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  5. Reviews of Lioness Estate - Dunedin

Reviews of Lioness Estate - Dunedin

20 Manchester Street, 9011 Dunedin, New Zealand

#36 of 36 B&Bs and inns in Dunedin

Guests' Choice

Review Score

Based on 71 B&B reviews

4.4

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    6.6

  • Comfort

    5.7

  • Location

    5.7

  • Facilities

    5.6

  • Staff

    6.9

  • Value for money

    5.5

  • Free Wifi

    5.0

Verified guest reviews from real Bookers

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Showing 1 - 25

  • Reviewed: March 8, 2024

    4.0
    Disappointing
    • Leisure trip
    • Travelers with friends
    • Deluxe Family Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Booked a room that stated had double and single bed had only 2 singles. On questioning the host after the stay (didn't question before as the house fully booked and no further accommodation available during concert) - told I had clearly misunderstood my booking, despite me having a screenshot stating what I had booked. Also lectured on how forth ate I was to have accommodation and how cheap it was considering a concert was in town. Accommodation states a spa bath is available, but the bath is in the shared bathroom hard to relax in the bath when you know you're sharing with 11 other people. The beds were comfy but definitely not the deluxe family room I was expecting. All facilities are shared with the family so more of a bunk room experience than a B&B.

    Host super friendly and offered transport to and from concert.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: February 16, 2024

    5.0
    Fair
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Budget Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Very small room practically no space for our luggage. In the shared common area no suitable seating. Only a low table, chairs were completely worn down.0

    This was the only available room

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: January 18, 2024

    4.0
    It was a good motel ruined by the other guests.
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Budget Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The other guests were the main problem. I needed a good sleep for the next day but was awoken by them at 12:15am and they wouldn't stop talking very loudly for almost 45 minutes. then in the morning, one locked themselves in the bathroom for over an hour so I couldnt even use it before I left. I just wish the other guests followed the rules about checking in before 9pm and staying quiet after 10pm. The free wifi was also very poor as the modem must have been very far from the room as all my devices only had 1 bar and disconnected frequently.

    The room was very clean and the bed was comfortable. The communication was good for getting into the place. The location was convenient too.

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: April 22, 2023

    4.0
    Uncomfortable
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The first room we were given had a window into the family dining room, no privacy. There was another room downstairs we took, and had to pay extra for. All windows were left open so we were freezing all night (the next morning the owner showed us where the heater was). There was a strong smell of paint (which is probably why the windows were open despite it being freezing). The beds were cheap, could feel all the springs and sunk down in the middle. The bath wasn't clean, so the owner has to clean it when I said I wanted to take a bath, the spa jets didn't work. Have to walk through the busy family area in order to take a bath. Had no idea the accommodation was not separate at all to the family home.

    Bath and sauna

    Stayed in March 2023

  • Reviewed: April 13, 2023

    3.0
    Unexpected
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Very expensive for what it was. Tiny rooms (smaller than advertised) to the point our room should never have been let as a double. The place will be a lot more comfortable when renovations have finished but it won't solve the room issue. Don't believe reviews that give a 10 and describe it as exceptional with no further comments.

    Friendly host Sauna Clean

    Stayed in April 2023

  • Reviewed: March 26, 2023

    4.0
    This was not for us, however many others may like.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 3 nights

    We were surprised to find it did not have private bathroom, which was an overbite on our part. Our bedroom looks like it was just a den with a bed thrown in. My sons bed in another area was not comfortable at all. I am sure others would enjoy staying here, but we are not used to the family being around, which may be our issue. We booked three nights, which was non refundable and blew off last two nights and found other accommodation.

    We did not partake in breakfast as we did not stay. The family is lovely however this style accommodation did not suit our needs.

    Stayed in February 2023

  • Reviewed: March 19, 2023

    5.0
    too expensive for what you get
    • Business trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Single Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    this is not the accommodation you expect for this money. it’s basically “under construction”, the carpets are just laid out, the room smelt like wet paint and was tiny for a “double room”. the “continental breakfast” was cereals and toast with spreads (and instant coffee). too expensive for what it is, for sure!

    Stayed in March 2023

  • Reviewed: March 9, 2023

    3.0
    Stay away!
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Deluxe Single Room
    • Stayed 3 nights

    We had to stay out at night as there was nowhere for us to sit and be private. Husband and wife were playing a game and having drinks at the dining table which was set up with 4 chairs. The 2 children were in the lounge with lights off watching cartoons on the tv. My bed in a small bedroom on the other side of the house was not adequate width-wise for me to sleep with knees out when on my side. It was small enough that I could reach the wall on the opposite side while sitting on the bed to turn the light off. However, the worst feature was the fan from the bathroom below which sounded like a jet engine under my pillow and my bed vibrated so that I could not sleep. Hopeless. I was in a 3-day tournament and needed sleep. The double bed which my sports partner kindly selected was next to the wall by the dining table. This dividing wall was mainly glass so as you were in the kitchen and then in the dining room you looked straight onto the bed - which was why I said I couldn't use it! The rest of the room had glass windows - as a sunroom. The husband was just opposite the 'bedroom' door, in the dining room at his computer for work and, as mentioned they sat at the table just by the wall. We were required to walk down a path down the side of the building to gain access to the house through the back of my partner's 'bedroom' when the hosts had locked the front door. This was steep, and the various steps which had a hose over part of it at one stage, were in the dark and potentially dangerous.

    We made our own breakfasts and lunches with our own food and cleaned up quickly before leaving early for a full day out playing in a tournament. The shower had good water pressure and space. There was a good towel.

    Stayed in March 2023

  • Reviewed: February 19, 2023

    5.0
    Fair
    • Family with young children
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The rooms where small the bedding was cheap and we're staying in a family environment along with a massage/modeling business, it just didn't feel like you could relax, it's a b&b.

    Location was good and owner was lovely

    Stayed in February 2023

  • Reviewed: April 15, 2024

    8.0
    Basic comfort at good value
    • Business trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room with Extra Bed
    • Stayed 1 night

    There was nowhere nearby to buy a bottle of wine - but the host was super generous and offered us some complementary bubbles. This place is pretty basic - but super good value and comfortable. No complaints at all.

    Our flight was cancelled and we desperately needed somewhere to stay for the night. I honestly didn't take much notice of the details while booking because there were so many people on the flight looking for somewhere to stay. The room was in a house, with shared bathroom facilities with one other guest which was fine. We felt super welcomed and cared for, and the bedroom was comfortable. I had a great sleep thank you!

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: April 2, 2024

    1.0
    Look elsewhere.
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Deluxe Double Room with Extra Bed
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    We were here for a concert. We did see reviews but didn't expect it to be that bad. There were about 10 of us sharing 1 toilet and shower, bathroom had a dirty bucket of water in there. Rooms were freezing but at least we were inside and not in a tent, unlike others! Beds had only a bottom sheet and duvet which were very thin and worn. Sheets were stained and discolored. Would not recommend .

    Unfortunately there is nothing to recommend.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: March 28, 2024

    1.0
    I did not stay as it was not what was described at all
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    This was not once me tioned it was a family home with very little privacy, it was not forthcoming with information. I did not feel comfortable to stay at all in this booking

    There was no information that this was a family home and that there was little to no privacy, I was told I would have to walk through the family home to use the bathroom and toilet facilities, this was a very uncomfortable setting. I was also told there was flooding and could not stay in the room I had booked. I booked one room with two beds and there was one bed in a room I had to enter the family house to gain access. I was not happy and sis not stay at all at this facility.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: March 19, 2024

    1.0
    Avoid!
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Deluxe Single Room
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Very small room with single bed. No room to unpack luggage. All facilities were shared with family of 4. Felt uncomfortable and unwelcome when using bathroom and kitchen. Received threatening message when I closed door to bathroom while I put on make up and used mirror. Not told about a one fruit with breakfast policy and then was kicked out because I had another piece of fruit that was laid out with breakfast stuff in the evening. No chance to discuss I just received a message that I had to leave by morning! Would definitely avoid this place and wish I had read all the reviews that have given 1 star before booking!! Felt pretty upset and disturbed by my stay here. I think booking.com should potentially not have this place as a listing. It is advertised differently from what it is.... a very small room in someone's family home who can kick you out at any moment for a one fruit with breakfast policy that wasn't even mentioned! Still feel a bit shocked about what happened and a little in disbelief!

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: March 14, 2024

    7.0
    The hosts were very friendly and accommodating. I appreciated my own private entrance
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    I felt uncomfortable using family spaces eg toilet, shower room and bathroom

    The owners

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: March 8, 2024

    1.0
    Appalling
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Tent
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    So these guys are opportunists at best. Exploitative at worst. Latter more likely. They capitalise on events in a city without enough accommodation. Beggars can’t be choosers we thought and we booked. We were not expecting anything exceptional. We paid over $300 for what we knew was a tent. We expected to be cold and not particularly comfy. What we didn’t expect was a tent on a slope next to main road. Not really habitable! We certainly did not expect to be SHARING THE TENT WITH STRANGERS in a separate zipped compartment! Nor did they! 6 of us in a tent, and a further 5 people squashed into 2 rooms at the back of the house. We knew there was a shared toilet/ bathroom. We didn’t expect 11 of us to all be sharing! Beyond that, a poor girl was hosted on a mattress in the back of a van. Thank goodness for the humour and togetherness we all found in the most bizarre of accommodations. If you’re after a story to tell and a very uncomfortable night away from home, book this place. Otherwise, please avoid!

    The kindness and humour of the strangers (other guests) who became our friends in a shared horror! Imagine, I will be equally amused by the hosts response to this review! Read them all folks before booking and change the filter to newest first. Miraculously the first one to come up at the moment is a 10!

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: March 6, 2024

    1.0
    did not stay as acccommodation was disgraceful
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Caravan
    • Stayed 2 nights

    all of it it should not be named estate as this implied it was on acerage it was tiny house in bad shape campervan on main road tiny no facilities charged for two nights double what is advertised scam rip off

    did not stay as accommodation was disgraceful not what we expected

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: March 5, 2024

    1.0
    Sooner shoot myself and stay there again
    • Business trip
    • Couple
    • Caravan
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Not a very nice place at all but sooner sleep outside to sleep with anything that they had dirty gusting cold

    There was nothing to like about this property at all dirty disgusting overpriced and just not a very nice place

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: March 4, 2024

    2.0
    Very Poor
    • Couple
    • Budget Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    See above......

    Shared bathroom with strangers,;was a surprise. Noisey traffic area, Bathroom area had dirty pail with dirty water and mop. Room was clean though. Can 't recommend!!!! It was not worth the money! Avoid if possible.

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: February 25, 2024

    1.0
    Never again
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Caravan
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    It was only a mattress in the back of a van! No room to stand or walk. I had to share the facilities with the family, while they carried about their family activities. No privacy at all. They let me know I was an intruder. I paid for 2 days, but I immediately left after my first day. I would like a credit for the second day, which I did not stay. Also, their location was much further from the center of town than advertised. AND I woke to 2 bumps on my hip, which looked suspiciously like bed bug bites. I will hot wash everything when I get home. Honestly, BOOKINGS, you do NOT want to represent this property. I have had many good stays thru BOOKING, but this was the worst

    Only that did not sleep outside.

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: February 21, 2024

    1.0
    Unsatisfactory
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Caravan
    • Stayed 1 night

    Abed state a mattress

    No breakfast

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: February 21, 2024

    1.0
    Horrible, cold, sleepless, noisy on the main street & most unresponsive hosts. Booking.com REVIEW
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Tent
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Shared bathroom with another 10 people in the accommodation!! Basic tent in backyard with most uncomfortable air beds that were sliding thru the slopes to the main road😡on a freezy night🥶

    Can't believe a tent in the backyard is classified as accommodation thru Booking.com!!

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: February 18, 2024

    1.0
    Not as it seems.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Budget Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    It ran out of toilet paper. It was shared facilities but no-one mentioned the room was part of a house and all you had was one small badly furnished room. There was no air conditioning. There were opened toiletries, 1.5l drinks left places. It did not feel safe at all. Location was out but that's not really an issue. You weren't allowed to eat or wear shoes in your room.. there was no separate toilet so you had to wait long periods to use the bathroom.

    It has new carpet.

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: February 18, 2024

    8.0
    Comfortable and welcoming
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 5 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Friendly hosts and also respectfulness of privacy.

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: February 17, 2024

    2.0
    This is a room in a family home.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Deluxe Family Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Very expensive. Booked family deluxe room. Had a bunk bed. No sauna or spa bath. Was expecting a double bed and a single bed not bunk bed. Shared bathroom. Bedroom felt like the child’s room as it was full of toys and children’s books. Uncomfortable walking through family lounge to get to kitchen to make a cup of tea. Description of property not particularly accurate. This is a room in the family home.

    -

    Stayed in February 2024

Showing 1 - 25

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