The Clyde Hotel

The place has true Kiwi charm, warm hospitality and a slightly upmarket feel, especially around the dining and bar area. Jim and Charlotte were welcoming, hospitable, entertaining and knowledgeable, and went out of their way to make guests and locals feel at home. The Mexican food was delicious, and the chef and owners were very accommodating. The mulled wine is to die for, and the bar feels cosy and atmospheric, with couches, intimate or group dining, and an open fire blazing in the corner. The accommodation looks dated and a little tired, but the price is very reasonable and the cleanliness can’t be faulted. It seems they have good plans for that side of things, having run top-end establishments before. A great experience. I’ll definitely be back for dinner and mulled wine after a long, cold day on the slopes. Well worth a visit!

The room looked clean and was well appointed for the price. There was a kettle and mugs in the room, but no tea or coffee, though hot drinks were available in the communal area. The staff were friendly and the facilities were nice. There was some confusion about whether pets were allowed, but it was sorted out quickly, with an extra cost.

With our stomachs growling and the kids crying, we thought we’d found refuge at the Clyde hotel. When we asked for a table, the waitress said, "if you can find one sit there." We looked around but couldn’t find anywhere, so we left. Ten minutes later we went back, and somehow there were suddenly more tables available. We were finally seated. We ordered a starter and three mains. After an hour and several requests, the garlic bread arrived, even though it looked like something that would take ten minutes to make. We were bracing ourselves for a long wait on the mains, then they came 15 minutes later. My daughter’s steak was closer to well done than the medium we’d asked for. Given the wait, I was left wondering if they had to kill the cow as well as cook it. The waitress who took our order never checked on us, except to bring the wrong dishes. As I leave Ohakune, I’m still wondering what the "free" WiFi access code is.

The lounge is great and the hosts are lovely. The decor is a bit dated, but the place is warm, cosy and surprisingly quiet for somewhere on the main road.