The County Hotel

Hotels
9.4 (719 reviews)
12 Browning Street , Napier , nz

Children allowed

Facilities

Television in common areas
Express check-in
Free wired internet
Golfing on site
Self parking (surcharge)
Internet access
Art gallery on site
Wine release events
Reception hall
Golf cart
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Outstanding hosts
Exceptional service
Charming character
Cons:
Dining experience issues
Slow service noted in restaurant

Categories

Cleanliness
9.26
Spotlessly clean rooms were mentioned positively, but the overall experience related to dining raised concerns.
Service
10
Angela and her team were highlighted as outstanding hosts, providing exceptional service throughout the stay.
Location
9.73
Described as a hidden gem in a great location, convenient for guests.
Room Quality
9.27
Rooms had old-fashioned character but were rated average in comfort by some.
Amenities
9.72
The library and complimentary port were appreciated by guests.
Value for Money
9.75
Guests noted that the experience and package deals offered great value.
Food and Beverage
7.71
Dining experience received a negative review, impacting the overall rating.
Overall Experience
9.76
Overall amazing experience, with few negatives overshadowed by positives.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-03-01 23:28

Property Description

Luxurious 5-Star Hotel in Napier's Art Deco Precinct

Charming Heritage Building: The County Hotel, originally built in 1909, survived the 1931 earthquake and exudes Edwardian Art Deco grandeur, offering a unique and elegant stay.

Elegantly Designed Rooms: Each room at The County Hotel features antique furnishings, a TV with satellite and Netflix channels, air conditioning, a work desk, and tea/coffee making facilities for a comfortable and luxurious experience.

Award-Winning Dining and Beverage Options: Indulge in exquisite dining at Wine Street Restaurant and Churchill's Champagne & Snug Bar, offering a superb selection of wine, whiskey, cocktails, and champagne. Don't miss the opportunity to savor the delicious à la carte menu at Churchills Lounge Bar & Restaurant.

Experience luxury and heritage at The County Hotel - book your stay now for an unforgettable experience.

Important information:

Please inform The County Hotel in advance of your expected arrival time. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly with the contact details provided in your confirmation.
Guests are required to show a photo identification and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.
Food & beverage services at this property may be limited or unavailable due to Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Guests under the age of 18 can only check in with a parent or official guardian.
In response to Coronavirus (COVID-19), additional safety and sanitation measures are in effect at this property.
A damage deposit of NZD 250 is required. The host charges this 14 days before arrival. This will be collected by credit card. You should be reimbursed within 7 days of check-out. Your deposit will be refunded in full via credit card, subject to an inspection of the property.
Please let The County Hotel know your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property using the contact details found on the booking confirmation.

Please note that there is a 2% surcharge for credit card payments.
A deposit may be required at the property.

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

Property Policies

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

  • Pets

    Pets are not allowed.

  • Parking

    Private parking is possible on site (reservation is needed) and costs NZD 15 per day.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 10 years old stay for NZD 45 per person per night when using an existing bed.
    You haven't added any cots.
    You haven't added any extra beds.
    Supplements are not calculated automatically in the total costs and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.

Location

Guest Reviews

9.4
Based on 719 reviews
Cleanliness: 9.26
Service: 10
Location: 9.73
Room Quality: 9.27
Amenities: 9.72
Value for Money: 9.75
Food and Beverage: 7.71
Overall Experience: 9.76
T
teamannz Couples Waipukurau, Hawke's Bay Region, North Island
10
Excellent
Pros:

A quiet and comfortable place to stay.A beautiful meal served in the hotel, ideal for a Winter getaway.

2026-08-09 via Tripadvisor
E
Elean0reM Couples Eskdale, Napier, Hawke's Bay Region, North Island
10
Elegant and luxurious - an absolute treat.
Pros:

For top quality, old fashioned hospitality in every sense, I don’t think anything beats the experience at the County Hotel. Our room was beautifully furnished, and extremely comfortable, with a spacious and lovely bathroom. All the rooms are different - different colours, different furnishing. It is like stepping back in time, but it isn’t “quaint”; it is elegant. The menu was lovely - fairly classical, beautifully executed and presented. And the staff were lovely - very welcoming and genuinely hospitable. I highly recommend this top quality establishment.

2026-08-08 via Tripadvisor
L
lovingthetravelling2 Couples Tauranga, Bay of Plenty Region, North Island
10
Great place to stay in Napier
Pros:

Not our first stay and the County Hotel and definitely not our last stay. Angela is a great host. We were greeted warmly on arrival and escorted to our room, she explained everything about the hotel to us. Helped us with our luggage.
Great atmosphere, super rooms, bathroom set up wonderful. All amenities close including secure parking. A great place to stay when you visit Napier

2026-08-08 via Tripadvisor
L
lindalF3808UR Couples
10
Weekend Getaway
Pros:

Not our first stay at The County Hotel and certainly won't be our last! Every aspect of our time there was First Class. The rooms, the restaurant (superb cuisine) the total ambience and especially Angela and Donnie as hosts goes above and beyond all expectations....highly recommended.

2026-07-25 via Tripadvisor
G
grewatts Business Dublin, County Dublin
10
Home away from home.
Pros:

Located in a great spot close to shops and beach. This charming Deco style Hotel is like a home away from home.
Comfortable, old world charm with outstanding service, friendly staff and awesome food.
Churchills bar completes the package with an excellent selection of fine wines and spirits.
Thank you Angie and Donie.

2026-07-20 via Tripadvisor
S
Seaside23007519606 Friends getaway Napier, Hawke's Bay Region, North Island
10
A stunning 70th Birthday luncheon Dinning experience
Pros:

17 guest had a fabulous dining experience on Saturday lunchtime
The meals were out of this world
Supported by wonderful staff and in a stunning dinning Room
Thank you Angela you made the whole afternoon a fabulous occasion enjoyed by all 🥂🥂👍

2026-07-13 via Tripadvisor
O
Odyssey11837267869 Family
10
Top class
Pros:

Great accommodation, high recommended. Exceptionally clean. Very friendly staff. In the heart of Napier close to cafes, restaurants and art gallery
You won't be disappointed.

2026-06-23 via Tripadvisor
J
J7328HJyvonneb Couples
10
Iconic hotel Napier
Pros:

From the time we parked the car, till we left 2 days later we felt we left friends behind.
An iconic hotel in Napier where customer service to Angela and Donie is the number 1.
The atmosphere, environment and the food were just superb.
Loved our stay, we will be back
Thank you

2026-06-12 via Tripadvisor
U
U6430ITlisat Family
10
Beauty and elegance
Pros:

What a special and delightful find on Luxury Escapes. From checking in to checking out was seamless and welcoming. The venue was delightful, comfortable, spotless and the location exceptional. We were left a welcome gift and although we didn’t take advantage of the complimentary port in the library during our stay we were very impressed with the inclusion. Would definitely recommend and return.

2026-06-12 via Tripadvisor
D
Dreamer08361429152 Couples
10
Casual Weekend break.
Pros:

We love the Hotel and the Team. Great atmosphere, beautiful rooms and the Churchill Bar was fantastic to dine in. As far as we are concerned there is no where else we would stay in Napier!
Donie and Angela and the Crew do an amazing job making you feel welcome and always happy to help in any way they can.

2026-06-09 via Tripadvisor
V
Voyage27413241073 Couples
10
Just wow!! What a treat!
Pros:

Our stay with Ange, Donie and the team was magical. We felt so welcome and spoiled. The value for money was outstanding. The service, cocktails and the food were magnificent. The library and port was a wee treat and lovely way to end the evening. The facilities were beautiful. We are definitely making this an annual treat. We will be back for dinner and cocktails between stays. We highly recommend the Dine, Dream, Delight | One Night Package. Thanks so much team.

2026-06-04 via Tripadvisor
M
marysteed78 Couples Mount Maunganui, Tauranga, Bay of Plenty Region, North Island
10
10 out of 10
Pros:

from the warm welcome to the sad goodbye,this place is a treasure only staying there will reveal.everything ticks the boxes.
Pete and Mary

2026-06-02 via Tripadvisor
S
simonbW8049OC Couples
10
Five‑Star Service at a Charming Napier Gem.
Pros:

Our stay at The County Hotel was absolutely exceptional. From the moment we arrived, we felt genuinely welcomed and cared for, something that is becoming increasingly rare, and all the more special because of it.

A heartfelt thank you goes especially to Angela, whose warmth, professionalism, and effortless hospitality set the tone for our entire visit. She went above and beyond in so many thoughtful ways, and her genuine kindness made us feel more like treasured guests than visitors passing through. Donie also deserves a special mention for his friendly manner and attentive service, which added to the sense of ease and comfort throughout our stay.

We also had a fantastic dining experience at Churchill’s Lounge Bar & Restaurant. The atmosphere was elegant yet welcoming, and the menu was beautifully crafted, refined, seasonal, and clearly designed with care. Every dish was delicious, and the service matched the standard of the food: attentive, warm, and genuinely thoughtful. It was the perfect way to end our evenings, and a real highlight of our stay.

The hotel itself is full of character and charm, beautifully maintained, and perfectly located but it’s the people who truly make it shine. Thanks to Angela and Donie, our time here was memorable for all the right reasons.

We left feeling refreshed, appreciated, and already looking forward to returning. Highly recommended.

2026-05-22 via Tripadvisor
A
acky1041 Couples Napier, Hawke's Bay Region, North Island
10
Perfect getaway in the centre of Napier
Pros:

Perfect for a mid week or weekend away to recharge your batteries with the one you love.
Great hospitality and dining.
In the centre of Napier, handy to everything to keep you busy.

2026-05-21 via Tripadvisor
W
Wendyclan Couples Caloundra, Sunshine Coast, Queensland
10
Amazing Art Deco Hotel with old fashioned great service.
Pros:

This is such a beautiful hotel. We booked 2 rooms for a 2 night stay at the end of April and had the best experience ever. The hotel rooms were absolutely beautiful. We were welcomed by the lovely Angela who showed us up to our room. We enjoyed 2 delicious breakfasts and a scrumptious dinner and have not stopped raving about our experience. Our friends and us also enjoyed a game of cards in the library with a glass of port. A special mention to Charlie who was an absolute gem. If you want an amazing place to stay in Napier this is the place to be.

2026-05-21 via Tripadvisor
P
planz2017 Couples Papakura, North Island
10
Fabulous 2 nights at County Hotel.
Pros:

Fabulous Hotel, right in the centre of town, decor is exceptional . the room was so comfortable and great value for money. Angela was so welcoming and helpful made our stay fantastic. Will certainly stay again when in Napier.

2026-05-14 via Tripadvisor
C
Cjg60 Couples
10
Luxury escape
Pros:

Welcoming friendly and helpful reception.
Comfortable spacious and well equipped room.
Excellent meals.
We will definitely return

2026-05-12 via Tripadvisor
S
Sunshine67976492445 Couples Whanganui, Manawatu-Wanganui Region, North Island
10
Weekend at the County Hotel
Pros:

We stayed at the County Hotel for a birthday weekend and had a really great experience from start to finish.

The location is excellent, right in the heart of everything, which made it easy to get around and enjoy the weekend. The hotel itself has a lot of character. The rooms felt unique and original, not your typical modern setup, which we really liked. Everything was clean, tidy, and well presented.

We also dined in the restaurant and that was a highlight. The food was excellent and the atmosphere made it feel like a proper occasion without being over the top.

Overall, a really enjoyable stay. We’d happily come back again and would recommend it to anyone looking for something a bit different with plenty of charm.

2026-05-03 via Tripadvisor
T
Traveler09093149467 Friends getaway
10
Fantastic Getaway
Pros:

From the moment we stepped in the door the staff made us feel welcomed, The location is great. The cuisine outstanding. The rooms were comfortable and very clean and inviting just like the rest of the building.
Once again the staff made it more special. Definitely will be back

2026-05-01 via Tripadvisor
M
M469OXkenm Couples
10
Lovely, gentle and welcoming venue to unwind for a few days in a very special city
Pros:

Wonderful central location. The atmosphere was very welcoming with old fashioned charm and comfort with fantastic staff who were always on hand to help. The room was very spacious with lovely plush furnishings and a large bed. Everything was clean and tidy and noise level was at a minimum. Loved the extra special amenities including the gorgeous wood paneled library with a glass of port to sip while sitting in a big old leather chair reading a book. Overall, very good value and a definite place to return to for another visit. Thank you for making our stay so enjoyable.

2026-04-30 via Tripadvisor