The White Swan Country Hotel — Restaurant in Greytown Community

I recently had the pleasure of visiting The White Swan in Greytown, New Zealand, and I must say it was an absolute delight! From start to finish, the experience was nothing short of exceptional, leaving me utterly impressed by their outstanding service, delectable cuisine, and charming ambiance.

Upon arriving at the charming heritage building, I was greeted by the warm and welcoming staff who made me feel like a valued guest from the moment I stepped foot inside. The friendly nature and attentiveness of the staff throughout my visit truly exemplified genuine Kiwi hospitality.

The White Swan boasts a uniquely elegant and cozy interior that beautifully merges vintage charm with modern comforts, creating a captivating atmosphere that immediately transported me to a bygone era. The attention to detail in the decor and ambiance truly sets this establishment apart, making it an ideal place for a special occasion or a memorable dining experience.

The highlight of my visit was undoubtedly the culinary prowess displayed by the talented chefs at The White Swan. The menu showcased a selection of mouthwatering dishes, meticulously prepared using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. From the first bite to the last, every dish was a culinary masterpiece. The flavors were perfectly balanced, and the presentation was a feast for the eyes. I particularly recommend trying their signature dish - it was an absolute standout!

The thoughtful wine list complemented the menu beautifully, offering an impressive range of local and international wines. The knowledgeable staff were more than happy to provide recommendations, ensuring a truly fulfilling dining experience.

What truly sets The White Swan apart is the commitment to exceptional service. The staff's knowledge, professionalism, and willingness to go above and beyond for their guests were evident throughout. From accommodating dietary restrictions to providing helpful suggestions on local attractions, they effortlessly enhanced my overall experience.

I must also commend The White Swan's efforts towards sustainability. Their focus on using sustainable and locally sourced ingredients, as well as eco-friendly practices, adds an extra layer of appreciation for this establishment.

Overall, my experience at The White Swan in Greytown exceeded all expectations. The combination of charming ambiance, impeccable service, and extraordinary culinary creations made it an unforgettable visit. Whether you are a local looking for a refined dining experience or a visitor hoping to immerse themselves in the captivating charm of Greytown, The White Swan is an absolute must-visit. I cannot recommend this establishment enough and cannot wait to return for another remarkable experience!

Thank you to the entire team at The White Swan for creating such an exceptional dining destination, and for ensuring every aspect of my visit was simply...

Stayed 2 nights beginning of May 2022. Room looked lovely on entry - big and airy and somewhere to put things when you’ve unpacked (big plus). Sofa and chairs comfortable (amazing - somewhere to sit for both of us - so many hotels have one chair and the second person has to sit on the bed 😤).

However, windows filthy & old paint splattered on outside. Excuse was they couldn’t be cleaned by hotel staff and a commercial cleaner would have to be brought in. And…? None locally??

Bathroom fogged up badly when we were showering and there was no fan. Opened the bathroom door to,let steam out and bedroom windows instantly fogged up instead. Shower about 30 years out of date and sealant around bottom black places 🤮 Hand basin had a plug that needed pliers to extract from hole - no chain. Am sure you can afford a new one.

Slamming door underneath our room 🤬 No danger you could put a closing mechanism on it then??

Most priceless of all was on returning to our room at 4pm to find the maid (or whatever it is you call them these days -cleaner? Chamber person?) must’ve had a mental blackout. Bed covers merely yanked to the top, not folded back, cushions on the floor in the corner, debris from the overcooked croissants we’d had for breakfast (crumbs literally flew everywhere) still all over the carpet. The only thing the cleaner had done properly was change the towels. Bathroom floor not mopped and coffee sachets not topped up either, so had to ask for more.

The woman at reception had to get the vacuum cleaner, having asked me “Are you sure this is how you left it this morning?” which I found insulting.

Dinner was average, and not improved by cold soggy chips. To the young waiter’s credit, when we mentioned this, he shot off without a murmur and brought fresh hot ones. Excellent. Give that man a pat on the back, you could teach your colleagues a thing or two about service.

Gave the hotel the feedback they requested when we departed and haven’t heard a word since. Damn rude. Clearly they only respond to good reviews.

You need a miracle, guys - if you’re ever going to wow overseas visitors (or even Kiwis) again - starting with...

So we decide to pop into The White Swan in Greytown. Always driven passed but this time we thought, why not. Well we should have kept driving. We weren’t dressed in our flash clothing but that doesn’t mean we can’t pay. We got meet straight away at the door. We decided to sit outside. Order a beer and a coffee, then we were asked for our credit card/eftpos as this is standard practice for this restaurant when sitting outside due to so many ripping them off. This we totally understand. What we have a problem with is that we had two groups of people beside us that never got asked for their cards. While finishing up our drinks and a few chicken bites still no sign of them being asked. This started to eat at me a bit so when I went to pay I asked the gentleman behind the bar the question, when a lady pipped up and said ‘ we don’t discriminate’ I never said that but you can understand the perception. She proceeded to tell me that she will tell her girls off, and that one group happened to be regulars. Besides the point, you made us feel unwelcome, like we weren’t the fit for your establishment. You dismissed our feelings and even though we never mentioned discrimination you were quick to deny such. The service was nothing compared to the friendly service the other tables received. We should all remember, DON’T JUDGE A BOOK...