The Royal Hotel Featherston - Boutique Hotel

It was such a pity that the hotel let us down as we have stayed three times before. The food is outstanding - absolutely amazing and the rooms are fun. The bubble bath was heavenly. So great dinner, great room, great ambiance. Climbed into a comfortable bed then boom - I presume the events room was underneath us. The music came on and did it come on - right into the bedroom with no hope of sleep at all. Being an old building the vibrations came up through the floor to be felt. I rang just before 10.00 to point out that I had paid to sleep and it wasn't possible. Told it finished at 10.00. No such luck there - 11.00 - they had made a mistake with the booking I was told. It was truely awful and not what I had paid for. The building is not built for it or warn the guests when booking. I received the most limp apology - soooorry. That doesn't cut for it for me. Perhaps a bottle of wine with a card may have shown their understanding of their paying guests?? We felt our weekend away had come off the rails and were very disappointed in them - such a pity. Treat your guests with the respect they deserve and let them sleep the sleep they paid for. Don't book without a written guarantee that there isn't an event on.

From the moment you walk into the beautifully decorated foyer of this hotel, pick up the receiver of the old vintage telephone to call reception, and get a DIAL TONE and a person, you know you are somewhere special. My sister and I spent three nights here midweek on a midwinter getaway and loved every minute of it. From the superb service and food (thank you, Rebecca, and the other staff in the wonderful Brac and Bow bar and restaurant) to the sumptuous olde worlde surroundings of the hotel itself – the huge, gorgeous fireplace in the Brac and Bow, comfy beds, fabulous deep clawfoot bath – everything was top notch. We had a great break exploring the wonderful Wairarapa thanks to our stay in this lovely old hotel.

Very nice and spacious room. Everything was perfectly clean. Even had some air plugs but didn't need them. The best place in town to stay. A real luxury. We stayed their when we did the Rimutaka rail trail and it was the perfect base. Shuttle pickup from the front door.

A beautifully decorated period hotel. The room was well appointed and tastefully decorated with all we needed for our stay. The staff were very friendly and helpful - ready to assist with bags and such if required (there is no lift). Would definitely return if in the Wairarapa again.

We stayed 2 nights and really enjoyed it. This old building has been beautifully restored and makes you feel like you’re stepping back in time. Our room was very spacious, with a large bathroom. The bed was comfortable. The only downside is road noise if you’re a light sleeper. The breakfast is outstanding…we thoroughly enjoyed the french toast, and the eggs with hollandaise sauce and the feather stone breakfast. Both days we didn’t eat again until dinner (back to yogurt now). I will write a separate review for our dinners at Brac & Bow.

It was such a pleasant surprise to step into this hotel which I had passed many times. The decor is so gorgeous! Such old world charm. The staff were very welcoming. The bed was comfortable and the towels were great. There was lovely tea, plunger coffee and biscotti. I would just caution that the traffic starts early in the morning if you happen to be on the street side. My earplugs fixed that. In thoroughly enjoyed my stay.