Escape To Picton Boutique Hotel

The food was excellent and the staff were wonderful!

The bed and breakfast has three rooms (a large bedroom, a jr suite, and two room suite), is located just a half a block from the main street and a few minute walk to the harbor, and, in my view, is the place to stay. They key to this B&B is the owner and chef Juliearna…and her team (big shout out to Lukas and Pima! ). Her attention to detail in terms of the layout of the rooms, the people she hires and trains, the terrific service they give, and the food, all make it a very enjoyable place to stay. Juliearna was Michelin trained in France and it shows. Both at breakfast (French omelets) and dinner (although she mentioned to me that she is likely to stop doing the dinners as it’s a bit much after all these years and as she deals with her various other businesses …see my separate review of the restaurant…which I highly recommend if she is still doing it). We had a large suite (the modern suite), which had a very large living room and separate bedroom. Both rooms were appointed nicely and functionally. It also had a balcony (shared with the room next door) which was nice to relax on. The bed was very comfortable. The bathroom, while very large with a huge walk in shower and huge bathtub. Electrical outlets were conveniently located throughout, and were plentiful to plug all our gadgets in (not all hotels or B&B’s have them conveniently located). Parking in rear was available and free. The breakfast was delicious and huge (more than we could eat). Freshly baked croissants, yogurt, a fruit bowl, omelet if you wanted, muesli (was a bit more like a granola then muesli) or cereal, juice, coffee and several other items. Website photos accurately represent the B&B, rooms etc. I would highly recommend staying at Escape to Picton.

I want to mention that overall, this was a really great place to stay.. That said a few suggestions: The price to value is a bit much. It was a large room and nice, but a tad higher then I would have expected for what it was (although the amazing breakfast made up for some of it). That said, I dont know the prices of comparable places in Picton (or if there are even any comparable) I had some problems with the internet going in and out. They likely needed to reboot the gateway (not just the Wi-Fi as I had a strong Wi-Fi signal). While I asked the person there to check it, I don't think they knew how to reset the gateway (vs Wi-Fi). There were no blackout shades. There are wood shutters, but shutters don't keep the morning light out the same as some blackout shades or drapes. I am someone who needs complete darkness to sleep so the light wakes me up early. There was no AC. It did get a bit warm in the afternoon and we had to open the windows ....which let bugs in...so we closed them after dusk, which meant it was still a bit warm. The bathroom, while very large could have used more counter space (I used the edge of the bathtub).

Extremely comfortable bed and pillows. Tasteful decor. Indulgent bathroom. The room opened onto a veranda. Enjoyed the sunshine while lounging and reading our books.

Very well prepared and plated omelette and crispy, well turned out bacon and eggs, Excellent bathroom . Furnishings were somewhat vintage, but that added to charming small town turn of the last century vibe Last minute help with an alternative tour and transport ( to the Omaka Air Heritage museum ) when we got a bad weather cancellation for our boat based tour Excellent dinner with cooking at big city fine dining standard

The weather ... but that also gave the property a chance to shine by saving the situation and turning a short one night trip from Wellington to a really memorable experience

Such a beautiful place to stay Felt like treat

Comfortable. Luxurious. Stylish

Excellent location and very comfortable and beautiful small boutique hotel look like home the breakfast and dinner was very good food presentation was excellent the staff was very kind and helpful overall very good experience and it is best accomodation if anyone stay picton for one or two nights

Nothing

Location

Bit pricey for what you got furniture had rips in it, no shower and a bath that was really hard to get in.

I liked the location and the classic, old-fashioned atmosphere. It was clean and well maintained and the staff were friendly.

I stayed on the first and second floors for one day each, but the props and bedding on the first floor were quite old, and I was disappointed that I could hear all kinds of noises on the second floor, such as footsteps and the sound of the door closing in the next room.

Absolutely lovely boutique hotel in a great location (easy walk to the waterfront, high street etc.). The rooms feel thoroughly decadent and the owner and staff went out of the way to make us feel welcome and comfortable. We can also recommend the restaurant / wine bar. We ate there both nights and the food was outstanding.

We arrived in the evening at 18:00, but the hotel was closed and we were simply left on the street and were forced to go and look for a new hotel after a long journey. It seems that this hotel is not functioning, there are signs that it is for sale. I advise you not to risk it and not to go to this hotel, as there is a high probability that you will be left on the street. 3 days have passed, but no one has returned our money. The hotel sent me a funny letter to sort things out with booking.com and demanded payment from them. Funny, isn't it? The hotel simply disclaimed responsibility, although they could have contacted booking.com and said that they simply do not work!!!!! The hotel told me in a letter that they simply forgot about my reservation. But this is a lie, since the hotel is closed, all the furniture is collected inside, it is clearly visible that the hotel is not working.

Great breakfast. location was perfect

everything was great

Enormous, very grand luxury rooms with super high ceilings. Every detail has been thought of from the lovely throws and cushions in the rooms to the fresh milk, tea and coffee left out for guests. The huge roll top bath tub with lovely lavender scented bath and body sets and bath salts was such a treat (as was the underfloor heating)! It’s also a stone’s throw from everything you could need in Nelson. Couldn’t fault!

Nothing, it was great!

The suite was luxurious. The bar and restaurant were wonderful. What a surprise. Picton is a delightful town. The property is convenient when connecting to the InterIsland Ferry and/or the train.

No breakfast.

This is the hotel where you feel like at home from the first step. Elisabeth welcomed us with a glass of wine and some cheese. The room reminds the bedroom in the palace. Everything is in a very good taste and quality. Lovely small hotel. Biggest asset of this place is staff. Elisabeth takes care of you from entry till departure. She also prepared excellent breakfast for us. Thanks 🙏

N/A

This Hotel requires FULL Pre Payment. We willingly did this. On the day of our stay, I received a phone call from the owner stating we hadn't paid, and wouldn't be getting the key till we had. I gave her the full details of the payment. She had a rude and aggressive attitude. She clearly located the payment, the mistake was their end. Yet I received no call back or apology. The service in the restaurant didn't even put water on the table. When I asked for it we were given 1 glass. The Cost of this 1 night was a BIG RIP OFF in comparison to MUCH Better stays in PICTON. Don't stay here. There are much better VALUE stays with far superior views for LESS money.

Exceptional staff that made our stay very special! Room was spacious and lovely

Interesting boutique accommodation very near the waterfront.

The room is part of an older house and half of the house is used as a restaurant so there was noise from this in the evening and everywhere smelt like onion. Unfortunately we had drunk people having an altercation right outside our window at 12.30am, the police eventually turned up and dealt with it. Not the accommodations fault but not particulary nice for us.

the accommodation was excellent the staff helpful and friendly and the food delightful

nothing it was perfect

Great location, they were kind to allow us to have mussels and a beer close to the closing time.

A little bit cold in the room, the bathroom heater does not work. I got up early, I got a hot bath, but my husband did not.

This is exquisitely beautiful accommodation with all the creature comforts. The claw bath and salts was an absolute highlight along with the outdoor balcony with views along the street - enjoyed all the more with the complimentary wine and cheese on arrival. The rooms and beds are gloriously spacious and comfortable. I also hadn't appreciated that breakfast was included in our booking so this was a lovely bonus. Julienne and her team bent over backwards to ensure we enjoyed a wonderful stay. And this really was a wonderful stay. Thank you sincerely!!!

Nothing!

Impeccable, friendly service, everything spotlessly clean, comfortable and stunning. Everything about our stay was easy and the hotel focused on our needs every day. What we needed, we got and they worked to accommodate us. The restaurant served amazing food and we sampled both the breakfast and dinner menus. Comfortable and cosy spot to dine and lovely scenic outlook as you eat.

This is a unique boutique hotel, just up from the Picton waterfront and in the CBD. We had a lovely big room with a huge bathroom. The bed was extremely comfortable and there was a large sitting room and balcony. The dinner at the hotel was very good and the staff very helpful.

The rooms are really fantastic,nice furniture, comfortable, terrace, bubble bath. But the real plus of the place is the staff, very friendly, helpful, competent.

Nothing

We visited the hotel and found it very tastefully decorated with a subtile touch of combined modern and vintage elegance. We had dinner at the restaurant and could not fault it. The atmosphere was discret, the service impeccable and friendly, the music relaxing, the menu rich of interesting choices, the plates artistically decorated and rich in colour, the local fresh seafood we choose was delicious and could have been the almost perfect combination if served with an oaky wine such as a 2023 "Rimapere" Baron de Rothschild Sauvignon blanc (Sadly not on their wine list).. The Pavlova presented in a tall glass was just a sin!

We just loved it here! it was without question the best accomodation we had whilst in NZ. We were offed a complementary glass of wine nibbles on arrival. The room was so tastefully decorated and massive joined by a very generous bathroom with freestanding bathtub & shower. Our host could not do enough to assist us (she is also the chef😋Our bed was turned down, the breakfast was absolutely delicious & generous we just loved it! Shared balcony off our room overlooking the marina & right in the heart of town. We would definitely come again!!! The only thing that was missing was a fridge(which of course would not fit in with the style of the room).

Location, the Austrian girl ( sorry didn’t get her name) was an awesome. The restaurant food was amazing and bar very comfortable.

Nothing not to like

We booked the Formal Room which was beautiful, roomy, it is 8 minutes from the harbour walking with 2 big suitcases so the location was perfect for us. One highlight of our two nights at this establishment was Elizabeth who should have an award for Employee of the Year! talk about helpful! She was the superstar for us, nothing was too much hassle and I sincerely hope her employers appreciate her, what a gem! The breakfast was lovely, very tasty and plentiful and again, Elizabeth was a great host.

Staff member who greeted us was charming and welcoming, we were upgraded to the honeymoon suite, fabulous. The bath in this room is very special. We were welcomed with a cheese platter in the room and a glass of wine, a great way to start our trip. Our early start for the Queen Charlotte Track was accommodated with coffees and pastries delivered to our room. Great service thank you

Great little boutique hotel, almost like a B&B. The rooms are simply fabulous, lovely furniture. Super-friendly staff.

It is a small hotel, so there (obviously) weren't elevators/gym/pools and other facilities you can expect from a larger hotel.

We were greeted by Juliearne and Warren and shared a few drinks with them, and lots of laughs. We were upgraded to the "Modern Suite" which was amazing. It was beautifully decorated, very comfortable. We were then surprised with freshly made croissants for breakfast.

Loved everything except the restaurant isn't currently open 😔

Temu was kind n hospitable

Absence of staff.Bsd grounds,poorly maintained garden

DELIGHTFUL. We really enjoyed our stay here. We stayed in the larger upstairs room and loved it. A romantic and convenient place to overnight in Picton.

Top floor suite - very special - wonderful bath after doing the Queen charlotte track

Great location and school charm

No fridge available

Our luxury suite in this small boutique hotel was superb, beautifully presented with gorgeous furnishings. Location is very central, yet quiet enough to be peaceful. A complimentary glass of wine on arrival was nice too. Jo deserves a special mention for her outstanding efforts to make our visit as seamless as possible making us feel special, especially considering we are the only guests staying that night. As we understood it, Jo was not a normal member of staff but stepped in due to unfortunate circumstances.

Very little to mention, however the coffee and tea making facilities would’ve been better not tucked away in an awkward corner.

Beautiful lovely extremely clean room. Very cosy. Amazing bathroom with all the necessary toiletries. Great location.

No fridge or minibar Milk was in a bowl of ice though

This small hotel advertises on both the Expedia.com and Booking.com websites (and other associated sites) on the basis you can either pay immediately upon booking OR for an additional amount (about 10%) you can "Pay when you stay". My wife and I are planning a trip to the NZ South Island and, while visiting Picton, this hotel looked a reasonable choice. As our trip was not for another 9 months after the booking date, we elected the "Pay when you stay" option. All went well with the booking UNTIL a day or so later when I noticed that the hotel charged my credit card for the full amount of our reservation. Needless to say, I immediately messaged the hotel asking them to correct this error (I thought) and received a reply that it was in fact no error and that they have decided to charge in full bookings made up to 9 months in advance regardless of the "Pay when you stay" condition of the booking which clearly and specifically states "You will not be charged until your stay". The lady from that hotel stated that "As we are small we had alot of false bookings the last two years and cards not working and clients not turning up". So, they advertise one thing and then do exactly what they want. She suggested we could cancel our reservation (if we didn’t concur with this breach of the advertised offer) and they would “immediately’ refund our reservation payment in full. I cancelled my booking immediately as there was no need for us to put up with this deceptive behaviour. I was then informed that we would receive our refund BUT, because the bank processing times are slow, it would take yet another 5-7 days for us to receive the funds - what total drivel - we are not in the dark ages of bank tellers with rolled-up sleeves and shaded-caps. If they processed the refund immediately upon our cancellation, we would have received our funds in a day or two at a maximum. It was yet another not so transparent ploy to retain our incorrectly acquired funds for as long as possible. Needless to say, they DID NOT refund our credit card within the 5-7 day period and we had to ask Expedia to intervene. Clearly Expedia also had problems with Escape to Picton and, after a few iterations and more days waiting, they finally agreed to refund the booking. However (of course) this was not the end of the problem – Escape to Picton advised it would take yet another 5-7 days to refund our reservation and then further advised (because of bank restrictions!) they could only refund $500 each day hence taking 4 days to process all of the refund. The hotel still offers "Pay when you stay" - this is clearly false advertising. The hotel will probably respond to this review with excuses and blaming everyone but themselves but this review outlines the facts regardless of whatever spin they would like to invent. Be very careful dealing with these people - a bit to tricky for my liking.

Super small great location very mellow place

Nothing particular

Handy location! Easily accessible. Breakfast was great.

Can’t fault it

Lovely bath and bath products provided and great restaurant and wine bar.

It’s an escape within an escape town

A complimentary drink on arrival Sitting on the veranda with a great view of the harbour.

Bathroom not well thought out. Cheap instant coffee Very difficult to get to the tea making corner. A fridge would have been good. The noise from the room downstairs, we could hear every word they said.

The room was massive and well styled

Only stayed one night

We have just spent 3 nights to celebrate our wedding anniversary. This hotel is gorgeous! We were in the Modern Room and the large space was beautiful - chandeliers in every room, gas fire, massive spa bath, super comfy bed. From the moment we arrived when we got complimentary drinks and cheese board, to our complimentary breakfast on the final day, it has been outstanding. Elizabeth provided friendly, excellent service and nothing was a bother. Such a pleasant change from staying at bland, boring hotels. Highly recommend.

Escape to Picton is a luxury hotel somewhat oddly located in the little town of Picton. We stayed in the Formal Suite and what you might want to know is that there is no fridge or A/C. We needed to leave the windows open for cool air and it was somewhat noisy for a bit. The other thing is that to eat in the restaurant, which has a really intriguing menu, you need to give 24 hours' notice so they can prepare all meals to order. We didn't know this and were unable to eat there. On the positive side the suite was very roomy and comfortable and the staff (which seemed to consist of one extremely energetic person) was first-rate.

This is one of the most opulent places I have ever stayed. The rooms were enormous the furnishings exquisite. We arrived late from the ferry and the property brought up complimentary wine and cheese into our room! A surprising luxury stay in a small quiet little town!

Nothing it was amazing!

Great location Room was lovely

I don’t like arriving to a locked door and a note saying give us a call and we can be here in 5 mins to let you in That’s poor

Lovely spot for a night, unfortunately no food available and the bed cover looked like it needed a wash. However these small, host very welcoming and room lovely.

A wonderfull traditional style small boutique hotel, with suberb service. The dinner was fabulous, as was the breakfast. Highly recommended for couples! We also loved the big bathtub:) Great location with easy walking distance to the harbor and rental car offices.

Beautifully furnished, old worldly and luxurious. Great location.

Kind and considerate staff. Very comfortable, large rooms and bed. Fabulous bath after Queen Charlotte Track.

Restaurant pricy. On Main Road next to Irish Pub

The property is amazing. Definitely a good deal considering the price paid for the room. The breakfast is amazing. Definitely better than staying in some anonymous hotel/motel in the area. Staff super friendly and available.

This place is fancy. Lovely deep bathtub, a chandelier in the bedroom and the bathroom. I felt a bit like Marie Antoinette lazing about Versailles! Big sumptuous bed. I slept like a baby.

Elisabeth was wonderful.

The bed mattress needs a refresh. It was saggy. The bathroom had a soaker tub with a hand held spray which although roughly translate to a shower, I am not sure it would work that well. There was a sign by the amenities that advised not to take them or there would be charges. Anyone who is able to pay the accommodation charges for the room is not looking to take the ameneties. This was insulting. This is not worth the money.

Nice downstairs room. Large bathroom with tub but unfortunately no shower. Elizabeth was a gracious hostess and chef. Dinner was overpriced for the quality of the food. Missed the full breakfast the next morning due to catching an early ferry. Location is close to harbor and ferry terminal.

Absolutely stunning room with a balcony. Fantastic location. Exceptionally friendly and helpful staff. One of the most comfortable beds I’ve ever slept in! Recommend a couple of nights to really lap up the luxury.

It’s a boutique property so I understand that’s where the price is at, but we would return. Car parking is off road down an alleyway.

the bathroom had been renovated, but they forgot to put a shower in!!! instead you had to sit down in an oversized bath.....ridiculous. we were on the ground floor which faces the street, and the curtains where broken, as a result, anyone walking past could see straight into the bedroom.

position was great, but the lack of a shower in the biggest bathroom in the world was silly.

Our host was lovely. We had a complimentary drink on arrival and she helped us find somewhere to eat in the evening. The room was lovely - bed very comfortable - everywhere was spotless. Very convenient for the local amenities. No breakfast on our package but we were given 2 lovely croissants when we were leaving. Definitely stay again.

The room above us were leaving very early and it was a very noisy departure. 🙃

Great location. Elisabeth was exceptional - nothing any bother. Superb food in restaurant

Lovely old building beautifully furnished

Floors creaked!

.

Well worth a stay, so bright, clean and the spa bath is in a whole other level. This place doesn’t have a lift however there is one apartment downstairs. Our room was up a few stairs. The configuration of the room has been designed with the traveller in mind. Upon a rival there a few mini tea cakes, as well as two bottles of sparkling water in the fridge, these sorts of touches keep you returning. A gorgeous comfortable warm dressing gowns, another thoughtful touch. The bedroom is separated from the front room by a wall, see this design a lot overseas. It was quite so peaceful, and still in the CBD so in walking distance to cafes, shops excursions. There is also a wee restaurant downstairs, we didn’t get a chance to try it but there is always next time. Highly recommend X10

Amazing location!

Very different, very posh

Beautifully decorated room right in the heart of Picton. If an an older style European boutique hotel appeals to you, then this is it. Amazing helpful, cheerful service by Elizabeth makes it enemies more memorable. What a little jewel.

Elisabeth is the star of the escape

This is a very small hotel (only 3 rooms) which only adds to its charm. Its location in the centre of Picton is an additional benefit as it is only a couple of minutes' walk from shops and nearby facilities.The old world style of decor ,the large rooms which are spotless and supremely comfortable has to be experienced. The restaurant is closed for evening meals , but the welcome touch of a wine and cheese plate is a unique touch. Breakfast is offered and sets you up for the day ahead. I would love to stay here again.

Absolutely nothing.

Charming and extremely nice hotel manager, large comfortable rooms

Beautiful, spacious and comfortable. Welcome with wine and cheese. Beautiful balcony!

Wir hatten eine Nacht gebucht und es war toll. Absolut zu empfehlen.