I stayed here for a total of three nights while transiting between the Hump Ridge Track and Stewart Island in late December 2022. I booked the King Suite, a spacious studio apartment of penthouse proportions with sweeping views out across Invercargill and towards the Southland plains in one direction and Bluff in another. With the exception of the luxurious bathroom, the room was somewhat dated, and the circa 1980s shagpile carpet definitely needs replacing. However, it was still quite relaxing and comfortable. The highlight of staying here were the excellent staff and their exemplary level of support and service. I was abruptly woken in the early hours of the morning on my first night due to extremely loud guests in a neighbouring room who appeared to be in the hotel to drink and play in the gaming lounge. When I mentioned this to the staff at reception the next morning they promptly offered to move me to another room, which I accepted. Admittedly the second room was much more tired and worn than the King Suite, but the bed was comfortable, the sheets 5-star and I slept very well on the second night. Not only did they move me but they gave me, completely un-requested on my part, a partial refund to reflect the lower price difference of moving into the second room (the suite I initially stayed in is the most expensive room in the hotel). I greatly appreciated the management and reception's thoughtful responses to my need for a good night's sleep before starting out on the Hump Ridge Track. When I returned about 5 days later, I stayed in the King Suite, that I first been booked into, again. The noisy guests in neighbouring rooms had checked out, and the room was quiet and relaxing, just what I needed after completing the Hump Ridge Track. It is true that this hotel could do with a general refurbishment and renovation, but it represents good value for money with excellent staff, among the best I have met anywhere the world, and probably the friendliest and most helpful I've ever met in a New Zealand hotel. I also stayed, after returning from Stewart Island in early January, at the band new Langlands Hotel which, like the Kelvin Hotel, is also owned by the Invercargill Licensing Trust (ITL). While I thoroughly enjoyed the luxury at the Langlands I equally enjoyed the Kelvin and would happily stay here again.
Very Good
46 Reviews