The dilapidated state of the exterior set the scene for what was to come with lichen growing on the signs, weeds in the guttering and all through the driveway, etc.
Reception was no better, being met with a grille closed over the counter, a phone on which you could leave a message but was never answered and multiple surveillance cameras.
The unit was no better. Mouldy curtains, a dripping tap, shower screen that a cleaning product had not been near for ages, blood spots on the sheets are examples of what greeted us. While furniture was adequate, other facilities were not. Two thimbles of milk were insufficient for two people for afternoon and morning, there was no dish cloth or detergent, no kitchen plug, no plates or knives, and only one small cake of soap for both hand basin and shower, and near empty toilet roll and tissues.
The only reason for actually staying was that the room had to be paid for in full at the time of booking!
West Coast businesses have been quick to say that New Zealanders need to visit and spend our money there to help them recover from the effect of the pandemic. Rather than just expecting this as an entitlement, I put it to them that they need to get their act together and offer a product that is deserving of our patronage.
