Palmira Lodge

We arrived back in Picton on the evening of the 15th February, and chaos reigned, much of it caused by the disruptions due to Cyclone Gabriella. Earlier in the week, many of the Cook Straits' ferries had been cancelled with huge inconvenience to the commercial and tourism industries, and people had frantically searched around for accommodation in Picton, and the surrounding towns including Blenheim. We had booked for our one night in the Palmira, so we were fortunate. There was still some uncertainty about the ferries running when we woke, after a restless night, so after a brief breakfast in the communal dining room, we packed and hurriedly left for the port. Fortunately we arrived early to find that our ferry was sailing, and after a 2 hours wait, reversed onto the vessel and set off down the exquisite Picton Sound to the open seas beyond. I would certainly stay here again, as I don't think this review does it proper justice.. Robert and Glenda made splendid mine hosts, and we loved the Lodge and its idiosyncrasies, including its wall mounted horses and zebras. Worth every penny.

The room itself was fine, but free bubbly and chocolates don't make up for the cost of staying. we had stayed in Picton 2 weeks earlier at a place that was unfortunately (but not unexpectedly) unavailable for the dates we stayed at Palmira. It was substantially better (room / facilities / outlook / pool / breakfast etc) and only 2/3 of the cost of Palmira Were there at Palmira for 2 nights due to ferry cancellations, so not a lot of choice for accommodation. The room wasn't serviced, no clean glasses / cups for the second day despite no room facilities for washing up. (we could take them to the kitchen dishwasher downstairs) but at the way overpriced cost we would have expected a serviced room. No coffee replacement either.

We made an unscheduled stop in Picton due to cancellation of the ferries and managed to find a room at Palmira Lodge for the four nights we were there. The room was very comfortable with bubbly and chocolates on arrival. There was a large communal kitchen and dining room and the hosts were friendly. Breakfast (cereals, toast, etc) was included in the price. There is a heated pool and spa. Only a few rooms, and no children, so a quiet and relaxing spot, near the marina. However, the room was not serviced at all during the time we were there, and there was no top up of coffee/sugar, both of which I would expect for the price we paid.

We had a room on the top floor overlooking the pool and views of the water and surrounding hills. There were 3 of us---Delightful setting, Bob and Glenda were excellent in providing us with everything we needed and more. Nice little extras in the room as in cold bubbles and choccies on arrival. Very easy to get along with and thoroughly enjoyed their company. They weren't all over us---just a great mixture of friendliness and enjoyment when we were there. Neat pool and spa---great brekky and the pub only a 5 minute walk away serving good food in Waikawa Marina. We stayed for 3 nights and would definitely stay again. Thanks Bob and Glenda.