Marzens accommodation from NZ$126

There are pros and cons about this hotel. I don't think I will use this hotel again. Pros: Across the street from train station. Room is big and have a lot of counter and shelving space. A few restaurants around and access to groceries. Cons: Front desk is not very friendly. Staff at the front desk take a while to acknowledge customer's presence. Check in and out is very time consuming. They ask for a security deposit on credit card and stated that it will be refund at checkout; but, when I check out, they said that it will be refunded at the end of the day. I have never encounter this in any hotel. I did get the refund but it's impossible to follow up after you have left the hotel and moved cities. Also, it's listed as an apartment hotel; unfortunately, while the room has cook tops and sink, it has no cooking equipment or dishes. When I asked for a bowl and plate at the front desk, they said that it's only for studio room and so they wouldn't provide me with either. This is very strange, and defeated the purpose of booking this room.

The apartment was good value for money, centrally located in a lovely little neighbourhood with a supermarket and bakery a two minute walk away. About a 10-15 minute walk from the train station. Staff were lovely and helpful and the building smelled nice and clean when you walked in. The kitchen is very basic, just a large cupboard with a two ring hob, microwave, kettle and fridge and very basic crockery, some of which was not clean - but easily fixed and we managed fine. Bed was very comfortable and we slept well though you could easily hear people coming and going early in the morning. Overall a very pleasant stay in a lovely city.

Ras