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Summary of reviewsSmylies Accommodation receives commendation for its strategic location, which caters to both adventurers exploring the West Coast and business travelers seeking proximity to Christchurch. Its ease of access and quiet setting, complemented by nearby amenities like a pub with excellent food, make it a practical and comfortable choice for a variety of visitors.
While breakfast offerings have been inconsistent, when available, they significantly enhance the guest experience, particularly the highly praised Japanese breakfast. The warmth and hospitality of the owners further contribute to a welcoming stay, often going beyond to ensure guests feel at home.
Guests are consistently impressed with the cleanliness and comfort of the accommodations. The spacious rooms, featuring private bathrooms and well-equipped kitchens, provide a cozy, vintage charm balanced with modern comforts like new showers and toilets. The large, comfortable beds are frequently highlighted as a standout feature, contributing to a restful night's sleep.
The staff at Smylies Accommodation are noted for their amiable and accommodating nature, providing helpful guidance on local activities and ensuring guests feel comfortable and supported. The attention to cleanliness, security, and well-maintained facilities, alongside the friendly atmosphere fostered by the staff, makes Smylies a preferred choice for travelers.
Overall, Smylies Accommodation offers great value with its combination of practicality, comfort, and genuine hospitality, leaving visitors with a positive and lasting impression. Show more
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Categories
Hostel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
Dog Friendly Hostel
Dogs Stay Free
Accessible Hostel
Small Hostel
4-Star Hostel
Hostel where Dogs Stay Free
Room Types
Bed in 6-Bed Dormitory RoomThis bed in dormitory has a toaster, mountain view and kitchenware.
King RoomThis double room features a desk, an outdoor dining area, mountain views and a shared bathroom. The unit offers 1 bed.
King StudioThe studio provides air conditioning, a private entrance, as well as a private bathroom featuring a walk-in shower and a hairdryer. The unit offers 1 bed.
Single Bed in 4-Bed Dormitory RoomThis bed in dormitory features a toaster, tea/coffee maker and microwave.
Junior Suite with Garden ViewFeaturing a private entrance, this air-conditioned suite consists of 1 living room, 2 separate bedrooms and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower and a hairdryer. The suite features parquet floors, a seating area with a flat-screen TV, a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe as well as garden views. The unit offers 3 beds.
Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory RoomThis bed in dormitory has a microwave, toaster and dining area.
Cottage with Garden ViewBoasting a private entrance, this bungalow features 1 living room, 1 separate bedroom and 1 bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The bungalow features a tea and coffee maker, a dining area, a carpeted floor, a flat-screen TV, as well as garden views. The unit has 1 bed.
King StudioThe studio offers a carpeted floor, heating, as well as a private bathroom boasting a shower and a hairdryer. The air-conditioned studio features a flat-screen TV, a private entrance, a tea and coffee maker, a seating area as well as garden views. The unit has 2 beds.
Guest Reviews
8.6
Very Good
Location
Smylies Accommodation is celebrated for its strategic and convenient location, ideal for travelers embarking on journeys to the West Coast or those making a stopover between Christchurch and the west. Its proximity to attractions like Arthur's Pass and Porters makes it a favored spot for adventurers and locals, including those commuting from Rangiora. The accommodation is also praised for its ease of access, positioned in a quiet area that is simple to locate. Guests have mentioned its closeness to places of work, enhancing its appeal for business stays. The nearby pub adds to the charm, offering visitors great food within walking distance. Moreover, the locale ensures guests are well-equipped for their stay, providing a blend of comfort, with amenities such as spacious rooms, hot showers, and a pleasant atmosphere, which proves to be a good value for the money. Overall, Smylies Accommodation delivers a compelling combination of practicality and comfort in a well-situated environment.
Breakfast
Guests at Smylies Accommodation have mixed experiences when it comes to breakfast. While some were disappointed by its unavailability during their stay, others had the delight of enjoying a satisfying and plentiful morning meal that they highly recommend. Particularly notable is the Japanese breakfast, which receives praise alongside the commendable hospitality of the owners, who are described as exceptionally friendly and helpful. Even beyond breakfast, the hosts go the extra mile, with mentions of a delicious dinner prepared by the attentive and welcoming hostess. It seems that though breakfast may not be consistently offered, when available, it truly enhances the guest experience with its quality and the warmth of the hosts.
Rooms
Smylies Accommodation offers a delightful stay with rooms that consistently impress with their spaciousness and cleanliness. Guests appreciate the charming vintage feel and well-maintained, cozy atmosphere. Each room caters well to visitors' needs, featuring private bathrooms and well-equipped kitchen areas, perfect for those who prefer to self-cater. With new showers and toilets, guests can expect modern comforts in an otherwise quaint setting. The large, comfortable beds in Bowlers Cottage and other rooms add an extra touch of homeliness. Despite the simplicity of the decor, the accommodations strike a balance between comfort and function, ensuring a tranquil and serene stay. The friendly hosts provide a warm welcome, creating a relaxed environment for guests to enjoy.
Beds
Smylies Accommodation is widely praised for its exceptionally comfortable beds, often described as large and among the most comfortable guests have ever experienced. This aspect seems to be a major highlight for visitors, ensuring a restful night's sleep. Coupled with comfortable and warm bedding, guests appreciate the attention to detail in creating a cozy environment. The friendly and helpful hosts add to the welcoming atmosphere, making the stay even more enjoyable.
However, some logistical notes include the bed placement in certain rooms, where proximity to the wall is mentioned as a slight inconvenience, but it seems to be a minor issue compared to the overall comfort. Adding to the charm is the cozy dining area, which offers a great space for guests to socialize and connect with others. Communal areas are also noted as nice, enhancing the communal feel of the accommodation. Despite the desire for a location nearer to the ski fields, the comfortable beds and inviting surroundings leave a lasting positive impression on those who stay.
Cleanliness
Smylies Accommodation has consistently received positive feedback regarding its cleanliness, making it a standout choice for travelers seeking tidy and comfortable lodging. Guests have repeatedly emphasized the spotless condition of both private and shared spaces, including rooms, showers, toilets, and common areas. The meticulous attention to cleanliness extends throughout the facilities, providing visitors with a welcoming and cozy environment. The rooms are described as comfortable and warm, indicating an overall pleasant experience. The high standard of cleanliness is complemented by the friendly and helpful staff, enhancing the overall warmth and coziness of the stay. Situated conveniently close to town and offering easy access to ski fields, Smylies Accommodation is noted for its value for money, security, and well-maintained premises. These attributes appear to contribute significantly to guests' intentions to return, showcasing the establishment's commitment to maintaining a clean and inviting atmosphere.
Staff
Visitors to Smylies Accommodation frequently highlight the warm and welcoming nature of the hotel's staff. Guests are consistently met with a friendly atmosphere, whether arriving late or looking for guidance on local activities. Georgie, in particular, receives praise for her exceptional friendliness and helpfulness. Reception staff are noted for their kind welcomes and thorough guidance in showing guests around the premises, ensuring everyone feels comfortable.
The owners stand out for their accommodating nature, going above and beyond to assist guests whenever needed. Their knowledge about the area is a valuable asset, as they offer excellent advice on local walks, enhancing guests' experiences. Thoughtfulness and flexibility characterize the interactions guests have with the team, leaving them feeling supported throughout their visits.
The beautiful, authentic accommodation adds to the charm of Smylies, with everything guests might need readily available and complemented by helpful staff. The collective efforts of the team ensure a seamless, enjoyable stay, marked by a friendly and approachable environment that frequently earns appreciative remarks from guests.
No, Smylies Accommodation doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Smylies Accommodation.
Yes, Smylies Accommodation welcomes dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at Smylies Accommodation.