Vaneric Stays - Goldleaf Getaways 10

The views from the common areas were stunning. We probably had the best bedroom, which also had a lovely view. Value for money exceptional by Queenstown standards.

Kitchen was not well set up - a notice in our bedroom asked us not to cook anything (although there was a stovetop and oven). The fridge shelves were labelled with various names, so not clear if we were supposed to use them or not. No tea-towels, no bins (there were two unlabelled cartons, one appeared to be for rubbish and one for recycling). Bruce/ Ming pointed out the tea and coffee, but it wasn't clear if we were trespassing into his kitchen. At least a dozen empty wine bottles on a section of the bench, and untidy cartons of toilet paper on another. We were fortunate in having the common space to ourselves, but if all guests wanted to use it at once, it would be problematic because there was only one table and one sofa, although space for more furniture. Overall, while exceptional value for money, the place felt a bit odd.

Mike who greeted us. View. Wifi - because there is NO tv.

The shared kitchen facilities were dirty, who knows when it was last cleaned. Dishwasher etc need a good wipe down. Shared common room, windows and window sills dirty, everything needs a good dusting, including skirting board! Cleanliness left a lot to be desired, non existent. Our room, top of stairs. I read it sates there is a concierge, non-existent! Free toiletries, non-existent, there is a container in shower attached to wall with body wash, shampoo. Who knows when that was last cleaned out. Ensuite really grubby, shower drain was filthy, door trim black mould, shower floor dirty, not sure if it gets cleaned between guests looking at the marks on the shower floor and around shower, extractor fan hasn’t been cleaned in a long time, dust is very thick. Tile grout in ensuite, black and silicone mouldy. Toilet seat didn’t fit toilet. I actually cleaned the tiled floor and shower as best I could myself. The thought of using it in that state made me feel sick. Ensuite door covered in black finger print marks very grubby. Hand wash, next to nothing left, hadn’t been topped up. Towels have seen better days. No bathmat provided only two shabby towels and two hand towels. Only one pillow each on the bed, not your usual two. I was too nervous to check to see if they had used pillow protectors before putting the crumbled pillow cases on. Duvet didn’t fit the bed. Crumbled duvet cover. Only a bottom sheet, no top sheet provided. I’d like to think the duvet was removed and washed after each guest …. The additional heater in the room was missing a foot, quite dangerous and probably a fire risk too! Mismatch coat hangers, that’s being picky I know. But first impressions count. The old filthy dresser they had in the room belongs at the tip. It was dirty, a wood veneer with black grubby dirty marks and chipped. These chaps charge an exorbitant room rate, you expect a little home comfort, but this was more like an unloved hostel. It could be so much more.

Excellent view and location. It is an en-suite in a big big house, with access to the kitchen and the dining area. The room is quite warm and soundproofed. The host even provided cereal for guests. The staff are two gentlemen from Yunnan China and they are super nice to chat with.

Comfortable bed and amazing views

No kettle in room. No tv. Only one bedside lamp. No luggage stands. Shower wasn’t clean and drain cover broken. Not permitted to wear shoes in building. Communal kitchen downstairs but not permitted to use stove or oven. Only three cups available for all guests. Had to wait 4 hours for towels and they were old thin and frayed and no bath mat. Breakfast was very basic. Only one chair and no table in room.

The views were amazing as promised!

The cleanliness of the house. I had to clean the downstairs table upon arrival. Our heater was very noisy and we could not have it on. The heater in the bathroom did not work either.

The view

Not easy to find parking place and to check-in. Door to bathroom could not be closed.

Apart from the location, everything else was terrible.

The hygiene conditions were extremely poor ，mold and dust were everywhere, both inside the room and in public areas. The sink was filthy and looked disgusting. The property manager was dishonest and highly irresponsible. He arranged for another vehicle to park at the driveway, which prevented us from using our car and completely ruined our travel plans. When we informed him about the parking and hygiene issues, he showed no concern and took no action.

Loved the view. Exceptional. But the rest was a disappointing experience. Needed a good pro clean. Toilet bowl had remnants of a previous visitor that had not been scrubbed. The shared kitchen was sticky and grimy. Cupboards were messy and food crumbs, drips and smears were on and in every drawer. Pots and pans needed a good scrub. I would not want to use that kitchen for food preparation.

The view is fantastic but you have to stand at the room window. The location is close to Queenstown. Had off street parking.

Absolutely filthy (see attached pictures). On arrival, our room was not ready and we were told we could sit in the shared lounge and dinning room for the rooms on our side. We were offered to make ourselves a coffee or tea but the sink was full of dirty dishes, the table had not been wiped down and some of the fridge contents were past use by date and some rotten. The dish cloths stunk to high heaven, disgusting. The lounge area next door was no different, dirty laundry stacked on the furniture and the room was uninviting. That kitchen too was stacked full of dirty dishes from the breakfast in the morning, I assume! When we eventually got into the room, the standard was well below par, old op shop furniture in poor condition, no TV, dead insects in the window frame, the heater was missing a leg and would not stand upright, toilet seat was was way too small for the toilet, toilet had brown stains in the bottom and mould in the hand basin. The towels had a strange odour and the bedding looked like it just came out of the bottom of a basket, full of creases and felt a bit on the damp side. The beds were fine except the doona did not for the bed, it was too small. Whilst breakfast was included, based on the unhealthy state of the common use areas and our room, we choose to eat at a nearby cafe.