Tripadvisor website reviews 

January 31, 2012   “Top class accommodation”

The St James cannot be faulted - the rooms are outstanding, attention to detail is second to none and the owners/ managers are excellent. It was such a pleasure to stay at a hotel which didn't keep adding on extra costs for everyday things like Internet and laundry facilities. This is highly recommended accommodation. Oh, and beds are awesome - like sleeping on a cloud.

Room Tip: We stayed In a one bedroom extra large room - room 101. A very comfortable room with loads of space.


January 30, 2012   “Very highly recommended”

We booked our stay at The St James on a punt and couldn't have selected better. The location in the town is great, the room facilities top notch and the reception and care shown couldn't have been better - especially as we kept changing our arrival time. You can tell that the owners have set up The St James to be the type of place they would like to stay at - and this really comes through in the quality of your stay.

I would highly recommend The St James - we will be returning next time we spend time in Hanmer Springs.


January 27, 2012 “Highly recommended.”

We booked at short notice and found the St James to be an excellent choice, the staff were extremely friendly and helpful while the central location allowed an easy walk to the hot pools and surrounding cafes & shops. The rooms had superb decor with quality furnishings and accessories. More impotantly the rooms were imaculately clean and very quiet. All these things combined made for a wonderful honeymoon.



January 25, 2012  “Nothing lacking”

We stayed three nights and could not have chosen better in Hanmer, The views from the balcony were excellent We ate in 2 of the 3 nights just to sit and look out at the view from the beautiful spa studio (room205)Fully equiped studio with dish washer.11 chanel LCD TV, DVD player and library, room safe, spa towels, robes, Very helpful and friendly staff. A good place to relax and unwind after a few energetic hikes in the local area. Free wi-fi


January 20, 2012, “Lovely hanmer”

We loved Hanmer Springs and stayed at the st James for two nights, very comfortable, nice size queen room, close to town and the spring. Rae was very helpful with local advice on wheerre o eat etc. There is a really cool putt putt right next door which you should definitely do! Lovely view from the room out onto the mountains and a little lake across the way to feed the ducks. All self contained so good if you are staying for a few days and wish to cook etc.


January 13, 2012  “Great Accommodation”

Only stayed for one night but the room was really spacious and the decor was very luxurious. The staff were very friendly and the room was very quiet. It is in a great location for the spa pools and the restaurants and I will definitely be returning.


January 9, 2012 "Quality accomodation”

My first tripadvisor review. My wife and I stayed at the St James jan 2012 which at the time had been open for 15 months but it looked brand new. I was blown away with the stylish contemporary room fit out. We planned to tour around for a couple of days with this as base but it was so good we stayed each afternoon in our room soaking up the sunshine on the balcony of room 209 and enjoyed the scenery. Location could not be better close to everything but on the edge of retail town. The owners and hosts could not have been more pleasant and helpful. Great Place.

Room Tip: All rooms face same way for afternoon / evening sun. I prefere 1st floor so we can sleep with doors open onto balcony. Felt very safe.


January 8, 2012 “Excellent quality - highly recommended.”

Stayed here for one night. This place is fairly new and has a modern design. Great location - very close to the hot springs. We were upgraded to a one bedroom suite which was lovely and clean. Very new and clean kitchenware! The owners were very friendly. Overall a very pleasant experience and would definitely stay here again next time I visit Hanmer Springs!

Room Tip: pick a downstairs room if you have large suitcases!


January 6, 2012 “Luxurious"

While we only stayed the one night, we wish we could have stayed longer - the beds are so comfortable we wanted to sleep the morning away! We were upgraded to an upstairs suite (#203) and the room was spacious, modern and of high quality. Our bathroom had a spa bath which was very relaxing (even after having being at the pools!). Rae, on reception (and one of the owners) was very helpful, providing us towels for the pools and recommending a number of restaurants for us to try - we settled on the french restaurant Chantillies which was lovely. The St James is just off a side street in the heart of the beautiful Hamner township so is very well located - everything is within an easy walk. We'd definitely stay again, highly recommended.


January 5, 2012 “Superior Quality”

This place is fairly new and has a made a terrific start. The decor and design is relaxing and of superior quality. We stayed in a studio suite which was quite spacious. Our room had a lovely outlook up to the mountains. Very pleasant and I would definitely stay here again.


December 29, 2011 “New and flash”

Very very nice place to stay. Bit dear but worth every dollar.


December 28, 2011 “Super quality”

The place was excellent all round. Everything was of top quality. One of the most comfortable beds I have experienced in NZ. The room itself was nice and spacious. An excellent place to relax and unwind. The lady at the counter, who I believe is one of the owners, was extremely friendly and courteous.  On the down side, I would have expected to see a wider selection of TV channels and a few more frills in the bathroom to really justify the five star rating. A highly recommended place nevertheless.


December 25, 2011 “Everything you could want at The St James”

Hanmer Springs is a beautiful relaxed little town and well worth the visit. The St James is located central to town. The superior king room was spacious and finished with premium quality fixtures. The bed was extremely comfortable and gave us a good nights sleep. The modern kitchen was of suitable size to cook a meal for two or make breakfast before you checkout.

I would recommend this accommodation to anyone searching for 5 star quality. The rooms are well priced and will not disappoint.

Room Tip: We stayed in a studio superior king room on the first floor.


December 12, 2011  “Way beyond expectations”

Totally civilised owners who cared way beyond the call of duty for our needs, even offered their own personal sky box so that I could watch the Grand Prix - declined but very impressed. Thoroughly recommended.


December 11, 2011   “Superb - just as good the second time around”

Having stayed here previously we knew what to expect and were not disappointed. Wonderfully appointed rooms with subtle touches to make the stay not only comfortable and enjoyable but also, indulgent! Features such as heated tiles in the kitchen and bathroom areas, a super king bed, top quality appliances, quality fittings and decor throughout have this accommodation reeking of luxury. The corner spa in our room (we asked for a room with one) was a welcome feature for relaxing after returning from dinner. Loved the Manuka honey bath gel!

The service was top notch. A relaxed and personable approach with the owners showing us the features of the complex and room on arrival. Paul and Rae and their staff delivered the perfect level of service.

The setting is wonderful. Rooms on both levels afford an open view with a small native walkway set on the far boundary as well as it being adjacent to parks allow an unobstructed view from the rooms. The location is within the Hanmer Springs township so walking to cafes, restaurants, shops and the pool is as convenient as it gets.

Attention to detail is also great not only from the spotlessly clean rooms but also touches like the availability of towels for use at the pools, an in-complex DVD collection, make up removal cloths, complimentary Wi-Fi connection and immaculately pressed bathrobes.

If you are looking for accommodation with that little bit extra then look no further.

November 27, 2011  “Absolutely DIVINE!!!”

This has got to be THE best accommodation we stayed in. The location was perfect, the amenities in the room were more than enough & internet was COMPLIMENTARY!!! The view that greets you early morning is heavenly! It was a plus point that the toilet floors were heated! And my partner & I both agreed that the BED was fantabulous! It was like sleeping on clouds! Soft & heavenly! Lulls you to sleep immediately!

It was a great pleasure to have stayed in St James! Would definitely recommend it to anyone going to Hanmer Springs! :) keep up the great job!


November 26, 2011 “Had to review as soon as arriving!”

Bookit website reviews

3/11/11 - very nice environment with well-equipped electronic appliances. lso helpful people & exceeded the expectation, it's really a good place to stay for holidays.


15/7/ 2011 - Great place to stay. What a lovely place to stay, we had a view of the mountains covered in snow and the room was warm and cozy. I would stay there again in a heartbeat.


3/06/2011 - Excellent accommodation. Very comfortable bed.  Brilliant location.  I would thoroughly recommend The St James.


2/05/2011 - Very good!! Service was super good!!!


1/04/2011 - Great Place to Stay. Very Modern place to stay with all the amenities. First Class all the way. Really close to restaurants and the Hot Pools. Staff are friendly and welcoming.


26/12/2010  - We loved our stay at the St James. We appreciated the attention to detail in the room (the little extras) and the warm hospitality shown to us by our hosts. The central location meant that we were able to walk to the pools, restaurants etc. It was all excellent.