The Tui Suite is much too small and basic considering the rate per night ($180 when we stayed). Way too expensive relative to what that rate will get you elsewhere in NZ - especially at this time of year. The living area is extremely small - consisting of one extremely uncomfortable two-seater couch, and the bed (whether it be double or queen??) is brutal!!
Nice location though - tucked into the base of a valley with Nikau palms and cabbage trees. Piha itself is great too. Perhaps "Black Sands" is a slightly optimistic name however, as you can't actually see the beach (but it is a short walk). Given the number of mosquitos, screens on the windows might be a welcome improvement. Good deck and a servicable BBQ.
However, if you are going to ask people over to share your BBQ, you'd better ask permission from the owners! That we hadn't read this "rule" (in the "small print") resulted in a tedious "exchange" or two. Although our guests had gone by 7:30pm, the problem it seems was our children. Solution - Don't come here if you have any!!!
Too uncomfortable, too many hassles - left early.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
30 April 2011
In response to this review, our policy for our guest's visitors is clearly stated in our Policies section. All written confirmations of bookings from us include "For the comfort of all guests, visitors are by prior arrangement ". (This is the ONLY "rule" we have). The Tui, our most popular suite , is a Queen : for two people, although we confirmed for 2 adults and one 3 year old with this guest. It is far too small for 6 which is what these guests ended up with. Their friends stayed in the Piha Camp Ground with every intention of using The Tui Suite as their catering base. Other guests staying at the same time were here relaxing after a 4 day conference. We had to ask the Tui guests to quieten the children (theirs and their friends) who were running around the decks outside making a huge noise on the first night. They neither asked nor advised us if they could entertain their friends - they just did it. When they asked if they could repeat this the next night we declined as our other guests were exhausted. It is NOT OK to book accommodation for 2 adults and then invite your friends to join you without reference to the owners. We had one couple book and then, after marrying on the beach, invited 20 people back for a 'reception'. This is not appropriate and very presumptous.. We have 100s of guests from around the world stay with us who love their time in Piha with us. Unfortunately, on the odd occasion, someone comes along and books a suite when they should rent a house and then have as many as they wish come and stay (a big problem too for the owners of these properties). Very bad manners we suggest. We welcome our guest's visitors regularly but it depends on the other guests staying and the number they want to visit. We did politely suggest these guests dine at the RSA, Bowling Club and Piha Cafe: all with excellent food for the traveller.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
