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Reviews of Catlins Retreat B & B

27 Main Road, 9535 Owaka, New Zealand

#2 of 12 hotels in Owaka

Guests' Choice

Review score

Based on 231 hotel reviews

9.1

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    9.5

  • Comfort

    9.5

  • Location

    9.4

  • Facilities

    9.2

  • Staff

    9.8

  • Value for money

    9.4

  • Free WiFi

    10.0

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Showing 1 – 25

  • Reviewed: 25 April 2024

    10
    Simply majic
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Double or Twin Room with Shower
    • Stayed 1 night

    Location was superb Land Lady Host was so friendly and helpful

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: 23 April 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double or Twin Room with Shower
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Large comfortable room with ensuite. Located in the heart of the Catlins and walking distance to hotel and Lumber Jacks restaurant.. Jill was a very informative host.

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: 16 April 2024

    10
    We loved our stay. Jill was an excellent host!!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double or Twin Room with Private Bathroom
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Location, charm and comfort

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: 1 April 2024

    9.0
    A home from home in the beautiful Catlins.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double or Twin Room with Shower
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing really. Post-Covid, few B&Bs have any communal areas, but we do miss meeting other guests e.g. over breakfast.

    Excellent location, in Owaka, right in the heart of the beautiful Catlins area. Our welcome was very warm and our host gave us loads of useful information. Our room was comfortable and would sleep three. It had lights on two sides, so s very light in daytime, but there are good curtains and blinds for night. Our room was themed purple, with ornaments and bedding reflecting the theme. It was rather like staying in a friend’s much-loved bedroom. Breakfast was good value, with plenty of choice. We particularly valued the cafetière coffee and the fresh fruit. The house itself is really interesting and pretty; built to attract a doctor to this remote area around 1900.

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: 30 March 2024

    8.0
    Great place to rest up and lovely breakfast
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double or Twin Room with Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Very thoughtful with lots of special touches

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 19 March 2024

    9.0
    A very nice welcome at a great spot for exploring the coast
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double or Twin Room with Private Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night

    We enjoyed our stay.

    We had a lovely welcome at the B&B with lots of useful information. It's in a great spot for exploring the local coastline and falls. Easy to get to local spots to eat too.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 18 March 2024

    8.0
    Good facilities, friendly staff and a qjuirky room!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double or Twin Room with Shower
    • Stayed 1 night

    We found the purple room and all its contents rather quirky and overpowering. But it provided a good talking point. Unfortunately the toilet paper was not purple!!

    Facilities were good and the continental breakfast was good. A lot of effort and tbought had gone into organising the room. The staff were very friendly.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 18 March 2024

    9.0
    Great location for touring the Catlins
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double or Twin Room with Shower
    • Stayed 1 night

    Breakfast was good. It was continental in our room.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 15 March 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Double or Twin Room with Private Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Super, nice place to stay with lots of extras. Clean comfortable room, great host. I couldn't ask for more and wish I could have stayed longer. Would absolutely stay here again.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 12 March 2024

    10
    A great choice and a beautiful stay. Highly recommend.
    • Leisure trip
    • People with friends
    • Double or Twin Room with Private Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing at all

    It was quaint, beautiful and very comfortable. The breakfast was lovely. The China ware was gorgeous and we sat and had tea from it on arrival. Close to town and walkable if wanted. The host Jill was Gorgeous and very friendly. Highly recommend

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 11 March 2024

    10
    Thoroughly enjoyed the retreat and our stay in Owaka.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double or Twin Room with Shower
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The TV was too small. No access to the clothesline.

    The decor. Friendly and helpful owners.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 11 March 2024

    9.0
    we loved it great place to stay
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double or Twin Room with Private Bathroom
    • Stayed 3 nights

    The shower over the bath little awkward to get in and out if you are unsteady on your feet just take your time .

    Walking distance to shops, cafe and restaurant. Lovely pretty period house . We loved the room nice big space well decorated. The bed very comfortable. There are utensil and crockery insitu, nice comfortable seating and eating area. Outside seating and table. Off street parking if needed just ask however a very quiet area. There is an outside plug you can slow charge an EV or PHEV you will need your own cable for 3 pin socket ( need to arrange payment) Jill and Alli were lovely hosts ,very helpful nothing was too much trouble.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 9 March 2024

    10
    Welcoming Retreat in Central Owaka
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double or Twin Room with Private Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing!

    The home is warm and welcoming, with many amenities to support a comfortable stay: from extra heaters and blankets to plentiful mugs and dishes for tea or breakfast. The room is also spacious. Finally the host was available and helpful throughout our stay. We could walk to dinner in Owaka, which was an added bonus.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 8 March 2024

    10
    Wonderful stay
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Double or Twin Room with Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    We had a wonderful stay here! Jill the host spent a lot of time messaging with me and helping me arrange a birthday cake since I was staying here on my birthday. The place was beautiful and there were so many wonderful details. It's also right in the little town so everything is walkable. Highly recommend.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 7 March 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double or Twin Room with Shower
    • Stayed 1 night

    Probably some less cushions on the bed :-)

    Site worked for us. The room and facilities were excellent and the host very helpful.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 2 March 2024

    8.0
    A nice place to stay
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double or Twin Room with Shower
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    A lovely place with English style and romantic interieur. All ingredients for our breakfast were nicely and well prepared. Bed was comfortable.

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: 29 February 2024

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double or Twin Room with Shower
    • Stayed 2 nights

    The location suited our needs and although on a main road was very quiet. Our room was very comfortable and clean. It is evident that the host has worked to provide for all our comforts.

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: 27 February 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double or Twin Room with Private Bathroom
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Very comfortable and cosy stay in a delightful old house. Easy walking distance to shops, pub and cafes. Above all, Jill was so welcoming and helpful. Owaka is a great place for exploring the Catlins and this is the place to base yourself!

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: 23 February 2024

    9.0
    Thoroughly enjoyed staying at this guest house.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double or Twin Room with Private Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Charming, great attention to detail, comfortable bed, very clean, marvellous continental breakfast and a very friendly host.

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: 19 February 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • People with friends
    • Double or Twin Room with Shower
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Lovely comfortable home. Breakfast was very nice. Jill the host was absolutely fantastic. We left something behind and she went to a lot of bother to return it to us. Highly recommend for a great spot to see The Catlins.

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: 19 February 2024

    10
    THE BEST
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double or Twin Room with Bathroom
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    I loved everything about it. Jill & her partner took into consideration that hubby & I were on an early Anniversary getaway. We were in the part of the house that used to be a doctors surgery - it is amazing. The room was nice & big, well kept, very quiet with a nice courtyard where you can relax and enjoy the sun. The shower is in a bathtub, just to note for those who may have problems getting in/out. The room reminded me of the homes I grew up in, in Central Akd. Loved it 🥰

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: 15 February 2024

    9.0
    Great place to stop in the Catlins
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double or Twin Room with Shower
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Shower took some getting used to but otherwise, nothing of concern

    Beautifully restored cottage in the Catlins. Perfect place for a stop. Cozy room with a heater on a cool night. Bed was confortable with plenty of pillows to choose from. Close to restaurants in Owaka. Jill was a wonderful host.

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: 12 February 2024

    9.0
    Glad we based ourselves here for 2 nights. Nothing was too much trouble
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double or Twin Room with Shower
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nil

    All the little touches

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: 12 February 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double or Twin Room with Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Bed was too firm for me, but others might not mind.

    Jill was very communicative and easy to work with. She explained that the inn is a historic doctor's house, which adds to its charm. Breakfast was plentiful.

    Stayed in February 2024

Showing 1 – 25

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