We stayed for two nights at the Hotel Ashburton with our two kids 2, and 5. The staff were very friendly and understanding about arriving with two tired and cranky kids from being cooped up in a car for hours! The family room was essentially two adjoining rooms, we slept in one, with the kids taking the two single beds in the other. The rooms were scrupulously clean, spacious, great kitchen facilities (including all sorts of dishes/utensils that could be used for cooking) and the sliding door opened up on to a large grassy are where the kids could run around - it took them all of two minutes to locate the trampoline, and us many more to encourage them to get off it again. It was sunny and warm when we were there so the kids used the pool - it's not the newest pool, but it was quite fine for what we wanted. We really wanted something nice for tea but couldn't face the restaurant with the kids, so our meals were brought to us - including fantastic kids meals. This rooms are great value for money when traveling with kids, far more economical than a motel and the facilities are the same. The staff recommended a trip to the local domain which has a terrific playground, which we would not have known about had it not been for the friendly and attentive staff. We were all made welcome - unlike some hotels where kids are frowned upon. We would most certainly recommend it to other traveling families as a stop over and wouldn't hesitate to stay there again.

We really enjoyed our recent stay at the Hotel Ashburton. The staff were, without exception, welcoming, friendly and helpful. Our room was comfortable, well-appointed and sparkling clean; the lounge and bar area was conducive to conversation; and it was nice to have easy access to the public bar too, where we met a few of the locals. It was fun to see the remnants of the 70's decor too! The food was outstanding - tasty, fresh, well-presented and good value and the staff were attentive and enthusiastic. What a great vibe!
We used the hotel as a relaxing base from which we could easily explore the ski-fields and further afield. We loved the quiet position, so close to town but without the hubbub, and the gardens were lovely - summertime must be beautiful.
As regular visitors to NZ, and lovers of the South Island in particular, we will certainly be back.

we stayed here in Feb 2010 and have to say would NEVER stay again. We put alot of research into our NZ holiday and when finding this hotel we thought we were on a winner HAH!!! think again. upon arriving we found the staff not overly friendly. THEN we went to use the facilities well what a joke, the pool looked outdated and very tacky so wouldn't let the kids in it, the spa's were under refurbishment and had been closed for a few months, the putt putt golf area had been bulldozed, the sauna had also been closed off. The rooms are old and in need of a refurbishment, the hallway smelt of wet carpet, the inground trampoline looked unsafe. Now keeping in mind we have 2 children, so the main reason for booking was the facilities, but as you can see there were NONE as they were not in use. Although this was NOT mentioned to us prior to booking and there website still showed they ALL existed so VERY VERY dissappointed and would NOT recommend anyone stayin there.

Ok for the price.....New Zealander's must learn ONE rule in the hospitality business.

Having guests is not for the benefit of employees. One madding feature of the New Zealand Hotel/Motel business is the rule of check out! Generally ALL hotels and motels have a check-out time of 10am (check-in at 2pm).

This rule is only to benefit lazy laidback Kiwi's who's only focus is to depart the scene of work as early as possible.

Notice to owners: Guests pay YOUR wages...........say that manta everyday a hundred times .