Whakatane Hotel

Looking at the inviting photos on the web site to actually going there is a big difference. We booked a queen room and were given a double room, as it appeared to be a double bed shoved into a corner, wall board falling off the wall, a shower that need attention and running water that sounded like a jack hammer when used.. Sure the building is old and needs attention, all part of the character. Unfortunately though what you expect to what you get isn't the same. I wished we had checked the room out before payment was made. As for the establishment, cool old pub.

This old fashioned hotel oozes character. The decor is replete with Irish motifs and the furnishings are distinctly old style. The guest lounge could belong in an 18th century gentleman's club, with deep leather sofas and a picture, not of the queen but of Marilyn Monroe. The carpet and fittings are worn and in need of refurbishment. But please not renovation; that would spoil the character of the place, and there are so few like it left. The management warns that it can be noisy but during my midweek visit the noise from the bar downstairs was muted. My single room was basic, but clean and comfortable. The guest kitchen is basic too, but adequate. The central location is ideal. The bathroom facilities are shared but quite private - separate rooms, not cubicles.