Cardona Hotel is a GEM!
This is our second time staying here. We've stayed in a lot of great places all over NZ, but Cardrona Hotel is by far our favorite. They've done such an amazing job with the restoration, keeping it feeling like an old mining hotel/pub, but still very upscale. The rooms have all new amenities but still look like they could be original.
The bar, restaurant and outside areas are where the hotel really shines.
If you're here in ski season, this is the go-to aprés-ski if you're on Cardrona Mtn. The mulled wine is worth lining up for and the cozy interior or multiple spots by the fire pits out back make a great place to hang out after a big day on the mountain. Both the bar and restaurant food are delicious. If you want to eat at the restaurant, I'd make a reservation. It's absolutely worth it.
If you're staying at the hotel, their breakfast is also just what you need to start the day.
This time we stayed in summer, and it was just as lovely. Instead of mulled wine, they had sangria! It was great! We sat out in the back area, the weather was lovely, and again, the food....perfect.
As amazing as the hotel, drinks, food and premises are, what really sells this place is the staff. Always so nice, friendly and attentive. Even when we were there, we had a huge unexpected rush of customers. While obviously a bit shorter on staff and under the pump, the staff never waivered in their charm and service.
All of this is to say.....stay here. You'll love it.