Genuine Experience. True 1900's hotel. Excellent Decor. Great History. Definitely a "presence" upstairs and in room 7, but you be the judge. Memories you'll never forget for sure.

Could do with a deep clean throughout the entire hotel. Curiosities are overwhelming and should be kept to Otira and NZ history. Staffing looked to be an issue, especially in the running of the cafe and kitchen during busy times. Definitely needs a hotel manager, and staff, to take the pressure of Lester, the owner.

We recently stayed at the Otira Stagecoach Hotel, and it was an unforgettable experience! This historic hotel, nestled in the heart of Arthur’s Pass National Park, offers a unique blend of rustic charm and modern comfort. The rooms are cozy, the staff is friendly, and the surroundings are breathtaking. What really stood out was the hotel’s quirky museum-like atmosphere and the warm hospitality. We enjoyed exploring the local area, with plenty of hiking trails nearby. I was so impressed that I even made a TikTok video about our stay, which has now been viewed by over 32,500 people! It’s surprising how many people haven’t discovered this gem yet. If you’re looking for a true New Zealand experience, look no further than the Otira Stagecoach Hotel.

We found it hard to flush the toilet. Not a big problem though cause we managed to get the technique.

Like walking inside a film set dining room, moving back to the 1800's downstairs and upstairs, where guest bathrooms are vitreous floral porcelain handbasins and toilets, ours inside and out! Our four poster oh-so-comfortable bed was the deluxe room worth every reasonable cent, with an ensuite and a single room decorated for a child with books and toys. The entire establishment, run by the multi-talented "mine host" collector of everything -Lester, is dripping with period furniture of various early eras, quirky signs, magnificent mirrors, a live parrot, and a bar/museum/library off the dining room with a pianola! Lester and his crew have an extensive breakfast, lunch and dinner menu available to order also. The Stagecoach Hotel also provides guests a gratis cereal breakfast in the guest lounge which contains a still-magnificent 20 minute massage chair - divine. It is the most entertaining, eclectic and amusing stay you could imagine and never forget. There is no standing on ceremony, just join in chatting about the place with the other guests all gushing and laughing. Brilliant

Nothing not to like - if you enjoy quirky features of yesterday, it is a hoot!

there was muesli and cornflakes and weetbix for breakfast you make that yourself, but if you wanted cooked breakfast you can have that in the dining room, we didn't because we are not big eaters. We had dinner there and the steak we had was beautiful done and the salad. The open fire was going and that gave a lovely feeling. The chooks and ducks and the turkey outside was lovely to see, and we were in luck because we had good weather. Also it was nice that you can see and book the room you like.And in the little lounge there was n massage chair, and that was soooo great.

a glass of wine was 10 dollars.... but they had lovely water with lemon in it so we had a nice drink with our meal. And late in the evening a train past by and it felt if it was going into the hotel, but then again at night everything sounds more loudly. I would have loved it if we had our own toilet, but that is because we need to use it during the night often.

Absolutely charming hotel and full to the brim of collectibles and character! Lester the owner was so kind and clearly works impeccably hard. We felt very lucky we were able to stay the night (I only wish we could have stayed longer). If you can't stay at this fantastic hotel, I implore you to at least stop for a delicious home-cooked meal, or even a coffee if you're passing by (please don't just come in for a look around at all the treasures - support this wonderful business and man)!

Nothing - everything was perfect.

Perfect location from Christchurch for the start of a road trip. Host Lester provided impeccable personalised service-the best of our entire trip. Fascinating antique/museum items that you could actually pick up and handle. Hotel restored wonderfully. Wish we had a few more days to explore it all. And all the extras on top! - food was prompt and great, parrot that talked, a massaging lounge, free breakfast, and a comfy bed. Thanks so much Lester! From Sandra and Leanne in Australia :)

Liked everything. Exceeded expectations.

Everything! An amazing eccentric, quirky place. Full of interesting pieces that tell stories of years gone by. The rooms are beautiful, with period pieces and comfy beds. The owner is accommodating and just as interesting. The food was well cooked and fresh with a good variety. We loved our stay here. Dont stay if youre looking for a fancy 5 star hotel but definitely do stay if you appreciate history, interesting people and quirkiness!

That we werent able to stay longer. 😥

Lester was very friendly & loved a chat. The ecclectic range of items is something to be seen, the history in this place is amazing. the bedrooms had heritage furniture collected from all over the world. Our dinners, cooked by Lester was good basic food & very tasty.

Our reception was not so friendly (not Lester) & the first impressions did not sit well but after settling in, it was all good. The shower is old but that is to be expected in an old hotel.

Our experience at the Otira Hotel was simply unforgettable. From the moment we arrived, we were enveloped in the warmth of its historic ambiance and genuine hospitality. The cozy rooms, delicious food, and stunning surroundings all exceeded our expectations. What truly stood out was the exceptional service provided by the lovely staff, who went above and beyond to ensure our comfort and make us feel like home. For travelers seeking a unique and charming retreat in the heart of Otira, this hotel is an absolute gem. Highly recommended for an unforgettable stay.

I wish I could stay there longer :)

A unique, 'out of the box' experience. The hotel is a living museum, with antique paraphernalia and curios everywhere. The furniture in the rooms is amazing. Feels like you have stepped back in time to the 1800s. Lester and Sam were excellent as hosts. Meals were great quality and value. The bar (available to in-house guests only) offered beer and wine at reasonable prices. There's not too much accommodation in the Otira / Arthur's Pass area with dining and bar facilities, so the Stagecoach Hotel fills a valuable niche.

For the sort of place it is, I can't think of anything that would improve the one-off experience.