Beaconlea Tower Apartments

I have taken my family to stay at Beaconlea many times. This trip I took my 3 grandchildren and they simply loved it as we all had plenty of space for ourselves. The location and views are superb as well as being very handy to everything. Each morning, after beautiful walks around the waterfront enjoying all of the amentities and playgrounds, we swam in the heated pool. After long days at theme parks we were pleased to stay at home to eat and valued the well equipped and updated kitchen. Everything we could have wished for was available and welcoming.

Booking for 12 nights made in July 2024 through Agoda for stay Jan 2025. Booking confirmed by Agoda and Beaconlea. Payment made pre stay through Agoda. Messaged Beaconlea through Agoda messaging system 30 mins prior to boarding international flight from New Zealand to be advised that our booking was cancelled as Beaconlea have no contract/further business with Agoda (noting they are still advertising with Agoda) but we can book directly with Beaconlea for more than twice agreed price. No other option but to confirm and pay given flying internationally, in peak tourist season and no time for other options. And when we arrived tried to charge us a further $10 per night from agreed through Agoda messaging. Entered room without warning. Very disappointed with the whole situation. Feels like the whole interaction was underhanded and Agoda is being used to lure people in, and then cancelling with no notice, backing people into a corner for more money. Would not recommend.

I booked two units at Beconlea some months before our intended stay in January 2025. The booking was through Agoda and was paid for through their site. Four days before travel, I called the hotel to ask about parking. They claimed to not have a booking and that they don't deal with Agoda anymore. They refused to honor the booking but said that the units I had booked were available to me if I cancelled through Agoda and then booked directly through the hotel. I was then quoted prices at least 70% more than I had paid through Agoda. What a disgrace - I have never received such poor customer service at any hotel. I called Agoda, who then called the hotel, but they wouldn't budge. Agoda were wonderful and more than compensated me for the inconvenience. My strong advice is to avoid this hotel altogether, but if you decide to book then be very cautious about using a booking site such as Booking.com, Trivago etc. Based on my experience, how can you have any confidence that your booking will be honored?