The Sands Hotel Hokianga

The closeness to the beach

I realise the hotel team is working towards completing the TLC this hotel desperately needs.

Very family orientated, service was excellent

Would have liked a choice of restaurant or bar meal

The rooms were comfortable, but it's the views from the terrace, restaurant, and pool area that make this place special. The Hokianga Harbour is magnificent. A 30-minute walk up to the scenic lookout was an effort well spent. The restaurant provides quality meals, and the servers are friendly and helpful. It's not a big hotel, which, in my opinion, makes the place even nicer. Driving up through Waipoua forest made the journey worthwhile, with the obligatory stop to see Tane Mahuta being a special treat.

As the hotel complex was being renovated, the site wasn't quite the same as our first visit a few months ago. The room was within easy walking distance of the beach, the bar and the restaurant, as well as the local shops.

We thought that the shower wasn't safe, as the bathroom floor was more than 75% (floor area) wet after having a shower. Being elderly we thought that this was unsafe.

Very nice location, beach front. The staff were very helpful. I got a heads up about the construction happening on-site.

Soap from previous stayer were left in thr shower, the bed was good but the pillows made the sleep uncomfortable, but this is a personal preference.

Hotel is in a superb location on the waterfront at Omapere, and unit (No 30) was large and comfortable; with access straight onto the beachfront. There was a nice cafe within 100 metres, and a small grocery store within 200 metres. Staff was very helpful, food on first night was excellent. We were warned in advance that the hotel was undergoing renovations.

Renovations at the hotel meant that the unit was in part original condition, part renovated; it was dusty, and did not offer adequate privacy from the waterfront. Because of renovations, the kitchen and food options were limited, and the quality variable.

Location on water. Clean room.

Plain room, poor lighting in room, no comfortable chairs. Shower not up to par.Food very disappointing. Menu boring.

The location is beautiful. Gorgeous outlook to the harbour right off the balcony, from the restaurant and bar and waterfront rooms. Walk up to the Southhead and overlooking the bar where the harbour meets to ocean. Exquisite! Staff particularly attentive to our needs, most accommodating. Local fish and chips were delectable, at Opononi. The meal we got as a takeaway from the hotel restaurant was very good, fish and chips and a burger, lots of salad, beautifully presented.

I liked the view. Price

Rooms are to dark. Not enough lighting. Not enough toilet paper. No1 serviced our room at all.

Lovely location and receptionist available when arrived. Liked the food in the restaurant

Shower water pressure very poor and couldn't get hot water when showered before dinner. Light coverplates fell off. Light bulbs missing. Entry into the room was next to a large pile of dirt where works underway. Light shone into bedroom from the neighbour's porch so door glazing needed blinds. Lights in the room very dim. Staff nice but wait times in restaurant too long and while meals tasty too small. Didn't like either of the by glass wines chosen. Staff shouldn't have made an issue about the single beds requested in the King room as the booking service had already confirmed this was sorted in separate email.

Amazing views.. clean property. The bed was very comfortable.

The lighting was bad inside the dining area. The bedroom also had poor lighting and no lighting going up the stairs which is a safety hazard.

Location was good.

Beds were not made every day, milk wasn't provided to all the rooms. Restaurant was expensive. Food was good but service was disappointing.

Stunning location and nice big rooms.

Unfortunately the room didn’t quite meet the expectations; we had a broken slider door, and a very stained/dirty looking chair. The shower water ran out over the floor and the lovely mural was peeling off at the corners. A mirror facing the beds is uncomfortable for sleepers.

Was nice accommodation nice bed room was clean

Air conditioning unit was leaking down the wall and all over the floor. Table wasn't clean outside

Lovely room with great views. Dinner excellent and staff very friendly. Were given wrong timings so missed breakfast. Only stayed 1 night en route further north so didn’t really get a full experience

Love the beach side location. They've put in the work to bring this place up to scratch recently. Was nice having the restaurant and bar close by. Great rooms and mostly clean (see below). Room had a large wardrobe, fridge, cups and glasses. The beds were super comfy. Had a great night's sleep!

The shower wasn't clean and had hair and gross stuff in the corner. There was no tea or coffee making facilities. The lighting was dim.

Stunning location.However, I requested a double bed which was catered for with joining of 2 single beds - standard practice. But no blanket of adequate sizing provided just a single blanket turned to its width length to cover bed with no top sheet against the duvet inner. Missing light bulb from lamp, air conditioning remote finally located under bed. Poor shower pressure, it got worse as you showered.'Fair' stay, disappointing considering the hotel esthetic.Thank you too, Irene, who was on reception for a warm welcome and check out.

The hotel is comfortable with beautiful views. Great pool.

Lovely view, great restaurant for dinner and excellent breakfast

Terribly uncomfortable seating for older people. Staff did try to change to a better room. but none available . They were helpful and in the process of upgrading.

Staff accommodated - we arrived late and was able to order a late dinner from the restaurant. Service was great....