VR Hamilton

The location is right in the heart of Hamilton. There are numerous restaurants within walking distance covering a wide range of cuisines. The staff, Mechelle especially, is very quick to accommodate guest requests and the cleaning staff is helpful and friendly.

Not so much what I didn't like, it was more hoping that the true potential of what I am sure was once a tremendous property is brought back to its former glory. The "bones" in this old hotel are amazing, but it still needs a significant amount of TLC. The efforts of the current management are there, with the painting being updated, but there is still a way to go.

Large room with large bathroom, all nice and clean, at the back of the hotel. Location is right in a busy street with bars, restaurants and shops. If available, free parking on the property could be done. Otherwise a paid carpark is at the street behind (approx. 20 NZD per night). Paid parking is available in the street in front of the hotel, but more difficult in the weekend.

Because I arrived on Friday evening, parking was difficult. Better to have mentioned in the reservation (or more clearly) where the paid "Wilson" carparking would be to avoid long search. When staying for longer periods, the parking fees can add up somewhat, wrt free parking location out of the city center. The busy street migth be noisy, if you have a room at the front, during the weekend, however I can't confirm that.

The room was very comfortable with a large double bed and ensuite. A small table, chair, and fridge with tea and coffee facilities provided. The windows are enormous and look out into the Main Street. They are old steel frames and can be opened to let in the fresh, clean, air. This is an old hotel so it has its quirks (the lift has a limited capacity) but it has charm and some of the rooms are enormous (90sq/m). It is on the Main Street and surrounded by pubs, clubs, casino, shops etc etc.

I have stayed here a few times and I haven't got the room with the private balcony!

Great Central City Location and if you like the Victorian / Deco era decor, then this is the place to stay. Large Room with a high ceiling and floor to ceiling curtains /drapes. Large old-style Tiled Bathroom with plenty of clean White Towels. Bed & Pillows were really comfortable and would stay again. Good for the Solo Traveller and reasonably priced Rooms to choose from. Plenty of food eateries to choose from are close by and within walking distance. Friendly Helpful Staff.

Some street noise, but hey your one of Hamilton City's most Victorian style Hotel.

You're very centrally located so there's no problem finding a restaurant, gift shop or the like. My room was more than adequate size-wise and overall the place was quiet. It's about a 6-8 minute walk to the bus station so it's very easy to get to.

There's nothing about the hotel that's grossly negative. Did I think my room's carpet was a bit tacky? Yep. Is that somehow a show stopper? Not at all. Did I wish they had a restaurant in the hotel? Yes. Were there numerous ones nearby where I could get breakfast or dinner? Yep. No problem.

Hot shower, high ceilings, spacious area, mini fridge and big windows, bed was comfy, parking option. Was very happy with the service and friendliness from Michelle.

Old and outdated look: needs a revamp (carpets and furniture) lots of potential. Parking lot parking and allocation needs to be better. Had slot 6 and every time I left someone else was parked in my spot. If I’m paying for that specific spot, which I picked on purpose to get out appropriately, make it happen. The windows are not very sealed so if you would like to get a good night sleep on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, you won’t be able to if your room is facing the main roads.

Excellent value for money - a sparse but large room with comfortable bed, clean linen and towels and a newly decorated bathroom right in the city centre. Because we arrived early evening, ate out and left in the morning the lack of a view was of no consequence and meant there was no traffic/street noise. Because of some previous reviews we were pleasantly surprised by the cleanliness - yes, the building is old and some carpets and fittings are showing signs of wear but cleaning is good for this category of hotel. Because of Hamilton's policy regarding much street parking (2 hours free) it is possible to find free parking for an overnight stay.

Not a criticism, more a comment - Staff are helpful and pleasant but because English is probably not their first language it is possible communication may not always reflect the good service they offer eg. the website says a cash deposit is required against damage (unusual) whereas a card can be used. Similarly, we found it strange that there was a 'check' of our room before return of our cash deposit (we are two 'European' retirees not given to swinging from chandeliers or setting fire to our bedding !!)

We liked that our room had a full cleaning service when we came back from an exhausting seminar and to see our room done every day was great. I hope they pay their cleaners well. We always try to book into the VR hotel when we have seminars in Hamilton, Every place we went to was within walking distance, Casino, restaurants, cafes, shopping malls, and the library. Our room was as expected clean, very spacious and warmed.

A smile will go a long way, Customer service is that, a genuine smile. That would make this hotel perfect. Well, that's just me though. We appreciate genuine service, even if customers try to milk it for more, lol. You know who you are! I believe that serving obnoxious people is hard for those in customer service, however, please, you on reception, smile it doesn't take much. No matter if you had an F-Day trying to subdue obnoxious people, A-hole customers... I couldn't help but observe it first-hand. I came after the A-hole family and I smiled... If you don't like it... SMILE

Location was awesome, room was HUGE!!! Fantastic Victorian Rooms, easy access in out at night. Some cool restaurants within short walking distance and close to river walk and museum. Even though you kinda expect to pay for parking, once parked, Hamilton was at your feet.....literally.

Petty I know, but no milk for tea/coffee, so we had to buy our own and maybe a few health and safety issues in the bath room, getting out of the bath and shower for elderly people if they had problems with orientation, but then, it is Victorian.

Beautiful room. Very clean and comfortable. Bathroom was huge and it had a really comfy tub for bathing. The toiletries smelled amazing.

We showed up 2 minutes before checking with a very cranky 4 year old, during a rainstorm, and they did not allow us to check in until 3p on the dot. We had to move our car into the lot in the rain. When we came back to complete checking in, the reception was empty. We had to wait an additional 10 minutes until they showed back up. They made it up by helping us get our bags…