Wellington, 747 Motel

On 23/3 I booked one night accommodation for 25/4 on the AA Accommodation website for the 747 Motel at Wellington. The cost was $115. At that time I advised I would be arriving at 12.30am on 26/4 after landing at Wellington International Airport.

I presumed that, like other motels I have stayed at in New Zealand. They would advise me by email of how to get into the room and then finalise paperwork in the morning when the office opened. This has been the norm whenever I have travelled to New Zealand.

I contacted the 747 Motel at Wellington on Tuesday 23/4 by email asking them to confirm the booking. They did not reply. I contacted them again on Wednesday 24/4 at midday but they only replied back a 8pm last night (after hours and within the 24 hr cancellation period). At that time they advised me that there was now a $45 after hours reception fee, payable in cash, on arrival.

This increases the cost from $115 to $160, without notice.

I checked their website and the AA website and nowhere does it advise of any additional cost for a late check in. I found nothing at all about an additional fees.

I would not have booked there if I had known of such a fee. I would have paid the additional money to stay at one of the large hotels.

I clearly stated when I made the booking on 23/3 that I would be arriving after hours and there has never been any advice received at any time of an additional fee for that. I then cancelled the booking due to the emails and attitude I was receiving from the Motel.

Despite my emailing the motel previously, the first contact I had with the motel was only at 8pm on the night before I was due to arrive. Because I was advised of the additional fees so late I couldn't cancel with the required 24hrs notice and cancellation costs were incurred. This was one nights accommodation or $115. I subsequently received a 50% refund only.

They should clearly advise of these costs at the time of making a booking.

I also question why they wanted $45 in cash rather then allow it on the bill as well.