Montacute Holidays from NZ$1,897

All that and the ever present courtesy and customer service excellence of every staff member I encountered. My comments have never been before in some of the world's best hotels - Plaza in New York; George Cinque in Paris, Dorchester in London, Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai, Peninsula in Hong Kong and Raffles in Singapore - to name a few.

The room was well laid out and stylish. The bathroom was very good with a great bath. I am not that tall but it was not too big, so did not sink under the water half drowning and would still have suited a tall person or a couple. Shower was large with rainfall and regular shower head, and towels in easy reach. The breakfast was good. The staff were not smilers though and I like being around perky people in the morning as always wake up happy. I was traveling alone and found this was not a good hotel for chatting to other solos though. The jacuzzi was fine but not enough sun lounges. Maybe get small ones for the kids to save space. Room service was good too but some items were small servings while others over large. Quality was good for a public holiday and some chefs on holidays, etc. Go figure. The complimentary wine was very drinkable. I thought the hotel was worth the price but I like a place with warm friendly patrons and staff. I recommend it for those who want a place with style.

Great hotel, comfortable room, good amenities, central location. We moved here after a very uncomfortable experience at the Mayfair with aweful bed and tired room - the Sofitel was MUCH better.