Once in room , it was dark, cold, and definitely not what pictures portrayed, no proper heater, no electric blankets in winter, only water available was from bathroom tap.

The curtains were stained, the bathroom has a build up of scum in the grouting, filthy toilet tank cover, dust in the filter and heater system.

but that besides, the room being tired the TV didn’t work, the extractor fan in the bathroom didn’t work.

Poorly maintained in the outside of the unit with weeds in the garden.

The bathroom heater was broken, the heated towel rail was not fully functional and the bed was old and extremely soft and sloped towards the floor on one side.

We looked out to other rooms and the air conditioning unit which was loud.

Rooms have no air conditioning so there is a portable fan in the room, no style to the bedrooms and dated.

but after paying $1200+ for 3 nights 1 room here’s my honest review:

The bad:
No air con unit just an old $40 fan on a stand 
Room smelt really bad
Red wine stains on floor
Small old school TV with no digital channels
Very basic free breakfast where the coffee was so weak it didn’t taste like coffee at all.

but lacking
Bedside cabinet had something spilt on it only 1 towel each (small)
A warm night and the heater came on at about 2am cooking us awake  should have checked it maybe?

Being mid-winter the sole heater struggled to combat the cold, two other heaters failed to function for me or at least failed to produce any heat, I did not seek assistance on that problem,spent more time in front of the open fire in the lounge.

but cold floor tiles and although there was a wall heater it did very little to heat the room.

Room was freezing and no one was at reception to ask for another heater.

Adjoining unit was just through the door and we could hear everything going on even what people were talking about.

however we felt that the room could have done with an air conditioner for heating/cooling and the chairs to watch tv were hard and not comfortable.

The only issue was the room was extremely hot in early February, even with two fans running.

Just a little hot, in both hotel itself and the room, seemed that heaters were on (it was an already hot day).

Despite no air conditioning we would come again… just not at the peak of summer.

For a price point of $220 per night the accommodation needs a refresh the installation of air conditioning and some little luxuries like water on arrival, all of these little things would help the property immensely

It was way too hot and we required the fan on all night.

Bed comfortable and lovely garden outlook.

When returning to Hanmer Springs I will certainly stay here again due to the hotel's location and general level of comfort.

Firstly, what we would like to say is that the staff all did their very best to make our stay comfortable; from the duty manager to the restaurant folk, the chef, the maintenance man, Shiori our wonderful waitress, they all did extremely well.

Rooms are spacious and clean and beds very comfortable.

Comfortable bed, bathroom facilities great.

Room was well appointed, with a very comfortable bed.

Although outdated, it was warm and had comfortable beds and nice linen.

Our room was warm with a super comfy bed and the bathroom was also a good size tho  the floor tiles were very cold in the night.

We enjoyed our stay and the key things - comfy bed to sink into and excellent shower - were present.

The bed was particularly comfortable, and tea and coffee making facilities available.

The room was large, lovely and warm with a super comfy bed and tea and coffee facilities.

Beautiful hotel, lovely and clean and super comfortable.

Our room was quiet and the bed was very comfortable.

Rooms clean and tidy with a very comfy bed.

Comfortable, well located and classy without the snobby atmosphere.

Had to drag all our luggage upstairs , no lift, no help to do this.

There is no lift so you have to carry your luggage up the stairs (this is only one night of a longer holiday so we have actual luggage), the room is super basic, desperately in need of a renovation.

Most incredibly, one has to carry one’s suitcase up the stairs as there is no elevator or anyone to help.

Being an older person, no lift was a negative with my bag, to start with,

however being on the 2nd floor with no elevator it was a challenge to haul our luggage upstairs.

I suspect this lead to there being a wait to check-in due to about 6 people arriving at once, and no-one available to help carry my suitcase up the stairs (no lift).

The room was on the first floor up two flights of stairs (no lift or assistance with luggage) the rooms have no air conditioning and a small heater so don’t stay during summer), there was a small pedestal fan.

We did not use a lift to access our room and to be honest I do not know if there is one.

No lift to the rooms in second floor, so you would need to carry the luggages up/down via stairs.

3) There doesn't seem to be any wheelchair ramp to the front door or an elevator so if you are in a wheelchair or have difficulty climbing stairs, then you might want to ask to stay downstairs.

There is no elevator so if you are unfit ask for a downstairs room.

Although there is no lift, the reception staff will happily carry your luggage up the minimal stairs.

There is no lift and I refused the offer of help with luggage which was a mistake as there are a lot of stairs.

No lifts, not sure if there are any ground floor rooms.

One gripe was we were on the first floor and there’s no elevator in the main building.

The only negative was the lack of an elevator for lots of bags

Only feedback I could give is that there needs to be a staff member to take up luggage to the first floor as there isn't a lift and someone could fall trying to haul luggage up the stairs.

We were in room 344 - a garden studio room.

The hotel overall is very clean and tidy with good garden areas.

We had a garden unit, which was a long walk without parking outside the unit.

Our classic room had a nice outlook onto garden and hills behind with nice patio to enjoy a drink and surroundings if warm enough!

Lovely setting in surrounding gardens with great mountain views.

The photos look like this was the perfect country retreat, with beautiful manicured gardens.

We initially requested a garden view room which was unavailable

I had a Garden Suite and the king bed was magic!

There are lovely gardens well maintained, which you view from the dining room, or you can relax outside having drinks on the terrace.

Had a relaxing two nights stay at the Hotel, It is set in the most beautiful grounds and gardens and is steeped in history.

We had a garden patio room which was lovely

Having a private garden room was rather nice and the room was clean enough and the king bed was super comfortable

We have to upgrade at extra cost otherwise we would had had a dark room ,the upgrade was lovely in Garden setting

Beautiful heritage building set back in a lovely garden environment.

Produce from his own garden, such an honour.

We enjoyed our stay in a garden patio room, with outdoor furniture.

I can not fault this hotel we stayed in a garden studio which is set within the beautiful grounds.

The hotel has beautiful grounds and is located right in the middle of town.

The room was ready early and had great amenities, plenty of parking available with beautiful grounds.

The grounds are lovely and they have a good pool.

There is so much potential with this hotel if they spent abit of money installing air cons in the rooms and putting some local,artist work up on the walls, it is central to everything and the grounds are lovely

Complete with pool and tennis courts, lovely grounds and welcoming staff.

Beautiful building and grounds that would benefit from an update.

The grounds are vast and well maintained.

Otherwise the hotel was clean and acceptable with nice grounds.

though you could be in provincial Italy - the grounds are just stunning.

Such a historic hotel - beautul architecture and stunning grounds.

The room was very clean and the grounds beautifully kept.

Located in the heart of town, with beautiful grounds.

Beautifully maintained grounds and location.

Fantastically located, gorgeous grounds, nicely appointed large rooms.

Great location, staff, and beautiful grounds.

Hotel is in a great location, garden studio cabins that we stayed in were a little tired and gardens were severely lacking compared to how beautiful the rest of the grounds are.

Walks, tennis, the hot pools and them a wine sitting in front of their big open fire, perfect.

We booked the stay and play which includes entry to the hot pools.

Easy distance to Hanmer Forest walks, shops and Hot Pools.

Walking distance to restaurants and hot pools.

Very relaxing stay, comfortable room with lovely view, friendly helpful staff, lovely grounds with a swimming pool .Handy  to everything, especially the Hot Pools which were very relaxing (and quiet).

It is super central and very convenient to all local amenities, especially the hot pools.

And also its a close  walking distance to the hot pool.

Although you wouldn't think a swimming pool would be necessary in Hanmer Springs, right across the street from the hot pools, our four-year-old got a lot of use out of it!

Free breakfast and dinner, plus the free hot pool entry ticket make us a fantastic trip!

Very helpful reception staff
Very good menu for dinner and breakfast
Beds are excellent
Lots of things to do around the town
Biking ,jet boating, Bungy jumping and really good hot pools.

It is in close proximity to restaurants, and just a short walk away from the thermal hot pools.

Very friendly staff, we had a superior room which was  spacious and very clean , breakfast was included and  was great, easy walk to the hot pools and nice forest walks, would recommend the art forest amble.

In the heart of Hanmer, an easy walk to hot pools, shops, restaurants etc.

It was great to use the GrabOne deal that included hot pool passes and full breakfasts.

The grounds are really nice and being in the centre of town right near the hot pools is really convenient.

Si gelato across the road is a must to try and off course you must visit the Hanmer Springs hot pools.

Very convenient to the shops, restaurants, bars and hot pools.

We loved the location of the Heritage hotel, being right in the heart of the village and within a short walk (3 minutes) to Hanmer Springs hot pools.

The hot pools down the road were amazing.

As always the hot pools were so relaxing for a couple of hours at the end of the day.

Only good thing is the location of this hotel.

Yes we left out card :)

The good:
Fridge worked
Pool was good
Staff were very friendly
Great location

Hope this review helps

While this establishment was clean and tidy and in a perfect location, the service was something less impressive.

Centrally located, in easy 5-7 min walking distance of the cafes, bars, shops and the famous hot springs Spa.

The location is fabulous in the middle of the village and it felt good to stay in, and support, a still lovely and well kept heritage  icon.

Room, Staff, Location and Dining all first class.

The hotel is a beautiful old building located right in the centre of town.

I recommend this hotel as it's in a great location and unique building.

This hotel is centrally located with easy access to all food and other services in Hanmer Springs.

Only really good part was the central location in the township,

Choose to stay here each time we travel to Hanmer Springs as it is centrally located in the village.

This is a very lovely property, kind and helpful staff and the location was in the middle of Hamner Springs, you could walk anywhere if you wanted.

Located conveniently right in the heart of the town and an easy walk to the trial pools.

I’d seriously be wary of staying here for the price they charge and the lack of amenities.

We were given another room as ours wasn’t ready and it still had rubbish in the bins, the blinds weren’t cleaned or straight and there were rips in the net curtain.

Overall Hanmer is run down and very over priced.

Our room wasn't ready on check in so we had to wait, and we paid for breakfast, last time we came it was a lovely buffet with eggs, sausages, bacon etc this time it was only toast and hard muesli.

our patio room was booked and paid for in advance when we arrived we were informed that they had given our room to other guests they told us we had to have a room upstairs with no view we exchanged words with the staff

Have to pay extra for a cooked breakfast.

but I’d seriously be wary of staying here for the price they charge and the lack of amenities. Cheers
Justin

The full price rate, without water park, may be on the high side.

Hard to see coming into it in the dark a real trip hazard
I spoke to a gentleman at reception and was given excuses  we paid $215 for 1 night I was gutted!

but not for the premium of the services not received

but expensive for what you get and not good value for money.

but we had to drag our suitcases and bags for a long time while others had the car in front of the garden unit.Breakfast was poor coffee I call it hot water my wife drinks only decaff and she had to pay $ 6.00 for a cup of poor coffee all by all a shame

but food and drinks at the bar are a bit pricey.

I agree with others that the hotel is a bit dated, which is not reflected in the top dollar we paid for our stay.

Glad we had got a deal through grab one because would have been disappointed if paying full price.

Restuarant could improve it's  selection on menu and  coffee prices.

On the slightly expensive side for what is on offer,

It totally needs to be removed from your available rooms at this higher price.

We had Pizza as it was Italian Night. Excellent.

Isobel's resturant is one of the best authentic italian returants in the whole of New Zealand in our opinion.

We had dinner in the restaurant which also was very high-quality Italian menu superbly cooked and presented with the chef going around the tables chatting to diners.

Great nibbles inc rare tuna and prawns, nice wine at good prices, great vibes and beautiful jazz from Graeme and Janet.

The hotel is very well located, right in the middle of town close to all the shops and restaurants.

We had a seafood pasta, which was totally average.

Plus our room was very clean, plenty of hot water for showers and the evening meals, delicious.

The location is good for access to the springs and the local shops and restaurants.

We loved the dinner service the food was delicious.

One of the nicest meals we have had in a long time and one we will be repeating regularly.

The hotel restaurant was not operating as the chef had covid.

Excellent dinner in the restaurant, very good bed and lovely staff.

but the facilities - and restaurant - were up to date nonetheless.

The wait staff were so lovely, and the food absolutely exquisite.

They were able to help us and were flexible enough to refund us one night, because the room was sold on.

Room was very spacious, including bathroom.

They then put us in room 108 on the bottom floor - it was sold to us as a king deluxe room.

Check in was from 2pm at 5:15pm we were still waiting for our rooms.

The room was fit for purpose for 2 adults and a 9-year-old.

We had a pleasant and spacious room with a view of the mountains .

The staff were very welcoming, the rooms very clean and the breakfast service was perfect.

Room was fine and a good size comfortable bed.

Indeed there is a common room, with high back armchairs and a dining hall with a fireplace.

Personally, I would stay again also Super friendly staff.

We appreciated their willingness to try and do the right thing.

Fantastic staff, wonderful venue, cannot wait to visit again!

They are saving money by not having staff at reception .

Reception staff were very friendly and helpful.

The staff is really welcoming and helpful.

Reception staff very friendly and helpful.

The only redeeming qualities were the pool which was lovely and the staff were kind and helpful.

I  gave it a two star rating because the staff were helpful and very friendly.

Nonetheless we thoroughly enjoyed our stay because of the staff.

We had a lovely stay here, lovely staff, great for kids with the heated outdoor pool.. my son absolutely loved it.

The reason behind late check in was staff sortage

We enjoyed the hotel and the staff were friendly and helpful.

When I booked on the phone (in August), the gentleman I dealt with was super friendly and helpful.

Hanmer Springs Hotel

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Within walking distance to everything right in the centre of town.

The The St James is near these landmarks: The Decadent Fudge Company, Hanmer Springs Adventure Centre, Alpine Crazy Putt & Village Cruisers, Tait gallery, The Lolly Pot, Conical Hill, Fresh Fudge, Majuba Gallery, Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa, Hurunui i-SITE Visitor Information Centre, Hanmer Llamas, Dog Stream Walkway, Ani Health Care, All Backs, Hanmer Springs Massage and Beauty, Hanmer Pitch & Putt, A Maze N Golf, Hanmer Springs Animal Park, Dog Stream Waterfall, Hanmer Horse Trekking, Hanmer Forest, Hanmer Springs Helicopters, Hanmer Springs Attractions, Amuri Jet - Hanmer Springs, Pukatea Horse Horse Trekking & Adventures, Hanmer Springs Ski Area, Waiau River Estate, Hossack  Station Hunting NZ and St James Conservation Area

It is right in the centre of town, so just a stroll to cafés, restaurants and of course the hot pools.

The location is outstanding, right in the centre of town.

Easy walk to the village centre and views of the mountains.

Great boutique hotel right in the center of things.

We stay at The St James whenever we are in Hanmer, very good location close to center of town yet quite, top class, clean facilities, very comfortable bed.

Good location in the centre of town with parking and all amenities at hand .

Great location in the centre of Hanmer and next to the shops.

The motel is close to everything yet slightly off the centre of town.

It is right in the centre f town with an easy walk to cafes , shops and the thermal pools.

It is right in the Town Centre so walking to virtually everywhere is possible.

A very nice place to stay right in the village centre.

Location was great  / centre of town with short easy walking distances to restaurants and hot springs.

The rooms were modern, very well equiped, and very convenient to the town center.

We were near to a small shopping centre with very good bakery - so popular you need to watch for queues.

It is very well located, close to the town centre, hot springs and Conical walk.

but it was pleasing to see that the very highest standards of service and cleanliness are still the same.

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