Otira Stagecoach Hotel is an absolute treat to stay at and I recommend spending a night here if you plan to drive between the West Coast and Christchurch via Otira/Arthur's Pass. They claim that staying here will take you back in time. It absolutely does. When you walk in, you are treated to an overwhelming amount of old antiques ranging from several decades and potentially centuries. The property is a cafe, restaurant and bar. They have everything you can think of for NZ cuisine - coffee, other drinks, pies, pastries, actual food, fish and chips, etc. There is a LOT. Every room here is in theme. You can spend hours exploring every single piece. There are pictures with the history of Otira Hotel (previously Terminus Hotel). The outdoor area is also filled with interesting architectural pieces and models. Gandalf and Gollum are just some of them. There is a farmyard which houses goats and chickens. There is a talking parrot but he refused to talk to us. The rooms are all themed Victorian. Large 4-poster beds, with dark interiors and lots of intricate designs on everything - wall papers, the washing basin, the toilet, etc. There is a common room which has a fridge, coffee and hot chocolate making supplies, dry breakfast, a TV, lots of CDs to watch movies with, books and a freaking massage chair!! We got there late and I used the massage chair and pretty much fell asleep in it...that's how good the chair was. Some bedrooms have attached bathrooms, but there is also a common area with at least 3 toilets, 2 showers and 1 clawfoot tub. You might hear trains passing by, but I slept very well. Last but not the least - a word about the owner. He is a very sweet man. We called him to let him know that we would be late to check in. He had said that everything would be kept ready for us, but he actually stayed up and waited for us! He even offered to cook us something that late at night! In the morning, he was up and about earlier than expected and very kindly offered to give us breakfast before the opening time. He gave us several recommendations about things to see. You, sir, are very kind and adorable! Thank you so much for looking after this property and us. If you plan to drive by Otira, please stop by Otira Stagecoach Hotel for a meal if you can't stay the night! read more

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