D
Deleted member 29185
Guest
NFirst impression on arrival was good.
I was somewhat surprised that this sprawling hotel, in a wet climate, failed to add a very easy option of a Porte-cochère. Immediate fail in my books. This was followed by no valet staff. My 16 YO son had gone up to hotel, found a trolley and we had unloaded the car and ready to enter the hotel before the valet/consierge arrived on the scene. I was prepared to pay the NZ$35/night valet fee but they kissed that goodbye. I'm definitely not going to reward tardiness, so selected the free parking option instead. Saved me NZ$280 at their expense.
At check in, my expectation was realised. That is continental breakfast for two only and no offer of vouchers in lieu of absent Executive lounge. After the lack of valet assistance, this was disappointing.
We were assigned appt 141 and made our own way there (not difficult) and opened the door. For the first time since arriving, I felt impressed.
What can I say? The appt is superb. Spacious, nicely laid out, views in two directions (over the lake and down to the spa/pool/BBQ) and decorated very much in a style that suits my taste! Having stayed at HSP and H-Taupo (both 3 bedder appts), I can say the Taupo Hilton wins all hands down! The furnishings are comfortable and the decor (including wall hangings) are plentiful, tasteful and homely. The bedrooms are comfortable and big, the bathrooms are usable with niceties like heated floors and towel rails, the kitchen is gourmet and to set it all off, there is even a washer and dryer (essential for a snow holiday). To complete the package, the appt has two balconies and the hotel has a drying room, heated pool (25o) and heated spa (30o) along with a tennis court and DeBretts thermal pools right next door!
In room benefits include the barest HH offers.....2 small waters per stay, a letter from the assistant manager explaining the standard benefits on offer (form signed), a newspaper and a turndown service with very nice chocolates) and an offer for late check out + 1000 bonus points.
Continental breakfast was ordinary but full breakfast not much better. On a continental breakfast package, I was shown the inclusions and the maitre d' left. I only later asked (after seeing other receive same) whether the awful urn coffee was the only offer for continental. Apparently not, He was just too lazy to ask me (there was virtually no one in the restaurant). That annoyed me TBH, the lazy **** just sat there!
The ski fields are not close, but NZ has no desirable accommodation on slope so TBH, that's not a big drama IMHO.
All and all Hilton Taupo is an exceptionally nice hotel that lacks the finer touchs apparent in many Oz Hiltons. That said, there is also many positives to make up for some of the shortfalls.
Would I stay here again? Yes.
I was somewhat surprised that this sprawling hotel, in a wet climate, failed to add a very easy option of a Porte-cochère. Immediate fail in my books. This was followed by no valet staff. My 16 YO son had gone up to hotel, found a trolley and we had unloaded the car and ready to enter the hotel before the valet/consierge arrived on the scene. I was prepared to pay the NZ$35/night valet fee but they kissed that goodbye. I'm definitely not going to reward tardiness, so selected the free parking option instead. Saved me NZ$280 at their expense.
At check in, my expectation was realised. That is continental breakfast for two only and no offer of vouchers in lieu of absent Executive lounge. After the lack of valet assistance, this was disappointing.
We were assigned appt 141 and made our own way there (not difficult) and opened the door. For the first time since arriving, I felt impressed.
What can I say? The appt is superb. Spacious, nicely laid out, views in two directions (over the lake and down to the spa/pool/BBQ) and decorated very much in a style that suits my taste! Having stayed at HSP and H-Taupo (both 3 bedder appts), I can say the Taupo Hilton wins all hands down! The furnishings are comfortable and the decor (including wall hangings) are plentiful, tasteful and homely. The bedrooms are comfortable and big, the bathrooms are usable with niceties like heated floors and towel rails, the kitchen is gourmet and to set it all off, there is even a washer and dryer (essential for a snow holiday). To complete the package, the appt has two balconies and the hotel has a drying room, heated pool (25o) and heated spa (30o) along with a tennis court and DeBretts thermal pools right next door!
In room benefits include the barest HH offers.....2 small waters per stay, a letter from the assistant manager explaining the standard benefits on offer (form signed), a newspaper and a turndown service with very nice chocolates) and an offer for late check out + 1000 bonus points.
Continental breakfast was ordinary but full breakfast not much better. On a continental breakfast package, I was shown the inclusions and the maitre d' left. I only later asked (after seeing other receive same) whether the awful urn coffee was the only offer for continental. Apparently not, He was just too lazy to ask me (there was virtually no one in the restaurant). That annoyed me TBH, the lazy **** just sat there!
The ski fields are not close, but NZ has no desirable accommodation on slope so TBH, that's not a big drama IMHO.
All and all Hilton Taupo is an exceptionally nice hotel that lacks the finer touchs apparent in many Oz Hiltons. That said, there is also many positives to make up for some of the shortfalls.
Would I stay here again? Yes.
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