Jeff M.
Yelp
Oceanside Resort & Twin Towers- Go Elsewhere.
At the foot of Mount Maunganui in Tauranga, NZ. Oceanside Resort & Twin Towers may provide you with the best physical location to stay in the MM area. Just across the street to the MM walking paths, and around the corner from many sidewalk restaurants.
However, don't let the cool view in the ad or a promotion fool you. Available rooms aren't in the big towers - they are in the 3-story building behind the towers. We quickly discovered the rooms advertised provided two options 1) an ocean view apartment $260/night (about 5 ft between two buildings) or 2) a first-floor no-view studio for $180. We saw the $120 promotions on Kayak and other booking sites and stopped into the reception area while visiting the area.
The receptionist (a gentleman that looks like Victor Maitland from Beverly Hills Cop), appeared put off and bothered that we were there. He read the script and didn't make us feel welcome at all. I think this location is a retirement community with a few extra rooms they rent out. We really wanted the ocean view, so decided to try the apartment for the view.
The apartment had two bathrooms, washer/dryer, a kitchen, a living area and dining area, with underground parking, and was spacious but very outdated. Décor was cheap and old - like your grandparents' home in the 90's. We tried to go to the pools but they were closed and the receptionist was far from accommodating when I asked about it. Also the buildings Wi-Fi didn't work well in the unit or lobby and there were ants crawling all over the kitchen. We enjoyed the physical location, but accommodations were not worth their rate and attitude. If you are staying 2 or more days (to leverage washer/dryer and location), then look into Air B&B for other locations down the street. Although the unit we stayed was available the next night, the same front desk person would not give us a late checkout - very strict 10am checkout.
So bottom line, they have rooms in a great location, but accommodations and service were lame. There were no restaurants, lounges or extra amenities on site. Apartment may be good for large family to spread out a little bit and save money with one room?
Personally - Go elsewhere!