I enjoyed a pint at the Criterion this weekend while showing a friend around. This hotel has reached the pinnacle of New Zealand hospitality. Pete is outstanding behind the bar, and deserves to be proud of his and Amanda's establishment. The welcoming atmosphere, local knowledge, and humour combine to settle travellers and visitors to Oamaru in the utmost comfort. You... More

Beautiful historic pub. We stayed in the ensuite room. The host Peter is attentive without being overbearing, pretty much leaves you alone unless you need something, and then they can't jump high enough. Beautifully kept, immaculately clean. Can't wait to go back!!

What a delightful hotel! We had a cozy twin room (smallish, but perfectly adequate) with shared bath facilities, but they were "shared" only in the sense that they were available to the other rooms. There were two full, entirely private baths -- once you're inside and lock the door, you have it completely to yourself for total privacy, just as... More

We had booked this B&B months in advance as part of our itinerary for the Rugby World Cup and tour of South Island. On arrival we found it closed up and a notice stuck to the door stating the hotel was not open on Tuesdays and a number to ring. The owner turned up in about 15 minutes to let... More

We had the only en-suite room which we liked. The pub downstairs is noisy but it closed at 11pm the day we stayed (can't tell if this is normal). Owner was friendly, he told us currently he had no chef and therefore we could not eat at the pub. Breakfast was OK but it also proved that he is in... More

We only went here for a drink, thank goodness and it was our worst experience of a 10day stay in NZ. Looked lovely from the outside but once we went inside it was a different story. It was filled with men who looked like they had been there a long time. We asked for 2 beers and were charged $17,... More

The Criterion Hotel in Oamuru is one of the most interesting hotels I've ever stayed at. It is authentically Victorian, located upstairs from a corner pub that is frequented by men who look like they walked straight out of a Dickens novel. The host almost slept through breakfast because of a late night at the pub, which he also owns... More

Hotel is situated on the edge of town near the Victorian Themed Area. This hotel has only one en-suite room. The Victorian theme is good. Booked three nights Bed & Breakfast. No breakfast on second/third mornings, charged for same Mine Host had a good party night before, with his friends!!! Bar is frequented by locals who 'like a good drink'!!!!!!... More

We called into the Criterion Hotel on spec. It sounded good, but the rates quoted in the September 2008 edition of the Lonely Planet were pricey. For a nice change, the rooms were cheaper than expected. Rather than $180 per night, a double was $130 and a single $70, including a hot cooked breakfast in the "snug" - a nice... More