Honeysuckle Executive Apartments Newcastle

This was my third stay at this property while travelling back to Qld. First stay was excellent, which is why I returned. Unfortunately, after my second stay, I experienced suspicious activity on my bank account that resulted in me cancelling my card. Because of that experience, I was extremely careful during this most recent stay. When I arrived, I was advised that check-in wasn't available until 3:00 pm, which was not an issue. At check-in, I purchased parking for $25 and paid for it at reception along with my accommodation. The following morning, after I had left, I received a phone call advising that I still needed to pay for parking. I explained that I had already paid at reception. Despite this, I was sent a payment link requesting another $25 payment. Naturally, I did not pay it because the parking fee had already been settled. About a week later, a further $25 was debited from my account, appearing with "NEA." When I contacted the property and selected the accounts option, I was met with an extremely rude Indian bloke. The staff member I spoke to was dismissive, unhelpful, and insisted the charge had nothing to do with them. What makes this particularly concerning is that the payment link they previously sent me clearly displayed "NEA", and matched the amount of the unauthorised charge exactly. Despite this, I was told it wasn't them. I then emailed the property with screenshots of the transaction and requested an immediate refund. That email has been completely ignored. These On-going payments that were coming out were the reason I had to cancel my last card, this time I've cancelled it before too many come out. Be very cautious on giving your card details to this business.

Very disappointing stay. We were downgraded to a lower‑category room with no notice, despite paying around $200 extra for a higher standard and two bathrooms. Reception insisted the suite “couldn’t have been booked” even though I had a direct booking and written confirmation. With no management on site over the weekend to escalate the issues, I was told I’d need to wait until Monday and would receive a partial refund but they could not confirm the amount or if it would be equivalent to the difference in rates. The room itself was also poorly maintained, showing long‑term neglect rather than a simple missed clean. It was very unhygienic (photos attached). Management has since refunded the rate difference and acknowledged the issues, but the overall experience was far below acceptable standards. I won’t be returning, even with the offer of a 20% discount on a future stay.

The one bedroom apartment was well priced, comfortable & spacious. Well located to the CBD, light rail, interchange & waterfront dining precinct, plenty of paid parking on site & surrounding streets. We didn't like the coded keypads to enter the building & our room, many times we couldn't get out of the car park or into our room which was frustrating. We'd prefer the tried & proven swipe card or fob option!