The Sands Hotel Hokianga

I have to start by saying that the front desk ladies were all lovely, polite, kind and patient, as well as embarrassed and should never have been put in the position they found themselves. Eventually, a full refund was given, but none the less, travelers should be aware of our experience. And the hotel needs to take action... Original room booked was Villa 4, with spa, private outside space and luxury bathroom. The bathroom was great, the rest of the room and kitchen was beyond tired. The sofa and chair had stains on, 2 x legs of the chair were broken and the dining table was so old, marked and stained also. I didn't venture to look inside the kitchen drawers nor the spa. 1 x light fitting wasn't working either. That was enough, and at $355.50 a night, when the hotel states luxury, thats what I was expecting. We didn't unpack, I went straight to reception and showed the lovely lady the photos I had taken and asked to be moved. Apparently only 1 other room available (hard to believe). I decided it was better than the previous room, we were both wowed wit the stunning scenery of the Hokianga Harbour (who wouldn't be!) - It was getting late and the thought of a long 3 hour drive home was not on the cards so we decided to accept the room. I was offered a refund for the difference. The second room being $290. I am going to let the photos talk for themselves.... However, what the photos don't show was the shower, which had no trap. Running the water for around 15 seconds was long enough for scum and debris to come up the pipe and fill the shower tray. It really was disgusting. We were offered a free breakfast but after the shower debacle, our confidence on the standard of cleanliness was pushed to the limit. We left early the next day! The reception staff were left to deal with my complaint, which they did in a very understanding manner, but no management, nothing, no letter from them as a way of apology, inconvience or just why they are still offering accommodation which is so clearly not up to standard. It really was the second most disgusting experience whilst staying in a hotel, motel, campground, even a back packers... Management, you really need to get your priorities right. Shame on you for charging these prices and if you were to say you would stay happily in the rooms we were offered, then I will call your bluff, that is a huge untruth!

Our room was not as advertised. It was a disgrace and should be decommissioned immediately. Our two bedroom beachfront apartment was FALLING APART. Everything was broken. The air-conditioning didn’t work, curtains are falling off their rails, windows don’t lock, blinds don’t open properly, and the bathroom door jams closed requiring two people to force it open. The original kitchen has been pulled out and replaced with a kitchenette leaving mismatched tiles, switches that do nothing and an awkward space with the fridge near the door. Only some of the lights worked. The fan in the bathroom (which itself has had so many DIY tile and floor repairs as to look like a flooring museum) was caked with dust and loudly rattled. There was dirt everywhere. And in the second bedroom wallpaper peeling off the walls where ‘repairs’ have been attempted. There was also brown marks from years of skin oil on doors and switches. Gross! The place is run by a husband and wife team. He tried his best to help us with the air conditioning situation by pulling fuses and turning power on and off - but an “E1” error kept flashing, so eventually he gave up and left us to endure a hot night. I reported the broken bathroom door to her just after check in - and I was told she would “try” to get it looked at. That never happened. On the plus side the location is gorgeous and the restaurant was nice. But I’d never stay here again. It’s not fit for purpose.

The Unit we stayed had just been decorated, was done on the real cheap, bad workmanship prevailed in other units also redecorated. Owing to the location I believe it is very difficult to find good help and it shows. Some of the others had to relocate as their rooms were sub-par. However, the Staff were great, helpful and eager to please, the food was excellent, great views, the place was clean and tidy. In summery it was an uncomfortable room to stay in, bad lighting, nowhere to sit, one chair, but the bed was comfortable.

Clean, tidy and beautifully renovated room. Enjoyed the meals. We had a great time. See you again soon.

Great stay at The Sands Top choice for Omapere/Opononi stay. Large establishment with beachfront and courtyard units. We appreciated being upgraded to the Beachfront. Idyllic sitting in our patio area enjoying the seaview. Nice Bar and Restaurant with a deck to enjoy the good weather and sunsets. Plenty of free parking. Helpful staff

Location Location Location Location its all about location. Superb views of the Hokianga harbour, the golden sands and the friendly atmosphere of the staff from the moment of arrival until departure. The rooms are spacious and very clean. Very satisfied with the whole experience which made the weekend very enjoyable.