The Surrey Hotel

The hotel offers a distinctive blend of old-world charm and modern convenience, making it a memorable choice for many travelers. Its signature features include a welcoming onsite restaurant and bar that exudes a classic pub atmosphere, and a popular indoor pool enjoyed by guests of all ages. The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted, providing easy access to various city attractions and public transport. Guests frequently commend the friendly and helpful staff, as well as the overall comfort and cleanliness of the accommodations. This hotel is particularly well-suited for families seeking convenient amenities, business travelers valuing accessibility, sightseers keen to explore the city, and concert-goers due to its proximity to major venues. To enhance your stay, be aware that ongoing roadworks near the hotel may affect access and noise levels, and it is advisable to confirm pool operating hours as they can be limited.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a range of facilities designed to enhance guest stays, though some aspects receive mixed feedback. The indoor pool is a popular amenity, especially for families, offering a recreational option regardless of the weather, although some guests noted the water temperature could be cold or that the spa was out of order. While a fitness center is mentioned, reviews suggest it is basic and may not meet expectations for a full gym. Free Wi-Fi is available, but many guests reported issues with its reliability and speed, finding it often unusable. Some rooms are equipped with a kitchenette, including a mini fridge and kettle, though the presence of a microwave is inconsistent despite being advertised, with staff offering to heat items if needed. Guests also appreciate the convenience of self-service laundry facilities and the availability of air conditioning or a heat pump in rooms, though these units can sometimes be old or noisy.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is generally positive, though with some notable exceptions. Most guests found their rooms to be clean and tidy, often describing them as spacious and comfortable, with many appreciating the comfortable beds and modern bathrooms. However, a minority of reviews reported significant cleanliness issues, including hair, smears, dust, and even insects, suggesting inconsistencies in housekeeping. While many guests found the rooms to be quiet despite the central location, others experienced considerable noise levels from upstairs occupants, neighboring rooms, or external roadworks. The bathrooms are frequently praised for being newly designed and having good shower pressure and hot water, though some minor issues like missing soap or condensation were noted. Some rooms are described as having an older or dated appearance, and occasional maintenance concerns like broken window latches or noisy mini fridges were mentioned.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's onsite restaurant and bar receive largely positive feedback, serving as a convenient and enjoyable dining option for many guests. The food quality is frequently praised, with highlights including the Sunday roast, pizza, and various main dishes like steak and chicken, often described as delicious and generously portioned. The restaurant atmosphere is noted as pleasant, providing a good setting for a relaxed meal or a drink at the end of the day. While the breakfast receives mixed reviews regarding its variety and value, some guests found it satisfactory. However, some feedback indicates that room service can be inconsistent or unavailable for longer stays, and a few guests reported issues with slow service or undercooked items at the buffet breakfast. Overall, the dining facilities are considered a significant asset, contributing positively to the guest experience.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a major advantage, placing guests within easy reach of numerous city attractions and essential services. It is conveniently situated near Eden Park, Western Springs, and popular areas like Ponsonby Road and K Road, making it ideal for both leisure and event attendees. Guests appreciate the easy access to public transport, with bus stops located directly outside the hotel, facilitating travel around the city. While the location is highly valued, ongoing roadworks in the vicinity have caused some inconvenience, leading to difficulties in navigation and occasional noise. Parking is available on-site and often free, which is a significant benefit in the city, though guests frequently mention that spaces can be tight or limited, sometimes requiring street parking or parking across the road from their rooms, particularly for those staying in annex buildings.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receive high praise for their exceptional friendliness and helpfulness, significantly contributing to a positive guest experience. Many reviews highlight the staff's professionalism and attentiveness, from the reception team ensuring a smooth check-in process to the restaurant and bar personnel providing excellent service. Guests commend their willingness to assist with various requests, such as heating food, providing guidance to rooms, or arranging a shuttle service to Eden Park. While most interactions are positive, some isolated comments mention inconsistencies in housekeeping, such as missed room servicing or failure to replenish amenities. Despite these minor issues, the overwhelming sentiment is that the staff are a standout feature, creating a welcoming and supportive environment for visitors.

Additional Information
The hotel possesses a distinct older style and character that appeals to many guests, though some perceive it as dated. A recurring point of feedback relates to soundproofing, with several guests reporting issues hearing noise from adjacent rooms or upstairs occupants, which can impact sleep quality. For added convenience, the hotel offers self-service laundry facilities, which are appreciated by guests on longer stays. Unique services include the provision of SIM cards for guest use during their stay and an on-site car rental option, offering flexibility for exploring the area. Guests should also be aware that the reception area for some rooms is located across a busy road from the main hotel building, which can be a minor inconvenience upon arrival.