The Martinborough Hotel

The Martinborough Hotel descritpion

Originally built in 1882, this charming hotel has been lovingly restored to its former glory and features an elegant restaurant and bar. Each room includes satellite TV, free Wi-Fi and views over the gardens.
Surrounded by historic buildings dotted amongst the vineyards, The Martinborough Hotel is a 1-minute walk from the Martinborough Wine Centre. Cape Palliser is a 55-minute drive away.
The Bistro Restaurant offers modern cuisine using classical French techniques and flavours. The wine list includes a selection of wines that have been grown and made within walking distance of the hotel.
All rooms at The Hotel Martinborough feature a private bathroom with hairdryer, toiletries and bathrobes. Heating and fans are provided. Each room has a seating area with either armchairs or a sofa.

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Facilities of The Martinborough Hotel

Outdoors ：Grounds

Pets ：Pets are not allowed.

Activities ：Game Room | Library

Food & Drink ：Restaurant | Bar

Internet ：Free!WiFi is available in public areas and is free of charge.

Parking ：Free!Free private parking is available on site (reservation is not needed).

General ：Newspapers | Non-smoking Rooms | Facilities for Disabled Guests | Heating | All Spaces Non-Smoking (public and private)

Reviews for The Martinborough Hotel

Review 1：Minor, but the corners inside the shower had a build up of scum.

Review 2：Spacious. So close to very good restaurants, the super market and to the transport for the wedding. Also loved the choice of a big claw foot bath or shower.

Review 3：The service is average and at best disinterested. The hotel needs some maintenance work and given the cost it's overall performance needs lifting. This is a real shame as we have stayed here a number of times and would like to again but will think twice next time.

Review 4：The location is good and it's a lovely old hotel with plenty of history.

Review 5：The owner and management abandoned the hotel guests on Christmas Day 2015. There were no staff on duty all day and no food or drink was available. The guest lounge was locked. Never experienced a hotel like it! The advertised Bar & Grill is NOT part of the hotel, thus opening/closing times are under the control of others. Breakfast is taken in a cafe in the village in exchange for a voucher. The full access garden suite is jaded and badly needs refurbishing - agreed by the receptionist.

Review 6：An elegant historic building in a good location with a charming garden.

Review 7：Found it hard to shower in the claw-foot bath without getting water on the floor and the wet shower curtain sticking to me. Lovely to look at, but not very practical.

Review 8：Great atmosphere, splendidly and impressively furnished and decorated but also very cosy and comfortable. Great library with excellent selection of books on matters of global importance as well as fiction. Liked the extra touches such as explaining the history of the building and rooms.Very nice food in restaurant.

Review 9：The room was dated and shabby and the plumbing and sanitary appliances were so old and noisy. The bed was only double size and uncomfortable. The grill and bar not part of the hotel, good food if you are prepared to wait over one hour although the waiter was very good.

Review 10：We did not like anything about the hotel. It was a cross between Physco and Gone With The Wind. A Historic hotel with no charm. The nightly room rate was dearer than the Rydges Hotel in Wellington. My advice if you are staying in Martinborough choose another Hotel.

Review 11：The room we were in needed more privacy from people walking around the veranda. The ensuite needs proper doors instead of the slat doors.

Review 12：It was a beautiful old fashioned hotel with lovely gardens and an old world feel to it. Very special.

Review 13：It was quiet and charming. I loved the old fashioned interior and how modern improvements didn't take away the authenticity of the old building. Very convenient to several vineyards.

Review 14：Disappointing. Previous visits were remembered for an up market restaurant - a pizza night doesn't cut it. Room was only fair and not value for money. The hotel is trading on past glories - it needs to step up.

Review 15：Location

Review 16：The shower set up was a bit of a debacle - difficult to not get water everywhere but a small price to pay for stayimg at such a great hotel.

Review 17：Stunning hotel. History, elegance and comfort.

Review 18：Some features of the common areas appeared a little tired.

Review 19：An elegant property. A pleasant stay with pleasant staff. Our room was well appointed, spacious and a pleasant place to be. A fun escape. I would happily stay again.

Review 20：Bo breakfast but plenty of choices on the street

Review 21：Very charming hotel in the middle of the city. We had the garden view and it was really causy and spacious.

Review 22：Room underneath an upstairs room that was very noisy. This room overlooks carpark - not garden. Also the check in of 1400 hrs and check out by 1000 is a bit cheeky

Review 23：Location and cleanliness of rooms

Review 24：Very comfortable room in a well maintained historic 'character' building in a great location, close to some great cafes for breakfast, with excellent restaurants and more casual eateries for evening meals. Interesting area to be in, with much more than just the great wineries to visit.

Review 25：Vibrating noise from the kitchen below that could be heard even with earplugs. Bed is too small. Poor Wifi signal.

Review 26：Location is on the main square. Nice balcony overlooking the square

Review 27：I had always wanted to stay at the Martinborough hotel on each of my visits to Martinborough. It lived up to the expectations and it was such a beautiful stay.

Review 28：The room we were in (Henry Bunny) could do with a refresh. The shower didn't drain and there was a hole in the bathroom wall. The decorative bed cushions also looked like they could do with a wash.

Review 29：Central location in Martinborough. The room was clean and tidy, although tired looking

Review 30：WIFI reception did not make it to our room. Very disappointing. They need to boost the signal.

Review 31：Lovely location and atmosphere. Wonderful staff. Comfy beds. Nice to be in the middle of Martinborough.Garden suites are wonderful.

Review 32：See above

Review 33：Very disappointed by the mattress comfort (old mattress) maybe a topper could have helped. Pillows old... Poor lighting and hot and stuffy... Overhead fans too direct. Lovely looking but for the price need to improve some of the basics

Review 34：This is a charming hotel with beautiful, spacious rooms, a cosy, snug guests' lounge with an impressive library, a good restaurant/bar and very helpful staff. We loved it.

Review 35：It would have been better if the four bottles of drink in the fridge had been priced.

Review 36：Fantastic room which was really large with lovely views. Very quiet. Nice bathroom.

Review 37：Definitely not a bad experience at all. We loved our stay however I would invest in a better carpet on the main stairs to create a better impression

Review 38：Pretty and traditional hotel. Beautiful location. Great information provided in the rooms about the hotels history. Lovely pantry with tea coffee etc.

Review 39：Gardener turning hose on at 7am each morning and hearing the plumbing run for next 2 hours. Also housekeeping take your nightwear out from under your pillow on made bed and put on sideboard?

Review 40：Large well appointed rooms . comfortable beds

Review 41：Town of Martinborough is like an ideal country town with hip coffee shops. Hotel was beautiful to stay at & restaurant was excellent food & wine.

Review 42：Lovely peaceful/old worldly hotel.The evening was cool and so great to sit by the fire in the library while my husband played chess on the beautiful chess table, This was our second stay at the hotel and thoroughly enjoyed it again. Elegant furnishings and love the rose gardens and pétanque.

Review 43：My husband & I stayed at this hotel as we were in Martinborough for "Toast" which a yearly wine event lasting from 10am to 6pm, we have been attending for 8 years now and for the first time we decided to stay over and enjoy the town. We did however expect at the end of the full days drinking event that we would be able to get a nice evening meal either at the hotel or in the town, but everything was closed, which locals all knew but visitors to the town didn't, it was a shame at check in the hotel staff did not feel the need to mention that we would not be able to eat an evening meal anywhere and perhaps maybe we should get ourselves organised if we wanted food at the end of a full day at a wine drinking event, there was no cooking facilities in the room so even picking up something from the supermarket was no good to us as we had no way of heating or cooking anything, although there was 1 x large tub of Hummus in the room fridge for what reason I do not know as there was nothing else ! Room service could have been offered or even a slice of toast and jam. Also as the day was very cold and so was the room on entry at 6pm, it would have been nice if the staff went round half hour before the end of the event and turned heaters on in the room for the guests comfort. I don't mind the $310.00 per night cost for the room but feel the Hotel service was very appauling! also adding to this the front desk was not manned when I arrived and I had to wait 10mins to be checked in.

Review 44：My only wish is that they would have a more user-friendly wifi. The Zenbu system is cumbersome and keeps logging you out.

Review 45：We have stayed at the hotel 5 times now both in the Courtyard Suites and the hotel proper. We love the style and the ambiance. It suits the wine country..

Review 46：An excellent historic hotel. Fully refurbished and very comfortable . We were upgraded and had a lovely verandah room. Dining room has delicious meals.. A most enjoyable stay.

Review 47：Any room on the main road or square will get lots of road noise and noise from other bars open in the evening. Grief had to ask for toilet paper and soap so staff need to know how to stock the rooms Very little promotional info on the region or other businesses in the hotel

Review 48：The old world style of the rooms Location in town Love the balconies

Review 49：Stairs to rooms, tricky with heavy suitcase. Wifi did not work well at all.

Review 50：The facilities were lovely, old and worldy. The bed was comfortable and the location in the town perfect. Sitting on the balcony with a glass of wine and book was a perfect way to idle away an afternoon.

Review 51：Charming period building, comfortable, good facilities, centre of town, close to everything. Staff were helpful and pleasant, good eating and drinking.

Review 52：Hair in the bath before using it and louvre doors means not much privacy when using toilet

Review 53：Loved the restaurant food especially the knickerbocker glory sundae. The deep bath was lovely and Beautiful decor.

Review 54：A lovely hotel,central to the village,wonderful room which is beautifully decorated.We arrived in the middle of a Jazz Festival Weekend,which gave our stay an extra buzz.

Review 55：No restaurant menu in room, charge back was too dare had to pay, bathroom had a smell and mattress felt like needed upgrading was not that comfortable. No option of breakfast but to go to another premise, could do an option of a hamper.

Review 56：Location, atmosphere, bath, views

Review 57：I wish they would put locks on their exterior doors that open into courtyards and decks. As a solo traveller it's disconcerting to stay in an insecure room. I won't stay here again on my own.

Review 58：Central location

Review 59：Felt that I was left to go off and find my room and discover the fabulous hotel without and guidance - basically took your credit card details and then left at reception to find your own way - had a great time though

Review 60：Location, hotel - lovely

Review 61：I felt the breakfast offered at the cafe up the road was limiting.

Review 62：The Service was good and the arrangements made for dinner at the winery were very good

Review 63：A louvre door on the bathroom - to me that's bizarre. The mini bar had 2 bottles of juice and 2 bottles of water, there was not even so much as a plastic wrapped biscuit to snack on in the middle of the night.

Review 64：One day our room not made up, even though we were absent 9 am to 3 pm and the extra charge for charging drinks, and meal in bar to the room, seemingly they are separate businesses in the same premises.

Review 65：Right in centre of Martinborough, nicely furnished room with adjacent garden. we also liked the Library and free Wi Fi

Review 66：The atomosphere is homely, staff are friendly. Rooms are luxurious warm and comfy. Room service exceptional. Cleanliness unbeatable. We were well looked after. We would recommend martinborough hotel to anyone looking for a warm cosy experience. It has all the amenties your heart desires and is also in the very heart of martinborough. We would like to thank everyone at the martinborough hotel for taking great care of us. We will definitely be back to stay xxx

Review 67：Probably time to redecorate. The bedside lampshades were brittle and cracking. Showers needed an upgrade. Perhaps some rugs on the floor?

Review 68：Colours of the decorating were very restful and a little chic. Plenty of towels 2 each I love that generosity!

Review 69：The restaurant was closed on a busy weekend and we had a one hour delay for a meal at the bar. The electric jugs need a clean inside or replacement.

Review 70：Reception staff and garden room were outstanding.

Review 71：I loved the old building..the old furniture & the library. The restaurant was closed but the bar was great. The Hotel certainly lived up to expectations!

Review 72：The fridge and sink were in a cupboard and when we opened it there was a dreadful smell, possibly from the drain, we weren't sure but let them know in the morning. The wifi was hopeless in our room even though they gave us numerous log-ins.

Review 73：It's a beautiful old building and the rooms are lovely, spacious and light. Great bath. Also a lovely snug with library and gas open fire which was perfect for reading and chatting after dinner or snuggling up on a cold day.

Review 74：Not at all clear when restaurant was open if at all room cold on first day lights needed to be fixed small addition of backing shower curtain would prevent flooded bathroom

Review 75：Location and staff

Review 76：Shower could have been cleaner. Inside shower door needs a good clean. A clock radio would have been good to have in room

Review 77：Luxurious accommodation Old world charm Friendly helpful staff

Review 78：It was cold in the hotel. We needed a heater for our room. Virtually no staff. Very little lighting in the common areas. This hotel should be closed in the off season.

Review 79：Proximity to Wellington. Historic site. Near well-known vineyards.

Review 80：had to leave the hotel for breakfast, which as it was a beautiful morning was fine, but a little inconvenient.

Review 81：a warm welcome from helpful and knowledgeable staff. Magnificent room and everything we wanted thought of.

Review 82：The bed was one of the worst I have ever slept in at a hotel. When we tried to leave a night early because they could not provide us an alternative room/bed, they still charged us for part of the night. Extremely disappointed that we did not have a bath in the room as this was mentioned on their website for the veranda room, which we were booked into. After getting away from our two small children and a life of constant tiredness and havoc, all I wanted was a good nights sleep and a relaxing bath. Neither of which I got.

Review 83：Location was great, right on the square. Very central.

Review 84：The garden needs more path lighting. It was a little nervewracking going out in the dark to the room.

Review 85：The staff were welcoming and informative. The layout was excellent and the hotel well appointed with great ambience. Having bistro and bar side by side enabled us to choose our mood and dine where we were comfortable. Another time we might choose fine dining but we loved sitting in front of the fire having our meal, listening to live music (at the right volume for older ears)

Review 86：Noisey heater in room so I turned it off. Side lamps would not work at all, only lights functioning were 1 in bathroom and 1 in entrance by door.The lamps were plugged in, but switch on cable would not turn it on, or wall switch... very frustrating. No bowl in room for eating fruit and cereal in the morning... Balcony door unable to be locked.

Review 87：The comfy warm crisp bed. SUPER clean bathroom and facilities. Really impressed by the clean fresh smell in room also when I arrived! Easy and accessible wifi. Chocolates super!

Review 88：There was ment to be a mini which there was not and the view wasn't great however that's what you get in the middle of town

Review 89：Beautifully decirated room

Review 90：Squeaky door hinges in bathroom, no shower cap and no hot chocolate (but did like plunger coffee) - not big issues at all but would have been nice.

Review 91：Location was fantastic.

Review 92：The hotel was a gracious taste of life from another generation. Kept very shmpathetically. Fantastic location. Would have loved to stay longer to enjoy the ambience.

Review 93：It was a bit cold during the night in spite of the apparently functioning heating system.

Review 94：The staff was very friendly and helpful. We enjoyed the design of the room and the sunny terrace. The bathroom had an impressive bathtub that made me feel like a star for a day. We will definitely return, it is an excellent hotel.

Review 95：the blow dryer was broken and unable to be used

Review 96：location is great, right in the town square, bed very comfortable ,the fire in the library was such a treat, relaxing in there surrounded by books was wonderful, much better than in the bar watching sport

Review 97：Staff were friendly and helpful but they could not get the heating on in our room. Just recommended using a little electric heater.

Review 98：The location was great right in the centre of town. Staff were friendly and always helpful.

Review 99：The wiFi wasn't too hot.

Review 100：Every room has it's own private corner of the hotel.Luxurious bedding and vast bathroom put you in seventh heaven for a night. Excellent facilities.

Review 101：Bedroom was outdated , bath is lovely , however shower was a nuisance to use . Curtain was annoying and trying to control shower in this day and age really can be improved while keeping with tradition . Fan in bathroom was noisey , outside noise and lights interrupted sleep

Review 102：Venue for our stay was nice, bar restaurant was great . Loved the library , and the staff were wonderful

Review 103：because of the lean in bedroom, a small overflow from bath led to significant pooling of wateR in bathroom. Overall slightly getting a bit wore for wear. Standard but not excellent.

Review 104：Good location. lots of character, good location, great communnal chessboard in guest lounge.

Review 105：Sensitive sleepers might not want the room above the bar (Riddiford Room), although it has great light being on the corner

Review 106：Lovely boutique hotel full of character and renovated to a high standard. Although bistro was closed, friendly staff attempted to find us (unsuccessfully) room service breakfast from the cafe across the street.

Review 107：We were able to use the hotel as a base whether for walking or using the car to commute elsewhere. Loved the room, balcony and bathroom. The layout of the garden, bar and carpark great creating a wonderful atmosphere. Had a lovely meal and drinks in the hotel.

Review 108：That I ordered an king size bed on booking.com to discover ion arrival it turned out to be a queen size bed my paperwork said king(150-180cm but, a king should be at least be 180 cm. Queen bed was also too soft a bed, as were the pillows. There should be a combination of pillows, soft and some firm to cater to different peoples taste.

Review 109：On-site Restaurant was fantastic food.

Review 110：We didn't stay long enough!!

Review 111：Terrific ambiance - ye olde worlde charm with a modern twist. Very obliging staff. Delightful courtyard just outside our room

Review 112：Didn't have a bad experience and while it doesn't matter to me, I know that some friends were 'inconvenienced' by the lack of cooked breakfast - which I don't think is under your control anyway.

Review 113：Pretty much everything.

Review 114：Nothing. Our stay was excellent.

Review 115：The guy that welcomed us to the hotel was excellent - very welcoming; provided excellent information; and took us to our rooms.

Review 116：Lovely room with access to balcony - great for chilling out. Martinborough is good stopover on way to Wellington - although not mush there, unless you want to visit the wineries.

Review 117：The rooms were far too hot at night and we couldn't open the windows due to the noise outside. There was no breakfast provision for guests (despite us asking when we confirmed our booking and being told there would be breakfast served in the restaurant) - they were selling BLT's to the Fair patrons and didn't care about guests. The milk in the mini bar had gone off and was curdled. Not impressed!

Review 118：The rooms were lovely and the beds were super comfy. We found all the staff to be friendly and helpful and the location was great (although very noisy due to the Martinborough Fair being set up).

Review 119：Only the bed being too hard and bumpy

Review 120：The library was great with beautiful books all catalogued and available for reading.Comfortable furniture and CD's to play and a gas fire for when it is cold

Review 121：Loved the ambience, particularly the lovely way the hotel has been modernised by retained so much of its original character. Our welcome was just like being welcomed into a favourite friend's home.

Review 122：More information on the need to book local restuarants as we found these were quickly booked up and we needed to eat elsewhere. Restuarants are typically closed some nights of the week. There was no real room to hang clothes or any drawers in the room to use.

Review 123：The location was excellent, right in the heart of the town. Enjoyed bar meals at the hotel.

Review 124：Reception failed to tell us to book a table for dinner, so we had to eat in the bar instead.

Review 125：Beautifully presented room, with balcony and access to garden

Review 126：We both enjoyed everything the hotel has to offer. They were very helpful to accommodate our extremely late check-in. I can't remember the staff members name, but she left a key in an envelope out for us, so we didn't have to worry about being locked out at a silly hour of the morning :)

Review 127：This is an interesting heritage property, but had a less than sincerelywelcoming atmosphere, not typical of nz. I discovered that the mainrestaurant was not in operation during my stay. The bar was the onlyeating option for evening meal. It was busy (not a problem) but hadhorrendous canned beat music pounding away, which combined with thehuman noise became unbearable. At breakfast I found only tinned fruitand a poor selection compared with everywhere else in nz, and so I wentelsewhere in the village. I complained to the manager who told me thatthe dining facilities were operated by a different company! By no meansmy best stay in three weeks of touring New Zealand.

Review 128：Location in central position within Martinborough village.

Review 129：It would have been nice for the restaurant to open at 7am on Monday. My husband and I planned to have breakfast before he headed to work in Wellington but he couldn't wait to 8am.

Review 130：It was an amazing hotel and we felt spoilt being in such a luxury room.

Review 131：The staff were helpful and very friendly, the room was fabulous and it made for a brilliant base to work from. The bed was divine to sleep in...a very enjoyable experience

The Fine Print

If you expect to arrive outside reception opening hours, please inform The Martinborough Hotel in advance, using the contact details found on the booking confirmation.Please note that breakfast and dinner options subject to availability according to The Martinborough Hotel Bar & Grill opening hours.Please note that this property requires a credit card pre-authorisation or cash deposit upon check in to cover any incidental charges.