Gamma Hotel

This hotel is highly regarded for its central location and excellent value for money, making it a popular choice for visitors to the city. Guests frequently commend its overall cleanliness and the friendly staff who contribute to a positive stay. The hotel's proximity to key attractions like Spark Arena and the CBD makes it particularly suitable for concert-goers, sightseers, and budget travelers looking for convenient access to the city's offerings. While it provides a basic yet functional experience, guests are advised to consider booking parking in advance due to limited availability and to be aware of the lack of an elevator, which might impact those with heavy luggage or mobility concerns.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests appreciate the convenience of in-room amenities such as a microwave, fridge, and kettle, often accompanied by complimentary coffee, tea, and milk. The hotel offers a covered and secure carpark, though many note its limited space, tight maneuvering, and additional cost. A shared kitchen is available for guest use, but feedback indicates it often lacks essential utensils and can sometimes be less than perfectly clean. Common complaints include the absence of adequate clothes storage, bedside tables, and shelves in bathrooms, as well as a scarcity of conveniently placed power outlets. A significant point for many travelers is the complete lack of an elevator, which means guests must use stairs, posing a challenge for those with heavy luggage or mobility issues.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel generally receives praise for the cleanliness of its rooms and bathrooms, with many guests highlighting the comfortable beds and good showers featuring strong water pressure and ample hot water. Room sizes receive mixed feedback; some guests find them spacious, while others describe them as small or lacking sufficient space. A recurring concern is the presence of noise from hallways, the street, and other guests, which can significantly disturb sleep. Many reviews also mention unpleasant smells in rooms and bathrooms, often described as musty, damp, or otherwise off-putting. Additionally, some guests note the absence of bedside lamps and occasionally find the provided towels to be thin or worn.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a major draw, placing guests within easy walking distance of the CBD, Queen Street, and popular venues like Spark Arena. It offers excellent proximity to major transport hubs, including Britomart, the train station, and the ferry terminal, making it convenient for exploring the city and beyond. Numerous restaurants and shops are also easily accessible on foot. However, a significant accessibility challenge is the steep hill leading to the hotel, which can be particularly difficult for guests carrying luggage or those with mobility limitations. Furthermore, the lack of an elevator within the hotel compounds internal accessibility issues. While parking is available, guests should be aware of its limited capacity and associated costs.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives high praise for being friendly and helpful, with many guests highlighting their accommodating nature and efficiency during check-in and check-out processes. Staff members are often noted for being understanding and willing to assist with various requests, such as early bag drops. While the majority of interactions are positive, some guests have reported less enthusiastic or unhelpful encounters, particularly when dealing with specific issues or language barriers. Despite these isolated comments, the overall impression is that the staff are committed to providing attentive service and ensuring a smooth experience for guests.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel requires a $150 deposit upon arrival, which is refunded after check-out. The rooms utilize traditional physical keys rather than card keys. Some guests have reported experiencing a loud buzzing sound within their rooms, which can be disruptive. A unique detail noted by some is that the room numbers are written in English words rather than numerals, which occasionally causes confusion. For added convenience, a laundry room is available on-site for guest use, providing a practical amenity for longer stays.