Stanley Apartments

The hotel is primarily known for its excellent location directly across from the Claudelands Event Centre and Globox Arena, making it an ideal choice for event-goers and business travelers attending conferences or shows. Guests frequently highlight the spaciousness and general cleanliness of the apartments, offering good value for money. It appeals to budget-conscious travelers and families seeking self-catering options due to the apartment-style setup. However, a recurring point of feedback is the off-site check-in process, which many found inconvenient. To ensure a smoother arrival, guests are advised to carefully review check-in instructions beforehand, as keys must be collected from a different location across town. Additionally, some guests recommend bringing extra blankets during colder months and a wine bottle corkscrew, as these amenities are not consistently provided.

Facilities & Amenities
The apartments are generally well-equipped with kitchen facilities, including a stove, oven, and large fridge, making them suitable for self-catering and longer stays. Guests appreciate the provision of basic cooking utensils. Most units offer free Wi-Fi, though some guests reported connectivity issues or difficulty getting it to work consistently. Carports and parking are available, which is a significant convenience, although some found the parking layout confusing or limited during peak times. However, a common complaint is the absence of a comfortable couch in the living area, with many units only providing chairs or an additional bed, limiting comfortable lounging space. Other missing amenities noted by guests include a washing machine, teapots, hangers, drawers for clothes, bedside lamps, and electric blankets. Some also experienced issues with the heat pumps, finding them difficult to use or insufficient for heating bedrooms, especially in winter.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests frequently describe the apartments as clean and spacious, providing a comfortable environment for their stay. Many appreciate the quiet nights, contributing to a restful experience. While some guests found the beds comfortable, a notable number reported the beds and pillows to be quite hard. Issues with cleanliness were occasionally mentioned, including a cockroach sighting, stains on the carpet, and dirty kitchen drawers. Several guests highlighted concerns with the bathroom, such as a leaking pipe, a toilet seat that did not fit properly, and door gaps that compromised privacy. The shower head was often described as being too high or lacking a handheld option, making it difficult to use, and some found the shower itself challenging to get in and out of. During colder periods, the lack of extra blankets or heaters in the bedrooms led to discomfort, with some experiencing condensation and cold conditions overnight.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently praised, particularly for its close proximity and walking distance to the Claudelands Event Centre and Globox Arena, making it highly convenient for attendees. Guests also appreciate being close to town and the CBD, with various shops and restaurants within easy reach, including Grey Street and Victoria Street. The area is generally described as quiet, contributing to a peaceful stay. Many found the property easy to find and navigate around town from. Free parking is available on-site, which is a significant advantage, though some guests noted that parking can be limited or confusing, especially during busy periods. The hotel's location also offers proximity to the Waikato River and a local park, providing options for outdoor activities. However, some guests reported receiving confusing directions to the property itself.

Staff & Service
The staff generally receive positive remarks for their friendliness and helpfulness, with many guests highlighting their accommodating nature when issues arose. However, the most significant and frequently mentioned aspect of service relates to the check-in process. Guests consistently express frustration with the requirement to travel to a different location across town to collect keys, describing it as annoying and inconvenient, particularly for late-night arrivals or those unfamiliar with the area. Some found the directions provided for this off-site check-in to be difficult to understand. Additionally, the requirement to pay a bond upon arrival made some guests feel untrustworthy, although the bond was typically returned upon departure. Despite these procedural challenges, the direct interactions with staff members were largely positive, with guests appreciating their willingness to assist.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the in-room entertainment typically consists of Netflix and YouTube, with no access to traditional free-to-air TV channels, which was a disappointment for some. A few guests reported significant noise from neighbors, including stomping from upstairs units and disturbances from parties, with one concerning instance of pornography being cast to their TV via the shared Wi-Fi network. This suggests potential issues with soundproofing and network security. For those with mobility concerns, the open-tread concrete steps leading to upper flats were noted as potentially dangerous during wet weather. Other minor but recurring observations include the absence of a mirror in the bathroom and a lack of complimentary toiletries, which guests might wish to bring themselves. Some units also lacked basic items like a wine bottle cork opener or a dustpan and vacuum for minor clean-ups.