Relatively new and modern looking motel but worn-out carpet with sharp features (staples/nails) protruding from the carpet edges close to the interface on the adjoining sections with the kitchen and bathroom. Fortunately, the sharp features are not long enough to prick deep into the feet of adults/children but these are considered as safety hazards to those who do not wear shoes inside a premise or room.
Truly shocking to find a used underwear left by previous occupant between the heat rail and wall in the bathroom, which is deemed a red flag to us considering that we are now living in COVID era. The finding of this underwear put a doubt in our mind that the room was sufficiently sanitized/cleaned before we occupy it during our second stay (first stay was ok other than the worn-out carpet and sharp features on the carpet edges).
There are no heaters in the rooms, only inverter air conditioner in the hall/common area. The rooms were cold when we checked-in during winter period (July 2022). Inadequate heating in the bathroom because of the bathroom tiles and dimension stones on the bathroom walls.
On the day of check-out a Chinese lady from the motel called us enquiring about a hardened spot on the carpet of the room that we stayed overnight. She suspected we burned something in the room that had caused the hardened condition (later she described as burned) and we clarified that we did not do any cooking/smoking or have any device with us (e.g. mobile heater) that can cause hardened condition to the carpet, and moreover there is fire alarm or smoke detector within the room. We've asked for photo evidence to validate the motel's claim about the hardened surface on the carpet but did not receive them. We've disputed this damage claim and surprisingly additional transaction of NZD500 was charged even when this dispute is being mediated by the booking platform. There isn't photo evidence to show the location of the alleged damages or breakdown details to reflect what are the specified damages or extent of it to substantiate the additional payment presumably for the repair cost. So be warned about this motel putting up unsubstantiated/dodgy damage claim and charge your card even after leaving the country!
Truly concerned that the motel will continue to retain credit card details and charge further without consent/authorization. Will lodge official complaint to the city council and other NZ consumer groups about the health and safety issues, and dodgy damage claim to unsuspecting tourists like us.