What a wonderful and informative welcome we received from Stu on our arrival at the Lady Bowen B&B. The accommodation was very clean and comfortable and although the showers and toilets were shared facilities, due to the configuration, it was possible to maintain a level of privacy that I hadn’t expected. The communal sitting room was lovely and the cooked breakfast was delicious and set us up well for the day. Although it seemed to be a full house, you weren’t really aware of lots of noise. Stu was very accommodating about helping us to charge our e-Bike batteries overnight. The town volunteer fire alarm which went off in the middle of the night is something to be aware of, if you are not from these parts.

The building itself was historic and charming and exuded an ambience of elegance and quiet retreat. The staff were friendly and helpful, the food was good, and the rooms clean and comfortable. We also enjoyed use of the pool table in the guests' lounge. The garden was a peaceful haven.

We expected to find the shared bathroom a bit of a challenge as it is many years since we have stayed anywhere with such shared facilities, but we were surprised to find that we didn't mind at all saying good morning to another guest as we brushed our teeth!

The best B&B you‘ll ever find. Barbara and Stu are so nice, they tell you all about the history of the building and show you around the house, so you know where to find everything. They offer a welcome drink on the house and also prepare a very lovely breakfast. The bathrooms are very clean and spacious. In total the house has a modern but still very classy touch. Enjoy the beautiful garden or the loving room to read a book or just relax. The beds are very cozy, too. For me the best experience on accommodation in NZ!

—

Our host and hostess, Stuart and Barbara were very friendly and helpful. The breakfast they cooked for us was delicious and we were offered a complementary drink on arrival. We had ebikes and Stuart put them away in the shed and got them out again for us in the morning. The garden was lovely too. I have already been back to stay another night. I highly recommend this B&B. The house is 168 years old, so no ensuites, but shared amenities were good. A very charming place.

No dislikes

really nice old building, very comfortable big room for the 3 of us, clean showers and toilets in the hallway, the owner makes a tasty hot breakfast with all ins and outs. owners are very hospitable. nice garden with seats to enjoy. living/sitting room with pool table, library and radio. This is our 2nd time and will come back again. note: perfect spot to stay if you are going canyoning with CanyonZ, they can pick you up and bring you back there.

nothing.. nice place to relax and wind down.

We had a wonderful stay in this lovely and historic B&B. Special thanks to Stu who welcomed us in a wonderful way giving us a tour through the house and explaining Everything and thanks to Barbara who provided so many useful local Knowledge on activities around. Both Are caring about their guests very lovely… this really Made the difference. We had a great breakfast and everything you need. … we could get a spate for hot water Beach … this made our day 😊

All perfect

Hosts, Stu and Barbara - very accommodating, knowledgeable and helpful. Building - a lovely, updated heritage building. Common areas - balcony, garden, lounge (books, piano, television, pool table) and kitchen/dining area. Breakfasts - Large, nutritious and filling, a great way to start the day! The kitchen/dining area was very conducive to meeting and chatting with other guests. Location - Easy access to heritage sites, heritage walks and the town centre.

N/A

Welcomed with a refreshing drink of our choice & an interesting patter on the history of the "ol' girl". If history is your bent you will love this place. We enjoyed the ambience the lovely Lady Bowen had to offer. Steeped in history was an added pleasure. Well kept garden with the added 'Daisy' (resident cat) who made it feel like 'home from home'. Exceptionally clean and very comfortable. Slept so well. Lovely hot showers. Breakfast was yummy, cooked to order, delicious and more than enough. A great start to send us on our travels. Stu & Barbara were great hosts. Very informative & helpful on what to do and where to go in Thames.

I really appreciated the welcome by Stu, who greeted me after a long drive in the dark. He offered to give me some history of the hotel before I settled in for the night. The next morning after a very quiet and comfortable night's sleep, a beautiful breakfast awaited me and Barbara helped me out by answering some travel questions. I definitely recommend this accommodation and I plan to use this hotel again.

The B&b is very comfortable, clean and has everything you could possibly need. Best place we've been all year. They cook your breakfast fresh and right in front of you, and everything is thought off like clockwork. Do NOT let the shared bathrooms scare you. There are enought showers, washing sinks and bathrooms for everybody and all very clean. The B&b was fully booked and we have only seen the other visitors in passing in the hallway downstairs or in the breakfast area in the morning. The owners are very nice and helpfull people and go far and beyond to make your stay enjoyable. The B&b is only a short drive to canyoning in the park with canyonz and the doc visitors center to hike to the Pinnacles.

Nothing I can think off, besides maybe that I had too much to choose from: do I relax on the balcony on the first floor and see the sunset, or enjoy the beautiful plants and sit in the garden, or do I enjoy a game of 8-ball on the pool table in the sitting room with my family?