Howard's Mountain Lodge
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Summary of reviewsHoward's Mountain Lodge, located near Tongariro National Park, consistently receives high praise for its superb and convenient location. Close proximity to key attractions like the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and ski resorts, as well as local amenities such as supermarkets and restaurants, makes it a pragmatic choice for travelers. The quiet environment and stunning landscapes offer an ideal setting for relaxation after a day of outdoor activities. Guests also appreciate the easy access to rental shops and shuttle services, which adds to the lodge's overall convenience.
While the lodge does not provide a formal breakfast service, guests can enjoy complimentary items like milk, apple juice, bread and cereal, which add to the cozy atmosphere. The kitchen, though lacking a microwave, is well-equipped for preparing meals and breakfasts, making the stay more convenient.
The rooms at Howard's Mountain Lodge are generally well-received for their cleanliness, comfort and spaciousness. Guests often highlight the cozy beds, ample room size and effective heaters that ensure a warm stay regardless of the weather. The quiet ambiance contributes to an overall restful experience. Shared kitchens and private bathrooms are well-maintained and spacious, enhancing the comfort and convenience of the guests.
Cleanliness is one of the strong suits of the lodge. Many reviews spotlight the spotless bathrooms, fresh towels and well-maintained shared spaces. The friendly and accommodating staff further enhance the welcoming atmosphere, making it an ideal place for socializing and relaxation.
However, staff interactions can be mixed. Many guests have highlighted the friendliness and helpfulness of certain staff members, including the owner and manager. Yet, there are significant mentions of negative experiences with some staff, particularly at reception, which have marred the overall guest experience for some.
Free Wi-Fi at the lodge is another area with room for improvement. Guests frequently report weak or non-existent signals in the rooms with better connectivity only available in common areas or at the reception. The management's response to these issues has also been described as less than accommodating.
Parking can be a challenge, particularly during peak times. While free on-site parking is available, the spaces are often insufficient, leading to the need for street parking. The cramped and constricted nature of the parking lot makes maneuvering difficult, although some guests have found the parking convenient during less busy periods.
Lastly, the beds receive mixed feedback. While many find the single beds comfortable and linens clean, issues with old, saggy and squeaky mattresses, as well as wobbly beds with unlocked wheels, have been noted. Despite these drawbacks, the value for money remains a strong point for many guests, suggesting the bedding meets or exceeds expectations relative to the cost.
Overall, Howard's Mountain Lodge is highly regarded for its cleanliness, comfort, convenience and value for money, making it a solid choice for travelers seeking a peaceful, well-located base for exploring the Tongariro region.
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While the lodge does not provide a formal breakfast service, guests can enjoy complimentary items like milk, apple juice, bread and cereal, which add to the cozy atmosphere. The kitchen, though lacking a microwave, is well-equipped for preparing meals and breakfasts, making the stay more convenient.
The rooms at Howard's Mountain Lodge are generally well-received for their cleanliness, comfort and spaciousness. Guests often highlight the cozy beds, ample room size and effective heaters that ensure a warm stay regardless of the weather. The quiet ambiance contributes to an overall restful experience. Shared kitchens and private bathrooms are well-maintained and spacious, enhancing the comfort and convenience of the guests.
Cleanliness is one of the strong suits of the lodge. Many reviews spotlight the spotless bathrooms, fresh towels and well-maintained shared spaces. The friendly and accommodating staff further enhance the welcoming atmosphere, making it an ideal place for socializing and relaxation.
However, staff interactions can be mixed. Many guests have highlighted the friendliness and helpfulness of certain staff members, including the owner and manager. Yet, there are significant mentions of negative experiences with some staff, particularly at reception, which have marred the overall guest experience for some.
Free Wi-Fi at the lodge is another area with room for improvement. Guests frequently report weak or non-existent signals in the rooms with better connectivity only available in common areas or at the reception. The management's response to these issues has also been described as less than accommodating.
Parking can be a challenge, particularly during peak times. While free on-site parking is available, the spaces are often insufficient, leading to the need for street parking. The cramped and constricted nature of the parking lot makes maneuvering difficult, although some guests have found the parking convenient during less busy periods.
Lastly, the beds receive mixed feedback. While many find the single beds comfortable and linens clean, issues with old, saggy and squeaky mattresses, as well as wobbly beds with unlocked wheels, have been noted. Despite these drawbacks, the value for money remains a strong point for many guests, suggesting the bedding meets or exceeds expectations relative to the cost.
Overall, Howard's Mountain Lodge is highly regarded for its cleanliness, comfort, convenience and value for money, making it a solid choice for travelers seeking a peaceful, well-located base for exploring the Tongariro region.
Lodge with Parking
As a lodge, Howards Mountain Lodge is likely to provide on-site parking for its guests, catering to those traveling by car to explore the National Park area.
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Guest Reviews
Howard's Mountain Lodge enjoys a superb location that consistently ranks high among guest praises. Nestled conveniently near the Tongariro National Park, it offers an ideal base for exploring local attractions, including the world-renowned Tongariro Alpine Crossing and ski resorts. The ease of access to supermarkets, restaurants and petrol stations makes it a pragmatic choice for both short and extended stays. The hotel features a quiet environment with stunning landscapes, perfect for a restful night after outdoor adventures.
Guests appreciate the proximity to rental shops and shuttle services, which adds to the lodge's convenience. The well-equipped kitchens and large shared spaces such as lounges contribute to a friendly and gathering-friendly atmosphere. Moreover, the staff's accommodating nature and the lodge's good value for money are repeatedly acknowledged.
The accommodation is noted for its cleanliness, comfort and ample parking, further enhancing the guest experience. The strategic location not only makes it suitable for hikers and adventure enthusiasts but also for those looking to soak in the tranquil beauty of the national park area's scenery.
Howard's Mountain Lodge offers a cozy atmosphere with spacious living rooms and clean bathrooms. While there is no formal breakfast service provided, guests can enjoy a small, nice balcony perfect for an impromptu breakfast. The kitchen is well-equipped with more than just the bare essentials, although it lacks a microwave. Complimentary items like milk, apple juice, bread, butter, jelly and cereal are available for guests, adding a pleasant touch. Coffee, however, may not be sufficient and there are no tea or coffee making facilities in the rooms. Service for a very early breakfast is limited.
Howard's Mountain Lodge offers a variety of room types that have received generally positive feedback from guests. Many visitors have praised the lodge for its cleanliness with numerous comments highlighting clean rooms and tidy facilities. The rooms are often described as comfortable and spacious with some guests mentioning that they were larger than expected. Beds in particular received good reviews for being comfy, ensuring a restful stay.
Guests also appreciated the quiet and peaceful ambiance, making it a suitable place to unwind. The location of the lodge is another strong point, viewed as convenient for travelers looking to explore the area and the pricing is considered good value for what you get.
The lodge features well-equipped shared kitchens and private bathrooms with multiple remarks about the bathrooms being particularly spacious and well-maintained. The rooms are warm and cozy, aided by effective heaters, making it a comfortable stay regardless of the weather.
However, there are some areas for improvement. A few guests noted that some rooms were on the smaller side and in certain cases, the bed comfort could be improved. A few reviews mentioned the walls being thin, leading to noise from other guests. Additionally, there were occasional issues such as rooms not being ready on time or not matching the descriptions or pictures provided during booking.
Overall, Howard's Mountain Lodge is noted for its cleanliness, comfort, convenience and affordability, making it a solid choice for travelers, particularly those looking for a cozy and spacious stay with well-maintained amenities.
Guests had mixed experiences with the beds at Howard's Mountain Lodge. Positive remarks highlight that many found the beds comfortable and this sentiment was frequently mentioned with some reviews specifically noting single beds as comfortable. The bed linens were consistently reported as clean by numerous guests, contributing positively to the overall sleeping experience. However, several reviewers pointed out significant issues. A recurring complaint involved uncomfortable mattresses with descriptions of them being old, saggy and squeaky. Some guests found the beds wobbly and experienced inconvenience due to single beds with tires that wouldn't lock, making sleep difficult. The absence of a flat sheet and occasional smelly top layers also detracted from the overall comfort for some visitors. Despite these drawbacks, many guests appreciated the good value for the price, suggesting that the bedding did meet (or even exceed) expectations relative to the cost.
Howard's Mountain Lodge boasts a reputation for exceptional cleanliness and comfort, frequently highlighted by guests. Many visitors appreciate the cozy, spacious rooms and well-maintained accommodations with numerous mentions of spotless bathrooms and freshly cleaned towels. The shared kitchen areas are consistently praised for being well-equipped and immaculate, contributing to a welcoming communal atmosphere alongside other clean and inviting common areas.
Guests find the lodge to be comfortable and homey with ample facilities and friendly, accommodating staff. The property exudes a pleasant organized feel, making it an ideal spot for both relaxation and socializing. Additionally, the spacious common areas are enjoyed by families, notably the kids who find the public spaces downstairs particularly appealing.
While the lodge generally receives high marks for its tidy and well-cared-for environment, some reviews hint at occasional lapses in cleanliness. Reports of an unclean refrigerator, mouse droppings in the shared kitchen and a few dirty or smelly rooms highlight areas for potential improvement.
Overall, despite a few criticisms, Howard's Mountain Lodge remains a go-to for travelers seeking a clean, comfortable stay with excellent facilities and attentive service.
Howard's Mountain Lodge presents a mixed bag when it comes to staff interactions. On a positive note, many guests rave about the incredibly friendly, accommodating and helpful nature of several staff members. There are numerous mentions of polite, kind and approachable team members who are ready to assist with any requests. Theo, in particular, is highlighted for his warm welcome and informative tour of the lodge. The owner and manager are also frequently commended for being friendly, laid-back and helpful, often going out of their way to ensure a pleasant stay.
However, there are significant mentions of negative experiences as well. Some guests reported encountering sarcastic, rude and unhelpful staff members, especially at reception. A number of reviews describe instances of unprofessional and impolite behavior, particularly during check-in and check-out. Despite the general friendliness of some staff, these negative interactions have notably marred the experiences of several guests.
Overall, while many guests find the staff at Howard's Mountain Lodge to be delightful and supportive, persistent reports of unfriendly and rude behavior from certain individuals highlight an area in need of improvement.
Guests at Howard's Mountain Lodge have expressed significant dissatisfaction with the Wi-Fi service. Many reviews highlight that the Wi-Fi signal is very weak or virtually non-existent in the rooms. While free Wi-Fi is advertised, it seems to be accessible mostly in the common areas or at the reception, leaving room connectivity highly unreliable. The internet speed is frequently referred to as slow, making it difficult for guests to use for basic activities, including essential tasks like virtual meetings. Several reviewers also noted that the management's response to these issues was less than accommodating with some reports of dismissive attitudes. Although there were scattered mentions of good Wi-Fi, these are largely overshadowed by the recurring complaints of poor and unstable connectivity.
Howard's Mountain Lodge offers a mixed experience when it comes to parking. Guests have noted that while there is free, on-site parking available, the number of spaces is often insufficient for the number of rooms booked. This frequently results in guests needing to park on the street or off-site, particularly during peak times or when other vehicles are not parked considerately within the designated lines.
Despite the tight spaces and sometimes unintuitive parking arrangements, there are positive mentions of easy parking and sufficient spots under certain conditions. Some guests appreciated the ease of parking in front of the establishment and found the location and parking convenient for their needs.
However, the most common feedback points to the cramped and constricted nature of the parking lot, which makes maneuvering and parking a challenge. Wider parking spaces, improved management of the parking area and better utilization of available space could significantly enhance the overall guest experience.
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Location
Guests appreciate the proximity to rental shops and shuttle services, which adds to the lodge's convenience. The well-equipped kitchens and large shared spaces such as lounges contribute to a friendly and gathering-friendly atmosphere. Moreover, the staff's accommodating nature and the lodge's good value for money are repeatedly acknowledged.
The accommodation is noted for its cleanliness, comfort and ample parking, further enhancing the guest experience. The strategic location not only makes it suitable for hikers and adventure enthusiasts but also for those looking to soak in the tranquil beauty of the national park area's scenery.
Breakfast
Rooms
Guests also appreciated the quiet and peaceful ambiance, making it a suitable place to unwind. The location of the lodge is another strong point, viewed as convenient for travelers looking to explore the area and the pricing is considered good value for what you get.
The lodge features well-equipped shared kitchens and private bathrooms with multiple remarks about the bathrooms being particularly spacious and well-maintained. The rooms are warm and cozy, aided by effective heaters, making it a comfortable stay regardless of the weather.
However, there are some areas for improvement. A few guests noted that some rooms were on the smaller side and in certain cases, the bed comfort could be improved. A few reviews mentioned the walls being thin, leading to noise from other guests. Additionally, there were occasional issues such as rooms not being ready on time or not matching the descriptions or pictures provided during booking.
Overall, Howard's Mountain Lodge is noted for its cleanliness, comfort, convenience and affordability, making it a solid choice for travelers, particularly those looking for a cozy and spacious stay with well-maintained amenities.
Beds
Cleanliness
Guests find the lodge to be comfortable and homey with ample facilities and friendly, accommodating staff. The property exudes a pleasant organized feel, making it an ideal spot for both relaxation and socializing. Additionally, the spacious common areas are enjoyed by families, notably the kids who find the public spaces downstairs particularly appealing.
While the lodge generally receives high marks for its tidy and well-cared-for environment, some reviews hint at occasional lapses in cleanliness. Reports of an unclean refrigerator, mouse droppings in the shared kitchen and a few dirty or smelly rooms highlight areas for potential improvement.
Overall, despite a few criticisms, Howard's Mountain Lodge remains a go-to for travelers seeking a clean, comfortable stay with excellent facilities and attentive service.
Staff
However, there are significant mentions of negative experiences as well. Some guests reported encountering sarcastic, rude and unhelpful staff members, especially at reception. A number of reviews describe instances of unprofessional and impolite behavior, particularly during check-in and check-out. Despite the general friendliness of some staff, these negative interactions have notably marred the experiences of several guests.
Overall, while many guests find the staff at Howard's Mountain Lodge to be delightful and supportive, persistent reports of unfriendly and rude behavior from certain individuals highlight an area in need of improvement.
Wi-Fi
Parking
Despite the tight spaces and sometimes unintuitive parking arrangements, there are positive mentions of easy parking and sufficient spots under certain conditions. Some guests appreciated the ease of parking in front of the establishment and found the location and parking convenient for their needs.
However, the most common feedback points to the cramped and constricted nature of the parking lot, which makes maneuvering and parking a challenge. Wider parking spaces, improved management of the parking area and better utilization of available space could significantly enhance the overall guest experience.
No, Howard's Mountain Lodge doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Howard's Mountain Lodge.
No, Howard's Mountain Lodge doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Howard's Mountain Lodge.
No, Howard's Mountain Lodge doesn't have a gym.
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