Legacy Te Waonui Hotel Franz Josef
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Summary of reviewsLegacy Te Waonui Hotel Franz Josef is celebrated for its exceptional location and service, offering a serene escape amidst the lush rainforests of Glacier Country on New Zealand's South Island. The hotel is strategically positioned, providing easy access to local attractions such as the iconic Franz Josef Glacier, while offering guests both seclusion and accessibility. Its lush surroundings and luxurious accommodations make it an ideal retreat for travelers looking to immerse themselves in nature.
Guests frequently praise the spacious and comfortable rooms, which boast stunning views of the vibrant forest canopy. The interiors are tastefully decorated, clean, and invite relaxation with comfortable bedding that many describe as providing a cloud-like sleep experience. The staff at the hotel are noted for their professionalism and dedication, consistently ensuring a welcoming atmosphere through their friendly and attentive service.
Dining is a highlight at Legacy Te Waonui, with many guests lauding the five-course dining experience for its quality and presentation, likening it to high culinary standards. Although opinions on breakfast are somewhat mixed, the overall consensus regards it as robust and satisfying, providing a good range of options to start the day. The spa services, particularly the massages, are also well-received, though planning ahead is recommended due to availability constraints.
While the hotel has received some critiques regarding its luxury status and dining options, the overall experience at Legacy Te Waonui Hotel is marked by tranquility, excellent service, and a touch of refined luxury in a stunning natural setting. For those seeking relaxation and retreat in a serene environment, this hotel offers a delightful blend of comfort and nature.
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Guests frequently praise the spacious and comfortable rooms, which boast stunning views of the vibrant forest canopy. The interiors are tastefully decorated, clean, and invite relaxation with comfortable bedding that many describe as providing a cloud-like sleep experience. The staff at the hotel are noted for their professionalism and dedication, consistently ensuring a welcoming atmosphere through their friendly and attentive service.
Dining is a highlight at Legacy Te Waonui, with many guests lauding the five-course dining experience for its quality and presentation, likening it to high culinary standards. Although opinions on breakfast are somewhat mixed, the overall consensus regards it as robust and satisfying, providing a good range of options to start the day. The spa services, particularly the massages, are also well-received, though planning ahead is recommended due to availability constraints.
While the hotel has received some critiques regarding its luxury status and dining options, the overall experience at Legacy Te Waonui Hotel is marked by tranquility, excellent service, and a touch of refined luxury in a stunning natural setting. For those seeking relaxation and retreat in a serene environment, this hotel offers a delightful blend of comfort and nature.
Luxury Hotel
This 5-star hotel is a luxurious eco-retreat nestled in the Franz Josef rainforest. It offers a sustainable design, 24-hour reception, concierge service, a fine-dining restaurant, and a spa. Rooms feature private balconies with forest views, luxury bedding, and heated bathroom floors.
Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
This hotel features innovative, environmentally sustainable architecture and building materials, including recycled local materials and timbers from certified sources. It incorporates natural lighting, energy-efficient design, and natural ventilation to reduce its carbon footprint. The property also utilizes rainwater collection, permeable gravel, and a custom-recycling center in each guest room, alongside a Tesla charging station.
Do you utilise any renewable energy sources to produce energy on the hotel/accommodation premises?
Hydro
What makes your hotel/accommodation eco-friendly?
Building materials from sustainable resources
Written environmental policy statement in place
The structure maximizes air flow to reduce the need for air-conditioning
The structure maximizes natural light to reduce the need for lighting and heating
Windows that block heat/cold (i.e. triple-glazed windows)
Engaged in eco-friendly initiatives (i.e. reforestation, wildlife conservation)
LED lighting throughout the premises
Employees are trained to follow environmental policies
Carbon footprint is measured by recognised CO2 measurement tool
Electric car charging station(s) available
Signs in the rooms informing guests that towels will only be changed upon request
Waste is separated into at least 3 categories
Recycling bins in guest rooms
No disposable (single use) cups/glasses, plates and cutlery
Organic waste is composted
An energy audit is carried out at least once every five years
Is there anything that you would like to highlight, add or clarify?
Te Waonui Forest Retreat supports various local conservation initiatives including donating funds to Kiwi conservation projects.
Te Waonui Forest Retreat supports various local conservation initiatives including donating funds to Kiwi conservation projects.
Answers last updated by Legacy Te Waonui Hotel Franz Josef
Family Friendly Hotel
Legacy Te Waonui Hotel Franz Josef provides a luxury eco-certified experience with amenities suitable for families. It features a restaurant, a coffee shop, and a garden. The hotel is located within walking distance of family-friendly attractions like Waiho Hot Tubs and the Westcoast Wildlife Centre.
5-Star Hotel
This 5-star rainforest retreat offers luxurious, eco-designed accommodation with a focus on sustainability. Guests can enjoy deluxe amenities, a restaurant and bar, and easy access to the natural wonders of the South West World Heritage Area. The hotel features natural wool carpets, organic cotton bedspreads, and possum skin cushioning for an eco-friendly feel.
Hotel with Spa
Business Hotel
Accessible Hotel
Guest Reviews
Nestled amidst the lush rainforests and majestic natural beauty of Glacier Country on the South Island, Legacy Te Waonui Hotel boasts a truly remarkable location that captures the essence of Franz Josef. This hotel offers guests a serene escape, enveloped in the tranquility of a temperate rainforest, with every room providing stunning views of the vibrant forest canopy. The convenience of its position allows for easy access to the iconic Franz Josef Glacier and amenities such as local restaurants, a supermarket, a petrol station, hot pools, and even a helicopter company, making it an ideal base for exploring the area. With spacious, comfortable rooms and excellent dining options, guests can indulge in a relaxing stay without sacrificing modern comforts. The peaceful surroundings, coupled with the hotel's central location, make it a perfect stopover, offering both seclusion and accessibility for travelers eager to immerse themselves in the wonders of nature.
Legacy Te Waonui Hotel in Franz Josef offers a breakfast experience that has left a largely positive impression on its guests. Many reviewers highlight the extensive breakfast buffet, known for catering to all appetite sizes with a broad selection of options. Guests have frequently described the breakfast as excellent, perfect, and delicious, with some noting that it is a step above other hotels they have visited. The buffet provides a variety of hot and cold dishes, with many finding the spread both generous and satisfying.
The breakfast service at the hotel has often been praised for its quality, with charming and friendly staff enhancing the dining experience. While many found the breakfast to be impressive, others felt it was basic or had room for improvement, noting that some elements fell short of European standards. Suggestions for cooked-to-order options were mentioned as potential improvements.
Despite some critiques about the coffee and the continental breakfast being unremarkable, the overall consensus is that the breakfast is good, with plenty of choices to start the day on a positive note. Guests appreciate the inclusion of breakfast in their stay, seeing it as excellent value along with the delectable dinners offered at the hotel.
The dining experience at Legacy Te Waonui Hotel in Franz Josef has received glowing praise from guests, particularly for the five-course tasting menu included with many bookings. Guests frequently describe the dinner as excellent, amazing, and superb, highlighting the quality and presentation of the meals. The degustation dinners often evoke comparisons to high culinary standards, with some even mentioning Michelin-worthy quality. Additionally, the hotel skillfully accommodates dietary restrictions, ensuring a pleasurable dining experience for all attendees.
Service generally complements the impressive food, though there are occasional mentions of overly eager waitstaff. While the five-course menu and fixed plate gourmet dinners earn consistent commendation for their delicious offerings, it's important to note a few comments about lengthy service times and variable management during peak occasions like Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Despite minor issues, the overall consensus is one of satisfaction, making the dining at Legacy Te Waonui Hotel a memorable part of guests' stays.
Legacy Te Waonui Hotel in Franz Josef offers guests a remarkable experience with its beautifully appointed rooms. Visitors consistently praise the comfort and spaciousness of the accommodations, highlighting the luxurious and tastefully decorated interiors. The rooms provide serene views of dense vegetation and nearby mountains, enhancing the tranquil atmosphere of this quiet location.
Guests appreciate the cleanliness and attention to detail in their rooms, often noting the super clean and well-thought-out amenities like a coffee machine that caters to their needs. The comfy beds and selection of pillows contribute significantly to a restful stay.
In addition to the comfort of the rooms, guests enjoy the convenience of a five-course dinner and breakfast included with their accommodations. The quality of the food and service is consistently praised, with the staff described as incredibly good and outstanding, making the overall experience one of beauty and serenity.
While some guests express a preference for brighter furnishings, the generally positive feedback indicates that Legacy Te Waonui Hotel excels in providing cozy and comfortable rooms in a stunning location, perfect for a relaxing getaway amidst nature.
At the Legacy Te Waonui Hotel in Franz Josef, visitors frequently highlight the comfort of the beds as one of the standout features of their stay. Many guests describe the beds as exceptionally comfortable and even liken them to sleeping on clouds, with some declaring them the comfiest they’ve ever slept in. The rooms, nestled amidst the lush native bush, provide a lovely and restful atmosphere, enhancing the overall experience. While most reviews praise the soft and inviting bedding, a few guests mention concerns with certain mattress toppers being awkward or lumpy, potentially affecting their comfort. Additionally, the beds are noted as being particularly clean, contributing to an environment conducive to relaxation. Overall, despite minor criticisms, the beds at Legacy Te Waonui Hotel are largely regarded as a highlight, offering guests a haven of comfort amidst their travels.
Legacy Te Waonui Hotel in Franz Josef garners praise for its exceptional cleanliness. Guests consistently highlight the immaculate condition of both the bedrooms and bathrooms, noting that rooms are well-maintained throughout their stays. The accommodations are described as modern and functionally furnished, with comfortable and decent-sized rooms enhancing the overall experience. The jungle-view rooms add a unique touch, further impressing visitors with their pristine condition. Although some reviews point out minor issues with cleanliness in public areas and a musty smell in one room, the overwhelmingly positive feedback focuses on the spotless facilities and friendly staff, ensuring a comfortable and pleasant stay.
At Legacy Te Waonui Hotel Franz Josef, guests consistently praise the staff for their exceptional service and dedication to creating a welcoming atmosphere. Whether interacting with the polite breakfast room team or dealing with accommodation matters, the staff exhibits professionalism and a genuine interest in guest satisfaction. Visitors often highlight the hotel's attentive and responsive personnel who effortlessly blend friendliness with helpfulness. From the concierge to other team members, each encounter is marked by super helpful and accommodating service, making guests feel valued and cared for throughout their stay. The staff's friendliness extends beyond simple greetings, as they are committed to assisting with every need and ensuring an enjoyable experience. The consistent praise for the hotel staff reveals a strong, guest-focused ethos, contributing to the hotel's reputation as a place where impeccable service and accommodating warmth are standard.
Legacy Te Waonui Hotel Franz Josef offers a spa experience that consistently impresses guests with its high-quality treatments. The massages are frequently described as very good, and some guests even consider them the best they've ever had. The professionalism and skill of the spa staff contribute to the sensational experience, leaving a lasting impression on visitors. While the spa treatments are reasonably priced, it is noteworthy that availability can be limited, and advance planning might be necessary to ensure a slot. Although the hotel lacks water spa facilities or a gym, the exceptional service and memorable massages provided by the spa team make it a highlight for many guests who are keen to return for another stay.
Legacy Te Waonui Hotel Franz Josef offers a mixed experience for travelers seeking luxury accommodations. While some guests feel the hotel falls short of the five-star standard, with suggestions that it might be closer to 3.5 to 4 stars, others have praised it as a first-class destination worthy of a top rating. The service and ambience received high marks, with exceptional reviews for staff performance and the overall environment. Guests have reported a perfect experience in terms of service, food, and ambience, finding the hotel to exceed even high expectations in some cases.
However, opinions on the food quality are divided, with some describing it as poor and tasteless, which detracts from the overall luxury experience expected at such a resort. Additionally, the presence of young children seemed to be a concern for guests looking for a tranquil retreat experience, especially given the price and the adult-oriented nature of the resort.
Overall, while Legacy Te Waonui Hotel Franz Josef has its highlights—particularly in service—it may not consistently deliver the comprehensive five-star experience some guests anticipate.
Nestled amidst an oasis of greenery, Legacy Te Waonui Hotel in Franz Josef offers guests a delightful blend of luxury and natural beauty. The accommodation, described as beautiful with a slight touch of luxury, provides rooms that are luxurious with views of the native bush, creating a tranquil retreat for travelers. Guests appreciate the exceptional service from courteous, professional staff who ensure every detail is perfect, contributing to an overall stay that is highly recommended. While some find the hotel on the edge of town to be quaint and a bit dated, the luxurious ambiance and unbelievable service make the experience well worth the price despite a limited selection of upscale accommodation options in the area. Those seeking a lush getaway for a couple of nights will find this resort to be a lovely choice, where the luxurious environment and dedication to service redefine what a luxury stay truly means.
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Location
Breakfast
The breakfast service at the hotel has often been praised for its quality, with charming and friendly staff enhancing the dining experience. While many found the breakfast to be impressive, others felt it was basic or had room for improvement, noting that some elements fell short of European standards. Suggestions for cooked-to-order options were mentioned as potential improvements.
Despite some critiques about the coffee and the continental breakfast being unremarkable, the overall consensus is that the breakfast is good, with plenty of choices to start the day on a positive note. Guests appreciate the inclusion of breakfast in their stay, seeing it as excellent value along with the delectable dinners offered at the hotel.
Dinner
Service generally complements the impressive food, though there are occasional mentions of overly eager waitstaff. While the five-course menu and fixed plate gourmet dinners earn consistent commendation for their delicious offerings, it's important to note a few comments about lengthy service times and variable management during peak occasions like Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Despite minor issues, the overall consensus is one of satisfaction, making the dining at Legacy Te Waonui Hotel a memorable part of guests' stays.
Rooms
Guests appreciate the cleanliness and attention to detail in their rooms, often noting the super clean and well-thought-out amenities like a coffee machine that caters to their needs. The comfy beds and selection of pillows contribute significantly to a restful stay.
In addition to the comfort of the rooms, guests enjoy the convenience of a five-course dinner and breakfast included with their accommodations. The quality of the food and service is consistently praised, with the staff described as incredibly good and outstanding, making the overall experience one of beauty and serenity.
While some guests express a preference for brighter furnishings, the generally positive feedback indicates that Legacy Te Waonui Hotel excels in providing cozy and comfortable rooms in a stunning location, perfect for a relaxing getaway amidst nature.
Beds
Cleanliness
Staff
Spa
5 Star
However, opinions on the food quality are divided, with some describing it as poor and tasteless, which detracts from the overall luxury experience expected at such a resort. Additionally, the presence of young children seemed to be a concern for guests looking for a tranquil retreat experience, especially given the price and the adult-oriented nature of the resort.
Overall, while Legacy Te Waonui Hotel Franz Josef has its highlights—particularly in service—it may not consistently deliver the comprehensive five-star experience some guests anticipate.
Luxury
No, Legacy Te Waonui Hotel Franz Josef doesn't have any pool.
Yes, a spa is available at Legacy Te Waonui Hotel Franz Josef.
No, Legacy Te Waonui Hotel Franz Josef doesn't allow dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at Legacy Te Waonui Hotel Franz Josef.
No, Legacy Te Waonui Hotel Franz Josef doesn't have a gym.
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