Pen-y-bryn Lodge, Oamaru NZ

This place is fabulous. The two James have created a wonderful interior, with many items from their time in China. |The rooms are beautifully appointed, and the food on offer is amazing. The dinner is an experience to be savoured, and should not be missed.

A unique place to stay where every detail has been lovingly thought through, from the furniture to the homemade jams at breakfast. A historic property with real character and a small number of beautifully decorated rooms that has been a labour of love for the owners. Enjoy the history and elegance of this charming place to stay.

Where do I start. This was easily the best accommodation of our 5 week NZ adventure. James and James have created a sumptuous country house hotel in Oamaru that is truly faultless. As hosts they were always there to help, breakfasts were a true feast (pretty much all home made) and our dinner worthy of the finest restaurants! We were sorry to leave.|Thanks James x2

We went for our 21st wedding anniversary... needing something "special" for the occasion. The location and setting was beautiful, the Lodge dazzling and full of history and nooks and crannies to explore, the food to die for. ||But the way in which we were greeted and treated was very "off", almost as though we weren't interesting enough other than the $1000+ we were paying for the priviledge. |A sort of rich mans Basil Fawlty at the helm of a nicer Fawlty Towers.|The host, James, was on the point of being rude and combative.||Only at the very last moment of our stay as we paid via VISA, did he let slip that the place was up for sale. It all made sense then.|He, like Pen-y-bryn Lodge was tired and to be honest...he felt BORED with it all.|After 15 years I get it... but you don't take it out on the paying guest.

You won’t find better service anywhere. The food is excellent, and is only enhanced by the répartee from J and J. Bring your A game though if you don’t want to miss any of the clever things they say. My wife and I celebrated our 25th anniversary while staying at PYB, and J and J could not have made it more special for us. Thanks again guys!

Superb, top-class lodge. |Warm welcome. |Room: The Park Room, very beautiful, very spacious and very tastefully decorated. |Breakfast, taken in the company of other guests, is as copious as it is excellent and made with quality products, some of which are homemade.|A magnificent place. Everything is just perfect.

James & James are generous and welcoming guests and custodians of this amazing property. Think English stately home and you will not be far wrong. The history and charm of the house need to be seen to be believed. Great room with the best shower of our trip! Breakfast cooked to order and enjoyed with the other guests in the beautiful dining room. Great to meet Milo & George the resident dogs.

We were the only guests for our nights stay. we went to the Blue Eyed Penguin observation and wandered around town. Very Steam Punk. The lodge was pretty awesome. Our room, Elizabeth, had a ensuite bathroom and very comfortable and seating for two. We had a dinner at the Lodge just for the 2 of us. A lovely night and following day breakfast. It had all the fixings. The public rooms were quite opulent and fun to see all the books, etc. The proprietor was very helpful in all counts. Helped with finding us a Doctor to go to and a fantastic driving route up to Mt Cook.