[khhill]

I made a reservation for the Kiwi International Hotel from their website, paid booking fee, received confirmation, and now (a few days later) received an email that their computer quoted me the wrong rate and they want 2X the rate now.

The location looks great, but I do not have a good first impression with what appears to be a "bait and switch tactic." I tried to give them the benefit of the doubt when I first booked after reading two very differing reviews online, but now I'm not so sure.

Anyone stayed there before with good or bad experiences? Any recommendations for other centrally located, affordable hotels in Auckland?

Thanks!

[jo-and-jeff]

NZ takes a very pro-consumer, firm stance on this sort of thing.

Send them a strongly-worded e-mail pointing out that if they refuse to honor the reservation at the rates that they confirmed to you, they will be guilty of making False Representations and engaging in Unfair Trading Practices, as defined by the NZ Fair Trading Act (http://www.consumeraffairs.govt.nz/consumerinfo/fta.html#enforcing), and you're sure that they would really prefer not to be the subject of an investigation by the NZ Commerce Commission. (Include that website link in your e-mail, so that they know that you're cognizant of the relevant law.)

If they still refuse to honor their rate, I would make an alternate reservation at another hotel and then report them for a violation of the Fair Trading Act.

You do have the option of accepting their terms, then making a claim against them with the Disputes Tribunal (http://www.consumeraffairs.govt.nz/consumerinfo/disputes.html), but that would be time-consuming and a pain (and there is no gurarantee of a positive outcome for you), so I wouldn't necessarily recommend it.

Whatever you do, be sure to save a hardcopy of your confirmation form and all correspondence between you and them.

Jo

[khhill]

Thanks for the link Jo! I'll post an update when I hear back from them. OH is afraid now that if they do honor the reservation, they'll put spiders in our bed :uhoh

[Cardy]

Hi i stayed there at xmas . the room i had was very worn and well used ,there was no aircon and it was very noisy outside at weekends. the location is good but at night you wouldnt want to be walking about on your own down queen st it has some unsavoury characters knocking around .I didnt eat there so cant comment on food but there was a nice cafe over the road for brekkie english style. lots of internet cafes if you need one very cheap . When i stayed there i got a good discount for booking 14 nights and it was fine just to use for sleeping . good base for interviews and it has a carpark if you hire a car .
If you need any more info just pm me
Cardy :)

[khhill]

Thanks for the info Cardy!

[khhill]

Just and Update: The Kiwi International Hotel has agreed to honour the confirmed reservation! :D

[voxel]

I stayed there in early 2005 for a few days. It's near K-road right? Great location because it's not too close to the noisy shopping and nightclubbing part of Queen St. Lots of food choices around too.

It's cheap, a little worn, and basically a 2+ star hotel (better than a hostel, but not a brand-name hotel). I'd recommend it - I had no problems myself.