Copthorne Hotel Auckland City

Overall, I was quite satisfied, but the air conditioning was very noisy. If I turned it off, it got too cold, and this was in mid-July. It's also close to the railway, so I didn't get a good night's sleep.

The hotel charges NZD 30 per day for parking, which is quite annoying, but it seems like most hotels in Auckland city center charge for parking. The front desk has a Chinese-speaking staff member, which made communication easy. Just a heads-up, they don't provide slippers, so remember to bring your own!

The front desk told me I couldn't check in until 2 PM. However, while I was waiting, several white guests came to check in, and they all got their room cards immediately and left, while I was the only one who had to wait. I asked the front desk for an explanation, and she said they were extending their stays. But some of them clearly came in with luggage, so were they really just extending? I don't quite believe that explanation. Anyway, avoid this hotel. The rooms are already old, and they clearly discriminate against Chinese guests.

This hotel is really close to the University of Auckland, so the location is a definite plus. However, the facilities are seriously lacking. The spring mattress was so soft, it felt like something out of a budget inn back home – my back was aching so much! Definitely won't be staying here again.