Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

Hotels
7.9 (1264 reviews)
36 Main Road , Franz Josef , NZ

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Free
Children allowed

Facilities

WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Free Parking
Non-smoking rooms
24-hour front desk
Restaurant
Room service
Business center
Heating
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Excellent central location, walkable to shops/restaurants/heliport
Very friendly, helpful and responsive staff
Many rooms are cozy, comfortable and offer great views
Good value for money reported by multiple guests
Cons:
Inconsistent room quality — some beds too soft or mattresses reported as worn/broken
Occasional cleanliness/maintenance issues (bathroom leaks, foul odors, non-working fridge)
Breakfast quality uneven (burnt/overcooked items)
Missing small amenities (toothbrushes) and some older bathroom facilities

Categories

Cleanliness
6.5
Mixed reports — many rooms described as clean and tidy, but several notable incidents (bathroom leak, foul odor/milk left in fridge, old bathroom facilities) lowered overall cleanliness sentiment.
Service
9
Consistently praised — staff described as lovely, helpful and accommodating (including strong response during a power outage and assistance with arrangements).
Location
9.2
Very strong — repeatedly noted as central, within walking distance to shops/restaurants/heliport and close to amenities and walks; excellent views mentioned.
Room Quality
7.6
Generally comfortable and cozy with great views for many guests, but some significant negatives (very soft or broken mattresses, occasional leaks and poor bed quality) create inconsistency.
Amenities
7
Serviceable but uneven — generators and basic services worked well during outages, but issues reported with bathroom fittings, lack of toiletries (no toothbrush), non-working fridge and nearby shop closures.
Value for Money
8.2
Mostly positive — several guests called it great value and worth the money, though a minority felt pricing did not match poor bed/room incidents.
Food and Beverage
7.2
Mixed — some high praise for the restaurant and a perfectly cooked steak, contrasted with complaints about breakfast quality (burnt bacon, overcooked eggs).
Overall Experience
8.5
Overall positive — many guests enjoyed location, helpful staff and comfortable rooms; a number of isolated but impactful negative experiences (beds, leaks, cleanliness) tempered otherwise strong stays.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-08-11 18:29

Property Description

Luxurious Accommodations
Indulge in spacious rooms and suites with modern amenities, en suite bathrooms, and satellite TV. Select rooms even feature a balcony for stunning views.

Fine Dining Experience
Savor delectable modern New Zealand cuisine and quality wines at our on-site restaurant for breakfast and dinner. Immerse yourself in a culinary journey without leaving the hotel.

Adventure Awaits
Conveniently located in Franz Josef Village, embark on glacier walks, helicopter flights, and horse trekking adventures. Let our staff assist in arranging local excursions for a truly memorable stay.

Experience award-winning, eco-friendly hospitality at Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier. Book now for an unforgettable getaway!

Important information:

Please note that there is a 1.5% charge when you pay with a credit card.

Please note that when booking 5 or more rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.
A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 10:00 AM
Airport code: HKK

Location

Guest Reviews

7.9
Based on 1264 reviews
Cleanliness: 6.5
Service: 9
Location: 9.2
Room Quality: 7.6
Amenities: 7
Value for Money: 8.2
Food and Beverage: 7.2
Overall Experience: 8.5
M
Marion • solo_traveller • de
5
Flug über die Gletscher mit anderer Unterkunft!
Pros:

Die Lage in Franz Josef direkt an der Hauptstraße war ideal und trotzdem ruhig, schöner Garten. Wir konnten früher einchecken.

Cons:

In 6 Wochen Neuseeland war dies die teuerste Unterkunft und gleichzeitig die schlechteste. Nicht mehr als Jugendherbergsstandard, auch beim Frühstück und dafür 300 Euro, wir fühlten uns zum ersten Mal abgezockt. Alte Möbel sind okay, man kann sie aber in Ordnung halten. Die Dusche wurde gefühlt nie geputzt und hat nicht funktioniert.

2026-10-17 • via Nuitee
M
Michelle • family_with_children • au
8
Clean and tidy. Great location.
Pros:

Great location, easy check in. Just a room with Two comfortable double beds and a bathroom. Simple and easy for a quick stop over.

Cons:

Might require a fan for air flow and / ventilation.

2026-10-13 • via Nuitee
A
Andrew • family_with_children • au
6
2026-10-13 • via Nuitee
S
Sarah • family_with_children • au
10
Pros:

We were only there one night but the view was the best

Cons:

Breakfast, except the eggs, they were amazing

2026-10-13 • via Nuitee
A
Aimee • solo_traveller • us
7
Pros:

The location made up for everything else. The bed was worn out the pillows were also spent. There is no elevator so you have to haul your luggage up and down. The shower was so tiny. It was dated yet a beautiful view and surroundings.

2026-10-13 • via Nuitee
E
Elena • extended_group • nz
7
Comfortable enough.
Pros:

Great views.

Cons:

Outdated interior.

2026-10-11 • via Nuitee
P
Pushkar • couple • in
6
Pros:

Location

Cons:

Breakfast

2026-10-11 • via Nuitee
D
DINESH • family_with_children • au
10
Nice property for a small location
Pros:

Great property and location

2026-10-10 • via Nuitee
D
Davina • solo_traveller • au
10
Comfy beds and great location.
Pros:

Fantastic location and the most comfortable beds. Beth on the front desk was the most welcoming host. Highly recommend for a great value place to stay.

Cons:

None

2026-10-10 • via Nuitee
G
Gerard • couple • au
8
2026-10-08 • via Nuitee
Y
Yasen • couple • gb
6
Ok for one night stay
Pros:

Location, friendly staff, large room

Cons:

Hotel is quite tired and in a need of modernisation

2026-10-08 • via Nuitee
K
ken57 • solo_traveller • au
9
Great stop over.
Pros:

View from our room was amazing.
All staff encounter were friendly and helpful.
K.

2026-10-07 • via Nuitee
G
Grant • solo_traveller • au
9
Highly recommend the hotel
Pros:

Well appointed rooms with a separate lounge. Wonderful views of the mountains.

2026-10-07 • via Nuitee
J
John • couple • nz
7
We enjoyed our stay in Franz Josef, because it is such a lovely little town.
Pros:

Location was excellent.

Cons:

The facility was very 'tired. It really needs a whole makeover.

2026-09-18 • via Nuitee
L
Lance • solo_traveller • au
1
Pros:

Not much.

Cons:

There was a ladies pad wrapper on the floor of the bathroom floor and hair as well. The beds had no spring left in them very uncomfortable. Breakfast food was lukewarm at best. Very disappointing left and drove to Queenstown.

2026-09-16 • via Nuitee
T
Troy • solo_traveller • au
10
Pros:

Staff were friendly and helpful. The restaurant had great food including the buffet breakfast. The room was spacious and clean. Location was central.

Cons:

King size bed mattress is heading towards needing to be replaced.

2026-09-15 • via Nuitee
S
Sharyn • couple • au
8
2026-09-11 • via Nuitee
H
Helen • solo_traveller • nz
5
Average accomodation
Pros:

Staff were very friendly. Clean accomodation. Shower had great pressure. Central location near connecting coach services and other attractions.

Cons:

Cooked breakfast selections like warm at best. There is no lift for accommodation on the upper floors, making it difficult to navigate stairs while having mobility issues. Somewhat dated accomodation and dining room tables and chairs old and chipped with sticky surfaces.

2026-09-09 • via Nuitee
S
Stephanie • couple • au
10
Lovely comfortable hotel. Particularly enjoyed sitting by the fire having a glass of wine before dinner.
Pros:

The staff are all amazing! Friendly & helpful and very welcoming.

2026-09-03 • via Nuitee
K
Kel • solo_traveller • au
9
2026-08-29 • via Nuitee