Great accommodation

Like Noeline Holt (Letters, May 26), my wife and I did a reasonably extensive three-week tour of the South Island last year.

Totally unplanned, and immediately before lockdown, we stayed at Picton, Kaikōura, Hanmer, Christchurch, Oamaru, Mosgiel, Cromwell, Fox, Punakaiki and again at Picton.

The top price paid was $340 at Kaikōura as most of the motels were closed, and this was for a two-bedroom, two-bathroom serviced apartment of the highest standard. The price was reduced after I said it was beyond our budget to $240.

Hanmer was at the historic Heritage Hotel; Oamaru at the wonderful Brydone Ō

Hotel; and at Punakaiki, the outstanding Ocean View Retreat. Prices overall ranged from $240 (reduced) to $145.

Every motel/hotel, including stayovers at places not highlighted, was just the very best you could wish for.

Spotless, comfortable and with service that could not be faulted. Although we made no forward bookings, we were just lucky. Friday and Saturday nights should be booked in advance.

I can’t understand why anyone paying upwards of $165 to $600 a night would accept a room reeking of cigarette smoke or having to share facilities.

Alistair Griffiths, Thorndon