Novotel Auckland Ellerslie

This hotel is highly regarded for its friendly and professional staff and its comfortable and spacious rooms, making it a suitable choice for various travelers. Its signature feature is its strategic location, particularly beneficial for those attending events at the nearby Ellerslie Race Course or visiting the adjacent private hospital. This makes it an excellent fit for event attendees, medical visitors, and business travelers seeking convenience and a restful stay. Families also find the hotel accommodating due to its room configurations and kid-friendly dining options. To enhance your experience, it is advisable to clarify parking availability and costs upon booking, and guests with specific needs, such as opening windows, should confirm room features in advance.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities designed to enhance guest comfort and convenience. Many guests appreciate the well-equipped fitness center, providing ample opportunities for exercise and relaxation. A notable feature is the readily accessible filtered water station near the elevators, which guests find very helpful for refilling water bottles. The hotel also provides meeting rooms for business or event needs. However, some guests have noted issues with the lifts (elevators), with one often being out of order, leading to occasional delays and frustration. There is no swimming pool on site, which some guests might miss, but the available amenities generally cater well to most needs.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be clean and comfortable, with many praising the quality of the beds for a restful sleep. The spacious rooms are also frequently highlighted as a positive aspect, offering ample space for relaxation. However, feedback on room condition is mixed; some guests describe the decor as dated or worn down, suggesting a need for refurbishment. Issues such as inconsistent air conditioning and mini fridge functionality have been reported. The bathroom areas receive varied comments, with some noting them as old, lacking proper ventilation, or having showers over baths that can cause water to spray. Additionally, some guests have experienced missing in-room amenities like tissues, shower caps, or sufficient towels.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining options receive considerable attention, particularly the buffet breakfast, which many guests describe as beautiful, awesome, and offering a good range of food, including options for gluten-free diets. The dinner service and cocktails are also frequently praised for their quality and taste. However, feedback on breakfast can be inconsistent, with some guests reporting that hot food items were dry, cold, or that popular items ran out quickly. Issues with coffee availability and quality have also been mentioned. Room service has received mixed reviews, with some guests finding the menu options limited, the food bland, or the service slow. The restaurant and bar facilities are appreciated, though some guests were disappointed by their early closing times, often by 10 PM.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is a significant draw for many guests, offering easy access to the motorway and being conveniently situated near a major hospital, the Ellerslie Race Course, and a train station. This makes it ideal for those attending events, seeking medical care, or needing quick transit to the airport, which is approximately 20 minutes away. Guests also appreciate its proximity to Cornwall Park for leisure and nearby supermarkets. However, the parking situation is a recurring point of concern. While parking is available, it is often described as difficult, expensive, and frequently full, operating on a first-come, first-served basis without guaranteed spots, leading to frustration for guests who have to park off-site.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff consistently receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and professionalism. Guests frequently highlight the attentive service provided by reception, restaurant, and housekeeping teams, noting their willingness to accommodate requests and ensure a pleasant stay. The check-in and check-out processes are often described as seamless and efficient. Many reviews commend individual staff members for going above and beyond, making guests feel welcomed and valued. While the vast majority of feedback is positive, a few guests have reported isolated instances of less friendly or abrupt interactions with some reception staff, and occasional slowness in restaurant or bar service.

Additional Information
Guests who are part of the Accor loyalty program often report receiving benefits such as room upgrades, which enhances their stay experience. The hotel also offers interconnecting rooms, a valuable feature for families traveling together, allowing for both privacy and proximity. Some guests have noted the hotel's sustainability efforts, such as the practice of removing key cards to save power, though this has occasionally led to issues like food spoiling in mini-fridges. There have been instances where guests experienced refund issues or unexpected charges, particularly concerning non-refundable bookings. It is also worth noting that the hotel shares facilities with an Ibis Hotel, which can sometimes lead to confusion regarding brand-specific offerings.