Best Western Ellerslie International Hotel

This hotel is frequently praised for its cleanliness and the spaciousness of its rooms, offering a comfortable stay for many guests. Its signature feature is its highly convenient location, providing easy access to major motorways and local attractions, making it an excellent choice for concert-goers, business travelers, and families exploring the city. While the staff consistently receives accolades for their friendliness and helpfulness, some aspects of the hotel, such as the restaurant's weekend hours and Wi-Fi reliability, receive mixed feedback. To ensure a smooth experience, guests are advised to confirm restaurant operating hours and check their room's amenities upon arrival.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities, though guest experiences vary. Parking is a significant positive, often available directly outside rooms and generally abundant, providing convenience for those traveling by car. However, some guests noted issues with unallocated disabled parking. The pool is available and enjoyed by children, though some reviews mention it being cold or in need of cleaning and maintenance. Wi-Fi connectivity is a recurring concern, frequently described as slow, unreliable, or difficult to connect to, posing challenges for guests needing to work or stay connected. Rooms often include a kitchenette, which is appreciated for its size, but some found it poorly equipped or noted the microwave was positioned too high. Many rooms feature a spa bath, which is a popular amenity, though a few guests reported it being old or having blocked jets. Televisions are present, sometimes multiple per room, but some guests found them small, difficult to operate, or lacking proper channels. An iron and board are typically provided.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally commend the hotel's cleanliness, describing rooms as tidy, spotless, and well-maintained. However, feedback on bed comfort is mixed; many found the beds comfortable and conducive to a good night's sleep, while others reported them as hard, worn, or sagging. Rooms are consistently noted for their spaciousness, often described as large apartments, providing ample room for relaxation. Noise levels are a significant point of contention; while some guests found their rooms quiet and soundproof, many reported disturbances from street traffic, sirens, loud neighbors, or internal hotel noises like air conditioning units. The bathroom facilities are often praised for being modern and well-sized, though issues such as mold, water damage, lack of privacy, or showers that surge between hot and cold water were occasionally mentioned. Some older rooms were noted to have a persistent musty or moldy smell. Minor maintenance issues like broken blinds, worn furniture, or non-functioning lights were also reported.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's restaurant receives mixed reviews, with a significant and frequent complaint being its closure on weekends, particularly for breakfast and dinner. This often leaves guests needing to seek dining options elsewhere. When open, the food quality is described as varied; some guests found meals delicious, tasty, and of a good standard, while others characterized it as aggressively average, overpriced, or comparable to predictable pub fare. Specific issues included incorrect orders, burnt or rubbery food, and a lack of variety. Breakfast options, when available, typically include standard items like bacon, eggs, and hash browns, but some guests reported issues with preparation or missing items. Room service is offered and can be convenient, though some guests experienced slow service or order inaccuracies. The bar is generally noted as well-stocked.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a major highlight for many guests, offering excellent accessibility to various points of interest. It is conveniently situated near major motorways, making travel around the city straightforward. Guests attending events at venues like Mt Smart Stadium or the ASB Showgrounds found the hotel's proximity ideal. It is also within easy reach of local amenities, including the Ellerslie village with its cafes and restaurants, and shopping areas like Sylvia Park. Public transport options, such as a nearby train station and bus stops, further enhance its accessibility. While the location is generally praised for its convenience, some guests noted it is situated on a busy road junction, contributing to potential noise.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff consistently receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with guests frequently highlighting their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Many reviews commend the team for providing excellent customer service, being accommodating, and going the extra mile to assist guests. The check-in process is generally described as quick and efficient. Staff are often praised for their willingness to resolve issues promptly, such as addressing TV problems or hot water concerns, and for offering thoughtful gestures like room upgrades or allowing late check-out. However, there are isolated reports of negative experiences, including instances of rude or unprofessional behavior, difficulty communicating with some staff members, or issues with booking cancellations due to payment card problems.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel often requires a deposit upon check-in, with some reporting delays or issues in receiving refunds. While the property is described by some as more of a motel than a traditional hotel, it generally provides a comfortable stay. The hotel has implemented 24-hour security, contributing to a sense of safety for guests. Some rooms have undergone renovations, offering modern amenities, but other areas or rooms may appear dated or in need of maintenance. Guests with specific accessibility needs should note that some rooms may not be ideally set up, with issues like shower lips or high-placed microwaves being mentioned.