My elderly mother and I were traveling together on a "bucket list" trip for her. This place exceeded our expectations. The property and rooms are beautifully designed, the gardens are lovely and the grounds are serene and spacious. The room was lovely, with every comfort thought-through, and the restaurant has a delicious menu, carefully designed to reflect seasonal/local foods and is very well executed. But it is the service that really makes the Marlborough Lodge stand out at any price. Samantha (the manager) and her crew are kind, thoughtful, attentive and when we had a need they used one of the most wonderful of phrases in the service industry: "leave it with me" which always meant: I am now taking responsibility for your request, you can stay focused on your trip and I'll take care of what needs to be done. And the best part is: they always did. I have travelled quite a bit, and lots of very highly-rated hotels could learn from the Marlborough what it takes to deliver consistent, top-level service. I don't know when I will make it back to New Zealand, but when I do, I will make a priority of staying here again.

The Lodge is a beautiful place to stay but it is the service that makes this place outstanding. Every employee we met was friendly, enthusiastic and ready to cater to your every request. The food in its restaurant was delicious and varied.

From our arrival the whole experience of staying here was absolutely wonderful.
Rooms are luxurious (and obviously very clean and well equipped) and no distance from anything.
Canapés and aperitifs served from 6pm in the bar or garden. All delicious.
Dinner is really good, with a menu that changes daily.
Breakfast is also very good with a selection of hot dishes, a good buffet and great hot/cold drinks.
Staff were really excellent- very helpful, friendly and sociable.
Brilliantly located for local wineries and restaurants. 5 mins from Blenheim airport.