I chose this hotel based on both the great reviews and it's extreme proximity to the airport. I was not disappointed.

I made my reservation over the phone and was given a great description of the room options and prices. I picked a premium room on the top floor with harbour view. On check in, Raewyn gave me directions to the car park nearest my room, and as I stepped out of my car a happy, helpful man appeared and explained he had been sent to carry my suitcase up the stairs for me!

The view from my balcony was so uplifting with white sailboats in the blue harbour beyond the mangroves, and native bush in the distance. I loved relaxing on the cane furniture set in my room. It had deep, comfy cushions and perfectly suited the tropical atmosphere provided by the beautiful palm trees and hibiscus in the garden below. On enquiry I was provided with a jug of soy milk and a coffee plunger to use in my room which I appreciated so much.

After settling in, I went down to the bar for a cocktail, where a very friendly girl expertly made up a wonderful large and strong aperol spritz for me, no problem at all. I then enjoyed relaxing in the lobby reading the paper and looking at the art collection of black and white photographs of famous people from the 1960's and 1970's. I did not dine in, but easily found a tasty and well priced Thai restaurant nearby.

After dinner I returned to my room, the evening was cool but the heat pump efficiently created a cosy warmth. I wanted to take a bath, but couldn't figure out how to get the water to switch from the shower to the bath tap. A quick phone call brought another helpful staff member to my room who had it working in no time. After a relaxing tub, it was time to collapse into the spotless white sheets on my soft and comfortable king size bed for a much needed sleep, after a big day driving down from the Hokianga.

In the morning I couldn't face a busy restaurant, so made a phone call to see if it was too late to get breakfast in my room. I was met with "of course not" and literally within 10 minutes there was a knock at the door and a perfectly presented tray with delicious sourdough grain toast, cereal, fruit salad and yoghurt was brought in.

Check out was fast and simple, another strong man carried my suitcase from my room to the car, and an easy 3 minute drive to airport completed an ideal stay.

At no time was anything too much trouble, all the staff were so warm, kind and friendly. I was so welcomed and taken care of, while travelling alone and feeling somewhat vulnerable. I couldn't recommend the Flames Comfort Hotel more highly. Thank you Raewyn and crew, I will be back no doubts.

Booked a room , requested a bath and was told a "maybe" but was then phoned back promptly to confirm, Absolutely friendly checkin with Raewyn , the owner/ manger. Room was super clean and very big with a view out to the west ...inlet with boats in the distance. Wife recovering from a hospital stay so we had room service dinner. VERY impressive..we ordered a few entrees...scallops, mussels, prawns, side of fries..( they were GOOD !) Would totally and absolutely recommend this accomodation. Our unit was one of two I am told that has cooking facilities...Microwave, two hot plates so Ok for a small cook up. 3 mins walk to a bunch of shops ( Takaways chinese and indian ) as well as a New World supermarket, The flames is also only 5 mins drive from Whanagrie city so a perfect location, Grounds are extremely well kept with a pool and bush look out platform. Well done Raewyn and the flames team. P and B from Paihia