Karaka Tree Motel

We paid for an ensuite room - $248/night discounted price from booking.com Arrived on the day, the first two people at that reception were not very welcoming. No hello but looked at us as if we’re lost. I told them I was checking in with my family and the booking was under my name. Still no smile and I tried to keep cool.nnWe were told that the spa was not accessible. All I wanted at this point was to ask for a refund but I decided not to be a drama queen and we were there to have a good time with our kids as we’ve got activities booked the following day. They gave us the key to our room, we checked in and saw why the spa wasn’t. I thought when they said it’s not working, it’s probably because it’s not working but it’s actually run down. The photos online were false advertisement. The spa had grass growing around it and cigarette butts in them with dirty as water. So gross The shower was dirty and it had mould. Even worse, the shower door doesn’t close properly. I am not sure what’s the name of the place next to this accomodation but they were having a massive party the night we checked in. They made so much noises up until the early hours and we can hear it so clearly that my kids took ages to sleep. Even someone walking past the front door, you can hear them talking as if they’re inside the room. To be honest, the beds were not so bad. At least we slept but not that comfy. I told myself that I will not complain and waited until the next day for us to leave and will never return to this place.

Came here many years ago with family so has wonderful memories for me. Second time coming here in a matter of three months. Very friendly hostesses and a great price. Good location and although it is slowly being renovated and updated it has everything One needs or wants.

I will never book here again. This is nothing near a 4 star facility. Yes it is a bit run down and out of date, but there is no excuse for the filthy/unhygienic state of the room. Very much in need of a deep clean. Suspect there are health and safety issues with the mineral spa set up. Be careful.nBooked two nights here, on the way to and from Auckland. Didn't end up staying second night as our booked room had someone in it. We were offered a cheaper room without refund of the balance. Really unhelpful and rude. Eventually, got the full refund. Was told by reception they weren't concerned as they could rebook the room that day for more than we paid 9mths ago. Guess we know their priority now.

Shocked upon entering the room as I didn't get what I paid for, It was unclean, with ants crawling everywhere such as the bathroom basin, walls, tiles, and table, the carpet was very damp, and the room smelt musty, very unsanitary as all bedsheets were stained, the spa wasn't working at all and was used as a storage for decaying wood. The new owner is poor at face-to-face communication and isn't very empathetic when understanding why me and my family were unsatisfied with the cleaning standards of this place. Personally not worth spending any money here at all as it comes with the hassle of feeling unclean and at risk of health violations, and new owners cannot compromise properly with guests.

9.20am the cleaner or owners son knocked on my door and I yellowed out “hold on” but he continued to unlock the door, luckily I had the chain lock on so he couldn’t open the door fully. I yelled out again and said “stop I’m getting changed”. Then when speaking to the man afterwards, he told me check out was between 9-10 and I said yes, but it’s not 10 yet. Felt very rushed and wasn’t happy being kicked out.nThe place is run down which is understandable with the age of the place but wasn’t happy with the cleanliness of the room I stayed in either. There was a dried puddle of urine at the base of the toilet and a thick dark hair in the bed also.