Porters Boutique Hotel

The hotel is consistently praised for its central location in Havelock North, offering easy access to local shops, cafes, and restaurants, complemented by its modern, clean, and comfortable rooms and secure underground parking. Guests frequently highlight the spaciousness and quietness of the accommodations, along with the exceptionally friendly and helpful staff. This makes it an ideal choice for sightseers exploring the region, road trippers needing convenient amenities, couples on a romantic getaway, and families seeking a comfortable base. Business travelers also find the well-appointed rooms suitable for work. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room with a balcony for a pleasant village view. Guests on road trips will particularly appreciate the complimentary secure underground parking with direct elevator access to room floors.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of convenient facilities that significantly enhance the guest experience. A standout feature is the covered basement parking, which is secure and provides direct elevator access to the room floors, a major convenience for guests. Many appreciate the complimentary guest laundry room, equipped with washers and dryers, proving especially useful for those on longer road trips. Guests also have access to a free gym at a local fitness center, allowing them to maintain their routines. In-room amenities are thoughtfully provided, including a coffee plunger, kettle, glasses, and silverware, along with luxurious bathrobes and slippers. Some guests noted the presence of heated towel rails and underfloor heating in bathrooms, adding to the comfort.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently commend the hotel for its exceptional cleanliness and the overall comfort of its rooms. The accommodations are frequently described as spacious, modern, and well-furnished, ensuring a pleasant stay. A highlight for many is the incredibly comfortable beds with high-quality bed linen, contributing to a restful night's sleep. The bathrooms are often noted for being modern, featuring walk-in showers and sometimes double sinks, with excellent lighting. Many rooms also boast a balcony, providing an enjoyable outdoor space. Despite being centrally located, the rooms are generally quiet, allowing for undisturbed rest. While most feedback is positive, a few guests mentioned minor issues such as flat pillows, occasional noise from air conditioning units, or a small toilet in some rooms.

Dining & Food Quality
Feedback on dining options is somewhat mixed, with guests noting that breakfast is not served directly on-site. Instead, it is typically arranged at the Malo Restaurant, located about a block away, which receives positive reviews for its food quality and can be quite busy in the mornings, prompting early arrival. The hotel does feature an on-site restaurant and a wine bar, which are generally well-regarded for their atmosphere and offerings, with some guests praising the outstanding food and room service. However, some recent reviews for the on-site restaurant, Malo, indicate a decline in quality, with a limited menu and higher prices, leading some to recommend exploring other nearby dining establishments for dinner. The hotel's central location ensures numerous coffee places and restaurants are just steps away for alternative dining experiences.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location in Havelock North is consistently highlighted as a major advantage, placing guests within easy walking distance of a wide array of cafes, restaurants, shops, and boutiques. This prime position makes it an excellent base for exploring the local village charm and accessing daily necessities like a supermarket and petrol station. Furthermore, the hotel serves as a convenient starting point for wine tours and exploring the broader Hawkes Bay region, with Hastings just a short drive away. A significant benefit is the readily available and secure underground parking, which is often complimentary and directly accessible via elevator, though a few guests found the car park's exit and entrance somewhat confusing.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff consistently receive glowing praise for their exceptional friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Guests frequently commend the efficient check-in process and the staff's willingness to go "out of their way" to assist with various requests, from providing local directions and recommendations to arranging taxis. Many reviews highlight specific instances of staff offering thoughtful family-friendly service, such as providing extra amenities for babies, including special towels, bath items, and toys. While the overwhelming majority of feedback is positive, a few isolated comments mentioned less accommodating experiences during check-in, particularly concerning a cot charge policy, and one general remark about staff not being overly friendly. Overall, the dedication to excellent customer service is a recurring theme.

Additional Information
The hotel distinguishes itself with several thoughtful and practical additional features. Guests particularly appreciate the complimentary guest laundry facilities, which are a significant convenience for those on extended road trips. The hotel also demonstrates a strong attention to detail, providing amenities like permanently heated towel rails and underfloor heating, as well as quality wine glasses in rooms. While the hotel does not have an on-site breakfast facility, it has a specific arrangement for guests to dine at the nearby Malo Restaurant. It is worth noting that while the hotel is generally highly praised, one guest expressed frustration over a cot charge policy that was not communicated upfront, and some technical issues were reported with the TV casting features.