Fiordland Hotel — Hotel in Fiordland Community

While I believe this place serves a purpose for low budget travelers, it would be better if they were more forthcoming in the description, marketing and pricing of this property. Our experience is that this is similar to a very old Motel 6 in the US. The problem with the reviews is the different levels of quality in the rooms. It sounds like some people were given nice/updated rooms. We were not. When we checked in, she said I'm sorry but I have to give you a room on the second floor and we don't have lifts. We should have been told on the website that we might have to bring our carload of belongings up to the second floor. The picture online shows a single level, drive up motel room. She told us to drive down the street and take the second entrance. This part of the building looked like an abandoned military barracks. The parking lot is loose rocks, major potholes and dead weeds. Moldy smelling entry with dusty fake plants. Torn carpet on the stairs is a definite safety hazard. By this point we were depressed. We walked down a cinder block hallway with strange narrow doors. The room door only locks with a push button and it seemed like anyone could enter this building and easily get into a room. The room door has a large gap, so all the noise from the hallway chamber comes through. The room itself is very old with loose carpet. The bathroom has a loose-fitting barn door and is located right by the front door and refrigerator/coffee counter. The bathroom sink had a small leak below onto the floor. Cobwebs were on the bathroom ceiling. The shower mat was "stained" or unclean. The ceiling had a large water spot over the bed. This was the only location of our ten motel stays in New Zealand that I felt it necessary to check for bed bugs before using the bed. The "free wifi" never worked during our...

Due to no staff in the area the accommodation didn't function fully as a 'hotel'. Closed breakfast dining area etc. Which was fine. That's just NZ post covid. But without a replacement way of guests making food themselves it didn't function as a hostel either, which I found difficult as a traveller. The host provided a microwave and toaster in the social area but I had to specifically request cutlery and plates etc. This, the host was more than happy to get for me from the locked up restaurant but I also had to then give him my dirty dishes which I felt bad about. More for him for sure than me. Something to tweek about the social area during this difficult time as there is space for a little kitchen. Never the less the room was lovely... Sunny, clean, large, double bed with lovely mattress with en-suit and coffee and tea amenities with a mini fridge. Which for a lot of people would be enough for their trip if that was the expectation. Especially as the hotel is a 15 minute walk to the town centre and lake. I also cannot fault how accomadating the host was. He never seemed put out by my needs and requests. He always asked how my day was and where I was going. And even insisted on giving me a lift to my bus to QT rather than let me push my bag down the hill to the shuttle pick up which didn't concern me in the slightest but I appreciated his concern and interest in me as a solo female traveller. It's the little things that make you feel safe to do your own thing when travelling yet looked out for that are priceless....

The Fiordland Motel has potential, but it’s struggling. The beds are comfortable, the bathroom is renovated, and there’s plenty of parking, though the gravel lot can lead to inconsiderate spacing.

The standout feature of the motel is its friendly and accommodating staff, who go the extra mile to ensure guests feel welcome, even allowing early check-in. Their efforts don’t go unnoticed, and it’s clear they genuinely care about guest experiences.

While the property itself is in need of refurbishment, most aspects of the stay were manageable. The biggest drawback was the shower, with unpredictable temperature shifts that could be frustrating. Beyond that, the worn and lumpy carpet, occasional leaks, and dated decor all signal that an upgrade is overdue. The front desk sets the tone for the motel’s aging appearance, but despite this, the overall stay remains reasonably comfortable for the price.

Security could be improved, as the doors feel somewhat flimsy with outdated knobs lacking latches. For families staying multiple nights, the kitchenette is quite basic—while there are wine glasses, mugs, a kettle, and water glasses, it would be much more practical with plates, cutlery, and a toaster.

If you can look past the shabby appearances, this motel does offer a comfortable stay at a budget-friendly price. With some needed investment, it has the potential to become a more inviting place. If affordability and a warm welcome are your main priorities, this could still be a...