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Summary of reviewsSouth Sea Hotel - Stewart Island enjoys a central and scenic location that appeals to travelers seeking both convenience and natural beauty. Positioned near the ferry dock and with easy access to the beach and local attractions, it provides an ideal base for exploring the island. Guests appreciate the stunning views from various parts of the hotel, including the guest lounge balcony, which enhances the relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
The breakfast service at the hotel receives positive feedback, with guests praising the delicious and varied options available. Fresh fruit and outstanding coffee are particularly highlighted, contributing to a satisfactory start to the day. Similarly, the dining experience for lunch and dinner is lauded for its excellent seafood offerings and generous portions, with dishes like blue cod and teriyaki salmon being crowd favorites. Despite the slightly higher price point, the quality and service make dining at the hotel worthwhile.
Guests find the rooms at South Sea Hotel clean, comfortable, and well-equipped, providing a cozy respite after a day of island adventures. The spaciousness of the rooms and their cleanliness, complemented by attentive maid service, contribute to a positive lodging experience. While some note potential improvements in style and ventilation, these do not detract significantly from the overall satisfaction. The hotel's rustic décor matches the island ambiance, and the availability of self-catering facilities in certain rooms offers additional convenience.
Staff at the hotel are frequently praised for their exceptional service, with many reviews highlighting their friendliness and willingness to go above and beyond for guests. This kindness and attentiveness enhance the warm and welcoming environment of the hotel. The location directly on the beach further complements the inviting setting.
While Wi-Fi service receives mixed reviews, with inconsistent connectivity in some areas, the overall experience at South Sea Hotel remains positive. The charming setting and delightful accommodations outweigh the occasional challenges, such as the need for improved internet accessibility.
In summary, South Sea Hotel provides a charming and comfortable stay, marked by its scenic location, excellent food, and outstanding service. Although there are areas for improvement, the positive aspects ensure a memorable visit to Stewart Island. Show more
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Room Types
StudioRoom features a kitchenette and a private an en suite bathroom.
Please note that the price is based on 2 guests.
Double or Twin Room with Sea ViewThis room has a balcony with views of Halfmoon Bay. Features shared bathroom facilities.
Please note that the price is based on 2 guests.
Double or Twin RoomFeatures shared bathroom facilities.
Please note that the price is based on 2 guests.
Single RoomFeatures shared bathroom facilities.
Please note that the price is based on 1 guest.
Cottage QueenThe twin room features a flat-screen TV, a tea and coffee maker, a carpeted floor, heating as well as garden views. The unit has 1 bed.
Cottage TwinThe chalet features a flat-screen TV, a tea and coffee maker, a carpeted floor, heating as well as garden views. The unit has 2 beds.
Traditional Hotel Double plus SingleThis double room features a shared bathroom, a wardrobe and a quiet street view. The unit offers 2 beds.
Seaview Double + SingleThe double room features a flat-screen TV, a wardrobe, a carpeted floor, heating as well as sea views. The unit has 2 beds.
Hotel TwinThis twin room has a shared bathroom, a carpeted floor and a quiet street view. The unit has 2 beds.
Guest Reviews
8.2
Very Good
Location
Nestled in the heart of Stewart Island, the South Sea Hotel enjoys an unbeatable location that delights travelers seeking both convenience and scenic beauty. Centrally positioned, it's a stone's throw from the ferry dock, making it an ideal base for quick getaways or leisurely explorations. Guests are quick to praise its proximity to the beach and the stunning views of the bay and harbor, which can be savored from the guest lounge's balcony. The hotel perfectly suits visitors who appreciate easy access to the charming village's facilities and the Rakiura Great Walk, offering an excellent launchpad for island adventures.
The hotel's strategic placement right on the seafront provides a picturesque backdrop, setting a tone of relaxed vibe and friendly atmosphere that guests have come to cherish. Adjacent to lively bars and restaurants, South Sea Hotel doubles as a social hub where locals and tourists mingle. Its combination of lovely views, cozy accommodations, and warm hospitality ensures a delightful stay for anyone visiting this beautiful island, whether for a short visit or an extended retreat.
Breakfast
The breakfast experience at South Sea Hotel - Stewart Island is generally well-received by guests. Many reviews praise the delicious and ample breakfast options available at the hotel's restaurant. Guests particularly appreciate the wide variety of choices, including a satisfying continental breakfast with fresh fruit as a highlight. The food quality receives high marks, with terms like outstanding and fantastic frequently used to describe the culinary offerings. While most guests are delighted with their breakfast, noting the excellent coffee as a standout feature, there are occasional critiques about the continental setup. Nonetheless, the combination of a good selection and reasonable prices makes for a commendable start to the day. Overall, the breakfast at South Sea Hotel is an appreciated part of the stay, contributing to a memorable island experience.
Dinner
The South Sea Hotel on Stewart Island offers an exceptional dining experience that leaves guests with fond memories. Visitors consistently praise the establishment for its great food, highlighting the delicious seafood, including standout dishes like locally caught blue cod and teriyaki salmon. The large portions and excellent value for money make dining at the hotel's restaurant or pub a fulfilling choice for many.
The atmosphere is characterized by a comfortable and inviting setting, whether dining in the restaurant or more casually in the pub. It's a popular spot on the island, often booked out for dinner, testifying to its well-deserved reputation. The staff's friendliness and helpfulness enhance the inviting ambiance, making guests feel warmly welcomed and well-cared for.
While a few have noted the higher price point, the overall sentiment remains that the gastronomic experience is well worth it. With an outstanding menu, superb food quality, and attentive service, the South Sea Hotel ensures that its dining experience is a highlight of any stay on Stewart Island.
Rooms
South Sea Hotel on Stewart Island offers a charming and convenient stay for travelers with its central location near the ferry terminal. The rooms consistently receive praise for being clean, comfortable, and adequately equipped, making them a pleasant choice for a short trip. Spaciousness and cleanliness are highlights, with many rooms described as large and well-provisioned, ensuring guests have everything they need for a comfortable stay.
The hotel provides a variety of room options, some with lovely views over the garden or lounge areas, enhancing the experience with a picturesque backdrop. Many guests enjoy the spaciousness of units that come complete with kitchen utensils, adding a homey touch for those who prefer self-catering. Warmth and comfort are emphasized, particularly appreciated during the cooler times of the year, contributing to a restful night's sleep on soft and comfortable beds.
While the rooms are quite basic, they deliver on the essentials for a relaxing stay. The rustic décor complements the island's ambiance, though some guests mention a potential for an upgrade in style. The hotel's friendly staff and efficient maid service further enhance the guest experience, ensuring cleanliness and attention to detail throughout the visit.
Some areas for improvement include better ventilation and privacy, as noted by a few guests, but these minor issues are easily overshadowed by the overall positive sentiment. Despite sharing facilities like bathrooms, guests report them being consistently clean with minimal hassle. For those with a taste for local flavor, the convenience of having a pub downstairs is a bonus for enjoying a casual meal or drink.
Whether staying in for a comfortable rest or exploring the island's natural beauty, South Sea Hotel provides a reliable base, blending its prime location with a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Beds
At South Sea Hotel on Stewart Island, guests have diverse experiences regarding the comfort of the beds. Many travelers have praised the beds for being very comfortable, providing a restful place after exploring the scenic trails of Stewart Island. The comfort and coziness of the beds stand out as a significant positive aspect for numerous guests, making their stay enjoyable. However, not all guests share the same sentiment; some have noted the beds as somewhat uncomfortable and past their prime, suggesting they're due for a refurbishment. Pillows also receive mixed reviews, with some guests finding them thin and flat. Overall, while the comfort level of the beds is generally appreciated, there is room for improvement in consistency and bedding updates.
Cleanliness
South Sea Hotel on Stewart Island receives varied remarks about its cleanliness. Guests frequently highlight the immaculate condition of the rooms and shared bathrooms, pointing to cleanliness as one of the hotel's defining features. Some guests even claim that it could be the cleanest hotel they have ever experienced. Consistent comments about clean, tidy, and spacious rooms paint a picture of well-maintained accommodation, complemented by lovely staff, comfortable amenities, and amazing views. Although the hotel shows signs of age, it maintains a pristine condition that does not detract from the overall experience. Certain guests do note that some rooms could benefit from a thorough cleaning or renovation, but they generally agree that these issues are minor compared to the spotless and functional facilities offered. The hotel's strategic location and cleanliness contribute significantly to its appeal, ensuring a comfortable stay for all visitors.
Staff
The reviews of South Sea Hotel on Stewart Island highlight the exceptional service provided by its staff, creating a welcoming and friendly atmosphere that leaves guests feeling truly cared for. With numerous mentions of their kindness and helpfulness, the staff consistently go above and beyond to accommodate the needs and requests of visitors. Their attentiveness and ability to engage with guests appropriately add to the overall charm of the hotel. The positive experiences are further enhanced by the hotel's excellent location, directly on the beach, offering a picturesque setting for a relaxing stay. Despite a few isolated comments regarding reception, the overwhelming sentiment underscores the dedication and hard work of the hotel staff who are described as fantastic, wonderful, and obliging. Collaborating with the efforts in the bar and dining areas, the team ensures that every guest has an unforgettable visit to Stewart Island.
Wi-Fi
The South Sea Hotel on Stewart Island is often praised for its charming balconies and outdoor seating, providing guests with a splendid spot to unwind and soak in the surroundings. However, when it comes to connectivity, the hotel's Wi-Fi service receives mixed feedback. While some guests highlight decent connectivity, others encounter challenges, particularly in certain rooms and garden areas where the Wi-Fi signal is described as weak or unavailable. The Wi-Fi experience varies, suggesting that improvements such as boosters or extenders could enhance the internet accessibility for all visitors, especially during peak visitor times.
Accessible
South Sea Hotel on Stewart Island offers a convenient and accessible option for guests with disabilities, situated close to the harbor and centrally located. It's easy to access the island's main street, making it a practical choice for those wanting to explore the area. While guests might need to use shared facilities such as bathrooms and showers down the hall, this arrangement generally does not pose any issues, with amenities being readily accessible and close by. Despite the hotel having some dated aspects, it remains impressively clean, and the staff are recognized for their accommodating and friendly demeanor, contributing positively to guests' experiences. However, some limitations exist, such as the lack of variety in dining options and occasionally unclean dishware, which guests may encounter during their stay.
No, South Sea Hotel - Stewart Island doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at South Sea Hotel - Stewart Island.
No, South Sea Hotel - Stewart Island doesn't allow dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at South Sea Hotel - Stewart Island.
No, South Sea Hotel - Stewart Island doesn't have a gym.