Discovery Countrytime Hotel Omarama

4/10

Poor

05 Apr 2026

Ellen

Your emails are incorrect & your information way out of date. This hotel has closed down months ago & you have failed to keep us accurately informed. This would have been just awful if we had arrived in the dark in the middle of no where Omarama. The hotel was deserted locked up & obviously unkept when we arrived.
Fortunately Distinction Heritage Gateway was able to fit us in & receive us & transfer our Expedia booking.

10/10

Exceptional

23 Feb 2026

Larry

Well , this might be the Grand Budapest Hotel in Omarama. You can certainly imagine the picture when you set foot into it, how living its bar could used to be. What makes it so attractive to me is its yard, which is a whole endless grass land reaches to the horizon. It is perfect for running with your kid and observe the galaxy at night.

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

02 Feb 2026

Keith

We were moved to the Distinction Heritage hotel, just up the road, as this hotel was closed, which was lovely. We were very happy and had a lovely stay.

Partner

2/10

Poor

07 Jan 2026

Robert

It is beyond my imagination that Hotels.com could not have alerted us the hotel we were planning to stay in was closed. Sure, we were moved to another hotel. However, we were alerted of this changed by reading a paper notice taped to an abandoned hotel. Imagine if we had arrived late at night, with no lights on. Do you really expect me to understand how an internet-based company such as Hotels.com could not have sent me a text to alert me of the change?!? You cover me requested to review hotels the minute I check in and the minute I check out, but you cannot provide an early warning about a closed hotel?!?! Unacceptable!!! Thoroughly unacceptable in every way

Friends_and_family Friends

2/10

Poor

10 Mar 2025

Dave

We were shunted from a hotel in Omarama that we had booked because of an earlier seasonal close than anticipated.
Advice was that it would be an upgrade whereas in fact we were put in a very dated hotel with an unclean room with terrible carpet stains, non functioning smoke alarm, poky shower with curtain and shower rose which hardly functioned. All in all a very unsatisfactory experience and grossly overpriced. Definitely do not recommend this hotel.

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

05 Mar 2025

Elisabeth

Great place in a great location. Very convenient when travelling the area. Great rooms and great breakfast. We loved our stay there!

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

21 Feb 2025

Ian

A little tired but clean and comfortable and friendly

4/10

Poor

15 Feb 2025

Keven

Property is tired and in need of many modernizations. My laptop has a bigger screen than the tv in the room. Tap would not stop dripping ! Breakfast was good , people were nice

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

12 Feb 2025

Stiofan

The room was large and comfortable. Very clean. The decor is period kiwi Motel1980s chic. Has its own charm but looking very tired. Dont be out off. It's a place to sleep.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

10 Feb 2025

Suk

It was hotel.
Breakast was great.
We enjoyed to stay there

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

05 Feb 2025

Terry

Everything you needed was in the room.

Apart from a leaking toilet everything was in order. We paid about $30 for the full buffet breakfast and it was worth it.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

01 Feb 2025

Delia

Great hotel about 1hr away from Mount Cook with a lot of character! Very nice cooked to order free breakfast! Manager is very friendly and accommodating! We stayed 3 nights and loved it! Will definitely come again!

Leisure Partner

4/10

Poor

30 Jan 2025

Roanna

Staff & breakfast were excellent & suggestion of dinner at Distinction was great (yummy dinner), but the bed was terrible, the worst I've ever tried to sleep on.

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

13 Jan 2025

Julian

Good sleep on a long trip

BASIC AND DATED I THINK IS THE BEST WAY TO DESCRIBE THIS HOTEL.
EXTREMELY HELPFUL AND FRIENDLY STAFF

Partner

4/10

Poor

12 Jan 2025

Jayson

Very tired and run down but not a bad place to stay we there seamed to only be one other person around which is a shame for them would love to see it doing better

Business_and_leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

10 Jan 2025

Katherine

Staff were friendly and helpful.
Place is dated but adds to its comfort, we enjoyed our stay.

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

07 Jan 2025

Rajesh

The Hot water and Cold water come out of 2 separate faucets. The rooms need upgrades. Its spacious but jaded and needs a urgent refresh.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

05 Jan 2025

Mark and Trudi

Owners were lovely, as were the kitchen/ dining area attendants. The place had so much character. David and Wayne were very welcoming and helpful. The view from the dining room and our room was magnificant. Breakfast was the nicest Mark and I had eaten. We decided to stay two nights instead of one.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

03 Jan 2025

David

The place is a bit tired but staff were friendly and breakfast was excellent.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

02 Jan 2025

Murugathasan

Good accommodation for a overnight stay

10/10

Exceptional

30 Dec 2024

Grace

I liked this hotel in this small town surrounded by stunning views of the rolling mountains. The rooms were comfortable (though the tub faucet dripped through the night). It’s a great value for a place with such interesting features.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

28 Dec 2024

Shari

This place was clean and staff was friendly. It is an old place that hasn’t been updated, but comfortable.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

18 Dec 2024

Louise

Friendly manager who was very helpful. Very convenient location in between Lake Tekapo and Wanaka with huge property and hot tubs across the road. This will be a gem away from busyness of Lake Tekapo once renovated. Very clean despite the dated decor. Poop table and stunning views to the ranges plus great star gazing.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

21 Nov 2024

William

Pleasant stay.

Welcoming staff; easy check in and delighted to have an excellent breakfast included ( when not originally booked ). Very quiet, easy to find and convenient for our travels.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

06 Mar 2020

Verified traveler

Great stay

I was traveling with my older mother and young daughter and our stay was great. We got changed to one of the sister hotels and got an upgrade. The buffet was good.

Friends_and_family Family

2/10

Poor

13 Feb 2020

Verified traveler

Smelt mouldy and a hand washer smelt like fish
Paint peeling
Carpet was terrible

Leisure

6/10

Pleasant

08 Feb 2020

Verified traveler

Clean and OK for an over night stay, very dated and in need of renovation.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

19 Jan 2020

Verified traveler

Wonderful welcome at reception. Well looked after. Room was spacious and super comfortable.

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

07 Jan 2020

Verified traveler

Okay for quick overnight stay.Place is old and run down.Place is isolated and not convent if you do have a car.Needs major upgrade.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

05 Jan 2020

Verified traveler

We have stayed at this property before too and have enjoyed our stay. The price is affordable even after being on a touristy location. It has a very pleasing old charm to it. The surrounding is picturesque. The rooms are clean and spacious. The only negative was the lack of a microwave. I think the owners need to consider adding microwaves in the rooms for convenience. Other that that it was a perfect stay.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

10 Oct 2019

Verified traveler

Great location. Pleasing staff. Upgraded to heritage gateway hotel.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

27 Apr 2019

Verified traveler

The building was full of character, felt like we stepped back in time. Our room was cosy, clean and comfortable. The lady at the reception was very friendly and helpful. It was just the right place for us.

Leisure Partner

4/10

Poor

15 Apr 2019

Verified traveler

The heater did not work . The shower control kept turning itself off and was impossible to have a shower .
Breakfast was disappointing with an oily after taste with the bacon and the breakfast sausages .

8/10

Excellent

27 Mar 2019

Verified traveler

A very pleasant stay room clean & comfortable Breakfast excellent.
No drinking glasses but staff soon supplied.

Friends_and_family Family

4/10

Poor

27 Mar 2019

Verified traveler

Old. The beds were the worst we have ever slept in while at a hotel. They need to do some major upgrades to this property!

Leisure Friends

6/10

Pleasant

24 Mar 2019

Verified traveler

Exterior looks impressive but the room is small. The TV didn’t work and the tap was leaking. Stairs very narrow.

4/10

Poor

02 Mar 2019

Verified traveler

The mattresses haven't been replaced in decades! They are so soft and cave in so much that its impossible for two people to sleep in the same bed.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

24 Feb 2019

Felix

Good and friendly front desk service.

Family

8/10

Excellent

18 Feb 2019

Verified traveler

The price-performance ratio is absolutely okay.
Generous space of the room and the overall hotel.
Everything is already very worn out, especially the matrasses need to be replaced.
Staff is very friendly and uncomplicated.

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

16 Feb 2019

Verified traveler

It was comfortable for a one night stopover. Big comfortable bed. Got some laundry done. Husbanenjoyed

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

21 Jan 2019

Victor

Motel doesn’t have lift. Difficult for older guests like us to carry our luggage up to our rooms.

2/10

Poor

16 Jan 2019

Verified traveler

This would be the place I'd book if I planned suicide. It would reinforce such a decision. And, I would not pay upfront! Seriously, what the heck would a n overseas tourist think staying here?. This place is the pits. Great location, great look from the street, but driving closer the cracks, and dead flies and wonky blinds give the real picture. My car seat holds more appeal than this property. As someone with 35 years in the hospitality sector after booking I refused to stay and I received a full refund. As the saying goes 'let the buyer beware'.

6/10

Pleasant

07 Jan 2019

Rob

Generally OK, but the overall feel is of a place that is a little 'tired'. There were worn through patches in the corridor carpets, and the room was 'adequately' clean rather than 'really' clean. Bathroom had cracks in ceiling, with some mould starting to come through, that was 'less than good'.

4/10

Poor

07 Jan 2019

katherine

Not clean

I have never left a bad review before. However, I want to give others a fair warning. Our room was not at all clean. The bathroom ceiling was covering in dead bugs and black mold. Our room had dead bugs smeared all over the walls. All of the light fixtures had a pile of dead bugs in the bowl of the light. I didn’t expect anything fancy, but I did expect it to be clean. Easily our worst accomodation of the trip.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

06 Jan 2019

A

Facilities need urgent upgrading. Everything looks 70s.

4/10

Poor

06 Jan 2019

Chelle

This was the only hotel available as all others were fully booked. Receptionist was lovely at check in. Hotel looks great from the outside but inside is a different story. The rooms are so dated, the beds are ancient, the one bench in the room has carpet on it!? Bathrooms are functional but the roof looks a bit mouldy because there's no fan and the entire place smells really musty. Luckily we were only there for a brief nights sleep as I wouldn't ever stay longer than that. Overall not great unfortunately.

10/10

Exceptional

04 Jan 2019

Elisa

We book it on our way back too.

Very old fashioned structure but squeaky clean and with really nice staff. The rooms on ground floor with the small verandas are a delight and the view is lovely too. The airport nearby is not disturbing and at night is extra calm. Beautiful place to observe the stars too.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

26 Dec 2018

Verified traveler

Property is in good location close to highway and staff are excellent and go beyond usual services. Sheils the receptionist completed my laundry in my absence. A cleaner showed me to my room when i was lost. The property itself is old and rundown and due for a major renovation. Use of carpet in the bathroom is not right and signs of water damageis clear around the shower. Room facilities are basic

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

16 Oct 2018

Loraine

The Heritage

We were transferred to The Heritage good but room smelt of cigarette smoke

Partner

8/10

Excellent

27 May 2018

Brian

Very comfortable and next to shops.

Was booked into another hotel but was closed for the season and was checked into the Heritage Gateway Hotel. Room not as large but still very comfortable with adequate heating.

6/10

Pleasant

23 Apr 2018

Verified traveler

Nice hotel close to my reason of visit

Hotel needs maintenance. Wifi did not work otherwise fine

6/10

Pleasant

17 Mar 2018

Verified traveler

Don’t overlook for the economy

We were looking for a one night stop to break up the trip from Christchurch to Queenstown. We didn’t want to pay a lot for accommodation and after reading the reviews thought we’d take a chance with this property.
The price was good and the place could use some TLC. It’s obviously in need of an upgrade but our room was clean and spacious with a good view. We had an older bed which distracted from our comfort. There was a restaurant on site but we were the only diners. Food and wine good.
The town itself is small but there’s a few dining & shopping options.
I went in open minded so not disappointed- I’ve stayed in worse!!

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

16 Feb 2018

wazza

And old stay place

Interesting decor. Could really do with a facelift. Carpet is wearing thin and showing its age.

6/10

Pleasant

13 Feb 2018

Verified traveler

Was easy to locate.
Nice and quiet
Easy parking
Short walk in to village.

4/10

Poor

11 Feb 2018

Verified traveler

A last resort only

Run down old hotel room with outdated decor and an overwhelming musty smell. Double bed sunk in the middle and pillows were not comfortable (also not long enough for anyone over 6 ft). Bright light visible from under doorway and voices outside the room clearly heard in the room. The view from the room was lovely but not enough to induce us to ever recommend staying at this hotel.

6/10

Pleasant

10 Feb 2018

Frank

Nice and pretty clean hotel on the way to Mt Cook. Half the price of the venues over there, next to the glacier only 1h drive from there. Needs to be refurbished soon though as seems a bit outdated.

6/10

Pleasant

06 Feb 2018

Verified traveler

Oler hotel in need of an overhaul

Just okay , needs to be upgraded to meet modern standards.
They charge to use credit cards.

Partner

4/10

Poor

04 Feb 2018

Lyn

Hotel Appearance looks nice from exterior.

We are sorry to write this. The hotel has not been maintained evidenced by a dripping toilet cylinder with blue water causing wet feet over the tiles. Entrance door difficult to close and lock. Double bed very uncomfortable. Carpet worn. We do not expect perfect. Just a comfortable bed and to be able to go to the toilet and not get wet feet.
The staff were very nice. Meals enjoyable. The hotel needs up dating. However the rates reflect the condition of the hotel.

2/10

Poor

02 Feb 2018

kj

Wish I had read the reviews

Carpet was threadbare and very stained in our room.
1 tv channel available.
Everything was dated and damaged.
Ended up checking out and going to stay at another hotel. Best decision we made that day.

10/10

Exceptional

08 Jan 2018

Verified traveler

Nice Hotel, good staff.

Nice Hotel, good staff, location,Clean room, good location

8/10

Excellent

07 Jan 2018

Rodney

Short overnight stay with our grandson. Clean, tidy room, comfortable beds, nice cooked breakfast. Staff friendly and helpful.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

01 Jan 2018

Anna

Stay at Countrytime Hotel

The room was clean enough but it was fairly outdated. Even just some new bedspreads would spruce it up a bit.
You also only have a limited amount of wifi usage and once you run out of that then you can’t access it. Thankfully the lady at reception gave me a login as I was checking out as I needed to contact our next hosts. Overall the hotel was fine for a night, had everything you needed and was clean. Beautiful location with the mountains behind you.

8/10

Excellent

25 Dec 2017

Guohe

Nice Hotel

The room was clean, quite. The staff was nice and helpful. The food was delicious. Parking is easy and free.

2/10

Poor

19 Dec 2017

Verified traveler

A bad experience

Room old, tired and smelt musty` Needed major upgrade. We only stayed there because it had a restaurant - when we arrived we were told this was closed. Most inconvenient since we were traveling through. They recommended their sister hotel but a few weeks before we had found this restaurant to be very average. Will skip Omarama on future trips.

2/10

Poor

19 Dec 2017

Malcolm

Never again

Given a choose I would never stay there again.

I can,t say any more without legal representation.

6/10

Pleasant

17 Dec 2017

johnny

nice setting

was told we could dine but afterwards was told it was the chefs night off it was a saturday night very strange ,would have liked a nicer room even though the place was quite empty was not available

6/10

Pleasant

02 Nov 2017

WillyWillyYumYu

Not Bad, but feels 1990's

Unfortunately other guests ruined my stay. The hotel looks great with awesome views...feels very peaceful; etc. The unit i was in was no frills, feels 90's. no aircon. Shower nozzle low. Bed was comfortable bu TV was a small 20\" if that. Annoyed me that these days they make you pay for extra broadband and you had to buy extra at the counter which closes 10:30. The location is wonderful but inside is a bit old...very average

4/10

Poor

30 May 2017

David

Lower Your Expectations

I needed somewhere to stay for a night near Benmore. Countrytime seemed to be a good price and looked OK in photos. My expectations were of a 70s or 80s hotel; comfortable, clean, but a bit out of date. I should have lowered my expectations.

4/10

Poor

19 Apr 2017

Celia

The hotel is very run down and shabby. I imagine at one time is was a grand place as it looks quite imposing from the outside until you get up close. All the furniture (what there was of it!) in our room was well past its comfort era, the bed sagged into the middle dreadfully, bunching up the awful electric blanket underneath which was just a bunch of wires - I am sure a fire hazard! The only chair in the room had badly stained upholstery and the timber was worn down to the bare wood. On a positive note it was clean and had lovely views through pretty dirty windows.

4/10

Poor

18 Apr 2017

Verified traveler

Sad, shabby shack with no hot water

The staff are excellent - but no exceptional customer service can hide the diabolical condition of the facilities. Ripped carpet, wallpaper peeling off, basin in your wardrobe ...... to top it off ..... no hot water in the morning.
We were advised that the owner refuses to upgrade the hotel .......
It is at best a youth hostel - and should not be marketed anything more. Book somewhere else!

2/10

Poor

18 Apr 2017

Verified traveler

Not recommended except if under NZ$50/night

Friendly checkin service. Visibly dirty sink, funny smelling water, bug skeletons in beds, moths in room, bug splattered on wall, very outdated and worn furniture, very dirty hot water kettle in room, bed felt like laying on a cardboard sheet on a teeter totter, cold tea kettle at breakfast, severely underripe breakfast fruit, made to order hot breakfast (with additional charge).

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

17 Apr 2017

Verified traveler

We were looking for comfortable accommodation at a reasonable price. This was achieved. The only disappointment was the evening buffet. For me the vegetables were over cooked and the potatoes under cooked.

4/10

Poor

17 Apr 2017

Verified traveler

There was no hot water, we had to leave without any shower. Very disappointed.

6/10

Pleasant

12 Apr 2017

Mark

Showing signs of age.

Hotel did the job required. It is showing signs of aging with room decor and facilities. The beds were pretty bouncy and roll together major. Room was tidy and had everything we needed. OK for passing through visit.

6/10

Pleasant

02 Apr 2017

Anli

Who cares about comfort

Old fashioned and noisy pipes but so what it's in a beautiful country surrounded​ by beautiful scenery what more can one ask for
Amazing outdoor sauna and spa, and the clay cliffs is absolutely magnificent

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

29 Mar 2017

BaaaaFM

Clean and tidy with fantastic staff.

Clean and tidy with fantastic staff but some building areas could do with a bit of a revamp.
Food really good. The staff make the place worthy.
If you are a light sleeper do not get a room near front door/reception area as there is a very loud humming power transformer and general noise.

10/10

Exceptional

26 Mar 2017

Autumn

Dated but cozy and friendly and lovely setting

This is a huge country type lodge. So cool. The people are so friendly and welcoming. They have a beautiful set up. Lovely lounge, diningroom and back deck. Plus they are so reasonable! If you don't mind a dated room with all the comforts, we highly recommend this inn.

10/10

Exceptional

24 Mar 2017

Sunil Kumar

Amazing

Partner

8/10

Excellent

16 Mar 2017

Verified traveler

Good facility

We liked this hotel. The room furnishings are a bit \"tired\" but the rooms are spacious and the views to the rear of the property are very fine. This hotel makes a nice change from many more modern mid-priced properties that lack much character.

2/10

Poor

06 Mar 2017

Stephen

This hotel requires a total refresh

This is a poor quality budget hotel, dirty and our room was dated and had a nasty smell, bed needs to skipped, must be as old as the carpet.

Partner

4/10

Poor

04 Mar 2017

Verified traveler

Below expectation

Couldn't sleep at night from the loud neighbours. The room smelled like sewage and the furniture is super outdated. Otherwise, the mountain/hill view was amazing and the parking space was perfect.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

03 Mar 2017

Pierre

Convenient but disappointing

Hotel room was adequate but looked tired and in need of refreshing.
Dinner was disappointing.

10/10

Exceptional

03 Mar 2017

jean

Nice hotel

Got own bar restaurant. Short walk to others in small town. Only down point was shower not very powerful

4/10

Poor

03 Mar 2017

scotia

Good location

Hotel is very tired , inexperienced staff , some basic facilities are near the end of the line.

8/10

Excellent

01 Mar 2017

Bob

Good hotel to start little trips from.

We enjoyed staying at this hotel as it was a good starting point for our daily excursions. The rooms were nice, clean and generous and the view from the window was excellent (photo attached which you could perhaps use in your advertising). It was a little unfortunate that one of us is a very light sleeper and could therefore hear large lorries through a big part of the night.

6/10

Pleasant

28 Feb 2017

CLIVE

stop over

needed a place to break a long trip.

Partner

2/10

Poor

21 Feb 2017

Verified traveler

Room was musty and old. I was very afraid to lay on the bed, or even take a shower.

Partner

2/10

Poor

20 Feb 2017

Pratik

Avoid

I had terrible experience at this hotel. Hotel rooms are very old, room smells bad, room had very bad light and one of the lights was not even working. If you height 5ft 10 inch or more you can not fit in their bed!! Room fridge was very loud, so i have to turn it off before sleep. Room had 18-20inch tv. This hotel worth less than half of what they are charging. Avoid this one.

6/10

Pleasant

18 Feb 2017

Verified traveler

Motel good value for $

Omarama a good place to see outback New Zealand. Plenty of sheep and as always friendly New Zealanders. Don't expect to be waited on but look, listen and ask.

2/10

Poor

18 Feb 2017

Disappointed

Awful Hotel

This hotel is the one of the worst I've ever stayed in. When I booked I thought it was a modern hotel made to look old style and quaint but no it is at a guess at least forty years old with decor to match.
There was no air conditioning, there was no Sky TV.

8/10

Excellent

16 Feb 2017

Ann

Over priced

A basic room that was clean the sheets were unpressed,everything was dated.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

15 Feb 2017

Doc

great for gliding

Just a 4 minute walk to the gliding operation plus a wonderful location to view take-offs.

4/10

Poor

01 Feb 2017

sc

never go there

not worthmoney
bed mattresses were broken unacceptable
breakfast ripoff

6/10

Pleasant

30 Jan 2017

Paul

Nice enough for an overnight stay.

arrived on a warm day - room has no air conditioner - curtains not drawn to mitigate this.
This hotel needs renovation. The room was comfortable and clean.

Family

6/10

Pleasant

28 Jan 2017

Lisa

Comfortable beds.
Amazing views of the mountains from our room.
Was sufficient for a couple of nights when all you need is a bed and a shower.
Although clean, comfortable and with friendly staff, the Hotel is very outdated and in major need of renovation.

6/10

Pleasant

27 Jan 2017

Verified traveler

Good place to stay to visit the clay cliffs.

Good place to stay to visit the clay cliffs.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

24 Jan 2017

Peter

Basic hotel accomodation

A decidedly average hotel. We'd requested 3 x single beds but were given a double and a single.
Bathroom facilities were fine. Instead of a TV there was a small - maybe 17\" - computer monitor, and no Sky TV. I don't recall whether Sky was an advertised feature but I also don't recall the last time I stayed at a hotel or motel in NZ that didn't have Sky.

Family

6/10

Pleasant

23 Jan 2017

karen

cheap overnight stay

room was fine, but hallways smelt musty and no outdoor seating to sit and enjoy the view, sunset. It could do with some landscaping as looked very baron

8/10

Excellent

22 Jan 2017

alison

Easy to find

Quiet and comfortable but spoiled by the late night visitor to my room, a mouse.

4/10

Poor

21 Jan 2017

Verified traveler

Noisy, and uncomfortable beds

The hotel is very dated. We were on the upper floor and had to get our luggage up a very narrow set of wooden stairs. Our room was small and dated. The bed covers were old and worn. The beds were over soft and very uncomfortable. The hotel was very noisy not only from other guests, but also from pipes through the walls which seemed to vibrate through the room.