The County Hotel

We had 3 nights in Napier's County Hotel. The Edwardian-era building is historic in that it was one of the few substantial commercial premises in the city that survived the devastating 1931 earthquake. In those days it was the HQ for Hawkes Bay County Council. So, it predates the great Art-Deco reconstruction of the city in the 1930s, for which the city is famous, and its architecture and style do not reflect that. The hotel is well located with regards Napier's downtown area and the shoreline of Hawkes Bay. The hotel is quite small, with rooms not numbered but each named after NZ native bird species, which is a nice touch. It calls itself 5-star, which I thought a bit of a stretch. The public areas are certainly decorated appropriate to a bygone era and the place has the feel of an old-fashioned gentleman's club. There is even a library with lounge chairs and complimentary port available. Didn't actually see anyone using it; in fact guests were few and far between when we visited. The whole place was very quiet. Our room was of moderate size at best and was definitely not 5-star. There had been a half-hearted attempt at a luxury feel but didn't quite cut it. Perhaps we were meant to luxuriate in the library. There was limited space for our luggage though one bag did just fit inside the narrow, stand-up wardrobe. The bathroom was of a good size but I thought the shower mounted over the steep-side claw-foot bathtub was an accident waiting to happen. I guess if you did take a stumble getting into/out of the bath you could always clutch at the sheer nylon shower curtain, but pretty sure it wouldn't save you. There was also a small balcony overlooking the carpark and which provided access to other rooms. Off-site parking was available in a lot across the street for an extra $15 per night. Staff were super-polite and helpful, though they could not do much when the lift was broken down on our last day.

This Hotel is a gem to stay at. A real Art Deco feel with absolutely wonderful staff. I can honestly say, out of the hundreds of hotels I have stayed in World Wide, the staff here with friendliest and best I have ever experienced. There on a Luxury Escapes package and this was a bargain. Churchills restaurant was a perfect way to finish each night with great meals and impeccable service. We will return.

I recently attended the Wine Street Restaurant’s Winter Art Deco Brunch. It was a delightful experience. We were warmly greeted by Angela and Natasha who looked after us attentively. The setting was beautiful, and the food was delicious and generous. It was a lovely experience. I often dine at the restaurant and Chef Richie’s food is up with the best in Hawke’s Bay.

On the 28 June 2025, the County Hotel hosted my husband's surprise special birthday party. It was a great success the Wine Street Restaurant was sparkling with outstanding service and amazing food crafted by their talented chef. Our guests all had high praise and lovely comments on the quality of the whole dining experience. Nothing was too much trouble for Ange when planning this occasion. A very memorable evening thanks to the team of the County Hotel. Highly recommend, if you are looking for a place to celebrate or looking for a great place to dine. Thank you so much

The building looks very grand and the public areas are very Art Deco but do not be fooled. The rooms are well appointed with all mode cons but the dark wood furniture and panels represents the history of the town and it's rebuild from the 1931 earthquake. The bed super comfortable, lots of hot water and a nice touch with in the evening in the "library" while looking at the books enjoy a complimentary glass of port from the decanter-so good. Did not use the restaurant but the food did look good too. Perhaps the best the staff and hands on owners nothing was too much trouble and you felt more a house guest than staying in a hotel. Certainly return and the cost of a room was most reasonable and excellent value for money.

When you arrive at this so called five star hotel it looks nothing like the pictures. The outside is run down, dirty and there is a broken window being held up by tape. You enter through a side entrance. The staff are very welcoming and the hotel is quaint in the public areas. We were in the Whio room. The outer windows were dirty and broken, there was a hole in the carpet where the joint had split, there was dirt /thick dust round and under the radiators., some of the furniture was chipped and the walls needed a lick of paint. The fan in the bathroom was filthy and I am surprised we didn’t get ill from the old and very dirty shower head. The fridge (which was so noisy it kept us awake all night for the best part of three nights) was very old and had brown stains in it. Reception closes at 5pm and so if you need anything at night you have to make a phone call. After seeing the restaurant with the dirty windows and dismal appearance from both inside and outside we decided to eat elsewhere. There is no servicing of the rooms on a Sunday. Luckily we left on the Saturday. The whole place needs investment to bring it up to anywhere near five stars.