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Summary of reviewsFederation House in Oamaru stands out as a charming and welcoming destination for tourists eager to explore the historic heart of the town. Its prime location allows guests easy access to key attractions such as Steampunk HQ, the historic town center, and the blue-eyed penguin conservation area. With stunning views of the harbor and Pacific Ocean from its hilltop vantage point, Federation House offers a picturesque backdrop that enriches the overall experience.
The breakfast service at Federation House is well-received, offering a delightful start to the day with its ample continental selection served in a sunroom or verandah with breathtaking views. Guests appreciate the variety and quality, enhanced by the engaging presence of the host, Roger, who is noted for his exceptional hospitality.
Rooms at Federation House provide a unique blend of vintage charm and modern comfort, boasting fantastic views and comfort with an eclectic vintage decor that contributes to the memorable experience. Cleanliness is a hallmark of the hotel, with consistently praised well-maintained bathrooms and rooms. The historical ambiance is complemented by thoughtful renovations that maintain the property's charm.
Roger and his team are central to the positive guest experiences, known for their warm and welcoming demeanor. Roger's informative guidance and personal touches significantly enhance guest interactions, ensuring visitors feel valued and well looked after.
Parking at Federation House offers several options, though it requires maneuvering in tight spaces, particularly for larger vehicles. Guests appreciate the off-street parking availability, with alternative options on the road nearby.
Beds at Federation House are praised for their comfort and generous size, catering effectively to families and diverse sleeping preferences. While the firmness may vary, the sleeping arrangements generally ensure a restful night's sleep.
Overall, Federation House presents a blend of history, comfort, and exceptional hospitality, making it a delightful choice for those seeking charm and character in Oamaru. Its affordable rates combined with its quirky, handcrafted decor make it an interesting and engaging place to stay. Show more
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Categories
Guest House with Parking
This guesthouse offers free private parking. It is close to the downtown area and shops/restaurants.
Accessible Guest House
Federation House has rooms with disability access available, specifically rooms 1 and 2 located on the ground floor, which are suitable for elderly and disability access. The property also provides off-street parking with disability access and a ground floor bathroom.
Small Guest House
This guesthouse offers a unique and charming accommodation experience. The cozy rooms and historical ambiance create a memorable and intimate stay.
3-Star Guest House
This guest house offers free private parking. It is located close to the downtown area and shops/restaurants, with easy access to the waterfront.
Room Types
Frederic Ongley RoomLocated on the ground floor, this room includes a sofa, table and kitchen facilities.
Continental breakfast is included.
George Gillies RoomLocated on the ground floor, this twin/double room includes a single-sized bed, sea views, an electric kettle, microwave and a refrigerator.
Continental breakfast is included.
Bessie Clark RoomLocated on the 1st floor this superior twin/double room includes a small sun-room with a dining table and a single-sized bed.
Continental breakfast is included.
Guest Reviews
8.2
Very Good
Location
Nestled in a prime location, Federation House is a remarkable spot for tourists looking to explore the heart of Oamaru. The hotel boasts an excellent position that brings guests close to historic landmarks and key attractions, including the famous Steampunk HQ and the charming historic town center. The convenience of being near the waterfront, restaurants, shops, and the fascinating blue-eyed penguin conservation area makes it a perfect choice for visitors. Its storied setting offers stunning views of the harbor and the Pacific Ocean, creating a picturesque backdrop for every stay. The hilltop vantage point not only provides breathtaking vistas into the old part of town but also allows easy access to the lively local scene. The charming Victorian architecture of the house, combined with its awe-inspiring views, offers guests a special glimpse into the past while ensuring a comfortable and welcoming experience.
Breakfast
Federation House offers a delightful breakfast experience that complements its charming ambiance and picturesque location. Guests consistently appreciate the breakfast room's stunning views, whether of Oamaru, the port, or out to sea, making the morning meal an enjoyable start to the day. The breakfast itself is predominantly continental, with a good variety of cereals, spreads, jams, and a selection of teas, coffee, and juices. With a self-service option, it provides a simple yet ample selection, ensuring there is something to suit different tastes. The breakfasts are described as generous, hearty, and lovely, taken in a spacious sunroom or on the verandah with its brilliant views. Despite being basic for some, the plentiful options and clean presentation are well-received, and the overall experience is enhanced by a pleasant and knowledgeable host. The complimentary inclusion further underscores its value for those staying at this inviting location.
Rooms
Federation House in Oamaru offers a charming blend of old-world charm and modern comfort. Situated in a property with a rich history, the rooms in this 100-year-old home have their own unique character, often described as eclectic with vintage decor. Many rooms provide fantastic views over the town and ocean, making stays here particularly memorable.
Guests can expect spacious, clean, and cozy accommodations with a range of amenities. Beds are generally described as comfortable, though opinions vary on firmness. The showers receive high praise for their water pressure, adding a luxurious touch to a guest's stay.
The bathrooms, while clean, tend to be on the smaller side, reflecting the quirky nature of the hotel's design. The architecture makes clever use of space, ensuring en suites and extra beds fit into each room seamlessly. Although some may find the decor old-fashioned, it adds to the property's distinctive charm.
The communal areas, such as the spacious lounge and dining areas, offer great views and are conducive to relaxation. A complimentary continental breakfast with a good selection of jams is an appreciated perk, as are the warm and friendly interactions with the host. Overall, Federation House provides a cozy and unique experience, convenient for those wishing to explore the town and its attractions, including the nearby blue penguins.
Beds
Federation House boasts an array of beds that provide guests with varying levels of comfort, although many reviews emphasize the positive aspects of the sleeping arrangements. Travelers often highlight the beds as large and notably comfortable, with some pointing out that the mattresses could be a bit firmer than expected. Nonetheless, numerous guests have remarked that the beds are among the most comfortable they have ever experienced in a hotel setting. The hotel’s capacity to accommodate families is evident, with beds so spacious they can fit multiple guests comfortably. The quality of the bed linen adds a cozy touch to the overall experience. While there are a few mentions of beds being slightly hard or old, the majority affirm the beds as conducive to a restful night's sleep. The hotel successfully caters to diverse sleeping preferences with its versatile arrangements, ensuring that guests from different walks of life find the accommodations satisfying.
Cleanliness
Federation House offers a unique accommodation experience, blending vintage charm with modern amenities in a prime location. Cleanliness stands out as a highlight, with guests frequently praising the hotel for its very clean bathrooms and rooms. The property itself has undergone thoughtful renovations that ensure it maintains a clean and well-presented allure throughout.
Its charming guesthouse setting is imbued with authentic, old-fashioned decor that transports guests to a past era, filled with character and unique furnishings. The innkeeper receives high commendations, contributing to the welcoming atmosphere that is accentuated by the delightful breakfast provided each morning. Despite the property's undeniable charm, some aspects of its decor may appear outdated, with signs of wear and tear. Nevertheless, for those seeking historical ambiance, Federation House provides an evocative glimpse into New Zealand's past while maintaining an inviting and clean environment for a pleasant stay.
Staff
At Federation House, the standout quality of the guest experience is the exceptional hospitality offered by Roger and his team. Guests consistently mention Roger as an outstanding host, describing him as friendly, welcoming, and accommodating. His warm demeanor and engaging conversations during breakfast add a personal touch that enhances the stay. Roger, together with his attentive and considerate staff, creates an inviting atmosphere where guests feel at home. Known for being informative and helpful, Roger takes pride in guiding visitors to explore his beautiful property and shares valuable local insights. Whether by providing practical assistance or simply sharing a chat, Roger and his team consistently deliver exceptional service, making every guest feel valued and well-cared-for. In summary, it's Roger's dedication to hospitality that leaves a lasting impression at Federation House.
Parking
The parking situation at Federation House offers a mix of ease and challenges, depending on your perspective and vehicle size. Guests appreciate the availability of off-street parking, noting that there is plenty of it, which is a definite advantage for those arriving by car. However, the parking spaces can be tight and require careful maneuvering, making it more suitable for smaller cars. While some visitors found the parking easy and straightforward, others mentioned that it could be tricky or cramped, particularly in the limited courtyard space. For those who prefer not to navigate the tighter spots, parking on the road nearby is a viable alternative, though the public highway is steep, which some guests found challenging. Overall, guests should be prepared for the possibility of a snug fit but can take comfort in the multiple parking options available.
3 Star
Federation House in Oamaru offers a unique blend of history and charm, capturing the essence of a bygone era with its remarkable period decor. Guests are delighted by the quirky character of the 100-year-old house, which has been beautifully converted into a bed and breakfast. The lounge area is particularly appreciated for its unique style, and the old-world charm is enhanced by the intriguing fact that many parts seem handcrafted by the owner.
The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with cozy and homely surroundings that heighten the overall experience. Guests appreciate the superb facilities, especially the continental breakfast served in a room offering fantastic views, adding a picturesque start to the day.
Despite some minor disappointments with dust, the overall ambiance remains positively engaging, largely due to the very helpful and friendly owner, who goes above and beyond to ensure guests feel welcomed and comfortable. Federation House is a delightful choice for those seeking charm and character on an economy budget, with a quirky feel that makes it an interesting place to stay.
No, Federation House doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Federation House.
No, Federation House doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Federation House.