The Marlin of Whangaroa — Hotel in Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community

Beautiful location right on the waterfront. Parking in front. Amazing views from the shared balcony. There is a fan but it’s still hot at night so I sat on the balcony and had a lovely wine. You can buy bottles from the bars. Has recently been taken over and newly renovated so all the older reviews (pre Aug/Sep 2018) are outdated. Lovely new owners. New blue carpet upstairs in the rooms and hallway. Shared kitchen with delicious Italian coffee, a fridge and freezer. Can buy a breakfast pack for $11 with some muesli, juice, spreads and dried bread. Reception closes at 8pm so ring ahead to organise late check in. There is a fishing club across the road open for dinner and the hotel has a restaurant too. There is a small shop up the road with water and food and snacks. Kayak hire down the road too. Beautiful walk up to St. Paul’s summit down the road as well. Fabulous views. Rooms are nicely decorated with nz paintings. I had room 8 with a slat bed (room 7 is box spring) depends what you like. I was lucky and got to choose. Tv in room and shower and sink. Quiet slice of paradise with killer views. Nice and safe. Nice area. Improvements: Dishwasher brush would be handy in the kitchen instead of a sponge and inside of fridge just needs a tidy, just make sure sheets don’t have stains on them. Mine had one but the sheets were freshly cleaned. I liked the flat pillow but some people might like thicker ones too. Red and white Wine glasses in the kitchen would be awesome too. Also an aircon unit would be amazing! Thanks for the...

It should be noted that this Hotel is under new management and the positive reviews here are mainly for the previous owners. The place is clean and tidy and co owner Mae is lovely and a great host. Dennis however is aggressive, rude and should not be in hospitality. Unfortunately with his disposition this hotel is doomed to fail. The facilities are no longer open under the new management with the Bar and Restaurant closed, so the place is now only accommodation. The managers also don't stay on site, so anyone can do what they want at night. therefore, it does seem to be party central with thin walls where you can hear everything. I would not stay here again and this review is the polite version of my experience out of respect to Mae who should run this place alone and have Dennis remove himself. You have been warned. DO...

Stopped in on the way back from Taupo bay looking for some lunch and was super stoked with the service and standard at The Marlin! The chef there "Fish" is a great guy who offered to cook our own filleted catch that we brought in which was fantastic! We brought in a bunch of kingfish fillets and "fish" cooked them beautifully with a nice side of chips and salad and a wicked sauce! Really pleased with the service and I reckon $20 for a cook your catch meal, however you want it is awesome. We could've had it crumbed or sashimi or battered or whatever we want in a big platter so it's a good option for a bunch of hungry fellas. Also have a great selection of home cooked (everything made on site) pies and savoury and sweet yum stuff. Definitely worth staying for a meal and exploring the beautiful...