What's so good about this place? There's a great pool area with comfy outdoor furniture, which was being utilised by a lot of people on a stunning Marlborough summer's day.
Room service: No, and the mini-bar is slight. There is an on-site restaurant called Quench. A local recommended nearby Ritual cafe, a five-minute walk.
What's in the neighbourhood? Countdown is close (handy if you're in a room with kitchen facilities) and the main street is only a couple of blocks away.
The bed: A super king split with an electric blanket. The pillows were, however, a little big for my small head.
A room with a view? The very dry Wither Hills are visible in the distance and there's a pretty Victorian-looking property next door.
Bathroom: A walk-in shower with a large porcelain lip designed so water doesn't go all over the floor.
Toiletries: May Chang dispenser bottles of shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and body lotion, with a note not to remove them. The shower has no shelves, so you have to reach out to where the bottles sit on the vanity.
Noise: It was a Saturday and I could hear thumping bass from either a party or a bar but as I always travel with earplugs, not a drama.
Free Wi-Fi? Yes, unlimited.
Facilities: There's a new day spa on site, and a small gym. There are also facilities for charging electric cars.
Perfect for: Anyone really — families as well as business and leisure travellers.
CHECKLIST
marlboroughnz.co.nz is on the corner of High and Henry streets, Blenheim, Marlborough. Phone: 0800 75 22 75.
