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Summary of reviewsThe Distinction Coachman Hotel in Palmerston North excels in several areas, making it a favorable choice for travelers.
The hotel's location is highly praised for its centrality and convenience, allowing easy access to the city center, local shops, restaurants and key amenities. This strategic placement complements the friendly staff and clean rooms, contributing to a solid overall experience.
Dining at the hotel receives favorable mentions with an excellent breakfast offering, highlighted for its quality, variety and availability of gluten-free options. The buffet breakfast stands out and room service is appreciated for its timeliness and heat. Similarly, the on-site restaurant serves delicious and well-cooked meals, providing good value for money despite occasional service delays.
Rooms are spacious and feature comfortable beds, which many guests find cozy and conducive to a good night's sleep. However, there are consistent mentions of the need for refurbishment with issues like peeling paint, stained carpets and outdated furnishings being noted. Cleanliness varies with some guests praising the cleanliness while others report issues such as grime, cobwebs and musty odors.
The hotel's staff significantly enhance the guest experience with their friendliness, helpfulness and professionalism. Receptionists notably provide courteous service, free upgrades and efficient check-ins, leaving a lasting positive impression. The staff's dedication and cheerful service contribute positively to the overall atmosphere.
Free WiFi is available, though guests report mixed experiences regarding its speed and reliability. While some praise its coverage, others face issues with slow speeds and poor reception, especially in certain areas of the hotel.
The gym and pool facilities receive mixed reviews. The gym is seen as run-down and poorly maintained with dust and outdated equipment being common complaints. The pool, especially liked by families, is generally clean and safe but has issues with cold water temperatures and occasional dirtiness.
Parking options at the hotel are well-received, offering convenience and security with free on-site and underground parking. Though some find it tight for larger vehicles, the majority appreciate the ease of access and availability.
Family travelers find the hotel suitable with spacious rooms, a loved swimming pool and family-friendly amenities. Despite some family rooms being small, the overall experience is positive for those traveling with children.
Regarding the four-star rating, guest reviews suggest inconsistencies between the rating and actual experience, especially in terms of facilities and room quality. Despite these discrepancies, the hotel's business facilities are highly praised, making it a popular choice for work-related stays.
Overall, the Distinction Coachman Hotel in Palmerston North stands out for its prime location, excellent dining and friendly staff while needing improvements in room quality and WiFi reliability. Show more
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Categories
Hotel near Golf Courses
Hotel for Honeymoon
Family Friendly Hotel
Romantic Hotel
Hotel with Swimming Pool
Heated Pool Outdoor Pool
Hotel with Free Wi-Fi
Business Hotel
Hotel with Parking
Accessible Hotel
Hotel with Gym
4-Star Hotel
Hotel with Outdoor Pool
Hotel with Heated Pool
Room Types
Superior Family RoomFeatures a separate bedroom and combined kitchen/lounge area. Some suites have pool views.
Please note that the rate is based on 2 guests. Maximum occupancy is 4 guests (see Hotel Policies).
Executive SuiteSpacious and luxurious suite with air conditioning, separate bedroom and en suite bathroom with spa bath.
Please note that the rate is based on 2 guests. Maximum occupancy is 4 guests (see Hotel Policies).
Superior StudioThis motel studio room features satellite TV and tea/coffee making facilities.
Please note that the price is based on 2 guests. Maximum occupancy is 3 (see Hotel Policies).
Deluxe Double RoomLocated on the top floors, offering garden or district views. Features air conditioning, plus en suite bathroom with extra large shower.
Standard RoomSpacious room with work desk. Some rooms have views over the rose garden.
Please note that the rate is based on 2 guests. Maximum occupancy is 3 guests (see Hotel Policies).
Guest Reviews
6.7
Rated
Location
The Distinction Coachman Hotel in Palmerston North boasts a fantastic location, often described as very central and convenient. Guests appreciate its easy access to the city centre, making it simple to walk to local shops, restaurants, supermarkets and the main square. The hotel is also praised for being close to key amenities such as the mall, local eateries and various celebration venues. Its proximity to the CBD and the calm, quiet areas away from the main roads enhance its appeal. The combination of a great location, friendly staff and clean rooms makes this hotel a solid choice for visitors looking to explore everything Palmerston North has to offer.
Breakfast
At the Distinction Coachman Hotel in Palmerston North, guests frequently commend the breakfast offerings. Many visitors describe the breakfast as excellent, great or very good with several noting the quality of food and the variety available. The buffet breakfast is particularly praised for its vast selection, ensuring there's something to suit all tastes. Room service for breakfast is another appreciated feature, delivering meals hot and on time.
Guests also highlight the restaurant's availability of gluten-free options and commend the yummy and fantastic cooked breakfasts. The breakfast staff receive favorable mentions, enhancing the overall dining experience with their fantastic service. Despite some reviews mentioning the breakfast as average or slightly expensive compared to what was offered, the general consensus leans towards a highly satisfying dining experience. For many, the breakfast stands out as a significant bonus and even a highlight of their stay at the hotel.
Dinner
The Distinction Coachman Hotel in Palmerston North boasts an on-site restaurant that has left many diners impressed. Visitors frequently highlight the excellent and very good quality of the food with descriptions such as "great," "lovely," and "delicious" commonly used. The restaurant is praised for being convenient, especially after a long workday and the meals are often noted for being cooked well and offering good value for money, particularly the steak meal. Though there were a few mentions of delayed service and room service meals being a bit cold, the overall sentiment about the dining experience remained largely positive. Guests also appreciate the friendly atmosphere of the restaurant and mention that both breakfast and dinner score highly. Adding to the charm is the older character of the hotel itself, which many find appealing.
Rooms
The Distinction Coachman Hotel in Palmerston North has a blend of positive and negative feedback about its rooms from guest reviews. Guests appreciate the spaciousness of the rooms, often noting the comfortable beds and the good size of the accommodations. The hotel's proximity to town and amenities like free parking and a pleasant staff also receive commendation.
However, many guests feel the hotel and particularly the rooms, are in serious need of refurbishment. Descriptions frequently include the use of terms like very tired, dated and in need of upgrade. Common issues highlighted by guests include peeling paint, stained carpets, outdated furnishings and inadequate lighting. Cleanliness also seems to be inconsistent with some rooms reported as clean, while others have been noted as dusty, dirty or even having cobwebs and bugs.
Guests also report that the rooms sometimes had a musty or stale odor and basic facilities like TV, heating and air conditioning were either lacking or malfunctioning. The bathrooms, while occasionally praised for their spaciousness, generally suffer from outdated fixtures and cleanliness issues.
Overall, while the hotel shines in terms of location and space, it struggles with maintenance, modernity and consistent cleanliness, which detracts from the overall guest experience.
Beds
The beds at Distinction Coachman Hotel in Palmerston North have garnered mixed reviews from guests. Many have praised the beds for being comfortable, cozy and conducive to a great night's sleep with numerous mentions of super comfy and very comfortable bedding. Guests often highlighted the good size and warmth of the beds, contributing to an overall enjoyable stay.
However, some visitors experienced discomfort, describing beds as too soft, hard, uneven or lumpy. There were also mentions of sagging mattresses and beds needing an upgrade with a few guests finding the springs and lumps disruptive to their rest.
Despite these drawbacks, a significant portion of the feedback remains positive, appreciating the general comfort and quality of sleep provided by the hotel's beds. For those travelers prioritizing bed comfort, it's advisable to check in advance and possibly request a room with recently upgraded beds.
Cleanliness
Distinction Coachman Hotel in Palmerston North has received mixed reviews regarding its cleanliness. On the positive side, many guests praised their rooms as clean, tidy, very clean and well-maintained, mentioning that the rooms were cleaned well and were nice and cozy. The standard of cleanliness was commonly described as satisfactory with some night stays marked by tidy and extremely functional rooms.
However, there were several negative comments highlighting significant issues. Some guests found their rooms to be dirty with specific complaints about grimy walls, cobwebs and unclean bathrooms. The presence of insects like cockroaches and white tail spiders also raised concerns. Additionally, musty and damp odors were noted in some areas and there were mentions of run-down towels and threadbare carpets needing replacement. Several guests complained about unclean pools, dirty gym facilities and dusty spa rooms.
Overall, while many guests found the rooms to be sufficiently clean and comfortable, a notable number of reviews pointed out serious lapses in cleanliness and maintenance that the hotel needs to address.
Staff
The staff at Distinction Coachman Hotel in Palmerston North make a notable impression on guests, consistently receiving praise for their friendliness, helpfulness and professionalism. Frequently described as excellent, pleasant and welcoming, the hotel's staff seem to genuinely enhance the guest experience. Receptionists specifically stand out for their cordiality and effectiveness with mentions of courteous service, free upgrades and efficient check-ins. Many guests highlight specific staff members, such as Marlin and a polite Asian gentleman at the reception, for their exceptional service.
From handling queries about amenities like Sky TV to organizing late check-outs and personally calling about a child's forgotten toy, the staff go above and beyond their duties. Cleaning staff also earn commendations for their friendly demeanor. The hotel's round-the-clock service adds to the convenience, ensuring guests receive assistance whenever needed.
Despite occasional feedback about staff disconnect or mishandling breakfast confusion, the overarching sentiment is highly positive. The dedicated and cheerful service received during breakfast and other interactions leaves a lasting impression. The Distinction Coachman Hotel clearly benefits from a team that excels in hospitality, contributing significantly to the overall pleasant experience reported by many of its satisfied guests.
Wi-Fi
While staying at the Distinction Coachman Hotel in Palmerston North, guests have encountered mixed experiences with the hotel's WiFi service. There were mentions of the WiFi being good and offering free access, which undoubtedly is a plus for any traveler needing connectivity. Some reviewers praised the WiFi coverage, calling it excellent. However, a significant number of guests reported issues such as slow speeds, poor reception or even non-existent connection in certain areas of the motel. For some, the WiFi signal was unreliable, frequently dropping out and the situation seemed to worsen as the evening progressed. In a few isolated reviews, guests reported that WiFi did not reach their rooms at all. Therefore, while the hotel does offer free WiFi, its performance may vary greatly depending on the specific room or block within the motel.
Gym
The gym at Distinction Coachman Hotel in Palmerston North appears to be a mixed experience for guests. While some appreciated the availability of gym facilities, the majority of the feedback indicates the gym is rundown and in need of an upgrade. Reviewers frequently mentioned that the gym was poorly maintained with outdated and non-functional equipment. Cleanliness was also a concern, as several guests noted that the gym was dusty and grubby. However, it is worth mentioning that some guests found the gym tidy and mentioned that kids enjoyed using it. Despite these positive points, the overall sentiment suggests that the gym facilities could benefit from significant improvements to meet guest expectations.
Pool
The pool area at the Distinction Coachman Hotel in Palmerston North has received mixed reviews from guests. Many highlighted that the indoor heated pool is clean, safe and provides good fun, particularly for families with children who enjoyed the facilities. The beautiful pool area is often appreciated and the pool is noted to be cleaned frequently. However, there are some drawbacks. Multiple guests reported that the water temperature can be quite cold with some describing the pool as freezing. Issues such as the metal stairs in the pool being loose, poor filtration and occasional dirtiness have also been mentioned. Furthermore, the sauna and spa were often out of order and the outdoor pool was not available. Despite these issues, the pool and spa facilities, when operational, are generally tidy and well-liked by visitors.
Parking
Distinction Coachman Hotel in Palmerston North offers various parking options to its guests with many appreciating the convenience and security provided. The onsite parking includes an underground facility, often highlighted for its security and the added benefit of free availability. Guests particularly appreciated the ease of parking with some noting that there was plenty of off-street parking available. Many found it convenient to have parking spaces right outside their rooms.
However, there were a few mentions of the parking being tight and difficult for larger vehicles and one instance where parking was momentarily affected. Despite these minor points, the overall sentiment towards the parking facilities remained positive with guests finding it 'awesome,' 'easy,' and 'good.' The presence of a lift providing access to all floors from the parking area further added to the convenience for visitors.
Family
The Distinction Coachman Hotel in Palmerston North offers a range of facilities and amenities that cater to families traveling with kids. Guests highlight the spacious rooms and family-suitable options, making it a good choice for family stays. The swimming pool receives praise with many noting that their kids particularly love it. There is also a spa pool available for children, adding to the family-friendly atmosphere. While some reviews mention that the family rooms can be quite small and the family suite not always available, the overall experience is positive with many appreciating the family-friendly accommodations and good price for family rooms.
4 Star
The Distinction Coachman Hotel in Palmerston North is perceived as a modern and clean property, particularly evident in its reception area. The hotel is marketed as a four-star establishment, though guest reviews suggest a discrepancy between the rating and actual experience. Some reviews highlight that the facilities and room quality do not consistently reflect a four-star standard with several guests feeling that the accommodation did not match the expectations set by the hotel's star rating and promotional photos. The overall sentiment points to an inconsistency in meeting the four-star rating criteria.
Business
The Distinction Coachman Hotel in Palmerston North is highly praised by business travelers for its excellent facilities and services tailored to their needs. Specifically noted are the conference facilities and rooms designed with business in mind, making it a popular choice for work-related stays. Visitors find the hotel's multi-floor layout, featuring separate bedrooms and bathrooms, particularly convenient. Cleanliness and friendly staff further enhance the positive experience. Those on business trips repeatedly commend the establishment as good for business and convenient for work-related activities.
Yes, Distinction Coachman Hotel, Palmerston North has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Heated Pool, Outdoor Pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Distinction Coachman Hotel, Palmerston North.
No, Distinction Coachman Hotel, Palmerston North doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Distinction Coachman Hotel, Palmerston North.
Yes, Distinction Coachman Hotel, Palmerston North has a gym.