The Best Western in Auckland is nothing special really. The kitchenette in the room is convenient, and the room is clean. We were on the 13th floor (really there!), so that was funny.

Downside was it was very noisy on the street overnight. Also the elevators are terribly slow, and sometimes not working at all. Our roomkeys had to be reset after one day, 'cause they were not working anymore.

Location was great, just next to the Sky Tower.

My husband and I were due to fly to Christchurch last year from Singapore via Sydney the day after the terrible earthquake. We had to change our plans at the last minute and managed to get a room in this hotel. Our first impression from the outside and surrounding area was not good, but once we ventured inside and were met by two smiling faces at reception who were very understanding about the problems we were experiencing we were a lot happier. The room was a medium size, with a double bed, and chair, we had a shower room with plenty of space, and both were extremely clean. The added bonus for us was the microwave, kettle and sink, where we could make a snack and breakfast at our own leisure. There is a small supermarket next to the hotel, which is ideal if a bit expensive, but no more than you would expect from a convenience store in the heart of the city. We found the internet linked via the TV to be very useful, once you have got the hang of how to place the keyboard, as we needed to change all our plans and find other accommodation at the last minute. Having travelled from the UK originally we had plenty of washing and even though we had checked out and were waiting for a transfer we were still allowed to use the washing machines and dryers found on a number of floors. All in all a very nice hotel very close to all the shops, the sky tower, and not far from the bus and ferry terminal. If you don't like hills then this might not be an ideal hotel as it is in the middle of a fairly steep one so you either have to go up or down, very good for the calf muscles.

I got into Auckland a day before leaving on a cruise and wanted a place near enough to walk to the ship and central enough to sightsee on my free day in Auckland.

The hotel fit the bill for me, although I like to walk. If a hike isn't your thing, and you're going on a cruise, use the Hilton instead.

But this place was good for me, although I felt it was a bit below my usual expectation of a Best Western. I think the brand has been going downscale over the last few years.

The lobby was small, the rooms, clean but sparse. I liked that the main shopping street was at hand, but I'd probably go elsewhere next trip as it seemed overpriced.

If you're a bit of a backpacker, the regular airporter bus stops close enough to walk the last blocks and will save you a few dimes over a shuttle or cab.

Central location.Adequate room with basic cooking facilities. Microwave, fridge, toaster and kettle. No cooking rings. Internet expensive for 24 hours in the room. Free internet available at the local esquire coffee shops so don't pay for it unless you really want to. Room average and location was the priority. Staff not friendly by Kiwi standards. Would stay again though for the location. Dead fly on the windowsill was still there after "housekeeping" had been!