Standard Queen Room
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Reviews of Putaruru Hotel

3 out of 5
Putaruru Hotel
79 Princes Street, Putaruru, Waikato

Reviews

6.6
Rating 10 - Excellent. 15 out of 100 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 32 out of 100 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 25 out of 100 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 20 out of 100 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 8 out of 100 reviews" "

7.0/10

Cleanliness

7.8/10

Staff & service

6.0/10

Amenities

5.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

6.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

4/10 Poor

DEBORAH

Business traveller, Travelled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Large spacious room. TV didnt work. Not enough pillows.
Stayed 1 night in May 2024
Response from Management on 13 May 2024
Thank you for the review, sorry the tv wasnt working, next time come to reception if you need more pillows so we can help you.

10/10 Excellent

Falaniko

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Andrew was very helpful especially with our check in being after hours.Thank you Andrew
Stayed 1 night in May 2024
Response from Andrew on 13 May 2024
Thank you for the review much appreciated, lets hope we see you again some time soon.

4/10 Poor

philip

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024
Response from Management on 25 Apr 2024
Sorry you had a poor stay with us

10/10 Excellent

Tiju

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Excellent accommodation with all facilities.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024
Response from Hotel Management on 21 Apr 2024
Thank you for the review. We hope you have safe travels and please tell your friends.

6/10 Okay

Iris

Travelled with partner
Disliked: Staff & service
We liked the convenience of being near the centre of the town. The price reflected that the hotel is undergoing refurbishment. We did not like not being told where the kitchen was, so didnt find the microwave or fridge etc . The corridor is poorly lit so we didnt see it until the morning we left. It was a bit noisy, with train, main road traffic, and fire sirens. but once we were asleep it didnt bother us.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024
Response from Management on 8 Apr 2024
Thank you for the review, I am sorry you didnt find the kitchen, because we have upstairs in the main corridors. Fire sirens and road noise we cant predict or stop it.

6/10 Okay

kelly

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
This property was clean and had everything I could need, behind a locked door. The only problem with it was I felt like I was in a resident evil movie. Would I stay again ? Yes I would
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024
Response from Management on 2 Apr 2024
Thanks for the review, it is a very old building and has loads of stories to tell.

2/10 Terrible

kenneth

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I read previous stay reviews and the hotel management responses warning that you get what you pay for with this price — but the property and room I had was not fit for adage inhabitstion — right down to the cigarette burns on the bed cover and windows that did not close - small space heater - extreme dirty room and closet — lights did not work in the reading room - left after one night - sorry place was just not acceptable at any cost
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024
Response from Management on 31 Mar 2024
Thanks for the review, We are sorry you weren't happy with your stay,The window does close, you just have to flip the latch on the bottom of the window. The heater definitely very small, but there should have been a spare blanket in the closet (If not you could have come to reception and asked for one)Please understand that this hotel is very old and you cannot expect 5 star rooms.

8/10 Good

mitchel

Travelled with partner
Old but clean
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024
Response from Manager, on 25 Mar 2024
Thank you for the review.

6/10 Okay

Zdravko

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
U
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024
Response from Manager on 22 Mar 2024
Thank you

6/10 Okay

C J

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The Hotel need urgent TLC
We stayed in this hotel for 2 night's, I would not write negative reviews, because the owners will respond, "you payed a cheap price for the room". But I am sure I am entitled to my opinions, The hotel is definitely in need of urgent TLC, when we arrived at the hotel, the building looks a run down, such a shame, it's look like a very nice art deco building, The Cook restaurant is closed , the Bar as I saw on the Hotel. Com gallery wasn't there, the Pool Table is not there, the grand stairs carpet is showing wear and tear, and the room, the bed and line linen are okay, there was few spiders in the bathroom, but that's fine by me, the paint on the walls and by the window is peeling, there's a few stains on the carpet here and there, oh there was some sharp carpet nail by the bathroom door, I wasn't wear my sandal and I stood on it, luckily it didn't hurt to much. Oh this property is right by the around about, and railway, the train can be very noisy, but that's okay for me. Oh and the town, not much to see really, lucky there are few shops about.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024
Response from Management. on 25 Feb 2024
Thank you for the review, we are in the process of refurbishing the hotel. room at a time. The carpet tack has been fixed. We have carpet ready to put down but thats not going to happen until the new roof is on.

4/10 Poor

Jimin

Travelled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property is in need of a total renovation. Verything is old.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024
Response from manager on 8 Feb 2024
Thank you for the review, but the prices for rooms are fair due to the condition, You booked because of the price i am sure of that.

8/10 Good

Milo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Pretty nice overall. Lovely front desk guy, felt safe at the hotel. Just had trouble with being able to lock our door which was a little scary.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024
Response from Manager on 1 Feb 2024
Thanks so much for the review, I will get onto rectifying the door immediately, thanks for advising us.

10/10 Excellent

Alexander

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Very interesting place to stay, remind me a Soviet hotel
Response from Manager on 29 Jan 2024
Thanks for the review, glad you liked the Hotel

8/10 Good

Nelson

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024
Response from Manager on 31 Jan 2024
Thanks for the review

8/10 Good

Geoff

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Very reasonable cost for a comfortable stay, but may not suit others used to luxury accommodation. Would be great to see the hotel restored to former glory.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023
Response from Manager. on 29 Jan 2024
Thank you for the review, we are in the process of restoring the hotel to its former glory, roof is first to stop the leaks before working on the inside.

8/10 Good

Vanessa

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
An opportunity to go back in time if you love old buildings. Rare to find original building like this. I totally enjoyed my visit.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023
Response from Manager on 27 Dec 2023
Thank you for the review, she sure is a grand old lady and very much a work in progress.

8/10 Good

Kerstin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Great example of art deco architectural style and grace.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023
Response from Manager on 27 Dec 2023
Thanks for the review Kerstin, big job ahead of us but the challenge will be fun

2/10 Terrible

Natsuho

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
星一つもつけたくないです。 バスルームの扉は取っ手が取れていて開け閉めできません。シャワーに電気がなくて暗闇でシャワーを浴びることになります。シャワーヘッドもテープで修理してあって、水が噴水のように出ます。 窓は閉められないので開けたままです。虫が入ってくるし、夜はとても寒いし、横に高速道路と鉄道が走っているのでとてもうるさいです。 幸い、タオル類と枕カバー、掛けるシーツ？は綺麗です。毛布には穴が空いていました。マットレスは板のように薄いです。 壁も薄く、他の宿泊客の声が丸聞こえです。 500年前のホテルの廃墟のようでした。心細く不安になりましたが、トイレットペーパーとウェルカムドリンクは、よく見るものなので安心しました。しかし、ウェルカムドリンクのボードは汚く、ティーバッグなどは埃をかぶっていたので手がつけられませんでした。 普段はチェックアウトぎりぎりまで滞在しますが、早く出ていきたくて仕方なかったです。 翌朝気づきましたが、ベッド横に自殺防止の電話番号の張り紙がありました。 これで$70はあまりにも高すぎます。たとえお金をもらっても泊まりたくないほどです。 二度と泊まらないし、誰にもおすすめできないです。
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023
Response from Hotel Manager on 28 Nov 2023
We are sorry you have had a bad experience at our hotel. We wish you had talked to us during your stay and many of the issues like the tea bags we could easily have fixed for you. It was also strange you found the bed uncomfortable as most of our reviews on all forums find our beds comfortable. I cannot fix the traffic or trains for our guests. Please understand you got the room cheap and at that price you cannoty expect 5 star rooms. We also cannot find the key that you had to the room.

10/10 Excellent

Barney

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Close to all essential shops made easier being a 5min walk to takeaways, dairy and superette Excellent customer service A . Mrs LOVED the deep bath. We really enjoyed our stay and will be booking again in the future. Highly recommend. Thanks team for our stay.🙂
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023
Response from Hotel Manager on 28 Nov 2023
Thanks for the lovely review, Look forward to having you come and stay soon.

8/10 Good

Roderick

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
I stayed for a night and was just looking for a bed for the night which was just as well as the hotel offers nothing else. It is certainly showing its age and is rather rundown but clean. The staff member was friendly enough and welcoming and the location was convenient but you need to be aware the NIMT rail is straight across the road. The hotel is situated on a corner and it is quite a major intersection so there are plenty of trucks passing in the night. However I didn't mind as I lived near train tracks before. You have to dine elsewhere.The reception was unmanned arriving and leaving. Having said all that it was ok and I would stay again there
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023
Response from manager on 13 Nov 2023
Thanks for the review, look forward to your next stay with us.

8/10 Good

Steve

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
I strongly recommend reading the properties website before booking - they are awesome and very accurate in their description of what the property is and isn't. We stayed for 3 nights over long weekend - arriving after 3am in morning (pre arranged). The property was super helpful and flexible and made the process of getting into our room at that time simple and easy. Apart from a quick, friendly conversation on the first morning with one of the cleaners we actually had no face to face interactions with the team over the whole stay - including checking out on the final day. If you want a quiet, basic room at a great price - this is a great option. If you want heaps of extras, a 5 star experience from staff or the latest mod cons - you probably need to look elsewhere. I would definitely stay here again if in similar circumstances.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
Response from Manager on 13 Nov 2023
Thanks for the review, hope we see you again one day, or not see hehehe.

6/10 Okay

Manon

Travelled with partner
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room we had was very nice especially for the price, it’s mostly the decoration from outside but for a night or two it’s absolutely fine! Only problem we had : no power on the plug to be able to charge our phones for all the night. Otherwise, the staff is super nice and welcoming I really appreciate it!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023
Response from Manager on 13 Nov 2023
Thank you for the review, we are sorry you encountered and electrical plug not going. This has now been rectified.

8/10 Good

Monica

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
Response from Manager on 13 Nov 2023
Thanks so much for the review

10/10 Excellent

Sukhjit

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
great
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023
Response from Manager on 11 Oct 2023
Thank you for the review, hope we see you again sometime.

8/10 Good

Joy

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
A very unique 50s hotel. I could feel the wonderful era that it would've been in it's prime. Restoration is in progress so good luck, i hope it can return to it's former glory.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023

4/10 Poor

Sheridyn

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
No parking that is close
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023

6/10 Okay

Elise

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
The Putaruru Hotel has definitely seen better days. The photos of the outside were taken at least a decade ago. When we showed up it was looking very drab. All of the common areas like the bar, ballroom and lounge have been locked up. The lounge had a huge stack of mattresses in it. It's a bit sad to see how glamorous the building must have been and now it has been neglected. There was a strong smell of damp, carpet cleaner and cigarettes in the corridor. The concierge was very friendly and helpful, the room was clean. We weren't bothered by any noise from the street or from other guests. I think this hotel might have quite a few longterm residents based on what could be seen on windowsills from the street. We had a really delicious dinner at the Indian restaurant across the road.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2023

2/10 Terrible

Brian

Travelled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Not what we expected for the price. Old furniture not acceptable dirty chairs not acceptable . Bathroom needs work done. Overall disappointing.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2023

8/10 Good

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Was clean and priced well just traffic noise
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Anthony, Bury St Edmunds

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This is an old art deco hotel now a bit rundown the room we stayed in was amazing
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2023

4/10 Poor

Leonardo Gosal

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities

6/10 Okay

REECE

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Best accommodation in Putararu
Grand old hotel that has seen better days. Room was clean and spartan, linoleum, bed, 2 chairs, table, side table, TV, closet, shelves. Bed was VERY COMFORTABLE. Bathroom, I was not keen to use. Bath with shower, wash basin and toilet. The shower curtain should have been thrown out as was EXTREMELY dirty along the bottom.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jean

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
I’ve given this 5 stars because I feel the owner needs a chance…I’ll explain myself. At one time this hotel would have been very grand, with rooms for every purpose. I think the owner has bought it and is trying to make a successful business of it. There is much that needs doing…but if you can ignore the flaking paint, it is clean, new items have been bought for the room, the bed was one of the most comfortable I have ever slept in, and the sheets were top quality. Even the pillows were new. A new kettle and fridge were in the room, and a plug-in radiator. There was an electric blanket. Yes the carpets were worn…but clean. The bathroom even had a tiny slot for used razor blades…which indicates the age of the building. The owner owns the cafe next door and was busy cooking…and looking after reception. He was pleasant and helpful and I wish him luck with this enormous task that he has taken on.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Rui

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was a lovely hotel which was once built for the queen's potential visit.

8/10 Good

Ian

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2022

6/10 Okay

Priscila

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2022

6/10 Okay

Michael

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
Loved the old art deco style and large room. However the tea & coffee are of poor quality and very few tv channels available. In fact, when it was raining in the morning, the tv reception was CRAP 👎 THE COOK Restaurant was very good though for the price & Sunny? is an excellent chef & host 👍
Stayed 1 night in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Graham

Business traveller
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The service was good. The in house restaurant call really good
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2021

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2021

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
on site parking bad. used the road
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2021

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness
the hotel is quite run down and they are obviously in the process of doing it up, it took awhile to find someone so we could check so first impression was not great but when we got to our room we were very pleasantly surprised big light sunny room comfy bed bathroom though old in good working order and in fact the shower was one of the best showers we had on our trip round the top of the north island. would stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2021
Response from Ish on 23 Mar 2021
Hi there, Thank you for your review. We are glad you enjoyed your stay. Hope to serve you again in future. Regards, Ish

8/10 Good

Kathryn, Kerikeri, New Zealand

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff were friendly and helpful - I was given a free room upgrade. The hotel is old (and showing her age) but is clean and retains her Art Deco charm.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2020
Response from Ish on 12 Aug 2020
Hi Kathryn, Thank you for your review. We are glad you enjoyed your stay. Hope to serve you again in future. Regards, Ish

8/10 Good

Bruce, Wellington

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Probably quite opulent when it was built (and the entrance and stairs still are) but the rooms count as pretty basic now. But fine at the price. The restaurant is good. Sadly, reception couldn't locate our Expedia booking, made more than 24 hours earlier.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2020
Response from Ish on 10 Jun 2020
Hi there, Thank you for your feedback. We had some technical issues between our system and Expedia which is resolved now. Sorry for the inconvenience. Hope you serve you better in the future. Kind Regards, Ish

6/10 Okay

Sandra Willaims

Disliked: Room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2020
Response from Nikki on 18 Mar 2020
Thank you for your feedback, hope we can served you better next time.

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Service was good but facilities a little dated. We had takeaways but no utensils for eating.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2020
Response from Nikki on 18 Mar 2020
Thank you for your feedback, hope we can served you better next time.We will take your comments in consideration for improvements.

8/10 Good

William

Travelled with family
Liked: Staff & service, room comfort
Old but Interesting
Although the hotel is old and in need of some renovation work it does have a lot of character and the staff are very friendly and helpful. The onsite restaurant is exceptional with a great menu, a good beer selection and all at fair prices. I have to say my meal was one of the best Ive had in NZ
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2020
Response from Nikki on 18 Mar 2020
Thank you for your feedback, hope we can served you next time.

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Business traveller
Liked: Staff & service
Beautiful Art Deco style. High ceilings and tile. Lovely wide main staircase. Renovations to restore former glory in progress and being done with love. Ish is a very gracious host who accommodated my late check in needs with a smile
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2020
Response from Nikki on 18 Mar 2020
Thank you for your feedback, hope we can served you next time.

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful room, friendly staff. Nice place to stay
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2020
Response from Ish on 12 Feb 2020
Hi there. Thank you for your feedback. Hope to see you back in future. Regards

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I didn’t like the fact the lack of communication between Expedia and the motel. The motel didn’t have record of my booking!!!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2020
Response from Ish on 21 Jan 2020
Hi there, Thank you for your rating and feedback. We actually had your booking but there was a confusion by our staff since you mentioned you have booked room for two people she did not check the family studio booking. We are sorry about it. Regards

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Staff & service, amenities
Bed wasn’t made but property was very clean. Although property was run down you could tell owners were pouring their hearts into it.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2020
Response from Ish on 16 Jan 2020
Hi there, Thank you so much for your review. I am sorry about the bed. Yes we are trying our level best to provide good experience to our guests. Regards