Carnmore Chateau Marlborough

The friendly, attentive staff were the highlight, and the room in the newer section was spacious, quiet, and comfortable. Thick curtains made it properly dark, and I slept well until the corridor music blasted on at 7:45am. It woke me even with the door shut. Dreams by Fleetwood Mac is a better wake-up than some things, but playing it that loudly was ridiculous and unacceptable. I used to stay at Chateau Marlborough often for Air NZ work, though on personal trips to Blenheim I usually choose the Scenic Hotel because it feels more comfortable. This time I booked Chateau Marlborough for its winter meal credit offer. Parking was so limited on a weekday that I had to leave the car on the street, and the room could have been cleaner, with quite a bit of stray hair and dust. Breakfast was another disappointment: cold, greasy and with few choices. It was one of the worst hotel breakfasts I've had, and nowhere near as good as it used to be. I'd consider staying again for another good promotion, but my next Blenheim visit will probably be at the Scenic. That music was a very poor start to the day.

After the St Clair Half Marathon, room service was just what I needed: the fish finger sammie, french fries with garlic salt and chipotle, and a Boomtown Pilsner were all incredible. I was in the newer building, in room 204, and the room was beautiful with a lovely view. The bed and pillows were unbelievably comfortable, and the shower had strong pressure and properly hot water. They even welcomed me with a brownie at check-in. Every staff member I met was genuinely warm and friendly. Such a great two-night stay, and I’d happily come back to Marlborough.

Breakfast starting early worked perfectly for me while I was in Blenheim for work. The rooms were superbly looked after, and town was an easy walk away. I felt lucky to spend three nights here and would stay again.

For anyone bringing an EV, a heads-up: the hotel has just one older charger, and it doesn't suit most modern cars with CCS2 connectors. Blenheim has other chargers, but don't arrive with a low battery expecting to charge overnight at the hotel. We've been coming back to the Chateau for years when heading home from further south, though this was our first stay in a few years. It's in a great spot, the rooms are very nice, especially in the newer block, and the restaurant food is good.