Kaikoura Quality Suites — Hotel in Kaikōura

We booked this as wanted to stop in Kaikoura and as it was a hot day we chose this because it advertised its rooms as Air Conditioned, however when we went to the room there was no A/C and the room was very warm.

Saw the manager & told him we booked because it was meant to have A/C and told him it was false advertising and asked for a refund. He stated he would arrange this. We eventually found another motel & shortly after got a txt from the manager stating he had sorted out the problem and offered a free night’s stay.

Regretfully we took him up on the offer the following day. The curtains over the ranch slider are semi-transparent and the other windows have wooded venetian blinds. Also there are gaps all around the door.

The outside lights shine into the room all night & by 6 am its almost daylight inside.

Also in the early hours a train passing close by will wake you up and sounds like its inside the room

To top it all, after we had left (leaving all the dishes and cutlery we had used washed and drying) we received a txt from the manager asking if we had picked up their kitchen utensils & bowls by mistake! We responded stating that we hadn’t and would never do such a thing and asked for an apology to which he responded that he wouldn’t apologise as he hadn’t accused us of anything.

Do yourself a great favour by not stopping at this place, there’s a much better motel closer to the town centre on the same road. Looks like these new owners need to learn some customer service and...

Reception was friendly and there was a free pool table and languid black cat in the entrance area. Parking was a bit tight. The unit itself was spacious and pleasant, and had a balcony within earshot of the ocean. The bathroom had modern styling but there was not much room to put toiletries.

Unfortunately, we had a hot Summer night and there was no air conditioning. We did have a small fan, but it had no stand and had to be placed so far away from the bed as to be ineffective. The bed also had the hottest pillows I’ve ever encountered. I lay awake likening them to asphalt coated in lava then cooked in a solar furnace. Even after flipping them over I got maybe ten seconds relief before they returned to a sweltering...

We had a brilliant stay here and I wish we could have stayed longer! Our room was very spacious, cosy and spotlessly clean with all the amenities you need.

Sandie and Shane were amazing hosts, so friendly and welcoming - thank you! Not only did they recommend the best spots to see dolphins and whales around the bay, but they were so accommodating with all of our requests. The complimentary milk and washing powder was very much appreciated.

This was all topped off by an amazing mountain view from our room and gorgeous sunset both mornings. 5 stars all round and we will be booking again when we come back to Kaikora to swim with...