Seaview Motel

A great spot to stay about equal distance to center of town and Point Kean. The buildings are old and a little tired, but large, clean and comfy with a fabulous view. Staff addre helpful. Great value for money.

The first thing we noticed when we walked into our motel room was the paint peeling of the walls. All around the unit there were fingerprints because the staff couldn't be bothered. We are also supposed to do our own dishes, by hand. There is no oven, the closest thing we have to an oven is the pizza oven they provide. One of the switches also doesn't do anything and one of the biggest faults of this place is that the TV doesn't work. There are also a few cobwebs here and there and one of the lamps doesn't work. P

This motel gives you the feeling that it stopped caring a long time ago... Very tired and in need of a spruce up. No heating at all in the bathroom and a single fan heater in the main, which I had to leave running on full all night just to stay warm. It has most basic facilities, but in a cursory tick box manner. I don’t like doing negative reviews, but I couldn’t recommend this place when I’ve had substantially better elsewhere, for the same price.

Just for one night, lovely view, very quite, very clean

It was listed as a queen suite,with patio,sofa,alarm clock,dining area.We had none of these other than a queen bed, a small kitchen area,no table to eat from, the bathroom was adequate.the suite got very hot during the day, and there was no fan provided.we stayed for two nights and couldn’t wait to get out of the place quick enough.Overpriced and definitely not worth the money

Althou wotif confirmed our reservation Seaview advised no room available

Old and tired. Bathroom shower very weak. Toilet was a dirty colour.

Was a lovely quiet unit, still some repairs being done in the unit, but didn't bother us :) Still slept well :)

Unit was clean and dry and beds ok But property was almost derelict and should be given to the SAS for urban guerrilla warfare training I am surprised that Expedia even lists it to its clients and thus be represented by such a place Maybe Expedia needs to inspect the property.?

Motel couldn’t be in a better location beautiful views of the Kaikoura foreshore and coastline. The accommodation I guess hasn’t changed in many years some TLC and new paint could help. Our unit once the car garage had all we needed and the price was value for money. It’s not easy managing a older style accommodation the units were tidy & clean plus the manager was very friendly and helpful.

Convenient location but very old property and fit outs. No a/c or fan for the summer months. Very old bathroom and kitchen and look very tired

Very nice staff, so we stayed twice. Not a bad choice in Kaikoura. But frankly, the facilities are only about average among motels in NZ (similar price)

Sadly not the best place we’ve stayed in on our drive around the South Island. The positive was the view after that there’s nothing good to add. Our room was like a large garage style building plonked on top of another building and accessed by rickety wooden steps with peeling paint and splinters on the handrails, this turned into a walkway across the roof of the building below to reach the room. Large room for four people with huge bathroom. Only one pillow per person and with the double bed against the window it’s impossible to sit up in bed if you wish to read. Hot water only a dribble from the bathroom sink and kitchen taps and the shower wasn’t very powerful, hard to rinse the shampoo out of my hair. No socket anywhere near a mirror to shave or dry your hair. Not good value for money in my opinion and needs some serious upgrading.

Beautiful view of the ocean, friendly staff and great location.

Clean and tidy - great location right across the road from ocean. Walking distance to town

The couple who runs the place were so sweet. I told them that I would be late and they said it wasn't a problem and left the room open for me so that I could come in and crash straight away. Turns out it wasn't necessary as they stayed up waiting for me to arrive. They were really friendly and recommended a great cafe in town for a quick breakfast (the Why Not Cafe). The room itself was spacious and contained everything one would need in a self contained unit. It's really well located, right on the water front and a lovely walk into town. I'd recommend the Seaview Motel for anyone looking to stay in Kaikoura.

Tired, old fashioned, earthquake damaged masonry, dusty parking area, entry through bathroom (so 1960s) with non matching taps, untidy bbq area, only five tv channels in total... Booking.com needs to review the 4 stars Maybe better to describe as a ‘2 star lodge’ and price accordingly Good points: location(although no Seaview from our room), comfortable bed, soft towels, beach across the road

I was driving up from Franz Josef and running very late due to a hike that took longer than I expected when I called the managers of the Seaview Motel. They were so nice, explaining to me how to get there, where to park and that they would leave my little studio open so I could arrive and not have to worry about anything. Lo and behold, they actually stayed up until I arrived and made sure I got settled in. They were such lovely people with great senses of humor. They even recommended the Why Not Cafe down the road which was lovely. The room itself was very spacious and had all of the amenities of a self-catered motel. The motel is located along the waterfront so less than thirty paces and I was beside the ocean. Would definitely recommend to anyone visiting Kaikoura.

We stayed here for 3 nights in the amazing upstairs unit with a fantastic seaview. Taking the suitcases upstairs is the only downside. Huge room with everything you need in the kitchen. Good ceiling fan. Good size bathroom. The owners had done all their laundry so it wasn't a problem when I asked about doing some laundry for us. They had some good local knowledge about fishing and whale watching excursions.

Great location, friendly hosts, longish walk from town and railway station, no evening cafe or dairy nearby, comfortable bed, TV remote missing, shower control tap hard to manage.

only 1 of the units had a seaview it was old with cracks outside poor parking

The staff were lovely. I felt the room, although clean needed an update and therefore expensive for what you got.

Friendly staff, simple, clean, warm, good beds, hot shower, close to beach.

Tony was brilliant, didn’t get the lady’s name but she was brilliant too. Really enjoyed our stay

This accomodation is right across the road from the sea. Unfortunately the Seaview motel barely lives up to its name. The only windows in the unit looked out to the boundary fence . Beyond this looking down the neighbours driveway gave us our sea view and a beautiful sunrise. Yes, this motel is on the budget end, but we didn't expect to enter the unit through the bathroom. Immediately inside the front (only) door we were confronted with a vintage wash hand basin and shower cabinet. Fortunately the toilet at the entry is separate. The entry opened into a generous open plan studio. The ceiling height felt low, but the size of the room was welcome One thing not seen since dorm. days: a list of do's and don'ts. DO all your dishes before vacating. Don't leave the heater on if not in the room. Do not cook strong flavoured meals: eg curry. This motel is not within walking distance from the township. Quiet if that is what you are looking for. The host was amiable and knowledgeable regarding the town.

Nice being by the sea. Nice hosts and very spacious rooms. Bathroom could do with a little tlc.

Great view,. For winter time the room was inadequately heated and the bedding wasn't warm enough. I asked for extra blankets. There was no vent for the bathroom and the room remained damp. Nowhere to hang clothes or towels. There was heavy rain and the roof leaked over one of the beds. We used pots to collect water. When I informed the manager he shrugged his shoulders and said he knew about it. He said he'd told the owner and nothing was done. There is a stairwell to get up to the room, it is usable but is buckled from the earthquake. The manager pointed it out, said it was still safe to use. It is up to a point, but it is slippery in the rain.

Room is quite small. Facilities cramped in a small area. Shower had water not going through the drain quick enough that it builds up. Positive thing is that all you need is the area but just a bit cramped

We stayed here for one night (thankfully) and were placed in a unit at the back of the property. The only entry was through the bathroom. This might have been a novelty in 1960 but is not acceptable today. The unit was in poor condition, skirting boards missing, holes in the walls roughly plastered up but not even painted (the plaster on the hole behind the bed rubbed off onto my clothes). The earthquake was nearly 3 years ago, no longer an excuse for the poor maintenance. The wi-fi did not work. The unit was grossly overpriced - these prices may have been a windfall whilst the road workers were there after the earthquake but they have gone now, and the 3% surcharge for credit cards is just outrageous . We did not even get a sea view for this price and the motel is further from the shops and restaurants than most others. This place is long past its heyday of the 1960s, and should be closed for total redevelopment.

Cold with. inadequate heating😚 Uncomfortable couch

The property was old and tired for the price. Entry to the unit was via the bathroom. The tv was positioned very high up the wall which made it uncomfortable to view. Also we had to drive a couple of kms away to use a laundromat as there weren't any facilities on the premises.

The bed was great. The entrance was bizarre; never before have we opened the door to a motel and found ourselves in the bathroom! The parking was not convenient.

Fantastic location right across from the beach and away from the main area but not that far that you couldn’t walk to it.

I think our room was a converted garage. Living and kitchen area were good but bathroom was in need of an update although it was clean. For the price I paid I didn't expect a notice telling me to wash my dishes. Room location away from the road was quiet.

Good price and had all the essentials for a short stay.

Nice views from the motel of the beach. Local water not drinkable without boiling but we were advised immediately.

Great location: across the street is the beach. Very clean

My room was basic but clean and large. I only saw the owners briefly as I had lots of activities planned. A couple of things to be aware of are if you are arriving by bus it is a long walk with luggage to the motel and this is a self catering venue the apartments are not serviced whilst you are there. The motel is directly opposite the beach which is wonderful however be aware that due to the earthquake there is a lot of rebuilding work going on.

We enjoyed our stay .the view across road in morning was breath taking.took sperm whale tour was also incredible up close to 2 giant sperm whales ,dolphins ,albatross

Stopped in to break up the journey from Picton to Christchurch (the distance is not great but the roads leave something to be desired). Our rooms we fine, large with a kitchenette. It had a good shower, comfortable bed and a great sea wiew. On the down side the WiFi was very intermittent (I needed to keep up with the English football scores!).

Big rooms, clean, kitchen with everything you need, nice sea view, but not from all apartments. Quiet location in an dead end road, nice landlord. The sea can be seen directly from the bed. Some shops and restaurants can be found in the village, but you need a car to get there

Our unit was clean. Not sure if it was being repaired due to the earthquakes but it was not worth what we paid for 4 people. Each room had some painting done but still had gaps between walls and ceilings etc. In the separate bedroom with the two single beds there were big areas of gib board patching up whatever? There was no curtain or blind on the door into the unit which opened into a”bedroom” with a double bed. There was one very low uncomfortable settee for 4 adults!! This unit should be reduced in price until the repairs are finished. Free Wifi didn’t work!

This property is greatly in need of maintenance, even several years after the earthquakes! The WIFI was slow and unreliable. While it did connect at times, at others it would not. We were in the upstairs room overlooking the sea (with a great view of the moon over the sea). The stairs up were rickety and unsafe. While the bed was adequate, other facilities were poor, and tired. It was difficult to shave in the mirror while using the hot water in the basin on the other side of he room. All in all, this was quite expensive and NOT value for the amount charged. A poor advertisement for NZ accommodation.

Far from train, old and worn though adequate. Staff helpful.

We only spent one night in Kaikoura, but found it to be a lovely spot for a stopover. Granted, we didn't do any of the big ticket items like whale watching or swimming with dolphins, but found the Peninsula walk to be enjoyable and the views of the ocean and seals memorable. We stayed at the Seaview Motel, which suited us well. The owners were both friendly and helpful and the room was clean, well-equipped and spacious. For the money, this is good value in a great location.

Good location for the swimming with dolphins trip we had booked, but this motel could do with a bit of a renovation. We were unable to pay for this hotel upfront as we had with every other hotel, and were then told at check in that we had to pay a credit card charge or pay cash. Not happy with that. Internet wasn’t very good but the young receptionist did help us out with that.

The motel has a mixed review. It was nicely located across from a beach, about a 1/4 mile to restaurants and the I-Site, and a 1/2 mile to the trailhead for the peninsula hike. The two destinations are in opposite directions, but very walkable, or if driving, the parking was easy. Our upstairs accommodations ( Crow’s Nest) had a nice view from the enclosed deck across a quiet two lane road to the water and a few picnic tables. There is a small kitchenette with very basic supplies. No tissues ( Kleenex) or paper towels are supplied. There is no room servicing apart from the trash being emptied. As there is no AC, the room temp the second night we were there was 85 degrees until around 11:30pm (even with every window wide open and the ceiling fan running), when the unit finally began to cool down. The couple who manage the property was pleasant and helpful, though. We were told that the hotel suffered damage in the 2016 earthquake for which the owner is waiting to be compensated for by the insurance company before making the repairs. For us, the only apparent physical problem was that the hot water line to the bathroom sink was non-functional....the shower did have hot water via an instant heater on its line! WiFi was virtually non-existent; the property managers admitted that the WiFi unit is underpowered for the distances of the property and that the owner of the property is aware of this, but it doesn’t sound like any upgrades are planned. The hotel policy of charging a 3 % surcharge to use a credit card for payment was a bit much, and was the only time we encountered such a surcharge while in New Zealand.

This was a superb stay. Our room faced the Kaikoura sea front and is a 10/15 minute walk from the town centre. Barbara and Tony do a fantastic job running the place. Tony provided some great local knowledge and places to visit and see and eat and drink which were most helpful. The room was spotless and the bed very comfortable. We made good use of the barbecue. The bathroom is very clean and a good shower. There is a place to sit both in the front and also over the road on the seafront. Highly recommended and we will probably come back in the future for a week holiday.

The motel has a mixed review. It was nicely located across from a beach, about a 1/4 mile to restaurants and the I-Site, and a 1/2 mile to the trailhead for the peninsula hike. The two destinations are in opposite directions, but very walkable, or if driving, the parking was easy. Our upstairs accommodations ( Crow’s Nest) had a nice view from the enclosed deck across a quiet two lane road to the water and a few picnic tables. There is a small kitchenette with very basic supplies. No tissues ( Kleenex) or paper towels are supplied. There is no room servicing apart from the trash being emptied. As there is no AC, the room temp the second night we were there was 85 degrees until around 11:30pm (even with every window wide open and the ceiling fan running), when the unit finally began to cool down. The couple who manage the property was pleasant and helpful, though. We were told that the hotel suffered damage in the 2016 earthquake for which the owner is waiting to be compensated for by the insurance company before making the repairs. For us, the only apparent physical problem was that the hot water line to the bathroom sink was non-functional....the shower did have hot water via an instant heater on its line! WiFi was virtually non-existent; the property managers admitted that the WiFi unit is underpowered for the distances of the property and that the owner of the property is aware of this, but it doesn’t sound like any upgrades are planned.

The room that we were given was, to explain it best, mid way finished from being repaired after a natural disaster (I completely understand but personally would not have let the room out). It would have been a really nice place to stay if they had finished what was desperately needed (e.g. they had put up plaster board in the bedroom, badly, without finishing it off was just nailed in, holes in the ceiling of the bathroom just to name a couple). At this stage I would not be returning to stay for the high price that we paid and the room that we were given :(

The hotel is right across the street from the sea. It is really close to everything either walking or driving. The room has what you need if you want to cook which was great. It’s an older hotel but you could tell they have upgraded parts of the room. The kitchen looked new and the dishes were nice.

Staff are wonderful but the building is very run down...i would not recommend staying there.

We just had a one night stay but clean, quiet, and comfortable. Warm welcome on arrival. Good in-room amenities. Away from main shopping/restaurant area which made it quieter (which we loved). Straight across the road from the main beach, although only a few rooms appear to have sea views.

Good location. Place getting quite tired but clean and comfortable.

Surprisingly large rooms, located directly across from the very picturesque beach.

Nice hotel close to beach, short walk distance to town

Easy to find self-contained studio flat close to the sea.

This town is still recovering from the 2016 earthquake so your expectations need to be modified. This motel was pretty nice, considering that fact. Our room arrangement was a bit funky, but clean. Nice view of the ocean, but driving distance to food and groceries.

Fabulous views though the main window could have done with a clean and I had a terrible lumpy pillow but otherwise a very comfortable well set up unit that was great value.

Nice and cosy place with free car parking and easy access to the city and supermarket. Stone throw to whale watching.

We stayed for one night, and it was just fine for that. The hosts were friendly and helpful and whilst our room didn't have a sea view you only had to go to the front of the property and it was there in all it's glory! There were, as with most places, pluses and minuses, but on balance ours was a good experience. One has to bear in mind that the area is still, unsurprisingly, coping with the aftermath of a big quake 2 years ago! Our room was slightly dated, but was spotlessly clean and comfy which was just what we needed. Some might be put off by aged style features in the bathroom, but they show character and a charm! The location was great for views and doing the peninsula walk (A must) but not so close to restaurants etc, but that just means a longer walk, or short drive! Our only disappointment was that next door to our room was a building site (inevitable given the quake!) and that they worked late on the Saturday we stayed and restarted just before 8am on the Sunday, and with typically thin walls, one couldn't miss this! Overall, a good value stay!

Great to be back in kaikoura after 12 months, good to see town is getting back up, big future and change ahead

We really liked the place, the owners very friendly and helpful. The rooms very clean directly with a seaview. Walking distance to downtown about 20 min with bars and restaurants. The room is basic but has everything needed. Great place if you travel through Kaikoura since the price is good. From Kaikoura we did the peninsula walk, beautiful landscapes, animals and nature.

Only a 1 night stay at the Seaview Motel, but a very pleasant one. It’s located just across the road from the seashore with a wonderful view of the snow capped mountains beyond. Easy 10 minute walk along seafront to eating places in one direction, and in the other direction the picturesque peninsula walkway can be accessed (little longer walk timewise or take the car to the car park and start from there). Spacious, clean room with all amenities required available - quiet area, slept well in comfy bed. In warm weather can eat or relax on small decking area outside room. Very welcoming and helpful staff - would stay again and recommend.

A good studio room for the price we paid. Walking distance from town and motel right on the sea front. Very pleasant greeting on arrival.

An older style motel, but very clean & homely with comfortable beds & pillows & right in the middle of town. Lovely friendly hosts who took the time to stop & chat. Kiera their cute puppy was a bonus as we were missing our little 4 legged friend back home.

Perfect place to stay after a day at the South Bay race course!

Handy to the beach and just a short stroll to the town centre.

Older motel close to the beach. Very comfortable. Good eating places close by.

Nice second-floor unit with a gorgeous view of the bay. Super clean and spacious. Hosts were very accommodating when we asked for extra bedding and electric blanket. Laundry facilities were available for use (free of charge). Minor hiccup with the WiFi which we had to self- reset a number of times (not a big problem once we figured it out). Great location - would stay again, but would pick a time after the spring/summer season actually starts. We had very limited dining options.

Nice motel close to the beach and to town. Good shower nice towels

Nice friendly staff. We had a room with a bedroom, living room, bathroom and kitchenette with the sea view. It was great to open up the curtain and see the view of the wave. The only issue is that it was not warm enough since there was only one portable heater, but the bed warmers were a nice thing to have.

Took the most amazing photos of the sun rising over the ocean from inside our room! The room was comfortable and well catered.

The view from our room was amazing.. Comfortable beds and with nice hosts..

Nice spot. Across the road from the sea. Spacious and comfortable. Kitchen needs updating, but otherwise lovely. A tea towel would have been useful.

Good accommodation for the price paid. Unexpected to have to pay for Wi-fi.

This was a single night but gave us a desire to stay in Kaikoura longer next time. Thanks

The room was clean, comfortable and quiet. Lovely views from the complex, easy walk in to shops & restaurants

We enjoyed our stay here. It was a large space with a well equipped kitchen. The beds were comfortable. There are huge windows that allow a beautiful view of the ocean. My only complaint is that there are no sheer curtains on the windows. Our cabin faced right out into the main road (and ocean, which was lovely), but it was like being in a fishbowl. The only option was to close the blackout curtains if we wanted any privacy, which meant the room was dark and we had to give up our view. Overall though, it was a great stay

Friendly. Really good value for money. For what we paid you can't fault the place. It does what it says and is a great location. No hassle stay. Fine for one night.

Earthquake damaged but clean, great staff.Don't have a need to say anymore other than walking distance to shops etc and opposite sea.

Great to have breakfast looking out to the bay . Walk to everything.

The staff were wonderful, we lost our room key and they were so accommodating. The room was comfortable and location was great. We loved our stay and wish it had been longer.

Loved our stay, exceptionally clean and modern inside the rooms, nice touches, very friendly owners, we will be back.

The property is clean - and that is the only good thing about it! The room was very uncomfortable - no heating in the bathroom, no plugs in the right places for hairdryers - and we were presented with dingy brown frayed towels that I might use to mop my floors. The towels were promptly changed on request - but I honestly think that any hotel/motel that supplies its guests with such towels simply disrespects them. The balcony was not carpeted - so basically the room was undergoing refurbishment? We would definitely not recommend.

Very basic but good when you want clean accommodation at a reasonable price. Owners nice and friendly.

Old motel but quiet and comfortable.Very well priced as we were staying at lots of different motels touring around South Is.Lady running the place was very helpful and friendly.

Most enjoyable stay with helpful hosts.

Fantastic, affordable, clean motel right on the beach. We didn't have a seaview room but we spent most of the daylight hours outside so it didn't matter.

The room was tidy and clean and with me travelling with my folks, it was good to have a separate room. A couch and stools and plenty of bench space added to the cosiness. The bed was comfortable.

Very comfortable room. 1 block from beach. Friendly and accommodating staff.

Very spacious apartment with great views directly at the lakefront! Very close to the city and great for walking around the lake.

Great location across the road from the beach and an easy walk into town. Good value for basic accomodation

Lovely and clean, comfortable beds and very helpful staff. Free laundry use was a massive bonus!!

Good value room across the road from the sea. Facilities older but tidy. friendly staff.

Beautiful location -quiet- The sign in the room telling us to ensure we washed the dishes as was self catering was unusual as was being given 2 tea bags for the stay- for 2 adults- Friendly people

The bed is small queen, self Contained with full kitchen facilities and a nice walk across the road to The sea and mountains

The hotel managers were a very friendly couple and we enjoyed our quick stay here. Basic facilities and an older style unit but it suited us as a place to rest our heads. We were in a quiet room at the back, it was very clean and tidy. Good value for money we thought.

A small but neat hotel with spacious room with kitchenette and reconditioned bathroom with great shower.

Friendly staff, spotlessly clean. Very comfortable bed. Stayed in a sort of converted shed - odd. Wi-Fi is an extra $5 - charging for Wi-Fi is simply mean. This motel is an odd mix of styles - outdated in some areas, others not. It's hugely expensive at $125 for a 'shed' room. Wouldn't stay again as there are nicer more traditional Kiwi Motels in the same street for less than the overpriced Sea-View Motel.