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Reviews of Mount Hobson Boutique Accommodation

3 out of 5
Mount Hobson Boutique Accommodation
19 Market Road, Remuera, Auckland

Reviews

8.0

Very good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 12 out of 27 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 8 out of 27 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 27 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 4 out of 27 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 27 reviews" "

8.6/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

7.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Natalie, Auckland

Business traveller, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Excellent location in Remuera. The cabin backs onto a winding path to take you to the summit of Mount Hobson - you wouldn't know you're so near to the city. The cabin itself is simple, cozy and unique. It has all essentials provided including pans, cutlery, bedding, etc. Waking up there in the morning feels very peaceful and idyllic. John was great during our stay and always there to help if we needed anything. He's an excellent host. Highly recommend. Thank you!
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2020

10/10 Excellent

Sean

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Tiny house with an enormous garden.
We had a lovely stay. The tiny house is quite comfortable and cosy. The gardens are amazing! It is not far from Auckland CBD and there are shops and a train station very close. We would recommend this to anyone who wishes to have a fun and peaceful experience.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2019
Response from John M. on 7 Dec 2019
Thank you for being great guests and for leaving a great review for your short stay at Mount Hobson Cabin which is our Tiny House, one of the three Mount Hobson Boutique Accommodation properties on Mount Hobson. We are trying hard to continuously improve our amenities and facilities to deliver a better experience for our guests. Most guests don't leave reviews so we are delighted with your positive feedback. We hope to welcome you back for your next visit to Auckland.

10/10 Excellent

Craig

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Oh, The Views at Night
A stunning place to stay. For people who appreciate Bauhaus Architectural style with a dose of Kiwiana. And ... then there was the view from the lounge room!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2019
Response from John M. on 17 Mar 2019
Thank you for choosing to stay at our "Retro" themed 2 bedroom Apt - one of our six accommodation options on Mount Hobson (all different styles and facilities & amenities) set in 3000m2 of beautiful landscaped gardens. We are fortunate that all our properties have amazing views. We hope to see you again next time you visit Auckland.

10/10 Excellent

Lynn , NZ

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Peaceful accommodation close to motorway
Great place, away from traffic. awesome views of Auckland. Peaceful setting.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2017
Response from John M. Owner on 18 Jul 2017
Hi Lynn Thank you for choosing to stay at Mount Hobson Cottage, for taking great care of the Cottage, and for making the time to leave a review. We hope to see you again on Mount Hobson. Best Regards John and Mali

4/10 Poor

Mg, Sydney

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Spectacular views
Views were spectacular and in fine weather would be a first rate location. However - credit card charged without permission - no hot water to shower first morning and were told that we must have turned off even though switch in obscure place and couldn't be accidentally turned off - unsafe path to accommodation at night (no lighting) and no safety railing near drop very close to loose paving stones
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2017
Response from John M. Owner on 14 Jul 2017
Thank you for choosing to stay on Mount Hobson. Your review is disappointing. You may remember we specifically pointed out the difficult access and rustic steps to the Cottage and gave you the opportunity at time of booking well in advance of your stay dates to cancel (at no cost) well in advance of your arrival date. You decided to continue with your booking for our very special Cottage which is always fully booked and very popular with guests seeking a special stay experience.You were also offered an alternative property with easy access at the same location once you advised us about your out of hours late arrival. You declined this alternative property on Mount Hobson. At your request, a few days prior to arrival, we unfortunately waived our specified maximum number of guests to accommodate your overnight visitors as all local accom was fully booked. You were asked for a nominal extra payment for the two guests and signed our form to agree the charge should be made to your credit card. You were not charged without your permission. You were offered the alternative to pay either cash on arrival or payment by internet banking on arrival which you declined. None of our 6 properties on Mount Hobson can be used as a "party house" There were several damages and breakages for which we have only made a part charge for the damaged bedside lamp and broken item. As per our listing we have a strict "no smoking" policy which was ignored and for which most business owners will automatically charge for clean up. We have not charged for the carpet cleaning due to spilt drinks and traces of smoke smell. Our latest departure time except by prior agreement is 10.00am. You ignored this check out time. Unfortunately the minority 3% of problem guests are more inclined to leave a review.

4/10 Poor

Ron, Coffs Harbour NSW

Liked: Staff & service
Access
While the view was great access is difficult for older people and the steps up to the top unit were dangerous in the wet and there was no hand rail.
Response from John M. on 15 Apr 2017
Thank you for leaving a review for Mount Hobson Cottage. It is disappointing we we receive a poor review for this property when we try hard to make sure potential guests know about the difficult access and very steep driveway (refer listing). As this delightful property is very popular with guests (and we are always fully booked) it would be great if we can discourage potential future guests reading your review that don't want difficult access. Please note that our other 5 properties on Mount Hobson don't have the steps and pathway through the garden. The Cottage is not suitable for elderly persons unless they are fit enough to negotiate the steps and stairs from the undercover parking area. Well worth the climb for the seclusion and views in a great location close to Auckland CBD.

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

convenient location
well it's not technically a hotel it's more like a apartment. when I booked through hotels.com NO where it stated that there would be additional charge for a 3 year old child. this place charges you extra if are more than two people so if you have kids be aware. it's writen very vaguely in hotels policy about extra charge for addition person so just be aware or contact the property owner before hand so you don't get surprised if suddenly you are charged extra. on a positive note the property is in a great location with great views and there is is a mini hiking trail right behind the property. it may be a good deal compared to others around the area but it is the only one with a lot of additional charges that one cannot see when they book online so hotels.com or expedia should do a better job showing policy details for this place.
Response from General Manager on 14 Dec 2016
Thank you for choosing to stay on Mount Hobson and for taklng the time to leave a review. We list with Expedia as "Mount Hobson Boutique Accommodation". We have six properties set in 3000m3 of beautiful gardens - either Apartments or stand alone properties - all are self contained. Expedia now own Hotels.com and it seems our listing has migrated across to this agency. Thank you for pointing out we are not a hotel business as sometimes narrowly defined. Your booking was for 2 guests. You were sent a confirmation e-mail confirming a booking for 2 adults. On arrival you initially confirmed the booking was for 2 guests and completed our guest registration form for 2 guests. Shorty afterwards two children magically appeared out of the car. :)- In good faith we gave you a 70% discount on the additional guest charge for the two "surprise" guests. :)- It now seems strange to claim no advance knowledge about the nominal additional charge for the 2 extra guests. It is disappointing that you have given a low rating when the family seemed to very much enjoy their stay on Mount Hobson.

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Room close to private hospital
Everything was fine. Just probably getting a little dated. Very very steep drive!
Response from John M. on 2 Dec 2016
Thank you for your review for one of our six properties on Mount Hobson and thank you for choosing to stay on Mount Hobson. As your review is anonymous we can't correlate with a particular booking or property. All properties are different styles. Yes, our driveway is very steep and long as in our listing - it does mean we are away from the Auckland hustle and bustle in a beautiful garden environment with amazing views.

10/10 Excellent

Ash, Australia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great place to stay!
This place had everything we needed and is close to the city with a train station just down the road. Beautiful view of the city and friendly owners - great place to stay
Response from John M. on 30 Oct 2016
Hi Ash Thank you for choosing to stay on Mount Hobson and for your great review for Mount Hobson Cabin. We also thank you for pointing out to potential guests that our driveway is long and steep so it is a challenge for guests without a car....... Some guests have given us a reduced rating because of the steep driveway so its a big help if we can deter potential guests that don't want the challenge as we are normally fully booked and try hard to have happy guests. :)- We hope to see you again on Mount Hobson.

8/10 Good

patricia, lochiel southlands

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Peaceful
A peaceful retreat in the middle of Auckland. Native bush surrounding with birds about. Hosts very approachable and friendly. The cottage at top. Many stair but the view is worth it.
Response from John on 28 Oct 2016
Hi Patricia Thank you for your review for Mount Hobson. We are pleased you enoyed the peaceful setting. The Cottage is one of our six properties on Mount Hobson. The Cottage is sitiuated about 40 metres up steps and a pathway towards the summit of Mount Hobson so a reasonable level of fitness is required. Our other properties have easy access but our driveway is steep.

8/10 Good

Wakka, Brisbane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Flying Visit to Auckland
A very convenient location for my flying visit to Auckland and was very well taken care of in the cabin..
Response from John on 28 Oct 2016
Thank you for the great review for Mount Hobson Cabin which is our "Tiny House" in a beautiful garden setting.

8/10 Good

Nick, Bay of Plenty

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Good views and great location
Great location. Very obliging host.
Response from John and Mali on 14 May 2016
Thank you for choosing to stay on Mount Hobson and for your review of Mount Hobson Apartment. We have several accommodation options - all with different features, facilities and styles. All have views and a great location.

6/10 Okay

Mary, Napier NZ

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Great location, stunning views
Double bookings made it a very messy process, with two changes to the original accommodation booked and paid for. As it was described as 'boutique' I expected something special. However the facilities were less than average. No soap at the toilet washbasin. A used bar of soap provided in the bathroom. No TV signal, probably as it is on the side of a hill.
Response from John on 21 Nov 2015
Hi Mary Thank you for your review. You may remember that when you made a provisional (unconfirmed) booking you were contacted direct within ten minutes offering a full refund as we had received another simultaneous booking from another source. We offered to either refund your payment for the unconfirmed booking or you had the option of a relocation to another Apartment part way through your stay. You decided to accept the relocation and the booking was then confirmed. The TV reception was perfect on the three main channels. The remainder of the channels had some interference. The aerial plug had been removed by a previous guest and not fully replaced. We have added check TV to our checklist. You may also remember I checked with you the day after your arrival and there was no mention of any issues. It is unfortunate that you did not let us know about the poor TV reception on some channels during your stay as it is much better to resolve issues at the time rather than have feedback later.

4/10 Poor

Talbot, South of Pukekohe

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Disappointed
Disappointed. Saw and read online description, sounded fantastic. Our apartment was unfinished in that a wall had been gibbed but not finished (no gib stopping/painting/still see nails). Free2View TV only, so limited channels and some were a repeat of previous but an hour later. No Sky. No DVD. Front door had not been framed and there was no door handle on inside. No waste bin in bathroom. The sofa had one side that was becoming detached. And when we arrived we were greeted with the greeting "You have the wrong address. Didn't you read the email?" On a positive, the location was fantastic and the idea was right. It just didn't live up to the expectation
Response from John and Mali on 24 Sept 2015
Thank you for your comments. The points that you mentioned have been fixed as part of our routine maintenance- thank you for drawing these to our attention. Our description states Freeview only at this particular property. We send out an e-mail and a text message reminding guests to go the the correct address for this property which saves time for our guests on arrival..

10/10 Excellent

Tanya, Rangitikei

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Cute cabin in a cottage garden and the best view!
So lovely. Rustic and cosy. Got engaged here so be warned that there is joy in the air here!!!
Response from Mali on 24 Sept 2015
Thank you for staying with us Tanya. Wish you all the very best.

8/10 Good

Darren, New Zealand

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Facilities: Basic; Value: Moderate; Service: Professional; Cleanliness: Faultless;

6/10 Okay

Peter, New Zealand - Hawkes Bay

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Facilities: Bare minimum; Value: Economical; Service: Helpful; Cleanliness: Clean; train station very nearby

10/10 Excellent

Julia, Australia - NSW - Hunter Valley

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

10/10 Excellent

Alan, New Zealand - Waikato

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Facilities: Distinctive; Value: Affordable; Service: Courteous; Cleanliness: Beautiful;

8/10 Good

Jaime, New Zealand - Christchurch

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Facilities: Distinctive; Value: Affordable; Service: Courteous; Cleanliness: Pleasant;

8/10 Good

Jennifer, New Zealand - Manawatu

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Value: Affordable, With multiple guests; Cleanliness: Pleasant; Make sure you check out the reserve behind the house on top of the hill

10/10 Excellent

Arthur, New Zealand - Bay of Plenty

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Facilities: Modest; Value: Bargain; Service: Go the extra mile; Cleanliness: Lovely;

10/10 Excellent

Melanie, New Zealand - Auckland

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Facilities: Home away from home; Value: Fantastic; Service: Outstanding; Cleanliness: Spotless;

8/10 Good

Brett, Australia - NSW - Sydney

10/10 Excellent

Helen, New Zealand - Bay of Plenty

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Facilities: Good; Value: Fantastic; Service: Go the extra mile, Appreciated texts ; Cleanliness: Pleasant; Challenging steep drive to house builds character

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Response from General Manager on 8 Nov 2016
Thank you for making the time to leave a review for one of our six properties on Mount Hobson. As all our properties are "stand alone" and different to each other, we can't correlate a four star review with a particular property. Many Thanks for choosing to stay on Mount Hobson. We are trying hard to improve from a 4 Star average.

10/10 Excellent

Dominik

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
John and Mali are great. John has given us so many things I helped was amazed. Thanks John and Mali it was very nice with you. I would stay here again. Dominik and Stefan
Response from General Manager on 28 Oct 2016
Thank you for the great review. Guests stayed initially at our Mount Hobson Cabin which is a "Tiny House" in a beautiful garden setting. Guests then transferred to Mount Hobson Cottage. Enjoy NZ.