What I liked most about this hotel were the recently renovated rooms! They were modern, clean and very comfortable. The location was also perfect, just a short walk from the Timaru town centre which made exploring really easy.

My only minor issues were with the access card and the lifts. We stayed for two nights and I assumed the card would be active for the duration, but I had trouble getting back in the building late one evening. However, the support staff, especially Leon, were fantastic and quickly helped me get back inside. It would be helpful if the hotel clarified the card's activation period upon check-in to avoid any confusion. Also, the lifts seemed quite old and could use some modernization. They worked fine, but required a bit of extra attention when using them.

We stayed on Level 2 and the rooms were excellent. They have recently been upgraded and the bed was very comfortable. The check in was easy and the check in staff were great and so were the Saturday night staff in the bar.

On Sunday morning we went for breakfast before leaving. The kitchen closes at 930 so make sure you go early. 2 of our group didn't come for breakfast but at 940am arrived and tried to order a coffee. The staff member refused to make the 2 coffees because "they needed to get ready for lunch". We felt that 2 coffees at that time of the morning wouldn't be an unreasonable request.

Breakfast wonderful, staff fantastic, helpful, well presented, big smiles, nothing was a problem.. easy access to room, dinning and Barr.

1: The shower floods the floor up to the carpet protected Barr, that’s a little weird...! I had to make towel roles to barrier off the lake from getting to the carpet. But, they provide extra towels for the river boat feature, so, how fantastic is that, a shower and a cruise, I was loving it. 2: the central room single main light is very dull. Well, it’s excellent if your into romantic mood lighting, but I was on my own so, I can only cope with so much self romance, but the two switches above the bed, were handy and perfectly situated. So, over all, a great visit, there’s no such thing as a perfect room, only a perfect guest: 😎

Convenient, central, view, room was simple but nice.

Slow check in while we were asked to wait as they were busy in the bar , so we decided to have dinner then another short wait to finally check in. Would have been nice to get into more casual clothing and freshen up before dinner. I would recommend self check in. Steak meal was smothered with a mushroom paste not a sauce. Was not worth the money. More pub grub.

This is the Hotel Queen Elisabeth stayed in when visiting Timaru in 1977. We stayed in a disability room with lots of space a suitable shower for my needs and comfortable bed. This was on the 3rd floor but apparently from what our friends told us the 2nd floor had photos of Queen Elizabeth on their doors. So guessing that was the floor she stayed in. It was very handy to have a full working bar and restaurant on site and very busy it was.

Everything was good

It was more spacious than i expected. Incredibly clean. Bar is downstairs and the food was good. The young lass tending bar was awesome and friendly. Did not get any bar noise in the room.... very quiet and the art deco walls by the lift are awesome... old fashioned lift was like going back in time.... but the room was modern...

It was nice but sparse... microwave or toaster would have been good but the restaurant was there.... it was really nice but the chairs to watch tv were 1950s and vinyl and hard.... but the bed made up for it...

The bed was very comfy, the bathroom was well set up and we enjoyed watching the shipping movement from our windows. The staff were exceptional ALWAYS had great big smiles and nothing was too much trouble. The beautiful ceiling in the lobby was magnificent with it's gold and cream plaster moldings. and moldings on the wall. The restaurant was good and the food was tasty. Breakfast and dinner at night.

It appeared to be a bit dark and dungy when we arrived but as we got to knw the place better we realised what a priviledge it was to be staying in a heritage building. At present they are doing it up and earthquake strengthening it, but the building is nearly 140 years old. It was a little cold and the heater in the room was noisy but heated it up. the window catches were not very good nd there was a bit of daft when the wind blew. disappointed the restaurant did not allow for meals over Easter

Great location to everything in town. Walking distance to penguins. Room was spacious and bed comfortable. Shower was good. Staff pleasant. We didn't eat at the hotel but the menu did seem reasonable. Lovely restored Victorian hotel. Free parking opposite. Walked to penguins and all city sites. Great coffee shop in town.

Woman at reception was fantastic, she was very friendly and went out of her way to accommodate our needs. The room was clean and the bed was comfortable. The hotel overall is a little tired, but for the price this was a great deal. Excellent location downtown and a 10-12 minute walk to the harbor and the penguins.

No complaints.

It was central location. Friendly check in staff. Super new and beautifully clean large room and bathroom. Old hotel with character that is being very tastefully refurbished. Wonderful old lift still working keeping some of the tradition. Free parking right across the road.

Can’t think of a negative … except we had to leave !!