very clean. I stayed 3 nights and each day my room was serviced including an extra towel daily. The host John was very friendly and helpful, nothing was a problem for him. The service were friendly and willingly shared their local knowledge with me. I will definitely stay here again

Perfect for a one-night stop over for early flight. The shower was great. Host was polite. Left too early for breakfast. Enjoyed the decor.

DO NOT STAY HERE. The manager/host is rude, unprofessional and makes strange remarks to women. The bedroom had a strong smell of urine, making it unpleasant. It was so bad we booked for 2 nights but only stayed for 1. We couldn’t get a refund. Just spend the extra $25 a night and stay at a real hotel. My girlfriend felt extremely uncomfortable around John, he asked strange questions about her ethnicity. I have nothing positive to say about this place.

After the year we've had In this current climate and other private stressful times we've had, my partner and I decided that we would have a wonderful , restful and relaxing weekend away. However, this was not to be the case. I would not recommend this place to my worst enemy. John is rude, erupt and unprofessional. His belittling comments to his guest are totally inappropriate. And he's a bully especially towards females. Right upon our first introduction, he was quick to mention how disgruntled he was with other guests. He clearly has no socal skills and should not be in hospitality what so ever. We felt unsafe and had to leave early the next morning and find elsewhere to stay at short notice on a very busy weekend, at peek room rates. The room and ensute where fine, quirky. You get what you pay for. We just didn't expect to be treated so rudely as part of the deal. It's disappointing as some of other reviews of him are fine, and others not so much.

Nice small guest house located close to all major places in the city (walking distance to Te Papa, Cuba street and the Cable car etc) John the host has a passion for antique things and it definitely adds an atmosphere. Our room was clean and had everything we needed. Breakfast contained a range of cereals, tosts with butter/jam/peanut butter/chocolate spread/lemon curd and tea/coffee.