Mallcolm M.
Google
I am extremely disappointed with my experience at Quality Inn Taupo, a property operating under the Choice Hotels brand.
During my stay, the air-conditioning in my room repeatedly stopped working every 10 minutes, making the room uncomfortable and unsuitable for rest. This was reported promptly to the manager. Instead of attempting a repair, offering an alternative room, or providing a reasonable solution, I was told that the issue was “not their problem” and advised to “open the window and sleep.”
I requested a cancellation and refund as the room was clearly not fit for purpose. This was refused on the basis that the room could not be resold, and I was told I had to either accept the conditions or leave. Only after escalating the issue and requesting everything in writing was I offered a 50% refund, under the condition I was to check out immediatly, I only used the room for 3hrs and checked out and had to pay 50% for an issue with your proprty.
I do not believe it is reasonable for a guest to pay half the cost when a core room amenity was not properly maintained and no genuine effort was made to resolve the issue. This approach places the burden of poor maintenance on the guest rather than the property.
The manner in which this situation was handled was dismissive and unprofessional, and it did not reflect the standards I expect from a Choice Hotels–branded property. Experiences like this undermine trust in the brand and raise serious concerns about oversight and accountability at the property level.
I would strongly encourage Choice Hotels to review how guest issues are handled at this location. Travellers should be aware of how problems are managed before booking a stay under this brand