Nestled in a picturesque setting, Akaroa Criterion Motel offers a tranquil retreat with laundry facilities and free self parking. Relax on the terrace or get lost in a good book from the library while staying connected with WiFi. The helpful staff has left guests feeling at ease.
Reviews
9.69.6 out of 10
Exceptional
Popular amenities
Free parking
Air conditioning
Laundry facilities
Free WiFi
Non-smoking
Main amenities (11)
Daily housekeeping
Breakfast available
Room service
Terrace
Air conditioning
Library
Self-serve laundry
Barbecue grills
Luggage storage
Limited hour front desk
Tour/ticket assistance
Feel at home (6)
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Cable/satellite TV service
Terrace
Daily housekeeping
Laundry facilities
Blackout drapes/curtains
The current price is CA $161
CA $161
CA $189 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 11 - Mar 12
Room options
Available filters for rooms
Showing 5 of 5 rooms
View all photos for Studio Mid Floor
Studio Mid Floor
Highlights
Balcony
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Hair dryer
Microwave
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed
View all photos for Studio Top Floor
Studio Top Floor
Highlights
Balcony
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Free rollaway/extra beds
Free cribs/infant beds
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Sea view
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed
View all photos for Standard Studio
Standard Studio
Highlights
Balcony
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Hair dryer
Microwave
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed
View all photos for Studio Mid Floor Sea View
Studio Mid Floor Sea View
Highlights
Balcony
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Free rollaway/extra beds
Free cribs/infant beds
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Partial ocean view
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed
View all photos for Studio, Sea View, Ground Floor
Christchurch International Airport (CHC) - 66 min drive
Restaurants
Akaroa Fish & Chips - 7 min walk
L'Escargot Rouge - 7 min walk
The Trading Rooms - 8 min walk
Ma Maison - 1 min walk
The Common - 2 min walk
About this property
Akaroa Criterion Motel
Akaroa Criterion Motel is a great choice for a stay in Akaroa. Freebies like WiFi and self parking are added perks, and guests looking to stay active can check out the nearby hiking/biking trails. Fellow travelers love the helpful staff.
Languages
English
At a glance
Hotel size
12 rooms
Arranged over 3 floors
Arriving/Leaving
Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out time is 11 AM
Contactless check-out available
Special check-in instructions
The property charges 2.5 percent for credit card payments
The front desk is open daily from 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
Required at check-in
Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 18
Pets
Pets not allowed
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Free WiFi in rooms
Parking
Free onsite self parking
Other information
Smoke-free property
Property amenities
Food and drink
Continental breakfast (surcharge) each morning 8 AM–10 AM
Barbecue grills
Room service (limited hours)
What to do
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Services
Front desk (limited hours)
Tour/ticket assistance
Laundry facilities
Luggage storage
Facilities
1 building/tower
Terrace
Library
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible
Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
Upper floors accessible by stairs only
Room amenities
Be entertained
45-inch flat-screen TV
Digital TV channels
Home comfort
Air conditioning
Electric kettle
Iron/ironing board
Sleep well
Blackout drapes/curtains
Soundproofed rooms
Bed sheets provided
What to enjoy
Balcony
Freshen up
Shower only
Free toiletries
Hair dryer
Towels
Stay connected
Free WiFi
Food and drink
Refrigerator
Microwave
Cookware, dishes, and utensils
More
Daily housekeeping
Special features
Awards and affiliations
Eco-Certified Property
This property participates in Qualmark Sustainable Tourism Business Award, a program that measures the property's impact on one or more of the following: environment, community, cultural-heritage, the local economy.
Fees & policies
Optional extras
Continental breakfast is offered for an extra charge of approximately NZD 16 for adults and NZD 16 for children
Credit card charges are subject to an extra charge of 2.5 percent
Policies
This property does not have elevators.
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a security system on site.
This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard
Cashless transactions are available.
Also known as
Akaroa Criterion
Akaroa Criterion Motel
Akaroa Motel
Criterion Akaroa
Criterion Motel
Criterion Motel Akaroa
Motel Akaroa
Akaroa Criterion Hotel Christchurch
Akaroa Criterion Motel Motel
Akaroa Criterion Motel Akaroa
Akaroa Criterion Motel Motel Akaroa
Frequently asked questions
Does Akaroa Criterion Motel offer free cancellation for a full refund?
Yes, Akaroa Criterion Motel does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.
Are pets allowed at Akaroa Criterion Motel?
Sorry, pets aren't allowed.
Is parking offered on site at Akaroa Criterion Motel?
Yes, there's free self parking.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Akaroa Criterion Motel?
Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM. Check-out time is 11 AM. Contactless check-in and check-out are available.
What is there to do at Akaroa Criterion Motel and nearby?
Have fun during the warmer months with activities nearby such as hiking.
Does Akaroa Criterion Motel have any outdoor private spaces?
Yes, every room features a balcony.
What's the area around Akaroa Criterion Motel like?
Akaroa Criterion Motel is a short 1-minute walk from Akaroa Museum and 9 minutes' walk from Akaroa Wharf.
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Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
9.8/10
Cleanliness
9.6/10
Staff & service
9.4/10
Amenities
9.4/10
Property conditions & facilities
9.4/10
Eco-friendliness
Reviews
10/10 Exceptional
5 Mar 2025
Best location in Akaroa
We loved our 2 nights stay at the Criterion Motel. The room was spacious and nice with sofa and armchair. The bed was very big and had lovely linen and pillows. Close everything in this cute little town.
Ann-Christin
Ann-Christin, 2-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
25 Feb 2025
Excellent studio with beautiful views of Akaroa
We stayed 3 nights in a top floor studio with a gorgeous view of beautiful Akaroa harbour from the balcony. The studio was spacious and well equipped with a microwave, toaster and all the crockery and cutlery we needed. The shower was good and the bed comfortable. Very good value for a premium spot. Helpful staff.
Angela
Angela, 3-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
22 Feb 2025
Paul
Paul, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
10 Dec 2024
Lovely motel - great location, views of the waterfront with restaurants and shops on the doorstep. Very well maintained and clean property as well.
Richard
Richard, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
8 Dec 2024
I always love staying at Criterian Motel, Akaroa. Always a great welcome. Staff are friendly and accommdating. Beds are so comfortable. Amenities are clean. Akaroa is a wonderful place to spend a few days relaxing or enjoying the many activities on offer. Highly recommend.
Donna
Donna, 1-night trip with friends
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
8 Dec 2024
This accommodation was beautiful with lovely views and very quiet. Very spacious and relaxing. Everything you could need.
Suzanne
Suzanne, 2-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review
8/10 Very good
7 Dec 2024
Rachel
Rachel, 1-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
8/10 Very good
3 Dec 2024
Good
Good large room central location
Paul
Paul, 2-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
3 Dec 2024
Chantal
Chantal, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
29 Nov 2024
Stunning View
Wow! The hotel exceeded my expectations. Excellent location, gorgeous harbour view, very clean. Our room was spacious, well furnished and quality toiletries provided. I was glad to have booked the 3rd floor sea view, the double doors opened up to a fabulous balcony overlooking the Lyttelton harbour. Absolutely stunning.
Kathy
Kathy, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
26 Nov 2024
We had a top floor room and hence a great view of the water. Note there are no lifts so need to be able to carry your luggage up the stairs. Parking was very easy and central location to everything in the town. Room was large, well equipped and very clean. A very comfortable bed!
Sandy
Sandy, 1-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review
8/10 Very good
25 Nov 2024
David
David, 2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
25 Nov 2024
The property was walkable distance to the shopping area & Restaurants etc. Fantastic views. Good off road parking. Very clean &, compfy bed.
sandra
sandra, 3-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
18 Nov 2024
Overnight stay
Short overnight stay. Lovely area. Great choice of restaurants nearby.
John
John, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
14 Nov 2024
The criterion motel is perfectly located adjacent to restaurants supermarket and the bay
The rooms are large comfortable with large bathrooms. Best friends are on the top floor with the Seaview cross the bay into the mountains There is no lift but Felicity the only organise to have your bags taken up and down for you. In fact the staff part of the attraction of this hotel always willing and anxious to be assistance.
Rod
Rod, 2-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review
8/10 Very good
4 Nov 2024
Quiet and comfortable
Charmaine
Charmaine, 2-night romance trip
Verified Wotif guest review
10/10 Exceptional
24 Oct 2024
Alex
Alex, 2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
19 Oct 2024
Quiet setting with cafés and grocery shop close by. Easy walk to the main area of Akaroa. Nice view of the sea from our room. Large, comfortable room with everything we needed for our stay. Will stay there again.
Christine
Christine, 2-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
9 Oct 2024
Excellent
Tim
Tim, 1-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
6 Oct 2024
Well maintained spotless unit with quality personal care products
Deborah and Greg
Deborah and Greg, 2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
23 Sep 2024
nice location friendly team
Jason
Jason, 1-night business trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
22 Sep 2024
Highly recommend
Great motel, perfect location, wonderful view. Highly recommend. My room had heated bathroom tiles and I loved the layout with the bed facing the window, waking up to beautiful views of the water and mountains. Delicious plunger coffee included was a very nice touch.
Stephanie
Stephanie, 3-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
20 Sep 2024
Room with a spectacular view
Loved being on the harbour with beautiful views of boats, snow capped mountains and life on the water.
Carolyn
Carolyn, 2-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
8/10 Very good
15 Sep 2024
Magnificent view of the water.
Jan
Jan, 2-night romance trip
Verified Wotif guest review
10/10 Exceptional
12 Sep 2024
We really enjoyed our stay. Staff were really friendly and gave us great information on where to dine and other options on walks, Great view from our really comfortable room,