My wife, two sons and I recently stayed here for 3 nights, 4 days. It is a 3-star hotel, so I must remind myself this fact when writing this review. I gave it a "very good" rating due to the price and overall value compared to other 3-star hotels (and even 4-star) I have stayed at. Individual ratings are reflected in their respective categories.

The location is brilliant. Couldn't ask for more, being only 100 metres away from the main Paihia waterfront, and all the restaurants, stores and 'action' of Paihia.

The hotel looks impressive from the front as you approach it. The pool out in the front certainly lends an element of resort-like feel to it. Check-in area is clean and uncluttered, and you are greeted with a smile.

Check-in was hassle free (we booked online via their "e-saver deals") and were issued out room keys within minutes. I had to fill out another form though, which had all the details when I booked online. They could have at least prepopulated the form with the details they already had.

The room was bright and neat quite possibly due to a recent renovation to the hotel was completed. The bathroom was clean, fully stocked with the usual amenities and facilities (toilet, shower, basin) worked well. The beds were comfortable, and the room had all the usual basic amenities (iron, TV, kettle, fridge, etc).

The air-con however was not working. We advised the front desk, and she said that I had to leave it on for a few minutes for it kick in. Excuse me, but I think I know how an air-con works. I went to the front desk 30 minutes later, and asked her to have someone fix it. She said the Duty Manager would check it out. We came back from lunch a couple hours later, and she advised that the Duty Manager had put it on the right settings and now works. No it didn't. I went back down again, and she for some reason kept on insisting that I had changed the settings. My goodness! In the end, I asked her to send the Duty Manager up to the room whilst we were there. He arrived 15 minutes later and after some fiddling with the remote control, he was finally convinced that the air-con was not working. Geez, how many times does a customer need to tell you your air-con is not working till you believe us?? Anyway, the Duty Manager was great, and instantly told us that we could change rooms. All sorted in 5 minutes, which was excellent of him. He also offered to help us with our bags, which was gracious enough.

Parking at the hotel is adequate and hassle free as parking bays are located outdoors, on-site.

We didn't try the hotel food as we were spoilt for choice in Paihia itself.

The hotel surroundings are pleasant (well the beach/waterfront is right in front!), and there is also access from the rear of the hotel.

All in all, a well-priced, respectable enough, no-frills 3-star hotel in a brilliant location, that could do with a bit more refinement in their service levels. After all, it is the service/hospoitality industry, and it doesn't matter how many stars you are before you should always deliver good service to your customers. I would go back again and recommend this to my friends.

This is a new, clean place. I wasn't too impressed with a young female receptionist who said our bags had to stay in the foyer for a few hours when we arrived fairly early. Next day another receptionist was there - same situation arose - and she quickly put the baggage safely away elsewhere. The Kingsgate had a free shuttle bus which took us to Opua. Not sure if they'd drive any further for free though. Don't be put off by the rather cheap and shaky bannisters leading to the restaurant. The restaurant is smart and new with great views. We had a nice breakfast there. I'd be pleased to stay at the Kingsgate again.

The travel information centre originally sent us to the Copthorne Hotel where we were shown an old outdated room without air conditioning. The receptionist kindly informed us that they also managed this property. We couldn't believe the rooms in comparison clean, modern and spacious. For not a lot more we were able to stay in the one bedroom apartment with a balcony facing the water. It came with it own private parking space was next to a laundry room ( detergent provided for free) and had a well equipped gym. We initially booked for 2 nights but were enjoying our stay so much we extended for an extra night. The apartment had a good kitchen ( no oven) but more than met our needs. There were 2 tv's and the the one in the bedroom had a DVD player. The bathroom was equipped with a jacuzzi bath tub and lovely products. The breakfast was the best we experienced during our whole stay in New Zealand and the location was great right in the heart of Paihia. If I was going back to Paihia I wouldn't hesitate to stay here again the staff are doing a great job

Went through a booking site to get a room for New Year, found the hotel we had booked, one of the very few shown as available, had shut down. This was the second time we had been caught out, so I tried the Kingsgate as a last resort. It seems this establishment had helped out several families who had seen their plans ruined, by misinformation. A room was found for us and we were able to enjoy the evening topped off with a great firework display seen from the hotel garden. The rooms are fairly standard but the hotel commands a wonderful view of the action in the Bay of Islands. Two double beds in our room, only downside was lack of a bottle opener,problem solved in true kiwi fashion flip the cap with a bic lighter! We could enjoy the music coming from the bar and see the dancing which went on until midnight.