Ascotia Off Queen

This hotel is highly regarded for its central location, making it an excellent base for exploring the city. Its proximity to key attractions and public transport makes it particularly suitable for sightseers and budget travelers looking for convenience without a high price tag. Many guests appreciate the friendly and helpful staff who contribute positively to the overall experience. While the hotel offers good value, some aspects of room maintenance and amenities receive mixed feedback. To make the most of your stay, consider utilizing nearby public parking options due to limited and expensive on-site parking, and be prepared for potential issues with in-room air conditioning, as fans are often provided as an alternative.

Facilities & Amenities
Guest feedback on the hotel's facilities and amenities is varied. The Wi-Fi connectivity is generally available, though some guests experienced slow speeds or disconnections. The fitness center has been noted as being under maintenance or not fully functional during some stays. Similarly, laundry machines have been reported as broken or difficult to use. The elevators are frequently described as run down, temperamental, or having visible repairs. In-room amenities like the fridge sometimes leak, are noisy, or freeze contents, and the kettle has been found dirty or lacking accompanying items like spoons. Power outlets can be awkwardly placed or loose, and the TVs are often small, at odd angles, or not fully functional. While a basic kitchenette may be present, it typically lacks cooking supplies, a toaster, or sufficient cutlery. The on-site restaurant and bar are available, offering well-priced food, though their operational status can vary.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is notably mixed. Many guests find the rooms to be clean and comfortable, with some praising the comfortable beds and firm pillows, ensuring a restful night's sleep. However, a significant number of reviews highlight concerns regarding cleanliness, mentioning stained sheets, dirty cups, black marks on walls, and even instances of mold in bathrooms or on windows. Room size is a frequent point of discussion, with many finding them to be quite small. Noise levels from corridors, neighboring rooms, and street traffic are commonly reported due to poor sound insulation. A recurring issue is the lack of functional air conditioning, with guests often provided with a fan instead. Other in-room amenity complaints include missing or unreplenished shampoo, shower gel, or milk, and stained or insufficient towels. Some bathrooms experience issues with loud or non-functional bathroom fans, inconsistent shower pressure, or toilets that are slow to refill or flush.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers breakfast options that receive varied reviews. Many guests appreciate the buffet breakfast for its value and variety, describing it as well worth the cost and offering a good selection of items like hash bites, scrambled eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit. However, some guests find the breakfast to be disappointing, describing it as "so so," not fantastic, or basic, with food sometimes being served cold. The restaurant on the ground floor is generally seen as a convenient option for meals, with some positive comments on the food quality for items like butter chicken, pizza, and burgers, noting they are well-priced. Coffee and tea facilities are available, though some guests noted issues with dirty kettles or a lack of stirring spoons.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as a major advantage. It is situated just off the upper end of Queen Street, providing easy access to numerous restaurants and shopping options. Guests appreciate its proximity to key attractions such as Sky Tower, which is about a 15-minute walk away, and the Aotea Centre. While the harbour is within walking distance, some note it involves a long, steep descent and ascent. The hotel is conveniently located near public transport stops, making it easy to navigate the city. Parking is a significant point of feedback; while on-site parking is available, it is often described as expensive, limited, and having very tight spaces, leading many guests to recommend using nearby public parking facilities like Wilsons carpark.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel generally receive high praise for being friendly, helpful, accommodating, and attentive. Guests frequently commend their willingness to assist with requests, such as printing documents or addressing room issues. The check-in and check-out processes are often described as quick and seamless. However, some guests have reported issues with the security deposit process, experiencing delays or difficulties in receiving refunds, and some found the check-in time to be late and check-out time early. Housekeeping service receives mixed reviews; while some guests report rooms being well-serviced with clean towels, others note a lack of thorough cleaning, unreplenished amenities, or late service. Despite these occasional inconsistencies, the overall sentiment towards the staff's demeanor and willingness to assist remains largely positive.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of several important details that may impact their stay. A security deposit of $250 is typically required upon arrival, and some guests have reported significant delays or difficulties in receiving its return. The hotel often faces issues with its air conditioning policy, as units may not be functional, with fans provided as an alternative, leading to warm rooms. The overall hotel condition is frequently described as old, tired, or in need of updates, with visible wear and tear. Sound insulation is often poor, allowing noise from corridors and neighboring rooms to be easily heard. Some guests have reported issues with the elevators, describing them as run down or temperamental. There have been isolated but serious reports of bed bugs, which guests should be vigilant about. While windows can be opened for ventilation, this may lead to increased street noise. The hotel also has a policy of non-refundable bookings, which can be problematic if guests encounter significant issues during their stay.