Oamaru, 115 Thames Street-45.098867,170.97055(Show on Map)
8.2
Very Good
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Checkin - Checkout dates
1 Room2 Guests
Info
Summary of reviews
Nestled in the heart of Oamaru, Brydone Hotel offers an optimal location for visitors eager to explore the town's unique attractions. Its central position provides easy access to historic Victorian precincts, vibrant Steampunk HQ, the Blue Penguin colony and key tourist spots, including festivals. Despite being centrally located, the hotel maintains a tranquil ambiance, making it an ideal base for exploration.
The breakfast experience at Brydone Hotel Oamaru is generally positive with guests appreciating the consistently good and substantial portions, often set in the hotel's charming, old-world setting. Visitors enjoyed a variety of options, including the well-recommended granola, available through the café off the lobby or room service. While some experienced long wait times and mentioned that the continental breakfast lacked variety, the majority found the breakfast to be a delightful start to their day.
Dinner at the hotel's restaurant is frequently praised for its quality and generous portions with guests commending the great food and the inviting atmosphere in the grand historic dining room. Many enjoyed superb chowder and roast beef, though some desired a more varied and interesting menu and noted inconsistencies with the buffet dinner. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall dining experience remains commendable.
The rooms at Brydone Hotel Oamaru are highly praised for their spaciousness, cleanliness and modern facilities. Refurbished heritage rooms offer historical charm with contemporary comforts, including modern bathrooms and scenic views. While certain areas need attention, such as updating some tired rooms and adding air conditioning, the general sentiment remains positive with guests finding the accommodations both spacious and comfortable.
Cleanliness is a strong point at the hotel with guests frequently noting the spotlessly clean rooms and well-maintained facilities. The historic charm of the hotel complements its high hygiene standards, creating a blend of old-world charm and modern comfort.
The staff at Brydone Hotel Oamaru are acclaimed for their friendliness and professionalism, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The team, from receptionists to breakfast hostesses, receive commendations for their helpfulness and efficiency, enhancing the overall guest experience.
The hotel offers free WiFi, which is generally well-received for its high-speed and good connectivity, though a few guests experienced slower speeds. Parking is another appreciated feature with ample free parking options available, even if the parking area is not particularly close to accommodations.
Beds at the hotel are primarily considered comfortable with many guests noting their high standard and warmth, contributing positively to the overall stay. Business travelers find the hotel convenient, though improvements in designated working spaces and WiFi quality for business use are suggested.
Regarding accessibility, the hotel provides elevators and suitable facilities for guests with disabilities, although there are concerns about the reliability of the lifts and some areas requiring stair navigation, which might pose challenges for guests with mobility issues.
Overall, Brydone Hotel Oamaru offers a blend of great location, historical charm and modern comfort, making it a favorable choice for travelers looking to explore Oamaru.
Categories
Business
Brydone Hotel Oamaru provides essential facilities for business travelers. It offers a convenient location and standard business amenities.
Parking
This hotel is centrally located and offers free parking. It's connected to a row of shops for convenient shopping. The location is very handy for the Steampunk Festival.
Accessible
This hotel features a 'Studio - Disability Access' room type and is noted as disabled-friendly. It offers an elevator for access to different floors, wheelchair-accessible parking, and wheelchair-accessible common areas including the restaurant and lounge.
Honeymoon
Family
Room Types
Junior SuiteThis spacious suite includes 1 bedroom, a seating area and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower and a bath. The suite offers a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, a dressing room as well as city views. The unit has 1 bed.
Classic SuiteThis spacious suite comes with 1 living room, 1 separate bedroom and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower and free toiletries. The suite features a tea and coffee maker, a seating area, a wardrobe, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, as well as city views. The unit has 1 bed.
Superior King & SingleOffering free toiletries, this triple room includes a private bathroom with a walk-in shower and a hairdryer. The triple room has tiled floors, a seating area with a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, as well as a carpeted floor. The unit has 2 beds.
Family StudioThis spacious suite includes 1 bedroom, a seating area and 1 bathroom with a bath and a shower. The suite offers a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, a carpeted floor, heating, as well as a flat-screen TV with cable channels. The unit has 3 beds.
Standard Queen/King Only RoomOffering free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a walk-in shower and a hairdryer. The double room has carpeted floors, a seating area with a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, as well as heating. The unit has 1 bed.
Superior Room with Queen + Single Featuring free toiletries, this twin room includes a private bathroom with a walk-in shower, a bath and a hairdryer. The twin room features a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a tea and coffee maker, a seating area, a wardrobe as well as sea views. The unit has 2 beds.
Premium Queen Only RoomFeaturing free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a walk-in shower and a hairdryer. The double room features a tea and coffee maker, a seating area, a wardrobe, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, as well as sea views. The unit has 1 bed.
Superior Triple RoomProviding free toiletries, this triple room includes a private bathroom with a walk-in shower and a hairdryer. The triple room features carpeted floors, a seating area with a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, as well as heating. The unit offers 3 beds.
Twin RoomOffering free toiletries, this twin room includes a private bathroom with a walk-in shower and a hairdryer. The twin room has carpeted floors, a seating area with a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, as well as heating.
Studio - Disability AccessOffering free toiletries, this studio includes a private bathroom with a walk-in shower and a hairdryer. This wheelchair accessible studio features a tea and coffee maker, a seating area with a flat-screen TV and a roll-in shower. The unit offers 1 bed.
Heritage Suite King Only RoomThis spacious suite is comprised of 1 living room, 1 separate bedroom and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower and free toiletries. The suite features carpeted floors, a seating area with a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, as well as heating. The unit offers 1 bed.
Guest Reviews
8.2
Very Good
Review Summaries
Location
Nestled in the heart of Oamaru, Brydone Hotel offers an optimal location for visitors eager to explore the town's unique attractions. The hotel's central position ensures easy access to the historic Victorian precinct, bustling with shops, restaurants and art galleries. A short stroll will bring guests to the vibrant Steampunk HQ and the Blue Penguin colony, providing ample opportunities for leisurely walks and memorable experiences. The proximity to the intercity bus stop and key tourist attractions, including the famed penguin conservation center, underscores the hotel’s convenience for travelers. Despite its centrality, guests appreciate the tranquil ambiance, making it a perfect base to enjoy all that Oamaru has to offer. Whether attending local festivals or simply enjoying the charming, quirky town, Brydone Hotel’s location attests to its reputation as an ideal hub for exploration.
Breakfast
The breakfast experience at Brydone Hotel Oamaru receives mixed reviews with a significant number of guests highlighting positive aspects. Many guests appreciated the consistently good breakfast, describing it as nice, very good and even great with several noting good value and substantial portions. The old-world charm of the hotel's setting also contributed to the enjoyable dining experience.
Guests had a variety of choices with some specifically recommending the granola. The café off the lobby provided a convenient option to purchase breakfast and room service was also available, adding to the overall positive experience. The house wine voucher was a pleasant addition for some visitors.
On the other hand, a minority faced issues such as long wait times, high costs and average buffet offerings. Some mentioned that the continental breakfast lacked variety and required an extra charge for beverages. Despite these drawbacks, many guests still found the breakfast to be a delightful start to their day with made-to-order options and the potential for improvements on the menu to enhance the experience further.
Dinner
Nestled in the charming town of Oamaru, the Brydone Hotel provides a variety of dining experiences for its guests. The evening meals are consistently praised for their quality and generous portions with descriptions ranging from good to excellent. Many diners particularly enjoyed the great food and atmosphere in the dining room, enhanced by its grand and historic setting—often highlighted by an inviting open fire.
The hotel’s restaurant offers a dining environment that is both fantastic and comfortable, making it an ideal spot for family functions. Guests appreciated the well-presented and good value meals with some specific mentions of superb chowder and top-notch roast beef from the sports bar. A nice touch that guests enjoyed included the house wine voucher provided during their stay.
However, some diners indicated that the dinner menu could be more varied and interesting, noting that the buffet option did not meet their expectations. A few reviews pointed out the inconsistency in experiences, particularly with some finding the food to be subpar or the buffet dinner disappointing and overpriced. Despite this, the overall reviews leaned positive, focusing on the quality, taste and portion sizes of the meals served. The restaurant’s closure at times was a downside for a few guests, but the numerous positives point toward a generally commendable dining experience at the Brydone Hotel.
Rooms
The rooms at the Brydone Hotel Oamaru have garnered a series of positive reviews from guests, highlighting several key aspects. Many guests appreciated the spaciousness of their accommodations, often describing their rooms as large and comfortable. Cleanliness consistently received praise with rooms frequently mentioned as being spotless and tidy. The presence of modern facilities and tasteful decoration in the refurbished rooms was also noted favorably.
Guests staying in the heritage rooms found them beautifully renovated and full of charm, contributing to the historical ambiance of the hotel. Contemporary features like modern bathrooms and updated fixtures were welcomed additions for many. Scenic views, whether overlooking the park or even glimpsing the sea, added to the pleasant experience for some visitors.
Despite the overall positive feedback, a few areas for improvement were mentioned. Some rooms appeared a bit tired or bland and were in need of refurbishment. The absence of air conditioning led to comments about stuffiness and heat, particularly affecting guest comfort during warmer temperatures. A few concerns were raised about minor maintenance issues, such as dusty surfaces or problematic window locks.
Overall, the hotel rooms provided a blend of historic charm and modern comfort, making it a favorable choice for many travelers despite some areas needing attention. The combination of spacious, clean and well-facilitated rooms contributed to a satisfying stay for most guests at Brydone Hotel Oamaru.
Beds
Brydone Hotel Oamaru generally receives positive feedback regarding the comfort of its beds. Guests repeatedly laud the beds as being very comfortable with many describing them as super comfy and of a high standard. The beds are often noted as being warm and the sleep quality is frequently praised. Some of the beds are mentioned as being big and massive, adding to the comfort experience. Certain rooms, such as Room 22, are highlighted for having exceptionally comfortable beds. However, there are occasional mentions of beds being old, too soft or uncomfortable for some with a few guests finding them not suitable for certain needs like using a kettle. Despite these varied experiences, the predominant sentiment is that the beds and bedding at the hotel are comfortable and contribute positively to the overall stay.
Cleanliness
Brydone Hotel Oamaru consistently impresses with its exceptional cleanliness. Guests frequently note the rooms as being spotlessly clean, well-organized and very comfortable. From the flooring to the linens and towels, everything meets high standards of hygiene. The spacious rooms, often highlighted as immaculately clean, add to the comfort with tidy setups and modernized bathrooms. Both the housekeeping and the overall maintenance of the hotel are praised for maintaining a consistently high level of cleanliness, making it a reliable choice for travelers seeking a clean and comfortable stay. The historic charm of the hotel complements the spotless environment, creating a delightful blend of old-world charm and modern comfort.
Staff
Guests overwhelmingly praise the staff at Brydone Hotel Oamaru for their friendliness, helpfulness and professionalism. Numerous reviews highlight the warm and welcoming atmosphere created by the staff, describing them as chatty, polite and exceptionally accommodating. Both the receptionists and the breakfast hostesses received specific commendations for their kindness and efficiency. Many visitors noted that staff members were quick to assist with various queries related to parking and dining and were always ready to go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay. Overall, the consensus is that the staff significantly enhance the hotel's service quality and contribute positively to the guests' overall experience.
Wi-Fi
The Brydone Hotel Oamaru offers guests the convenience of free WiFi with many reviews highlighting the high-speed, good and fast internet access available throughout the property. While some guests experienced slower speeds or poor WiFi connectivity, others found the WiFi to be compliant and adequate for their needs. Overall, the majority of reviews reflect a positive experience with the hotel's complimentary WiFi service.
Parking
Brydone Hotel Oamaru offers a variety of parking options that have generally been well-received by guests. The hotel provides ample free parking, including a large parking area and plenty of off-street spaces behind the hotel. Many find the parking convenient with easy access and good onsite facilities. The availability of parking spaces is an appreciated feature, contributing to a hassle-free experience for those traveling by car. However, a few guests noted that the parking lot isn't particularly close to the accommodation and that there might be a bit of a walk from the car park to the reception and rooms. Despite some minor inconveniences, the overall sentiment towards the parking facilities remains positive with guests appreciating the free and plentiful options available.
Business
Brydone Hotel Oamaru is well-regarded for its convenience and suitability for business travelers. Its location offers easy access to nearby attractions, including the Blue Penguin Colony and the Victorian quarter, making downtime enjoyable with pleasant walks. The hotel caters to business needs, providing available parking and a conference concierge service. However, while the overall experience is positive, improvements could be made in providing designated working spaces in the rooms and enhancing the quality of the WiFi for business use.
Accessible
The Brydone Hotel Oamaru generally offers good accessibility for guests with disabilities with several reviews highlighting the presence of elevators that facilitate easy access to upper floors. The lift from the carpark to the guest wing makes it convenient for those with mobility issues and guests appreciated the ease of reaching their accommodations. However, there seem to be consistent concerns regarding the reliability and safety of the lifts, which could pose a problem, especially for elderly guests. Additionally, some areas of the hotel may still require stair climbing, so those struggling with suitcases or significant mobility challenges might need to reconsider this option.
FAQ
No, Brydone Hotel Oamaru doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Brydone Hotel Oamaru.
No, Brydone Hotel Oamaru doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Brydone Hotel Oamaru.
