Tiki Lodge Lake Taupo NZ

Winter rates

tikilodge — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 02:34:27 +0000

Keep a look out for our new winter rates – coming soon..

Summers’ gone (was it really here?) – Bring on winter..

tikilodge — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 02:32:40 +0000

Well Summer was a bit of a fizzer but lovely clear days with fine settled weather has visited us more recently. Awesome sunsets – many guests have had their cameras out flashing and snapping and nature has provided them with some awesome shots (even I have been impressed)… Winter is on its way and it’s time to get all those little nagging jobs done (while you can) with things starting to slow down. We’ve met some awesome people over the Summer and most have left rapt with the place and the facilities on offer here.
Of course not everyone has been happy (it would be unrealistic to expect that). The recent arrival of online ratings and online reviews has caused a few difficulties – (we have read many articles online and in newspapers where others are experiencing the same issues – so thank goodness we weren’t the only ones having this problem). The problem arises when guests either expect a discount or other services that you cannot offer or provide and you are met with a “I will leave a bad review for you online”. We have had people demand discounts, expect friends allowed to stay for free, wanting free use of facilities (even though they aren’t staying here or have no intention to stay here). The cheekiest was someone who decided to stay at another hostel in town (they thoroughly enjoyed it here but as their friend was staying elsewhere decided to move hostels to be with the friend). They came back the next day with “I stayed here last night and have just got back from doing the Tongariro Crossing – is it ok to go up and have a shower?”…They were politely told that it wasn’t possible as they were not staying here now and told that they should be using the facilities that they had paid to use at their current accommodation provider. “That’s ok – I just thought because I stayed last night I could go and use the shower and kitchen – never mind I will let everyone know online that you are unreasonable”….you see what I mean…..!! Lucky that is only the minority – shame on those that see an opportunity to exploit these online rating/review sites to their own benefit. Good on those who are prepared to stand up to these types knowing full well that it may cost them a bad online review. We should have a site for reviews and ratings for accommodation providers to rate guests and their behaviour when they visit… now there’s a thought!!

UPDATES

tikilodge — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 23:43:35 +0000

We will not be increasing prices over the RWC event.. we will maintain consistent pricing to offer our guests the best value…

Funny hostel happenings..

tikilodge — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 06:41:42 +0000

Well, Summer is finally here – starting to get busy now but we are far more relaxed/chilled out than last year. Maybe due to the fact that now, most of the guests staying here are independent travellers i.e. have their own transport, or are travelling via Intercity and Naked Bus (still haven’t seen anyone naked on it yet!). Hey- we still get a few staying off the tourist buses who are clever enough to come stay with us!!! What is it about the “tourist buses” anyway- mad rush/panic stations whenever their passengers arrive or depart (always someone not where they are supposed to be or someone running late)- honestly don’t know how we coped with it last year at all – let alone manage the kids!!! Which brings me to the funny happenings……

Since we have been here, we have had to label the washing machine and dryer because some “clever” people put their clothing into the dryer (yes – with the laundry powder!!) and then report to us saying “my clothes aren’t washing properly but they are getting hot” – one person even did it TWICE!! (Before you ask, NO – they could read and speak English fine!!!). Problem solved – hasn’t happened for a while!

The other thing that astounds us is when someone does the following: Someone is staying here and they buy a pin card for the internet off us, only to go back upstairs and book accommodation with us for the following day over the internet!!!- HEY – we are only downstairs and you just saw us to buy a pin card!!!!!!! One girl did this over 3 consecutive nights…I had to control myself every morning she came downstairs to pay for that nights’ accommodation…. I thought she must have had her reasons so didn’t say anything…maybe she earns points to some card scheme by booking online!!!

Plenty of other things to giggle about…. people parking their cars in such a position that they almost need a forklift to extract them from the carpark -parking sideways between the upright columns is never a good idea – as is parking right outside the outward opening exit door when it is obvious where you SHOULD park!!!! I’m sure everyone who runs a hostel has plenty of good yarns to tell – it’s certainly an eye opener working in a place like this!!!

Summer Here We Come!

tikilodge — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:42:01 +0000

Teams and competitors are arriving for the Lake Taupo Cycle Race…..Things are starting to get really busy around town now…lots of people around – If you are wanting private rooms make sure you plan ahead and book early to avoid disappointment. Summer is merely weeks away so bring on the sunshine and stunning days. Awesome weather for boat trips on the lake, sky diving, rafting etc…Will have to try and get out ourselves this year with the kids (and dog!).

New Website Launched!

admin — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 21:14:37 +0000

Welcome to our new website!