Questions and some answers..

How old is this building?

It is our most frequently asked question. Quickly followed by:

What was this building originally?

Quick history lesson.

Gleeson's Empire, corner Shakespeare and Brewster st..circa 1893

Note the back part of the building in brick, which still stands today - the front was lost in a fire. 

By 1901 The New Empire Hotel was built and is the home of Toad Hall today. (We're the tall building just beyond that crazy power pole).

In the 1931 earthquake, the building was damaged. 

This was classed a 'fix' not a 'rebuild'.

We have no idea if the following story is true or not...but who am I to let the truth get in the way of a good story!

The earthquake struck at 10.47am on 3rd February 1931 (that bit's true). We don't know how many people were in the building at that time, however, legend has it that The New Empire Hotel was the first pub to be serving beer after the quake.

We like to think the Barman picked himself up, dusted himself off, pulled the lever on a strong ale as he exclaimed 'What the *** Was that!?' It was a working mans pub after all.

From what we have heard, the pub lost it's liquor licence some time in the 70's. The then publican was an eccentric character named Queenie. Another urban legend has it that she was a key participant in drinking the place dry.

Another frequently asked question....

Are there ghosts here?

Depending on who asks this question, my answer could be:

To the 6 year old little girl with fear in her eyes - No. Most certainly not!

To the 11 year old boy with excitement in his eyes - Yup. Loads of them!!

OK, urban legend gone to far - no child has ever asked me. But lot's of adults do. Depending on your ghosty position regarding the super-natural...some people seem to be particularly sensitive to spirit residue.

Back in the early days of 2011, a young backpacker walked into the building through the Shakespeare Road doors and walked in a direct line towards me at reception. By the time she had covered the, roughly, 10 metres her eyes were lit up with excitement. 'Wow! Busy spirits you have in here'

Others have reported seeing a young girl sitting on a chair. Interestingly, various people have reported this to us and it's always a young girl, on a chair, wearing a white dress. Personally, we have never seen, heard or felt anyone. Reports of sightings stopped some time during the later part of 2011. I guess she is gone.

Guest or ghost -  has not been confirmed. 

Over the  years there have been very rare occurrences of nice cheese and beer going missing from the communal fridges. While I am not particularly sensitive to the spirit world, I consider the idea of a Casper in the Kitchen, having an appreciation for nice cheese and the odd beer, a lovely thought! Much nicer than a dis-honourable traveller thieving from his house-mates. 

Moving on...

Questions over the phone.

So these people have not been to Toad Hall. They may or may not have looked at our website.

100% The most frequently asked question over the phone is 

Are you a backpackers?

This has been asked using every tone known to modern English, and broken English.  Some folk are just checking in that they have the right place. Others are horrified that their price-point search for a $100 per night 5-star beach resort with free meals and unlimited bar somehow flicked up our number.

The tone of voice when this question is asked is a good indicator of whether the person is actually looking for a backpackers....or not. I generally spend the next few minutes explaining how a shared house model works. 

Next biggie is about parking. Fair and reasonable question.  Nothing funny there.

And in third place....drum roll please....

Do you have a hair dryer?

I actually have 3 now as so many people don't travel with their own.

Given the rise in domestic guests v's international guests, I did think the demand would go down. Nope. It's gone up.

Email questions can be a little more elaborate....
How far is the accommodation from ....-  insert name of all and every point of interest in Hawkes Bay.
Google is just not at your finger tips when writing an email.

This is a true story. 

This lady had borrowed my hairdryer, but that is not really the point of the story.
Breakfast time. She's a little flustered.
Guest: Where is the library?
Me: A few blocks from here
Guest: But where? I have to charge my phone!
Me: Ahh, do you need a cord?
Guest: No. My phone didn't charge. I need the library to charge it.
Me: Maybe it's your cord...as the power socket worked for the hair dryer.
Guest: Where is the library? I need to charge my phone before an appointment.
Me: Gives directions to library. You go girl!

Another question I am frequently asked is

How long have you been running Toad Hall?

While some days it feels like forever! We purchased the business in 2010. So 13 years. The last time I answered this question...just a few days ago...the gentleman looked at me surprised.

Wow...you've been through...Everything!

Yup. Just a plague of locusts to go....