I am an English Widower normally domiciled in Ponsonby, Auckland. I and my two little boys have returned to Auckland after a year in England and booked into Abaco for a few nights whilst we looked for a new home.

We did not feel very welcome at all. The lady owner was civil but her husband was downright offhand. My little boys could not play here, play there, he scowled every time we made an enquiry. This very unerudite gentleman kept banging on about his corporate clients (third rate travelling salesmen for the mostpart) 'Mine host' he was not.

We moved to somewhere else much more welcoming (the Great Ponsonby Art Hotel) - wonderful.

We have been there for some weeks (will write a glowing review Sally and Jerry) but now have to leave as they are booked out for the rest of the month. We still have not found the home we seek so still needing a roof I rang back Abaco who took and accepted my booking. Ten minutes later my phone rang.

It was the oh so charasmatic Mr Abaco himself. Having established he had my attention he launched himself: "Don't know what got into Cindy taking your booking - we're full for the rest of the month" he snarled.

"Well your Website shows vacancies" I interjected.

"its obviously wrong" snapped this extraordinary man.

I thought for a second. "Could it be - you simply do not want us?" I enquired gently.

"Too right" he practically bellowed. "I am trying to renovate this place and I don't need your boys around. I have real corporate clients. We don't want want you or or your family."

I was so surprised at this extraordinary outburst I simply hung up.

We were not returning there out of choice - simply need a bed. Abaco is a third rate establishment anyway not helped by unsmiling begrudging hosts who look as though they wished all their guests would go away. Temporary accommodation in Ponsonby is sparse therefore standards do not need to be high yet this performance from Abaco set a new benchmark in awfulness for NZ hospitality and believe me having lived in NZ for 30 years I have encountered a few pretty dreadful ones.

Incidentally my boys have travelled the world this year. We have stayed in 5 star hotels and cheap dives. In all they have charmed in the extreme and been welcomed everywhere. The only place they are not welcome is on the doorstep of the village they were born in.

If you are a family - steer clear of Abaco. If you are looking for a cheery smile or helpful advice look elsewhere.