We were supposed to stay here on Jan 23rd 2009. We arrived at 13:00 thinking check in time would be at 14:00 as per normal, however nobody was around and so we went to see friends in Hastings and came back at 15:35. Still nobody around, the place was in disrepair and outside looked totally neglected.All the windows were dusty... more

Just a quick trip over the pond to Hawkes Bay Wine Country and a really enjoyable stay at Hawthorne House. There are very few properties like this left - grand Edwardian houses of character - and what a great location amongst some of the best wineries in the Southern hemisphere. Excellent breakfasts, very peaceful and a great place to unwind.... more

The Hawthorne Country House Hotel was the last hotel in which we stayed on our 3 week holiday in New Zealand and unfortunately it was our worst experience. The house is beautiful and is maintained to a very high standard - we liked our room very much and the sitting room where one had free internet access was very comfortable.... more

We had a great stay here - just overnight but a very peaceful location and interesting hosts. Champagne and Canapes on the deck were an unexpected but welcome treat after our drive from Auckland. more

I enjoyed my stay at Hawthorne House a great deal. The atmosphere is very relaxed, and everything was as described on their website. Gill and Peter are wonderful hosts, and helped make the stay more enjoyable. The room was great, and I must say it is very quiet there apart from the odd bird or two! All in all, I'd... more

We loved our weekend at Hawthorne House. It was so peaceful and relaxing. The beds were comfortable, the breakfasts divine and gardens gorgeous. Real country charm. We found that the website accurately portrayed the property. A train line runs along the other side of the road, but we only heard one train for our entire stay. There were no intrusive... more

Be warned - what you see (on their website) is not what you get. On arrival at Hawthorne House, it didn’t look or feel like the place I’d booked online. I didn’t have a hard copy of the website with me unfortunately - it was only once I returned home and checked the site that I could see that, indeed,... more

Stayed at Hawthorne Country House recently and, well, where to start. The pics on their website oversell the place with the general look not quite what was expected, the 'croquet' lawn is less than perfect and the rooms pictured were not offered. The owners seem to occupy the best rooms and the one we received was much smaller. Curtains needed... more

Everything is perfect at this woderful place. Woderful location and friendly service. A truly memorable kiwi experience. more