The Hermitage Hotel Mt Cook, Aoraki / Mount Cook
About the Hotel
The Hermitage Hotel is an iconic establishment in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, with a history spanning over 140 years. This hotel offers stunning views of New Zealand's tallest peak, Aoraki/Mount Cook, providing a picturesque backdrop for guests. Its historical significance as a pioneering alpine lodge makes it a unique destination for both local and international visitors. The Hermitage serves as a gateway to the natural wonders and adventure opportunities within this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Location
The Hermitage Hotel is conveniently situated in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, approximately 55km from the nearest town of Twizel. The area is renowned for its breathtaking views and outdoor adventure opportunities. Access to the hotel is via State Highway 80, which leads visitors into the national park. Public transport is limited, thus a personal vehicle or organized group tours are recommended for exploring the surrounding region.
Rooms
The Hermitage Hotel features a variety of accommodation options designed to suit different needs. Most rooms offer spectacular views of Aoraki/Mount Cook, adding to the alpine experience of a stay. Selected rooms have been recently renovated and are equipped with amenities, including complimentary Wi-Fi, tea and coffee facilities, and flat-screen TVs. Each room includes private bathrooms with free toiletries and some boast private balconies or patios.
Eat & Drink
Dining at The Hermitage includes diverse options like the Alpine Restaurant, which offers buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Panorama Room serves a la carte meals and specializes in local New Zealand cuisine, requiring reservations for dinner. The Sir Edmund Hillary Café provides grab-and-go items for guests, and the Chamois Bar & Grill offers a casual dining atmosphere with delicious pub-style meals, located nearby at the Mt Cook Lodge.
Leisure & Business
The hotel features a range of leisure facilities, including the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, which includes a museum and cinema. Guests can also enjoy the planetarium with unique shows about the night sky. A 24-hour reception and tour desk assist visitors in organizing various local activities. For recreational opportunities, the hotel is in close proximity to hiking tracks and guided excursions like Glacier Explorers and Big Sky Stargazing.
Select your room type
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Getting around
A list of all available modes of transport
Facilities
General
- No smoking on site
- Parking
- Safe deposit box
- 24-hour reception
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Express check-in/ -out
- No pets allowed
- Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
- Wheelchair access
- 24-hour security
- Luggage storage
- Lift
- Currency exchange
- ATM/Cash machine
- Coffee shop
- Smoke detectors
- Fire extinguishers
- Key access
Sports & Fitness
- Hiking
Guest Parking
- Electric kettle
Services
- Housekeeping
- Tours/Ticket assistance
- Shops/Commercial services
- Welcome drink
- Happy hour
Dining
- Restaurant
- Snack bar
- Bar/ Lounge area
- Packed lunches
- Special diet menus
Business
- Meeting/ Banquet facilities
- Fax/Photocopying
Children
- Cots
- Children's buffet
- Children's play area
Facilities for people with disabilities
- Toilet for disabled
- Bathroom for disabled
Spa & Leisure
- Sun terrace
- Garden area
Room features
- Free Wi-Fi in rooms
- Heating
- Soundproofed rooms
- Sitting area
- Patio
- Terrace
- Garden furniture
- Tea and coffee facilities
- Ironing facilities
Bathroom
- Free toiletries
Self-catering
- Electric kettle
Media
- Flat-screen TV
- AM/FM alarm clock
Room decor
- Carpeted floor
Location
Reviews and Ratings
The hotel had stunning panoramic views of Mt Cook but was affected by noise from the elevator and loud visitors. The service was helpful but needed more training and strict rules made guests uncomfortable. The location, surrounded by snow-covered mountains, was the standout feature. The dining experience was a mix of amazing dishes and disappointing options. Overall, a lovely location with some service and noise issues.
The hotel offers great views at a reasonable price off-season and the rooms are very tidy. However, the lack of soundproofing can be a downside as noise from outside and above can be heard.
My stay at the hotel was exceptional. The rooms were spacious, clean, and had good views of Mt Cook, plus the comfy beds ensured a restful night's sleep. The hotel never felt crowded, offering a great atmosphere for relaxation with a stunning view of the mountains right from the room.
I stayed at a hotel with direct views of stunning Mt Cook, which was unexpected but surprisingly beautiful. The room, although not the one I had originally booked, was spacious and had a minimalistic design. The service varied throughout the day but was exceptional when we were upgraded by a thoughtful staff member who understood our desire for a perfect view. The unbeatable location with unobstructed views of Mt Cook and the surrounding valley mountains more than made up for any shortcomings. The dining experience was diverse, with some fabulous breakfast options. Overall, a comfortable stay with incredible views and delicious food.
The hotel offers a wonderful view of Mount Cook and spacious rooms that are clean and decent. The service is friendly but somewhat lacking due to staff shortages. The dining options are varied, with a particular highlight in the Alpine Room. The location is ideal for hiking and enjoying the breathtaking scenery.
The hotel's location is possibly the best feature, offering dramatic views overlooking the beautiful lake within driving distance of Mt Cook. The rooms, although small, provided an excellent view from the balcony. The dining options were disappointing with only Western food available but the global selection was diverse. The service was thoroughly enjoyable, but there was a delay during check-in. Overall, a great location with some minor drawbacks in dining choices and room size.
The hotel offers mixed experiences, with divine views of the mountains and Aoraki while facing the parking lot of Mt. Cook. The service standards vary from cheerful professionalism to disappointment, especially during the Happy Hour. The location is exceptional, providing stunning views of Mt. Cook and great service to explore nearby attractions. Dining may be hit or miss, with limited options and varying quality. Overall, a stay here can be rewarding if expectations align with the unique features and potential shortcomings.
The hotel has stunning views of Mt. Cook and comes complete with a balcony and en-suite. However, the room was not ready for check-in upon our arrival, and the temperature was a bit warm, making sleep uncomfortable. The rooms appeared tired, grubby, and badly maintained.
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