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Summary of reviewsThe Hermitage Hotel Mt Cook is celebrated for its prime location, nestled in the heart of Mount Cook National Park. Guests are frequently awed by the breathtaking views of Mount Cook from their rooms and the hotel's proximity to top hiking trails and scenic attractions. The setting is described as magical and offers an unbeatable backdrop for those seeking adventure and tranquility amidst New Zealand's iconic landscapes.
The breakfast service at the hotel impresses many with its extensive and delicious buffet options, catering to diverse tastes and providing great value for money. Although some guests find the breakfast pricey and the hours limited, the overall dining experience is well-regarded.
Dinner options, primarily buffet-style, receive positive feedback for their quality and variety with highlights like the evening BBQ buffet. The dining areas with their stunning views, enhance the experience, though some guests critique the higher prices and lack of à la carte options. Service is generally praised, contributing to a satisfying culinary experience at the hotel.
Rooms are appreciated for their cleanliness, spaciousness and modern amenities. Spectacular views, especially of Aoraki/Mount Cook, are a standout feature. While some rooms show signs of wear and tear and varying size, the overall comfort and modern features are positively noted. Nonetheless, certain rooms require modernization and better maintenance.
The hotel's staff are widely recognized for their friendliness and attentiveness, contributing significantly to guest satisfaction. From the front desk to the dining areas, personalized and professional service is frequently mentioned. However, occasional slow service and the need for additional training for some staff members are noted.
Family accommodations at the hotel are generally praised with activities and amenities suitable for children, though some noise issues and limited kid-friendly food options are mentioned.
Beds at the hotel are largely deemed comfortable and conducive to a good night's sleep, despite occasional preferences for different firmness levels and minor configuration issues.
The Hermitage Hotel's free Wi-Fi service receives mixed reviews with many guests experiencing slow and intermittent connectivity, especially in rooms, although it works better in common areas.
As the only four-star hotel in the Mt Cook area, The Hermitage Hotel offers memorable stays with stunning views and convenient access to local attractions. While the overall experience is positive, certain aspects like outdated decor, lack of modern amenities and a few service inconsistencies suggest room for improvement. Despite this, many guests enjoy the unique blend of natural beauty, comfort and attentive service that defines their stay at The Hermitage Hotel Mt Cook. Show more
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Categories
Luxury Hotel
Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
Family Friendly Hotel
Hotel with Free Wi-Fi
Business Hotel
Accessible Hotel
4-Star Hotel
Room Types
Standard King or Twin RoomGuests enjoy complimentary WiFi. This room features a balcony or patio. It has an en suite bathroom including a shower, free toiletries and hairdryer. Also included is a satellite flat-screen TV, refrigerator and tea and coffee making facilities.
Please note that the maximum occupancy is 2 (including children/infants). There is no capacity for additional guests.
Superior Twin Room with Mountain ViewThis room features a private balcony or patio with views of Mount Cook. It has an ensuite bathroom including a shower, bathtub, free toiletries and hairdryer. Also included is a satellite flat-screen TV, complimentary WiFi, refrigerator and tea and coffee making facilities.
Please note the maximum occupancy is 4.
Children 14 years or under when sharing with 2 adults can be accommodated in this room free of charge when using existing bedding.
Premium Twin Room with Mountain viewThis air-conditioned room features views of Mount Cook. It has an ensuite bathroom including a shower, free toiletries and hairdryer. Also included is a satellite flat-screen TV, refrigerator and tea and coffee making facilities. Guests enjoy free in-room WiFi.
Please note the maximum occupancy is 4.
Children 14 years or under when sharing with 2 adults can be accommodated in this room free of charge when using existing bedding.
Premium Plus Room with Two Queen BedsLocated on the 8th, 9th and 10th floors, this air-conditioned suite features views of Mount Cook. It has an ensuite bathroom including a shower, free toiletries, slippers and hairdryer. Also included is 2 complimentary bottles of water, a 55-inch full HD Smart flat-screen TV, Nespresso machine, refrigerator and tea and coffee making facilities. Guests enjoy free in-room WiFi.
Please note the maximum occupancy is 4.
Children 14 years or under when sharing with two adults can be accommodated in this room free of charge when using existing bedding.
Located on the 8th, 9th and 10th floor.
Premium Plus Super KingProviding free toiletries and bathrobes, this double room includes a private bathroom with a shower, a hairdryer and slippers. The spacious air-conditioned double room provides a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a tea and coffee maker, a seating area, a wardrobe as well as mountain views. The unit offers 1 bed.
Standard King RoomThis double room is comprised of a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a private bathroom as well as a balcony with mountain views.
Premium Super KingFeaturing free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The spacious air-conditioned double room features a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a tea and coffee maker, a seating area, a wardrobe as well as mountain views. The unit has 1 bed.
Guest Reviews
8.2
Very Good
Location
The Hermitage Hotel Mt Cook is undeniably a gem nestled in one of New Zealand's most stunning and strategic locations. Surrounded by the majestic beauty of Mount Cook National Park, the hotel offers guests unparalleled views and proximity to some of the country's best hiking trails and outdoor activities. The setting is magical with guests frequently commenting on the incredible, breathtaking and spectacular views from their rooms, particularly those facing Mount Cook.
The hotel's location is frequently described as perfect, unbeatable and superb. It's ideally situated right at the base of Mount Cook, allowing easy access to popular walks such as the Hooker Valley track and other scenic attractions. Whether inside the comfort of a well-appointed room or exploring the natural wonders just steps away, guests are continually struck by the beauty of their surroundings.
Additionally, the convenience of being located within the national park and close to trailheads makes it a favored spot for hikers and nature lovers. The hotel's proximity to major scenic attractions and walking trails enhances its appeal, ensuring that guests have plenty of opportunities to immerse themselves in the stunning landscape.
Overall, the Hermitage Hotel Mt Cook stands out for its extraordinary location, which offers an exceptional backdrop of mountains, valleys and clear views of Mount Cook, making it a top choice for travelers seeking both adventure and tranquility in one of New Zealand's most iconic regions.
Breakfast
The breakfast at The Hermitage Hotel Mt Cook largely impressed guests with high marks for variety, quality and taste. Visitors frequently praised the buffet breakfast, highlighting the extensive and delicious options available, which catered well to diverse preferences. Many guests noted the excellent and fantastic quality of the breakfast, describing it as meeting or even exceeding expectations. The breakfast was particularly deemed great value for the price by several reviewers, who appreciated the plentiful choices and the overall dining experience.
However, some aspects received mixed feedback. A few guests mentioned that the breakfast was expensive and felt the cost wasn't justified given the available options. There were comments about the limited breakfast hours and a desire for more variety, including more fruit and lighter breakfast options. Some also noted that only the buffet was available without an à la carte option, which restricted flexibility.
Despite these points of critique, the breakfast at The Hermitage Hotel Mt Cook consistently garnered positive reviews for its excellent range, taste and overall enjoyable experience, making it a highlight of many guests' stays.
Dinner
The dinner experience at The Hermitage Hotel Mt Cook blends diverse feedback with a clear tilt toward positive experiences. The hotel primarily offers buffet dinners, noted for their variety and quality, often exceeding guests' expectations. Popular items include the evening BBQ buffet and a wide range of delicious choices catering to various dietary needs. The buffet, served in atmospheric locations like the Panorama Room and the Alpine Restaurant, is often praised for its fresh, plentiful options and the spectacular views from the dining areas.
However, the buffet-only format and higher pricing point have drawn some criticism. Some guests found the buffet expensive relative to its offerings with certain items occasionally not meeting expectations. The lack of a la carte options has also been mentioned as a drawback for those preferring more personalized dining experiences. Despite these points, many reviews highlight the buffet as a convenient and satisfying end to a day of exploring, especially when paired with the hotel's scenic dining venues.
The restaurant staff generally receive positive remarks for their service, although a few reviews mentioned slow service during busy times. Alternative dining at the hotel's café and bar also gets commendations for quality and value, providing options beyond the main buffet offerings. Overall, The Hermitage Hotel's buffet dinner remains a popular, albeit sometimes expensive, choice for guests looking to enjoy a variety of high-quality dishes in a stunning alpine setting.
Rooms
The rooms at The Hermitage Hotel Mt Cook are praised for their cleanliness and spaciousness, often being described as spotless, well-equipped and modern. Many guests appreciated upgrades to more luxurious accommodations, enjoying modern features and functional layouts. The views, especially those featuring Aoraki/Mount Cook, were frequently highlighted as spectacular and breathtaking.
Some reviews noted that the rooms varied in size with some being very spacious while others felt quite small. Despite the mix in room sizes, many guests found their rooms comfortable and warm. Newly renovated rooms received positive remarks for their fresh and updated appearance, while others pointed out that some areas and facilities seemed dated and in need of refurbishment.
Noise levels and poor ventilation were mentioned as concerns by some visitors. Additionally, some rooms were criticized for showing signs of wear and tear with mentions of outdated decor and tired bathrooms. Issues with room readiness and cleanliness were occasionally reported with some rooms not being available on time and not meeting cleanliness expectations.
Overall, the views from the rooms were a standout feature and the large and comfortable rooms met the needs of many guests. However, there's an evident call for modernization and better maintenance to enhance the guest experience fully.
Beds
The Hermitage Hotel Mt Cook's beds have garnered largely positive feedback from guests, often described as comfortable, plush and even super comfy. Many guests have praised the beds for their comfort with some highlighting the luxurious quality and superb softness of the mattresses. Beds in most rooms seem to have met the expectation of providing a restful night's sleep, often mentioned in conjunction with clean and comfortable rooms.
However, a few aspects might need attention. There are occasional mentions of beds being too soft for some guests' preferences and a few instances where either the beds were too hard or lacked headboards, affecting comfort levels. Another minor point is the absence of electric blankets, which could be a consideration for those staying during the colder months.
Several reviews also noted issues with room configurations not matching the guests' requests, such as receiving twin beds instead of a king bed and minor maintenance issues like bedside lights flickering. Despite these minor inconveniences, many found the overall experience to be positive, highlighting the comfort and quality of the bedding. The staff responsiveness in providing extra beds when needed was also appreciated by some guests.
In sum, despite a few areas needing improvement, The Hermitage Hotel Mt Cook generally offers a reliable and comfortable sleeping experience with the majority of guests enjoying a restful and cozy stay.
Cleanliness
The Hermitage Hotel Mt Cook receives mixed feedback about its cleanliness. Many guests highlight the overall cleanliness and tidiness of the rooms and communal areas with phrases like very clean, clean and comfortable room and spotless frequently mentioned. Clean bathrooms and well-maintained facilities also stand out positively.
However, some reviews point out specific issues such as dirty windows, unfresh towels left from previous occupants and housekeeping services arriving late or underperforming. Certain areas like the café tables and cups were noted as dirty and unpleasant smells and dated decor in some rooms were mentioned. Issues like visible carpet stains, grim shower curtains and the need for bathroom upgrades contribute to a less favorable impression of the hotel's cleanliness. Despite these critiques, many reviews still suggest that the property is well-kept and located in a great spot with fantastic views of Mt Cook.
Staff
The Hermitage Hotel Mt Cook has garnered a reputation for its incredibly friendly and attentive staff. Many guests have highlighted the warm welcome and helpful nature of the personnel throughout their stay. From the check-in process to the dining experiences, the staff consistently provided outstanding service, often going above and beyond to ensure guest satisfaction. Specific mentions of efficient and knowledgeable team members, such as Caleb and Eddie, illustrate the personalized attention the staff offers to visitors.
Despite some isolated incidents of less favorable interactions, the overall sentiment towards the staff was overwhelmingly positive. Guests frequently praised the staff's professional and courteous demeanor, noting that the team was always ready to assist with any requests or needs. The front desk and housekeeping staff, in particular, received numerous accolades for their helpfulness and efficiency.
The restaurant and activity center staff were also highlighted for their genial and professional service, making dining and excursions pleasant experiences. Moreover, the communication with the hotel prior to and during the stay was commended for being timely and informative.
While a few reviews pointed out the need for additional training for some staff members and occasional slow service, the general consensus is that the staff at The Hermitage Hotel Mt Cook played a significant role in enhancing the overall guest experience with their friendliness, helpfulness and attentiveness.
Wi-Fi
Guests at The Hermitage Hotel Mt Cook have provided mixed feedback regarding the Wi-Fi service. On the positive side, there are instances where the TV and Wi-Fi worked well and some guests appreciated that the Wi-Fi was complementary. However, a recurring theme in the reviews points to several issues: the Wi-Fi was often described as slow, weak and intermittent with many guests highlighting that it did not work reliably in their rooms. The connectivity problems were significant enough to leave some visitors without internet access during their stay. Multiple reviews noted that the Wi-Fi strength was considerably better in the main areas of the hotel but did not extend well to individual rooms.
Family
Families will find the Hermitage Hotel Mt Cook generally accommodating and enjoyable, especially for those traveling with children. Several reviews highlight the family-friendly nature of the hotel, from comfortable family rooms to amenities that cater specifically to younger guests. The buffet receives praise for its inclusion of dairy-free options, beneficial for children with allergies and family-friendly meals that cater to a variety of tastes, though some did note the limited and expensive kid-friendly food choices.
The hotel provides various activities that can keep children entertained, such as the enchanting experience of Santa visits and the awe-inspiring star-gazing. The numerous walks around the area are suitable for all ages and fitness levels, adding a layer of adventure to the family holiday. However, there were mentions of noise issues caused by children running and shouting in the hallways, which could disrupt the experience for some guests. Additionally, reheating baby food isn't an option, which may be inconvenient for families with very young children.
While some families found the environment perfect for their needs, others felt it wasn't entirely suited for those with younger children. Despite these minor issues, the overall sentiment is positive, making the Hermitage Hotel Mt Cook a worthy consideration for a memorable family vacation.
4 Star
The Hermitage Hotel Mt Cook offers a unique stay with stunning and breathtaking mountain views, making it a memorable experience for many guests. The hotel is notably the only four-star hotel in the Mt Cook area and provides good access to local hiking trails, which enhances its appeal for nature enthusiasts. Staff performance is a highlight with guests frequently mentioning attentive and helpful service and fantastic housekeeping standards. Room facilities are convenient, ensuring a comfortable stay.
However, the hotel's amenities and decor have been pointed out as needing updates, particularly in the corridors and public spaces, which detract from the overall luxury feel that a four-star hotel should provide. Some guests feel the hotel does not meet the strict criteria of a four-star designation with specific issues such as the lack of air conditioning, no moisturiser in rooms and the dated ambiance contributing to this sentiment. The dining experience, particularly the $65 buffet dinner, has received mixed reviews with some finding it cold and lacking in quality for the price.
Overall, while many guests find their stay enjoyable and appreciate the fantastic scenery and helpful staff, there are recurring mentions of the hotel not living up to a four-star standard, suggesting it feels more like a three-star establishment. Thus, prospective visitors may want to manage their expectations regarding luxury and facilities.
Luxury
Nestled in the stunning Mount Cook region, The Hermitage Hotel Mt Cook offers a luxurious experience that resonates through its meticulously crafted amenities and services. Guests have praised the hotel for providing luxurious rooms, adorned with modern features that elevate one's stay. The ambiance is complemented by high-end toiletries and a grand buffet that rivals Michelin standard service. The hotel emanates elegance akin to Luke Sky level quality, enveloping guests in an upscale atmosphere from start to finish.
Though the rooms have been described as having old furnishings, the overall charm and functionality are highly appreciated. The hotel's position, paired with high-end mountain views, provides a magical and otherworldly experience that makes it stand out. While some guests noted that the luxury might not match the price tag, many found the comfort and high-end experiences to be worth every penny.
The establishment strikes a balance between old-school hotel elegance and modern luxury, crafting an atmosphere that reminds one of a high-end ski chalet. This blend results in a high-level hotel experience, backed by a level of service that justifies its four-star rating. Moreover, the quality of coffee and meals served further adds to the high-end feel, ensuring that every aspect of the stay is remembered fondly.
While it's evident that The Hermitage isn't uniformly considered five-star in every aspect, it undeniably offers a unique and luxurious mountain retreat. Whether it's the excellent positioning, refined atmosphere or the plethora of luxury features, guests consistently found their stay at The Hermitage Hotel Mt Cook to be a captivating and worth every dollar spent.
No, The Hermitage Hotel Mt Cook doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at The Hermitage Hotel Mt Cook.
No, The Hermitage Hotel Mt Cook doesn't allow dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at The Hermitage Hotel Mt Cook.
No, The Hermitage Hotel Mt Cook doesn't have a gym.