Having booked a standard room we were pre-upgraded to a Superior King with balcony showing to the garden.

We came in via airport and opted for a shuttle bus. Check-in was very welcoming and swift. The room was located on 2nd (top) floor in the Hagley wing. At first sight it looked a little old fashioned and I am not sure what still was the original furniture and decoration and what was post-renovation. However, everything was in working order. The only complaint here would have been extra space for clothes to put in. The room was spacious, bath room was shower only. As Diamond, we received two drink vouchers for each day. Turn-down service brought two extra bottles of still water and two chocolates (Gyulian) every evening.

The balconies on top floor are sheltered. Sitting outside was wonderful. There were two chairs, however no table. So we put the coffee table from our room outside during our stay. The garden and the whole grounds are very well looked after by two gardeners.

There is a free shuttle going down-town 4x/day, but not in the evening. They also offer a morning ride to the railway station to catch the TranzAlpine to Greymouth. We first and repeatedly walked into the city centre along the Hagley Park and into the Botanical Garden which takes 25-30'. There is a bus stop nearby at Riccarton Road (when leaving the hotel, turn to the right, the next left until Riccarton Road and then on Riccarton turn right again) that connects with the city centre and with the airport. Single fare paid cash is 4.50 NZD. Two persons could rather share a Uber drive which should be the same price.

The hotel is well kept. Housekeeping does a good job. The only complaint was that we asked for cleaning in the morning at 10:30 hrs and on returning at 13:30 the room has not been made yet (happened twice). Turn-down was a little erratic and minimalistic (curtains drawn, two extra bottles of still water, two chocolates either on the night stand or simply on the table, bathroom untouched). On night two turn-down was skipped.

Breakfast was good with a diverse choice of items. Service staff was very good. We had dinner twice. More than generous portions. We better shared the entree. The restaurant has a cafeteria feeling so it does not fit into a romantic dinner. There is some outdoor seating available in the garden.

The bar is rather old fashioned and was well frequented over the week-end.

One day we went from the hotel into the other direction and walked into Mona Vale Park. Very tranquil and beautiful.

All in all we were happy guests. Staff made it a great stay and the upgrade plus drink-vouchers were most welcome. Location wise it is a little challenge. However, the nearby bus stop is convenient and there is a small food store and few restaurants on Riccarton nearby as well.

It is a great addition to the Hilton affiliated hotels in New Zealand. Moving on we met two hosts who had worked here in the older days and they were still attached to this hotel. This spirit must have been carried over into the nowadays Doubletree time.