I think this is a category 4 or 5 Hilton as only 35,000 points per night are required for the stay. It doesn’t have all the little extras that the bigger 5+ star Hiltons have, such as toothbrushes and toothpaste, shaving razors etc. There isn’t even a bathtub. BUT = the service makes up for it. I have been lucky to have travelled to all parts of the globe and stayed at many Hilton family of hotels, and this one has the BEST service out of all of them. Maybe it is the NZ hospitality – definitely kudos to the hotel manager. From getting out of the taxi, with 2 team members rushing out of the lobby to assist, to ongoing smiles and ‘hellos’ at all touch-points with staff.

A good 10 minute walk to the lake and a 40 min stroll into town, this hotel is a mix of old and new, with the Heritage wing which houses the restaurant and lobby and I believe the actual hotel rooms, and the modern wing with suites and apartments. We are upgraded to a junior suite which is simple, stylish, and overlooking the pool. We receive a welcome letter and bottle of wine from the hotel manager which is a nice touch.

As this is a short trip, most of our time is spent relaxing in our oversized room, watching one of the 2 TVs, lazing by the pool or in the steam room and sauna. We also go to the hot-spring baths next door at De Bretts Spa resort.

A Continental Breakfast is included as a Diamond member which is simple and delicious, and a great start to the day.