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Reviews of Kaikoura Boutique Hotel

4.5 out of 5
Kaikoura Boutique Hotel
146 Esplanade, Kaikoura, Canterbury

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 184 out of 306 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 76 out of 306 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 32 out of 306 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 8 out of 306 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 6 out of 306 reviews" "

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Linda

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The rooms were beautifully decorated, although small
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Benjamin

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful property. Lovely grounds and right across from the beach. Helpful with getting dining reservations and very friendly staff. The rooms are quaint, but had all the amenities you need. Would stay here again!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Garry

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great boutique hotel lovingly restored
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location with an incredible view of the ocean. The rooms are small but very comfortable.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cynthia

Liked: Amenities
Nice place just across road from beach. Quiet. Love the courtyard. Great place for a drink.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024

6/10 Okay

Sue

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Pleasant staff, but the courtyard bedroom was small and the bathroom cramped to say the least. Considering most visitors were in transit and had a lot of luggage there wasn’t any room to spread out. ‘Glamorous breakfast’ was a stretch! Coffee, juice and eggs were good but in a country that prides itself on fresh produce why was the fruit tinned?
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

6/10 Okay

Fiona

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Clean room, friendly staff and service. Poor network reception, could hardly watch TV without it freezing.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sally, Chippenham

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely clean, beautifully presented and centrally located motel overlooking the sea. Nice choice of breakfasts.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024

8/10 Good

Bart

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024

8/10 Good

Pamela

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Very clean, room small but functional, breakfast OK, not a great choice of continental food as no cheese or meats or croissants just cereal, natural yogurt, 2 fruits and boiled eggs (cold), toast and danish pastries but service was good
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024
Response from Jen on Feb 2, 2024
Hi Pamela.Our breakfast is aiming to be great value and quality produce - at 20 per person, I think we are nailing that.To expand selection or include any cooked to order options, the price starts doubling - which is something we are not interested in doing this season.Things may change in the future, who knows!Thought you and any interested readers might like to know this back-story to breakfast.Cheery-O

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice location on the east coast.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023
Response from Jen on Feb 2, 2024
Thanks for 5/5 rating... getting bashed a bit lately! Seems people tend to complain way more frequently than praise. Human nature I guess. Thanks for being a super-human :)

6/10 Okay

THOMAS

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

8/10 Good

Jocelyn

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Super cute property. The room, especially the bathroom was very small, and could use some blackout curtains for the long summer days and early sunrise. Great staff and wine bar.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023
Response from Jen on Feb 2, 2024
Thanks for lovely review. Yes, working on a blackout for those rooms... watch this space on that :)

10/10 Excellent

Kylie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing peaceful place enjoyed the day spa and the views!!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

8/10 Good

Jennifer, Carlsbad

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Property was neat and clean.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023

6/10 Okay

Lisa

Traveled with partner
It was a cute but tiny room for the price. I found a dirty tissue under my pillow which wasn’t mine so I felt pretty uncomfortable about the cleanliness of the room
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sarah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great place to stay
Lovely heritage building on the outskirts of town with great views of the bay. Fantastic continental breakfast. Amazing hosts.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

6/10 Okay

Lisa

Traveled with group, Traveled with family
The property was ok. Nothing special. The outside is cute, as is the garden. The lobby area is nice. Rooms are tiny and lack soundproofing. There are no screens on the windows, which probably explains the insects in the room and bites I woke up with. There’s not a single shelf or drawer to put clothes in. The shower is contiguous with the bathroom so everything gets wet when the shower is used. The check-in staff person was probably tired when we got there at 5:30 but in any event she seemed to know nothing about the area and was just in a hurry for us to leave. I’m still giving it a 3 because it met basic expectations.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023
Response from Jen on Nov 13, 2023
Wow... this is sad. We have every single room fitted with air conditioners and filtration. I think you might have left a window open?

10/10 Excellent

Usha

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
We had a fantastic time at KBH. The staff are great, breakfast very good and the location excellent. Special thanks to Jen who went out of way to get me an adapter and always had a cheer smile when you met her! Will definitely go back again when visiting NZ
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
Response from Jen on Nov 13, 2023
Thank you for your kind words... and hello... I remember you fondly. Trust your travels have continued happily x

10/10 Excellent

Steven

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
It was nice
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023
Response from Jen on Nov 13, 2023
Yay :)

10/10 Excellent

Brandon

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Thoroughly enjoyed our stay, phenomenal customer service with great accommodations. Highly recommend.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023
Response from Jen on Aug 23, 2023
High praise indeed, thank you both. Love having America in the house :)

10/10 Excellent

Jeanne

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I highly recommend this hotel to anyone looking for an experience and not just a room for the night somewhere. From the moment we checked in, we felt at home. Jen was so very amazing, recommending places to dine and activities. She truly made out trip to Kaikoura unforgettable and we can’t wait to get back there again!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023
Response from Jen on Aug 5, 2023
Hi Jeanne...thank you so much for writing such a lovely review. Made me cry! Going to save it on my phone, so I can turn any challenging day into great. Happy travels you two xx

10/10 Excellent

Dean

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
Response from Jen on Aug 5, 2023
Thanks for staying with us during Winter Dean, glad you loved it.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice spot on the water
Very friendly and efficient check-in, wonderful cozy room. Great views from the deck.
Stayed 1 night in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Denis

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice comfortable clean room with spacious bathroom, in a lovely quiet little courtyard at the rear of the hotel. Easy 10 mins walk into town. Really enjoyed our 3 night stay here.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ernst, Newtown Square

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice hotel. Right on the ocean. Very helpful staff. Lovely town.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Matthew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very cosy and quiet. Still walkable to restaurants. Lovely having quiet beach across the road. Also love the heritage authenticity and feel. Staff super friendly.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Alvin

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2023

6/10 Okay

luigi

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2023

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
When we arrived at the hotel, Erin greeted us. She was lovely - her relaxed but welcoming nature made it feel more homely. The room itself was nice enough. The mattress was comfortable & rain shower was incredible. I loved the balcony view of the sea. Where things could be improved is some noise reducing insulation (because street noise at night was extremely loud); the bathroom sink barely drained & the continental breakfast was expensive for what was included.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2023

8/10 Good

Mark

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We enjoyed our stay here. The room and bed were comfortable, and the continental breakfast (extra fee for our room) was good. The host was gracious in accommodating our late arrival, and literally “left the lights on” to welcome us to our room. We did find/kill a couple of small bugs in the small bathroom. Other than that, all went well.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2023

6/10 Okay

helen

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2023

8/10 Good

Gary

Traveled with partner
Liked: Staff & service
A lovely location across from the beach. A short walk to restaurants and shops. A lovely lounge to have a drink and enjoy the view. Room was quite small. Carpets were in need of changing. Staff was very friendly.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2023
Response from Jen on Mar 11, 2023
Hi Gary, co-ordinating carpet supply, tradespeople and occupancy has been impossible. Fully aware of need. Slated for mid April now. Glad otherwise good, Jen

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Very cute place and great location
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

James, Bellevue

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great way to spend a p
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Karen

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This Hotel is just lovely! View of the sea from the front common rooms which are the Cafe and lounge/bar area. Wonderful friendly and helpful staff. Great bed! We enjoyed our time there. Would certainly stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2023
Response from Jen on Mar 11, 2023
Yay. Thanks for that Karen.

8/10 Good

Natalie

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean and tidy. Quiet location. Great Area. Staff very attentive. We enjoyed our stay.Thank you
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023
Response from Jen on Mar 11, 2023
Will pass on to staff, thanks Natalie.

10/10 Excellent

Doug

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Craig

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2023

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Tiny room, moldy shower curtain, stained carpet, tiny refrigerator, no air conditioning.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Katie

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful, cute, place to stay. Easy walk to places to eat or eat at the Hotel cafe. Opposite the beach and friendly, helpful staff.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023
Response from Jen on Feb 1, 2023
Thanks Katie, loved having you stay x

10/10 Excellent

Tony

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Old historic building wonderfully furnished. Comfortable beds in spacious room with balcony in main building. Lovely views out to sea. Away from main high street area but close enough to walk.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023

6/10 Okay

Leslie

Traveled with partner
Liked: Staff & service, amenities
We stayed one night, which was fine. I wouldn’t want to stay longer. Bathroom was very small with no hooks for towels to hang or dry. They supply shampoo/conditioner but no shower soap/body wash. Shower’s temperature controls were non existent- it was either hot or cold. When I went to bed, there was an unpleasant stain on the sheets. Bed was comfy- which is important. There is a small fridge as well as a coffee maker. The inner courtyard is quite pleasant.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2023
Response from Jen on Feb 1, 2023
Hi Leslie...On the subject of our bathroom products... Ashley & Co (that you must agree is totally fabulous)... have a philosophy of combining hair and body into one product - which is why we chose the Gone Green hand and body product instead. Sorry you didn't spot that, it was on the basin.As for the linen - unacceptable on two counts. 1. We have our linen commercially laundered and 2. Our housekeeping staff should have rejected any item with any staining.Appreciate the heads up... will use this to illustrate the important issue.Beds are super comfy... I know!Travel safe & happy

10/10 Excellent

Jeff

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great stay!
Response from Jen on Feb 1, 2023
Awesome. Thanks :)

8/10 Good

Noy

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2023
Response from Jen on Feb 1, 2023
Happy travels to you...

10/10 Excellent

Janet

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2023
Response from Jen on Feb 1, 2023
Yay. A 10... thanks x

10/10 Excellent

Martyn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Good value cosy courtyard room close to Dolphin Encounter centre and seafront. Nice cafe. Would recommend
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2023
Response from Jen on Feb 1, 2023
We love a 10... cheers to you :)

10/10 Excellent

Graeme

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful hotel. Highly recommend.
Response from Jen on Dec 13, 2022
Appreciate that Graeme. Thanks and Happy Christmas to you x

10/10 Excellent

Garry

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2022
Response from Jen on Dec 13, 2022
Yay... a 10... thanks Garry and Happy Christmas to you :)

8/10 Good

Andrew

Liked: Staff & service, room comfort
Brief but great
Only stayed 1 night. Arrived late so key was in lockbox for us. Had to leave early for our dolphin encounter so unfortunately didn’t get to meet owners. Place was comfy though with everything you could need & great location.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2022
Response from Jen on Dec 13, 2022
Does pay to try and squeeze a two-day stay here - you're not the first person to say that.Merry Christmas... hope the dolphins gave were up to their usual tricks... aren't they great!