Rutland Arms Inn

Hotels
8.6 (1079 reviews)
48-52 Ridgway Street , Whanganui , nz

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Free

Facilities

WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Free Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Restaurant
Room service
Heating
Terrace
Laundry
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Review Highlights

Pros:
Historic/heritage building and atmosphere
Central, convenient location
Friendly, attentive staff
Comfortable, large rooms and beds
High-quality restaurant and bar
Continental breakfast included
Cons:
Poor/weak shower water pressure (repeated across many reviews)
Some showers small or mediocre
Breakfast sometimes only continental when guests expected cooked options
Occasional minor room odour on arrival
Dining fully booked in one instance

Categories

Cleanliness
9
Generally reported as very clean; guests explicitly mention comfortable, clean rooms and no shortcomings in several reviews.
Service
9
Staff repeatedly praised as friendly, attentive and exceptional (multiple shout-outs to specific staff), indicating strong service throughout stays.
Location
9.2
Consistently described as central and ideal for exploring the city; heritage position praised and carpark directly behind the hotel noted positively.
Room Quality
8.3
Rooms are described as large, comfortable and characterful with good beds and period features, but some guests report issues (odd odour on arrival in one case) and bathroom/shower shortcomings.
Amenities
7.5
Breakfast and restaurant are positives, but recurring negative comments about very weak/poor shower water pressure and small shower size lower this score.
Value for Money
8.2
Perceived as good value by many guests given included continental breakfast and quality restaurant; some disappointment noted when guests expected a larger cooked breakfast.
Food and Beverage
8.8
Restaurant and bar receive strong praise (outstanding evening meals, craft beer selection, knowledgeable staff); breakfast generally liked when continental, though a few expected more.
Overall Experience
8.8
Overall stays are very positive with guests enjoying the historic charm, central location, friendly staff and good food; main detractor across reviews is inconsistent shower performance.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-08-13 07:01

Property Description

Elegant Suites with Modern Amenities - The suites at Rutland Arms Inn boast a beautiful blend of period and contemporary furnishings, offering a luxurious stay for guests. Each suite is equipped with a seating area, flat-screen TV, and complimentary Wi-Fi, ensuring a comfortable and convenient experience.

Delicious Dining and Relaxation - Guests can indulge in a culinary delight at the on-site a la carte restaurant and bar, serving a variety of local and international dishes along with craft beers. For relaxation, the shared lounge areas and terrace provide the perfect spots to unwind after a day of exploring the city.

Convenient Location - Nestled on the main street of Wanganui, Rutland Arms Inn is just a stone's throw away from the city's main shopping area, sports stadium, and the picturesque waterfront. With free on-site parking and proximity to Wanganui Airport, convenience is at your doorstep.

Experience luxury and convenience at Rutland Arms Inn - Book your stay now!

Important information:

Please advise the property of the number of guests staying in each room. 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 the rooms are located on the 1st floor of the Rutland Building and access is via stairs only. There is no elevator available, however, the staff are available to assist with your luggage.
A deposit may be required at the property.

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

Location

Guest Reviews

8.6
Based on 1079 reviews
Cleanliness: 9
Service: 9
Location: 9.2
Room Quality: 8.3
Amenities: 7.5
Value for Money: 8.2
Food and Beverage: 8.8
Overall Experience: 8.8
P
Padraig • solo_traveller • ie
8
Lovely stay, great location
Pros:

Great location right in the middle of town, free parking on-site, friendly staff.

Cons:

Water pressure in the shower wasn't very strong

2026-08-16 • via Nuitee
L
Lisa • solo_traveller • nz
8
Happy staying the night
Pros:

It’s a lovely old Hotel. The restaurant and bar food was good. Bed was comfortable. Rooms large.

Cons:

The water pressure in the bathroom not so great. Lighting in room a little dim.

2026-08-12 • via Nuitee
D
Deborah • solo_traveller • nz
9
2026-08-11 • via Nuitee
S
Shiree • couple • nz
10
Lovely stuff, good food close to things that we required
Pros:

Nice and clean

Cons:

Was like a Viking feeling

2026-08-09 • via Nuitee
J
john • couple • nz
6
2026-08-09 • via Nuitee
R
Roger and Lorna • couple • nz
9
Pros:

The breakfast was just like home

2026-08-07 • via Nuitee
A
Alasdair • solo_traveller • nz
9
Pros:

Centrally located.

2026-08-06 • via Nuitee
S
Steven • solo_traveller • nz
7
Pros:

Nice old traditional hotel, good atmosphere in the bar/restaurant.

Cons:

Terrible bathroom, really poor shower with low water pressure.

2026-08-04 • via Nuitee
S
Sarah • couple • nz
9
Exceptional staff, comfortable rooms with old-fashioned charm in central Whanganui
Pros:

We loved our stay at the Rutland Arms. Very friendly staff, a large room and bathroom, and in a central location with carpark directly behind the hotel. The hotel is in an elegant old building with high ceilings and period features. The downstairs restaurant serves up great food that's a cut above the usual pub fare and the selection of craft beers and knowledge bar staff make this a pretty special place to stay.

Cons:

The shower in our room was mediocre but I've stayed in other rooms at the Rutland Arms where that hasn't been the case.

2026-08-03 • via Nuitee
K
Kevin • family_with_children • nz
9
We were a family group celebrating a birthday ; a wonderful experience!
Pros:

Our rooms were lovely! So comfortable, and clean, with everything we needed. We loved the historic building.

Cons:

There were no shortcomings.

2026-07-24 • via Nuitee
K
Kevin • couple • nz
7
My wife especially enjoys staying or visiting here when staying transitting to & fro from New Plymouth.
Pros:

Unique & old worldly.

Cons:

We were unable to use the dining facilities as they were fully booked out……but unusual circumstances.

2026-07-24 • via Nuitee
O
Oxborough • couple • nz
8
Brillant - exactly as described - friendly great place
Pros:

The staff were fantastic, and we enjoyed everything. The service was welcoming, and the great complimentary continental breakfast by the fire was excellent.

Cons:

The showers were not that great with the pressure, but that is the only negative

2026-07-23 • via Nuitee
L
Lynn • solo_traveller • nz
10
Great comfort right in the heart of the city
Pros:

Lovely old heritage building and room with the best of amenities. Beautiful comfy bed, great towels etc. was lovely to have dinner and just climb the stairs to bed. Wonderful continental breakfast included. Will def stay again.

Cons:

Nothing

2026-07-23 • via Nuitee
J
jennifer • couple • au
9
Very comfortable, historic and central
Pros:

The room was very large and comfortable with everything we needed. The location was ideal as it was central to restaurants cafes and museum and gallery which we enjoyed very much

Cons:

There was an unusual odour in the room when we arrived. My husband thought it may have been a furniture polish. We did put the fan on high and opened the windows and it was much improved after we returned after a meal. The staff were so busy we didn't like to mention it but think it would be a good idea for them to follow up

2026-07-21 • via Nuitee
A
Alan • solo_traveller • nz
10
Pros:

Lovely step back in time

Cons:

Water pressure in shower weak. Only weakness.

2026-07-19 • via Nuitee
G
Graham • couple • nz
10
Very enjoyable. Locality perfect. Can't wait to return.
Pros:

Continental Breakfast was a great inclusion

Cons:

Everything was great

2026-07-15 • via Nuitee
R
Rodger • extended_group • nz
8
2026-07-14 • via Nuitee
R
Ramtin • solo_traveller • nz
10
Pros:

Location and heritage

Cons:

N/A

2026-07-11 • via Nuitee
M
Michael • couple • nz
8
Recommended
Pros:

Great location and superb meal down in the restaurant

2026-07-09 • via Nuitee
A
Ange • solo_traveller • nz
8
Great location
Pros:

Great location and very clean

Cons:

Disappointed that the breakfast was not what was expected. I booked this especially as it had breakfast included in the cost but it was only a continental breakfast. I wouldn't have booked it knowing that as we had a huge day ahea. Also the shower is far too small!

2026-07-09 • via Nuitee