The location was exceptional. The food was very good. The staff were friendly.

Having stayed there before we were hoping for a front room. Had thought that’s what I had booked on the booking.com page but hadn’t asked for it specifically so got a side room. Asked if the front rooms were all booked and was told yes but didn’t see anyone in them the whole time we were there. Had asked for twin beds which was quickly rectified as to begin the room still had a double. The room itself was very comfortable but the curtains let it down. They were grubby and hanging off the rail in parts.

Stunning view right on the beach, nice pool, decent restaurant, and a cafe across the road. Loved watching all the summer action on the wharf from our room. The pool was great. Comfortable beds. Nice, friendly, genuine down-to- earth accommodating staff. Very happy. Great value for money and staff genuinely wanted you to enjoy your stay. Will be back to this special, stunning part of Aotearoa, New Zealand, for more super hot summer days.

The fridge wasn't actually on when we checked into the room, and we didn't realise for a few hours..

The staff, specifically the reception, hospitality and cleaning staff, are amazing and a credit to the hotel. Reception sorted the confusing mess I made of the bookings with smiles and diplomacy (thank you). The cleaning staff we kind enough to split our beds into 2 singles and remake them, and they were so fast and professional about it (thank you). The hospitality staff were attentive and respectful. (thank you). The seafront facing rooms and villas were spectacular and the beds were divine, you just sink into them. The bathrooms are spacious, ours had a bathtub and shower, the villas had rainfall showers and a spa pool. it was just bliss staying at The Sands.

There was confusion around our buffet dinner, we didn't realise that we were sharing with other groups and so there was some "side-eye" happening between both parties. Probably best to inform all parties about the shared buffet ahead of time. The food was beautiful though (thank you Chefs). The tiling on the bathroom floors is very slippery when wet, with or without shoes on.

We liked the location it had beautiful views of the harbour. Also a coffee/cafe next door. The room was a good size. The food in your restaurant was beautiful. Thank you to all of your staff during our stay.

Requested for split beds in booking I even called ahead to make sure it was done, but it was not done. No milk but all the other amenities supplied. While having dinner in the restaurant area, guests from the bar were using the door to get in and out of door which was located near our seating area. I think this was inappropriate. When diners are paying to eat in your dining area, patrons from the bar and attending functions need to be informed to not use the dining room balcony, diners should come first in your restaurant area. Please put cocktails on your drinks menu, atleast 2-3 and mocktails always nice alternatives especially during a dining experience.

The view from our room was gorgeous. The room was very spacious and we particularly liked the indoor/outdoor aspect and flow. Because of this we enjoyed just hanging out in our room. The staff were extremely accommodating and friendly. Our first meal of steak and vegetables was cooked to perfection - steak med/rare exactly and the vegetables just cooked enough. We were so impressed we decided to dine in for the next evening as well.

The meal on the second evening was disappointing. We ordered pork belly and the crackling was cooked just right. However it was inedible due to the excess salt on it. I salt my own crackling so am used to that. It was totally over the top. Also not many vegetables completely the opposite to the previous evening. It felt like the hotel had run out of vegetables. I did complain about my meal as I had barely eaten it but nothing was offered or done about it.

Staff were AMAZING! Slow cooked lamb and the pork belly were delicious, rich but delicious, and booking the villa was an absolutely amazing private space for me and my partner, and access to our own spa was nice...

I kind of booked the villa for the fact of the fireplace and spa. Unfortunately, the fireplace was not working at the time we visited. ( Keep in mind the rooms have heat pumps, so you dont get cold ) I was just really looking forward to the fireplace. Also, the TV on the bedroom side of the room was not working, nor was our safe. Which we had brought up with reception who had said that she would organize someone to sort out, which unfortunately didn't happen. But very minor things, the good most definitely outweighed the bad.

We had a beachfront room. Great place to relax for a day. The beach in front is not great but just right of the pier there is a nicer sandy beach, 2 minute walk. The pool was great, only thing is you have to walk through the outdoor lounge area to get to it. There were no cooking or eating facilities in the room so we ate in the restaurant. It was fine, although service was a bit slow and just lacking on fine detail. The hotel itself is undergoing some renovations, so getting a needed facelift.

The location was perfect for the most amazing sunsets! Close to the Lookout loop walk overlooking the entrance of the Harbour and a short drive to visit the awe inspiring Tane Mahuta - an absolute must see! The Restaurant food was excellent and we ended up eating there both nights, highly recommended. The staff were all amazing, especially the young local girl waitressing on our first night (so sorry I didn't get your name!)

Loved our villa & having a hot tub outside was icing on the cake. Villa was really nice & spacious loved it!!!

Only downfall there was no microwave in the villa & no milk in the fridge. Tea, coffee & a Kettle provided but no milk & management were kind enough to heat up our food for us. Also both TV's wouldn't work/connect without a chrome cast which reception was kind enough to also supply, however it still wouldn't connect/set up on the tv in the lounge. After 90mins of re-trying & waiting, we tried it on the bedroom tv instead & it finally worked. These 3 things were not a major hassle to us, we were able to really enjoy our stay. We will definitely be back again.

Beach front with beautiful scenes.

The resort was hosting a wedding during the two days we stayed and the place was mostly booked out by wedding guests. Very loud music went into all hours of the night, it was not the peaceful stay I imagined. It would have been acceptable if I was told a wedding was taking place and I could have made the choice about staying or they could have placed all non wedding guests at one area of the resort away from the wedding.