Donegal House

I ended up in Donegal House after finding 'no room at the inn' anywhere in Kaikoura itself, only a couple of rooms over $500. I started to drive to Blenheim as it was getting late in the day and saw a sign for DH which I sort of remembered by name. I was met by friendly staff who found me a room at a great price, clean and with good basic facilities. The bar and restaurant served great food which I ate on the busy terrace and all in all I thoroughly enjoyed staying there and would recommend not to anyone! Thanks!!!

Very relaxed and informal stay. From the very start we were treated as if we were locals and known by the hosts for years! The friendliness was exceptional. The mountain backdrop and valley view is one of beautiful isolation . The bar is typical of a Donegal pub and very inviting. The rooms though small were comfortable and spotless. The food was full and wholesome.

New owners have this place running like a dream. Food delicious and the other meals look equally as inviting. Hosts were superb. Relaxed dining experience without feeling you have to move on. Great family history. Will actually use the camp ground next time

Great to see Donegal House come alive again. It was humming. Great atmosphere, spotlessly clean, great hosts. This iconic pub has the community behind the new owners and they will thrive. Accommodation again is spotlessly clean and welcoming. First choice to stay there again. The caravan park looks inviting too.

We visited Donegal House a year to two ago for a drink and when I read it had new owners I was keen to go and stay. The grounds are amazing and our room overlooked them and the beautiful mountain range. It was brilliant waking up to that view, and to walk around the grounds, and we loved sitting outside our room in the late afternoon sun soaking it all in. We ate at the restaurant both nights and really enjoyed it. It's a cool atmosphere with a mix of locals and visitors. The accommodation is really comfortable - if a little tired - but really good value for money for the location. The new owners have lots of plans, and there really is a lot to do; but oodles of potential. I can't wait to see how they develop it. We will definitely be back!

An impressive establishment surrounded by stunning gardens. Has 27 units of accommodation. Staff and new hosts very hospitable. Outside tables allowed predinner drinks for our friends and us. . Meal either out or in was very good value and plentiful. New owners have many options for continuous improvements. We wish them every success. Recommended and will visit again

Vast grounds and views fabulous restaurant and the best staff. Authentic Irish pub and displayed history and photos attached to modern motels. Previous owner had let a few minor things slip but new owners are right onto it.

Would give 0 stars if i could. Paid $180 for a double and single bed w mountain view. Only one bed and no view whatsoever. Chose to stay here for the restaurant and bar but both are closed for renovations or something. This isn’t advertised anywhere and based on other reviews they have no intention on letting people know. Old musty pub vibes in the room. So dated. $180 is absolute robbery. Don’t do it

We were staying in an Airbnb “up the road” when we stumbled across Donegal House. A roaring fire on a cold day and a very warm welcome and interaction from James & Kate (New Owners) It looks like a top spot for a caravan or motor home. Park up, walk to the bar and enjoy the atmosphere. No, it’s not a craft bar, just old school friendly. It wasn’t the weather to sit outside but there’s a lovely deck overlooking a lake. My one Guinness has already turned into two…. and some great history told on the walls