House of Travel - Albany

"Looked around for a good travel agent to help with a 4 week Europe holiday. Albany HOT website said all the right things about “being there” helping” taking care of” you so went out of my way to go to the store. Approaching the door, there’s a confronting sign, basically advising that of you aren’t a previous client, they may not be able to help, as they are so busy. I went in anyway to perhaps make an appointment as suggested. The lady I spoke to asked, briefly, where I was going/doing. I said what we were thinking. About $12-$15k worth of hotels, flights, trains, trips, ferries. Then I said that we had already booked our return flights to the UK (thinking this would be a good thing as it meant we were serious about booking trips and I wasn’t just there to “dream”) Turned out - it wasn’t. I was firmly told that if they didn’t book the whole thing, then it was not “worth their while”. Totally appalled! So I left - called the Orewa HOT office (independent franchise) and asked if they could help. Spoke to a lovely lady, Bea, who said of course she could and would be more than happy to sort out bookings. Made an appointment for the following day. Chalk and cheese! So basically- if you are not an existing client at Albany - don’t bother to “waste their time”."

"Booking our trip was effortless with the lovely help from Angela & Tim. Had a great time. We had to call them during our holiday for a quick question and they were more than happy to answer the phone call. Highly recommend HoT Albany! Will definitely be using you lot again!"

"When I called and spoke to Tim he was too busy to talk to me about our family trip overseas and said he would ring back later that day. He didn't. I called back twice the following day and left messages both times but Tim failed to call me back. Disappointing. I have taken my business, and all future business, elsewhere."

"Tim was such a help to us to arrange travel to NZ from Canada. Our travel day was so seamless due to his work. With COVID as well we had so many questions and concerns leading up to our departure. Tim was absolutely wonderful and took time to answer everything we needed. 100% recommend booking with Tim!"

"After winning the lottery by finally securing a room in MIQ, I had to figure out how to get to NZ from Canada in less than a week! Tim Malone came highly recommended from a dozen people in a Kiwi FB group, so in a panic stricken state, I contacted him by email. He got back to me within 5 minutes, and was very reassuring. Within the hour, he had two flight options for me…and 3 days later I was on a flight to Dubai! My seats on both flights had been booked, my e-tickets sent and I was checked in. I had a 2 day layover in Dubai and Tim had me booked in a fabulous hotel. My flight to Auckland via Kuala Lumpur went without a hitch. Tim told me what CoVid tests I needed and where to find them. He tended to every last detail and put up with my crazy questions along the way. He is so knowledgeable, skilled, and efficient, and he ALWAYS got back to me in short order. I felt so comfortable and secure with Tim at the helm… flying this route alone that I had never travelled before. He is not only amazing, but a joy to deal with. There’s no doubt my family and I will be working with Tim and his team again! Thanks so much, Tim… you’re the best!"