Riverside Hotel Marlborough

The hotel offers a welcoming stay, distinguished by its recent renovations that have brought a modern touch to many areas, alongside the convenience of an exceptional on-site Japanese restaurant. Its walkable location near the town center and river makes it an ideal base for exploration. Guests consistently praise the friendly and accommodating staff and the overall cleanliness of the property. This establishment is particularly well-suited for couples looking for a quiet retreat to explore local wineries, business travelers needing comfortable and well-located accommodation with ample parking, and families who appreciate the spacious rooms and on-site amenities like the pool. For an optimal experience, it is recommended to inquire about the availability of newly renovated rooms, as some older sections are still awaiting updates, and to certainly indulge in a meal at the highly-regarded Japanese restaurant.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers several amenities designed to enhance guest stays, most notably a refreshing pool that, despite being described as cool by some, is a highly appreciated feature, especially during warmer periods. Guests consistently highlight the availability of fast Wi-Fi throughout the property, ensuring seamless connectivity for both leisure and business purposes. While some reviews mention the convenience of an elevator in certain sections, the overall feedback on general facilities is positive, contributing to a comfortable and convenient experience. The property's spacious layout provides various areas for guests to relax and enjoy their stay, though specific details on other common amenities like a fitness center or dedicated business services are not extensively mentioned in guest feedback. The presence of ice machines or vending machines is not a prominent theme in reviews.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be clean and well-maintained, with many describing them as spacious and comfortable, often split into separate bedroom and living areas. The beds are frequently praised for being large and comfortable, ensuring a good night's sleep. While some guests note that certain bathrooms appear a bit dated or show signs of wear like rust, they are consistently reported as clean and functional, with hot showers. However, a recurring concern for some guests is the presence of an overpowering odor or a fried oil smell in rooms, which is attributed to ventilation issues from the on-site restaurant. Additionally, noise levels can be an issue, with some reporting thin walls allowing sounds from neighboring rooms to be easily heard, though many rooms are also described as quiet despite being near a main road.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel features an on-site Japanese restaurant, Sasa, which receives overwhelmingly positive feedback for its authentic and delicious food, often described as excellent and very well-priced. Many guests consider dining here a highlight of their stay and highly recommend it. However, a significant concern raised by some is the ventilation system of the restaurant, which can lead to a pervasive fried oil smell permeating into nearby guest rooms, affecting clothes and overall room ambiance. Regarding breakfast, while available, some guests express disappointment with the limited vegetarian choices at the buffet, leading them to seek dining options elsewhere for their morning meal. Despite this, the quality of the main restaurant's offerings remains a strong draw.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent central location, making it highly accessible and convenient for guests. It is situated within easy walking distance of the town center, Seymour Square, the bus station, and the river walk, with a bridge providing direct access into town. Despite being located on a main road, the property is set back sufficiently, ensuring that road noise is generally not a factor affecting room quietness. The hotel also offers spacious parking, which is a significant advantage for guests traveling by car, providing ample space and convenience. While one review mentioned a lack of direct pedestrian access other than a footpath down a grass embankment on the other side of a busy state highway, the overall consensus is that the location is highly practical for exploring the area on foot.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise for their exceptional friendliness, helpfulness, and accommodating nature. Guests frequently highlight the warm welcome and attentive service from various team members, including the manager and reception staff, who are described as super friendly and courteous. The check-in process is often described as smooth and efficient, with some guests appreciating the flexibility for early check-in and detailed guidance for after-hours arrivals. The team's willingness to go above and beyond to ensure a comfortable stay is a recurring theme, contributing significantly to a positive guest experience. Their courteous and attentive approach makes guests feel well looked after, reinforcing the hotel's reputation for excellent service and making many guests eager to return.

Additional Information
The hotel is currently undergoing ongoing renovations, with many rooms already updated to a modern standard, though some older sections are still awaiting refurbishment. Guests should be aware that while many rooms are described as modern and spotless, some may still reflect a more dated aesthetic, and there have been observations of maintenance issues such as rubbish in gardens and cobwebs on the building exterior in unrenovated areas, suggesting a need for more consistent upkeep in these areas. A notable and highly appreciated feature is the hotel's pet-friendly policy, allowing guests to bring their dogs, which is a significant convenience for pet owners. This blend of newly renovated spaces and areas still awaiting updates, coupled with specific policies, shapes the overall guest experience, offering a glimpse into the hotel's transition.