Poshtel — Hotel in South Island

I usually don’t bash businesses in reviews, especially small businesses like Poshtel. However, they have forced my hand. I have never experienced such a complete disregard for customer service in my life. I booked a room at this hotel a month before my stay, and they sent me a CONFIRMATION very soon after. Which CONFIRMED that I would be checking into the hotel at approximately 10:00 PM. I usually don’t like to check in this late, however we were going to see the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony to watch the little penguins return to their nests. That event only happens at night, which in the summer months, starts at about 9:00 PM. As soon as the event was over, we quickly traveled to Poshtel, arriving at the front door at 10:10 PM. However the door was locked, and any attempts to call the hotel or use the Ring video doorbell were met with silence and answering machines. Needless to say my wife and I were very frustrated with this, especially considering they CONFIRMED I had a room there and I could check in at 10:00 PM. Frankly I did not travel half way around the world to be shafted by people who don’t understand what business they are running. If you can’t accommodate people who come to the largest attraction in your town, why are you even in business? So if you find yourself traveling to Oamaru to visit the Blue Penguin Colony, DO NOT BOOK THIS HOTEL. Do not be fooled by the well put together website, or fancy photos, it’s completely a facade covering a poorly run business who does not respect their customers. I would suggest you travel 2 mins down the road to the Brydone Hotel. They were able to accommodate us last minute and were very friendly when we arrived. Further, given the reviews of the room size at Poshtel, The Brydone blows them out of the water. Even if you plan on checking in earlier in the day, I would please ask that you don’t give these people your money. It just allows them to continue to run the same FRAUDULENT scheme they ran with...

My husband and I spent one night at Poshtel. Our first impressions on entering were how aesthetically pleasing the hotel is, with so many amazing and unusual artefacts. The receptionist was very friendly and helpful, and booked us a table for dinner nearby. Later as we settled into our room, (Music Room) we began to see that it was not suitable for two people. It had one bedside light, and one huge armchair so only one of us could sit down. Luckily we were only staying for one night, as if we were staying longer there was no place at all to store clothing and only two clothes hangers in the room! It began to rain in the evening, so we thought we would enjoy the lovely bar/lounge area of the hotel. We like to play board games, so we went to the bar/lounge area just before 8.00pm and were planning to play there as we had no table and only one chair in our room. We were disappointed to be told that we couldn’t sit there as the area would be closed up at 8.00pm! We would have gone out to a bar in town but due to the heavy rain, we bought drinks, went back to our room and played our game on the floor, which was our only option - and thankfully we still have the flexibility to sit on the floor! The room really needs two smaller chairs rather than one massive arm chair, plus a small table if guests are not allowed to use the bar/lounge area in the evenings. The music stand though nice, was taking up space that could be filled by a small table. The bed was very comfortable, however when lying down, I felt quite uneasy with a huge and very heavy looking musical instrument suspended just above my head! In Feng Shui design, this is a ‘no! no!’ Although the rooms are artistically designed, functionality and customer comfort was missing. A few small tweaks to make the room more functional and comfortable for two weary travellers to relax would make for a five...

Poshtel is an incredibly unique and quirky hotel that makes you feel like you are staying in a live art piece. The decor is masterfully put together, the rooms are big and airy with blackout blinds on offer.

The thoughtfulness of the rooms truly shows the owners love what they bring to their guests. For eg. A special makeup remover cloth, pillow spray for a relaxing sleep, ethically sourced coffee sachets, extra towels, mentos and earbuds.

There is special access to an art gallery, a lift that makes you feel like you are going to an underground vault, secret entrances.

This truly is a treasure to behold yourself. The staff are so beautiful, friendly and kind. Poshtel definitely has the feeling of a luxurious home away from home.

Thank you! We absolutely loved it and appreciate all the effort you have put in to making this...