The Bay Motel

We flew to the island and the motel met us at the arrivals near the beach. Our room was spacious and comfortable with a balcony giving us a view of the bay. We enjoyed the continental breakfast. The owner went out of her way to buy new umbrellas for us to borrow as it was wet. The harbour and beach are a short walk away and the fish and chips near the beach are excellent!

We stayed here 3 nights. The hosts met us at the ferry and took our luggage up the hill to the hotel. We chose to walk up but others rode in the van. Our room was large and comfortable. We got a continental breakfast for an extra charge but we had it in our room. We had a small kitchenette. My only complaint was not observing our do not disturb sign. We slept odd hours due to a late kiwi walk and we're awakened to have our breakfast delivered for the next day.

We stayed here for one night in January 2024. When we arrived on the ferry there was someone waiting for us to take us in the motel van to the motel and, on the day that we left, they took our bags down to the ferry, which meant that we didn't have to return to the hotel and pick them up ourselves. That was good service. The motel is located just a few minutes' walk from the ferry terminal, very slightly uphill. Everything in Oban is close, so it's just a few minutes away from the information centre, supermarket, restaurant etc. Our room was very large for the two of us with a Queen(?) bed, single bed, and a sofa bed. The room had radiators, so that would be good on a winter's day. We would be happy to stay here again if we return to Stewart Island.

Our whole experience with The Bay Motel was excellent from the pick up, to drop off for our airport transfer. The hosts are just wonderful warm people. Only 8 weeks on the island and already informed locals! Helped us book on an informative bus tour, and told us of the eateries to try, while making us feel very welcome. The rooms were clean, fresh and the bed comfortable. Totally recommend.

Picked up from the ferry by the new owner (who had only taken over with his wife a couple of weeks before). Lovely chap who did a tour of the town (didn’t take long!) to point out where things were, etc. The apartment was large, comfy bed and good bathroom, and overlooked the bay. Nice and peaceful stay, with good hospitality.

Stayed for two nights. Room is cosy, with 3 heaters (main sleeping area, near the door and in the toilet). Bed also has the heating function. Bed is very comfortable and room is very clean. Will come here again if coming over to the island. Water pressure is good, and hot water flowed out after abt 5 seconds.

We were picked up from the Ferry by the friendly owner. Our room was warm and had a great view. It was only a 5 min walk into “town”. On arriving we were told that we could not use the spa bath in our unit due to a water shortage, fair enough we thought and he took $20 of the bill each night to compensate. When he took it us into our room we are then told we should not cook many foods (including bacon) on the elements in the kitchenette because there is no extractor fan and would need to cook on the communal bbq outside instead. We understand that food with string smells like fish should not be cooked, but bacon! Not happy using a communal bbq during a pandemic. Next there is sign in the bathroom saying don’t use the spa at these certain times ( couldn’t use the spa anyway) then a sign in the lounge saying don’t leave heaters on past a certain number when leaving the room. So many restrictions! It was a tad disappointing to pay $200 a night for a room with so many restrictions and not properly serviced when advertised as a serviced room. The unit was supposed to be serviced each day, but this only included changing towels and pulling up the duvet halfway up the bed. The bed was not made nor bathroom sink cleaned. ( see pictures) A good positioned motel but needs a bit of an improvement in customer service, less restrictions and providing the services advertised.

We only stayed a night but we enjoyed the experience so much that we have booked another stay in Janurary as we want to expeience Rakiura in the summer. We were fortunate to get a room at this tme because it is their peak season . Great to be picked up at theiir airport and dropped off to catch your return flight. We appreciated being able to get ino our room early becuae the room was available - thank you. The view from our room is exceptional - 1 bedroom with spa bath. Thanks also for the local recommendations . Great to stay at the Bay hotel and be with people that are so committed to Rakiura and looking after people so that they are keen to return as we are.

Good rooms and position let down by a host that doesn't put customer service at the top of his list .Wouldn't stay there again because of his attitude.I have two friends and met another couple that have stayed here ,they expressed the same feelings as well