Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge Paihia

I was extremely disappointed with my stay at KingsGate Autolodge Paihia. Although our visit was very short, our experience was unfortunately overshadowed by the poor service we received at check-in. We arrived late in the evening, fully expecting that most places nearby would already be closed. We were checked in by Jaime at the front desk, whose attitude was cold and unwelcoming from the very beginning. It genuinely felt as though she wanted to do the absolute bare minimum. When I later returned to ask about the hotel’s facilities, the answers I received were vague and unhelpful. The most disappointing incident occurred while we were playing table tennis and waiting for a food delivery. Jaime came running towards us and loudly called out, “Did you order food? Your delivery driver is waiting. Your phone is unreachable, so he contacted the property. Please come and get it!” The manner in which this was handled was abrupt, unprofessional, and frankly embarrassing. Having stayed at hotels all over the world—including budget backpacker accommodations—I have never experienced staff communicating with guests in such a disrespectful way. That said, I would like to recognize Rrohan and Melody, who were exceptional throughout our stay. They were friendly, approachable, and genuinely made us feel welcome. They were easily the standout members of the team, and if I were ever to return, it would be because of the service they provided.

Exquisite views of the bay from our junior suite. The breakfast that was included was so dreadful (canned fruit, egg slop and bad coffee from an urn) that after the second day, we ate a delicious breakfast at Zane Greys across the road on the pier for the rest of our stay. Not one hook in the bathroom and only enough lounges by the pool for 2 people. I just don’t get it! Why can’t the amenities match the beautiful view and exorbitant prices. Unfortunately, I would not recommend this motel.

It was my first trip to Paihia. The Kingsgate hotel has one of the best locations in Paihia, a merely couple of minutes walk to the pier, restaurants, cafe, supermarkets and shops. From Kerikeri airport, it will take around 20 minutes to reach the hotel. Despite its prime location, the hotel has a long way to go. The most notable fallback is housekeeping. They only make the bed, and replace towels, not vaccum the floor nor clean the toilet. The public area is dirty, ciggaret butts on the public walkway for days, amongst tissues and rubbishes. I stayed there for 4 nights, toilet stains and dirts on the carpet were not cleaned during my stay. I had to clean the bath tub myself. The another issue is the infestation of crickets. In summer, the bay area is infested with crickets. My room is on the ground level, these clawlies came in through the gap of the door, got into my pillow and bed, lots lots of them in my room. The cleaning staff kindly provided me with a bottle of insect spray. The first thing everyday after retuning to my room was to use tissue to fill the door gap. This is the last thing you wanted to do when in holiday. Again dead crickets just lied on the floor for 4 nights without being cleaned. Please see my photos attached. Some staff at reception are not welcoming at all, particularly the two young male staff, displaying their stoney faces and cold attitude all time, not a "thank you" from their mouth. Not sure if they were still under training. A large chunk of this hotel business is from large volumn of coach tours. So it is very busy when coaches carrying loads of people in and out very day. Although it is rebranded as a hotel under an international hotel chain, its services is far under what motels can offer. There is a pool onsite which is nice, and the gym is not operated by the hotel, but hotel guests can freely access. You have to obtain a special access card from the reception each time. You room key can not access to the gym. The kingsgate charges Hilton price but its services definitely do not match. I will certainly investigate other options next time.