The Chamberson

The hotel is a beautifully restored heritage building that offers a distinctive "urban loft" or "New York apartment" ambiance, characterized by its high ceilings, spacious rooms, and modern, stylish decor. Guests consistently commend the property for its exceptional cleanliness, comfortable accommodations, and central location, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of travelers. Couples appreciate the luxurious and well-appointed spaces, while families find the large rooms accommodating for children. Solo travelers and business travelers benefit from the convenient amenities and quiet environment, and groups can enjoy the ample space provided by the apartment-style setups. To ensure a comfortable stay, guests should carefully consider room types, especially those without traditional windows, and arrange parking in advance, as on-site options are best suited for smaller vehicles.

Facilities & Amenities
The property offers well-equipped kitchenettes or full kitchens in its apartment-style rooms, complete with amenities such as a dishwasher, hob, and microwave, allowing guests the flexibility to prepare their own meals. While most guests appreciate the convenience of having a fridge, some found it to be a miniature or "toy" size, limiting storage capacity. Wi-Fi is generally reliable, though a few guests reported slow speeds. An elevator is available for easy access to upper floors. Although there isn't an in-house laundry service, guests can arrange for laundry to be done. Some rooms include a TV, though a few guests noted older models or the absence of Sky Sport. Minor inconveniences mentioned include the lack of an oven in some units, missing cutlery in others, and the absence of robes or a room safe. Additionally, some rooms, particularly those with darker decor, were noted to have poor lighting.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests overwhelmingly praise the spotless cleanliness of the rooms and apartments, frequently describing them as "sparkling clean" and well-maintained. The beds are consistently highlighted as comfortable and conducive to a good night's sleep, often featuring quality linens and multiple pillow options. Rooms are generally spacious, offering ample room for relaxation and luggage. The bathrooms are well-appointed, often featuring high-quality soap and shampoo, excellent water pressure, and in some cases, heated floors. However, some guests experienced issues such as a broken shower slider or an unstable shower head. Noise levels are generally low, contributing to a quiet stay, though some rooms facing busy streets experienced street noise, particularly if windows were not fully sealed. A few guests in attic or loft rooms noted a lack of traditional windows, relying on skylights for light, which could lead to issues with ventilation and temperature control, especially on warmer days.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel is centrally located, making it easy to explore the city on foot. It is within walking distance of the Octagon, various bars, restaurants, and shopping areas. The Dunedin Railway Station and the Settlers Museum are also easily accessible. While some guests noted the surrounding area could be busy, the hotel's immediate vicinity is generally considered safe. Parking is available on request, though it is often described as expensive and challenging to navigate due to a steep, narrow access driveway and low roof clearance (1.8m), making it unsuitable for larger vehicles. Street parking is also an option, with some free periods and paid options nearby.

Staff & Service
Most guests praise the friendly and helpful staff, noting their attentiveness and willingness to assist with requests, such as late check-outs or booking issues. The check-in process, while primarily self-service, is generally described as easy and smooth due to clear instructions provided via email. Staff are available by phone to address any questions or issues, and many guests appreciate their quick responses. Housekeeping is often commended for maintaining spotlessly clean rooms. However, some guests found the lack of a constant physical reception presence unusual, preferring a more traditional hotel experience with readily available staff for immediate assistance. Despite this, the overall consensus highlights a positive and accommodating service experience.

Additional Information
This property operates primarily as a self check-in apartment-style accommodation, which means there is no traditional, continuously manned reception desk. Guests receive clear instructions via email for accessing their rooms and the building. While this offers convenience and flexibility, some guests found it impersonal or challenging if they encountered issues without immediate in-person assistance. A significant point of concern for some guests was the security of the key box, as it reportedly contained keys for multiple rooms, raising questions about potential unauthorized access. Additionally, some rooms, particularly those on higher floors or designated as "attic" or "loft" rooms, may lack traditional windows, offering only skylights or no external views, which can impact natural light and ventilation. Guests should carefully review room descriptions to ensure their preferences for light and airflow are met.