I've always wanted to visit the Cardrona Hotel, so thought we would stay here as part of my birthday road trip around the South Island.

We had the Captains room in the hotel, which is more expensive than the others, but still good value we thought. The room was immaculate with a super comfy bed and great decor.

The bar is cosy, and as a Brit, what I consider a proper pub. The garden is awesome and we enjoyed drinking by the open fire outside as the temperature cooled. We had dinner with two friends who were staying onsite in their campervan (this is allowed if you spend money in the bar or restaurant). The food was absolutely exceptional. Three of us had the Beef Wellington and agreed it was the best we'd ever had. If you come here and this is on the menu, do yourself a favour and get it. Breakfast was also very good.

All in all a great stay. We can't wait to come back and stay during ski season.

On my bucket list for approx 30 years to spend a night. Sadly have mixed feelings about it. Staff were welcoming and friendly. Very quirky pub with an enormous amount of history contained. Loved the schist and authentic fittings. Lots of areas to sit, Stand or lounge around. Lovely in front of open fire despite it being smokey at times. Check in from 2pm so sat in garden having a drink as we were early. Finally got into our room at 2.40 and they were still cleaning rooms. Room had lovely fragrance from a deodoriser. Furniture looked tired with obvious dents and staining worn. Very old "square box". TV. No fridge. Bed too firm for our liking but room was warm. Shower was dump head with single taps which took some work to get right temp. Walls paper thin so little sleep. Could hear neighbours talking and snoring into the wee hours. Sad experience considering the price. Given free breakfast to compensate for our tolerance of noise and lack of sleep. Bar meal selection had plenty of variety but evening meal very over priced. They ran out of venison and beef Wellington so made choices even more limited. Garlic loaf to start with was so heavy with garlic, even after I scraped it off, I still tasted it all night and some of the next day. My meal of the hot choice meal - 1/4 chicken, mash and spicy gravy was over priced for this - not even a vegetable. Plenty of dining space. Dessert was tasty and well presented. Outdoor garden and fire gave lovely ambience. Hot tub in the garden a real bonus and I will be holding special memories from this. Popular stop for many tourists. Glad I have done it but was disappointed.