A good quality motel, with a quiet room and convenient to Invercargill centre. Stayed here for a single night on two occasions, before and after a visit to Stewart Island. Before we stayed in a single bedroom unit; and after we stayed in a studio unit.
Both units were spacious. The one bedroom unit had a toilet outside the bathroom, plus the separate bedroom. The studio unit had a well planned layout and we would opt for that option on another occasion - and it is cheaper. They both had a reasonably comfy bed, a good set of table and chairs and good relaxing chairs. Care and thought had gone into planning both units and they were well maintained, clean and tidy. The bathroom wash etc kit included items outside the normal range that was a pleasant surprise.
The owners were friendly and helpful: including giving advice on eating places after getting a fix on our budget constraint.
There are no views from the rooms (both of which were ground floor in a two storey complex). The TV worked well and a reasonable range of programmes, and wifi service was available - but I did not use it.
Because we were going to Stewart Island by air (and we were concerned about weight problems) we left a number of items in the fridge to be discarded. Only to find that the staff had retained them safe and returned them to us for use on our return - a nice touch.
Invercargill is relatively quiet in the evenings (we were there a Saturday and Thursday). Got a good meal at the Speights Ale House in town, which is only a 10 minute walk along pavements in a safe environment from the motel, although it would be fine to drive in and park up (and I am sure there would be no parking charges in the centre in the evenings - there wasn't on a Saturday after 3pm).
Invercargill has more to offer than we thought: we had a great visit to the Museum - wonderful modern style displays (free, although you can make a donation), and the main park (Queens Park, I believe) looked wonderful (although we only had time for a 30 minute walk around). The heritage leaflet suggested a number of other sites to visit - for which a car is probably needed.
Room Tip: I guess an upper storey room may be better to cut down potential noise problems - although we experi...
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
6 February 2012
Thank you very much for your very positive review of Birchwood Manor Motel.
We enjoyed having you stay with us. It is also very pleasing to read your very positive comments about our fine city of Invercargill.
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC