Bay Plaza Hotel

This hotel offers a highly desirable urban retreat, primarily distinguished by its central location and often stunning views of the city and harbor, making it a memorable choice for many guests. Its prime position allows for easy access to major attractions, appealing greatly to sightseers and business travelers attending events in the city center, as well as families and couples seeking convenience. Guests frequently commend the friendly staff and the overall comfortable beds, which contribute to a pleasant stay despite the hotel's older appearance. The hotel is often seen as a good fit for those prioritizing accessibility and value. To maximize your stay, consider requesting a room on a higher floor to fully appreciate the panoramic vistas, and take advantage of the supermarket directly across the road for quick access to essentials and food options, enhancing the overall convenience of your visit.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides essential facilities, though some aspects receive mixed feedback. Parking is available on-site and is often praised for its convenience and value, despite some guests finding the spots a bit tight or the cost an additional expense. A significant point of discussion is the absence of air conditioning in the rooms, with guests noting that only fans are provided, which are often insufficient to cool rooms, especially during warmer periods. The lifts are frequently mentioned, with reports of them being slow or one often being out of service, leading to wait times, though renovations are noted. While Wi-Fi is available, some guests experienced it cutting out or being slow, impacting connectivity. Other in-room amenities include a refrigerator, which some found noisy, and the lack of a microwave is occasionally noted.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is varied, with many rooms described as dated or tired in their decor, indicating a need for modernization. Despite this, most guests find the rooms to be clean and the beds comfortable, often praising the quality of sleep. However, noise is a recurring concern; guests frequently report significant street noise and issues with thin walls, leading to sound transfer from neighboring rooms or corridors, which can disrupt sleep. The bathroom areas are consistently highlighted as being particularly old and small, often lacking a proper fan for ventilation, and some reviews mention issues with mould or shower functionality like inconsistent temperature or loose heads. While windows can be opened, they are often single-glazed, contributing to noise and drafts.

Dining & Food Quality
Feedback on the hotel's dining options is quite mixed. The breakfast receives varied comments; some guests find the options good and well-prepared, while others describe it as average, with specific criticisms regarding the quality of toast or the availability of coffee. The restaurant itself garners diverse opinions; some guests praise specific dishes, such as the fish, and appreciate the overall menu, while others express disappointment with the food quality, likening it to microwave meals or pre-made sauces, and find it overpriced. Service in the restaurant and bar areas has also been inconsistent, with some guests noting inexperienced staff or issues with team coordination. Despite some positive experiences, the dining facilities do not consistently meet all guest expectations.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is overwhelmingly praised as its strongest asset, offering exceptional convenience for exploring the city. Guests consistently highlight its proximity to major attractions, including an easy walk to Te Papa Museum, the waterfront, and the vibrant CBD with its numerous restaurants and cafes. The presence of a New World supermarket directly across the road is frequently mentioned as a significant convenience. The hotel is also well-situated for those attending events at the Takina Convention Centre or visiting Oriental Bay. While parking is available on-site, it is typically an additional cost, though many guests find it to be a valuable and easy-to-access amenity given the central urban setting.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receive high praise from guests, who frequently describe them as friendly, helpful, and attentive. Many reviews highlight positive interactions, noting the staff's willingness to assist with requests, provide local information, and ensure a pleasant stay. The check-in process is generally reported as quick and efficient, contributing to a smooth arrival experience. While overall service is commendable, feedback on housekeeping is more varied; some guests appreciate the cleanliness, but others report issues such as uncleaned rooms, missed services, or specific amenities like milk not being replenished. Instances of staff entering rooms without sufficient notice have also been mentioned, though these appear to be isolated.

Additional Information
A recurring theme across reviews is the hotel's dated decor and the general consensus that it is in need of a renovation. Despite its age, many guests emphasize the value for money offered, considering its prime location. However, noise insulation remains a significant challenge, with guests frequently reporting disturbances from both external street noise and internal sound transfer due to thin walls. The lifts are also a point of frequent mention, with one often being out of order or operating slowly, leading to occasional inconvenience. Guests should be aware that while the hotel provides a comfortable base, its older infrastructure means some amenities and room conditions may not meet modern expectations.