Hananui Lodge and Apartments in Russell is consistently praised for its exceptional location right on the waterfront, offering stunning bay views and immediate beach access. Guests enjoy the convenience of being just steps from the vibrant town center, with its charming cafes, gourmet restaurants, shops, and historical sites. The lodge's position is ideal for exploring the Bay of Islands, with close proximity to the ferry, making it a perfect base for both short visits and extended stays.
The accommodations are lauded for their cleanliness and comfort, with spacious and well-appointed rooms that include comfortable beds, quality linens, and convenient amenities like kitchen facilities and air conditioning. Many rooms offer beautiful ocean or tree views, and apartments come with added perks such as access to paddle boards and kayaks, which are well-received by guests eager for beach activities. Despite minor issues like occasional musty smells, guests find the rooms exceed expectations, contributing to a restful retreat.
The exceptional cleanliness of the property is underscored by guests, who frequently mention the spotless and immaculate presentation of the rooms. The attentive and friendly service from the owners, Nev and Celine, enhances the welcoming atmosphere, making guests feel at home.
Guests commend the warmth and helpfulness of the staff, who go out of their way to ensure a comfortable stay by providing detailed information about local attractions and being responsive to special requests. This level of hospitality significantly elevates the guest experience.
For beach lovers, the lodge's proximity to the sandy shores and breathtaking sea views offer an idyllic and serene escape, all while being within walking distance of lively town amenities. The convenience of parking is another highlight, with secure and accessible options available, further enhancing the overall guest experience.
Overall, Hananui Lodge and Apartments provide a blend of tranquility, convenience, and exceptional service, making it an unforgettable and highly recommended destination for those visiting Russell.
The Duke Of Marlborough, located in the heart of Russell, offers a spectacular waterfront location that guests consistently praise. The hotel's prime position on the esplanade provides sweeping ocean and bay views, easy access to the beach and proximity to various restaurants and attractions. The historic charm of the building, adorned with picturesque decor and sunset views, further enhances the overall guest experience.
While the breakfast offerings evoke mixed feelings, many guests find the meals, particularly on the veranda, lovely and hearty. Despite some critiques regarding the variety and portion sizes, the breakfast service is generally efficient and friendly. On the other hand, the dinner service garners considerable acclaim. Guests highlight exceptional dishes like the slow-cooked lamb shoulder, enjoying their meals in a fine dining atmosphere with excellent service and live music.
The rooms are another standout feature, described as clean, well-maintained and beautifully decorated. Spacious balconies and stunning waterfront views are commonly praised and the extremely comfortable beds and modern facilities contribute to a luxurious feeling. Although there are occasional comments about room sizes and ventilation, the overall feedback emphasizes comfort and style.
Guests frequently commend the staff for their friendliness, helpfulness and professionalism with particular praise for the reception team. The warm and accommodating service contributes significantly to the hotel's welcoming atmosphere.
Some minor issues are noted with the wifi connectivity, which could benefit from improvements, particularly in the rooms. However, the hotel's overall ambiance and historical charm often outweigh these limitations for most guests.
The beachside location is highly appreciated, offering immediate access to the bay for a tranquil coastal experience, despite some rocky areas. Parking is convenient and satisfactory with options for both free and secure parking, enhancing the sense of ease for guests.
Beds are another highlight, praised for their comfort and superb bed linens, though preferences on firmness vary among guests. The hotel also caters well to accessibility needs, offering ramps and large beds in accessible rooms, though some challenges with navigation and parking for handicapped guests are noted.
Embodying rich history, The Duke Of Marlborough captivates guests with its old-world charm and vintage feel, seamlessly blending historical significance with modern amenities. The unique, boutique style adds to the intimate and charming atmosphere, making it a favored spot for romantic getaways and special celebrations.
In summary, The Duke Of Marlborough offers a memorable experience characterized by a picturesque location, exceptional dining, comfortable accommodations and warm hospitality, wrapped in historical allure and boutique charm.
Edgewater Palms Apartments enjoys an enviable beachfront location, offering spectacular views of Paihia Bay and easy access to local attractions, shops and dining options. Guests consistently praise the spacious, modern and clean accommodations that exceed expectations. The apartments are well-equipped with high-quality fittings, particularly appreciated for their full kitchens and comfortable beds, contributing to a restful and convenient stay.
The welcoming and attentive staff, frequently acknowledging the exceptional service at reception, enhance the overall experience. Guests feel at home, thanks to the warm hospitality and efficient service. The outdoor pool is a delightful addition, despite some guests wishing for it to be heated, especially during colder months.
The prime location not only ensures beautiful ocean vistas but also provides immediate access to beach activities and local entertainment. Secure parking, though occasionally challenging to navigate, adds convenience for those traveling by car. Overall, Edgewater Palms Apartments offers a pristine, comfortable and well-situated retreat that is highly recommended for a relaxing and enjoyable stay.
The Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands is consistently praised for its excellent location, providing guests with easy access to Paihia’s beach, local restaurants, shops and the ferry to Russell. The hotel's serene setting amongst tropical gardens offers a peaceful retreat while keeping major attractions within walking distance. This ideal location, coupled with the spacious and comfortable rooms, makes it a favored choice for both families and individuals seeking a tranquil yet convenient base.
Breakfast at the hotel is widely appreciated for its variety and quality, featuring both fried and continental options in a plentiful buffet. Though some guests noted improvements could be made, particularly regarding fresh fruit and coffee options, the friendly and helpful staff enhanced the overall dining experience, making it a generally positive aspect of the stay. Dinner also received commendations for food quality, taste and presentation, despite occasional comments about menu limitations and wait times.
Rooms at the Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands are described as large, clean and comfortable with ample space and good amenities. Some reviews mention the need for updates and better lighting, but overall, the spaciousness and cleanliness are well-regarded. The hotel's cleanliness has a few inconsistencies with occasional reports of musty smells and dustiness. Still, most guests find the rooms tidy and well-maintained.
The hotel staff stands out for their friendly, welcoming and helpful service, receiving consistent praise for their professionalism and attentiveness. Stories of specific staff members going above and beyond underline the positive impact of the service on guests' experiences.
The hotel's complimentary Wi-Fi is generally reliable and appreciated with minor improvements suggested for TV services. Proximity to the beach is a significant advantage, making it easy for guests to enjoy the shore and nearby attractions. Parking facilities are generally satisfactory, despite a few concerns about availability and space near rooms.
The Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands proves to be an excellent choice for families, offering a safe environment, spacious rooms and family-friendly amenities like a swimming pool. Comfortable beds contribute to a good night's sleep, although some guests have reported issues with mattress quality.
While the hotel does have aspects that fall short of the four-star expectation, particularly in terms of outdated facilities, it still delivers a satisfactory and enjoyable stay for many guests. The hotel is also noted for its good accessibility options, providing suitable accommodations for guests with disabilities.
Overall, the Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands offers a pleasant experience with its prime location, friendly staff and comfortable accommodations, making it a reliable option for visitors to Paihia.