The County Hotel — Hotel in Napier

We had 3 nights in Napier's County Hotel. The Edwardian-era building is historic in that it was one of the few substantial commercial premises in the city that survived the devastating 1931 earthquake. In those days it was the HQ for Hawkes Bay County Council. So, it predates the great Art-Deco reconstruction of the city in the 1930s, for which the city is famous, and its architecture and style do not reflect that. The hotel is well located with regards Napier's downtown area and the shoreline of Hawkes Bay.|The hotel is quite small, with rooms not numbered but each named after NZ native bird species, which is a nice touch. It calls itself 5-star, which I thought a bit of a stretch. The public areas are certainly decorated appropriate to a bygone era and the place has the feel of an old-fashioned gentleman's club. There is even a library with lounge chairs and complimentary port available. Didn't actually see anyone using it; in fact guests were few and far between when we visited. The whole place was very quiet. |Our room was of moderate size at best and was definitely not 5-star. There had been a half-hearted attempt at a luxury feel but didn't quite cut it. Perhaps we were meant to luxuriate in the library. There was limited space for our luggage though one bag did just fit inside the narrow, stand-up wardrobe. The bathroom was of a good size but I thought the shower mounted over the steep-side claw-foot bathtub was an accident waiting to happen. I guess if you did take a stumble getting into/out of the bath you could always clutch at the sheer nylon shower curtain, but pretty sure it wouldn't save you.|There was also a small balcony overlooking the carpark and which provided access to other rooms. Off-site parking was available in a lot across the street for an extra $15 per night. Staff were super-polite and helpful, though they could not do much when the lift was broken down on...

My husband and I recently had the pleasure of staying at The County Hotel, a remarkable boutique 'bougee' establishment that truly sets the bar high for luxury hospitality. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted by the most beautiful host and service. The level of service was, seemless and impeccable, creating a warm, kind professional atmosphere.

The culinary experience at The County Hotel was also a highlight. The in-house restaurant and bar offers a diverse menu that caters to all palates and presentated with artistic flair.

The newly renovated Hotel bar struck the perfect balance between ambiance, elegance and coziness. The bar menu also boasting a selection of fine wines, beers, spirits and cocktails making it an ideal spot for both casual evenings and special occasions.

It's clear the owner (Angela) of The County Hotel takes pride in her hotel. Her presence adds a personal touch that's rare in Aotearoa Hotels.

The County Hotel is more than just a place to stay; it's an experience in itself. With its unparalleled hospitality from Angela, attentive staff, exquisite dining, great cuisine/menu from head chef (Richard), most gorgeous room and attention to detail in every aspect, it truly stands out for us as one of our beautiful accommodations. Whether for business or leisure, it's an establishment that we highly recommend and eagerly return...

My recent stay truly exceeded my expectations. As a runner and account manager, I’m always looking for spaces that blend comfort, character, and convenience this hotel delivered all three.

I stayed in the Vice Regal Suite, located on the top floor. The room is beautifully designed with 1930s-inspired décor, high ceilings, and elegant traditional furniture that give it a timeless feel. It also features all the modern comforts such as an unbelievably comfy bed, a spa bath perfect for recovery, and a fireplace that added such a cosy warmth to the space. The separate lounge and dining area made it easy to relax and unwind after a long day. The fresh flowers in my suite were a beautiful touch.

It was also a great space to work from because it was quiet, bright, and inspiring. The hotel’s location couldn’t be better either: amazing restaurants and cafés are just a short walk away, and the coastal path made for a stunning morning run. I even caught the most beautiful sunset over the water to finish the day.

The team went above and beyond with a thoughtful welcome hamper, which was such a lovely touch and made the stay feel personal without being over the top.

I will...