Ouch!! I was not aware of this review!...Very sad that one of my customers left with bad memories! In my defense: I understand visitors to New Zealand choose small places like Cotter House, because they have greater contact with people and instead of hiring a guide, get general information on the country and customs, otherwise they choose the large modern hotels, more impersonal.. I only have 3 suites so only receive 3 couples and 1 single. Because we only host 6-7 people at any one time, our guests get a very personal standard of care (and Butler service) I can look after them personally. I understand that for travelers familiar with the UK, the Regency style of the old house is nothing new or particularly special. In the context of NZ history however, it does have some merit as it is one of the oldest heritage houses in Auckland, and only one of its age and quality open to the public. Auckland city was founded 17 Sept 1840, and the house was built in the early colonial period (between 1847 and 1855). I also understand guest distaste for "Chichi". What we have here is a French approach to English period decoration, with an ecclectic mix of modern furniture and antiques, and lots of modern art. We have beautiful pieces but try not to be a "museum"! The house does not suit only "modern furniture" and it is definitely not "clean modern minimalism", but is on the contrary filled with interesting period antiques and objets d'art/ "bibelots" . We do offer peace, comfort and space: This is a very large house that hosts only very few people on an exclusive basis. It has a couple of large lounges, a ballroom , and seating around the copper clad veranda. You can choose to sit on the marble terrace facing peaceful gardens with a view over the city and race course or in the pool courtyard, where you can actually "hide away" and it is a very nice place to unwind and relax. Or you can go to the gym! About other aspects of the decor: I apologise if you might have found something offensive in the type of art exposed - all originals : Protest Art from Bolivia, and Guatemala in Central America which has rather strong themes or the original sculptures on loan from Young "up and coming" NZ artists.. . Thank you for mentioning "picture perfect": you liked the presentation of the dining room! At least one plus. . Again "OUCH" re "spurious claims" and "plastic breakfast"!. I am French and a "Le Cordon Bleu" trained chef and I make the croissants which I bake and serve straight from the oven. I apologise if our egg choices were not pleasing. Being French I do cook with cream and it is my pleasure to prepare your breakfast. The silly "faux grand cutlery" is actually Walker & Hall silverplate brought in the 50's from Harrods (still very good early "mint"). And guests do use every day, the Mother of Pearl handled antique cutlery , somewhere around 1870's (no, not imitation "Bakelite" dating to the 1950's) Something I said (I might have voiced strong opinions) must have irritated you, or perhaps the stories I told and I sincerely apologise. I am an Archaeologist and historian in love with beautiful NZ, and hope you took away some useful information. The Bronze Suite, which is our Honeymoon suite , is made up of 2 separate rooms, not 3, joined by our best bathroom. Regarding your claims for "Sprauncy and outdated accommodations", and badly curated Museum... Ouch! . That suite does have a lovely Art Nouveau - transition 1910 Burr walnut bed (original antique with a physiotherapy modern comfortable mattress) and an old 1860 Louis Philippe armoire which I admit, creaks!. Was it the mix of real antiques with some modern crazy black lacquer period chairs (LXV copies) upholstered with a wild velvet and silver fabric? or the colour of the designer Bronze natural silk bedspread that you disliked? My take on bringing in a more "contemporary designer look". The difference between “chic” and “chichi” might be a matter of taste and appreciation. Regarding the "dated plumbing", yes I agree... we can only do so much in this heritage protected old mansion, but redoing the plumbing was our top priority. The hardest thing to get into this old mid 19th century house were the bathrooms : The construction is triple brick on stone foundations, not normal wooden frame and weatherboard. I explain to people: Like in Europe we had to use closets and a built over terrace , under supervision of heritage architects: The ensuite bathroom which we were allowed to build over the entrance porch on the original Regency terrace (with balustrades), has a modern touch: original designer Jean-Claude Delepine huge bathtub and also JCD vintage taps, all directly from Paris . The tiling in all bathrooms is marble that does not date. I am very disappointed we were unable to please you and make your stay with us memorable and pleasant. All I can do is to encourage people to go on our website and check it out for themselves.