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Criterion Boutique Hotel

2.0 star property

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Photo gallery for Criterion Boutique Hotel

Bar (on property)
Interior
Exterior
Standard Twin Room | Free WiFi, bed sheets
Lobby lounge

Reviews

7.0 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Housekeeping

Explore the area

View in a map
3 Tyne St, Oamaru, Otago Region, 9400
  • Place, Steampunk HQ
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Oamaru Victorian Heritage Precinct
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Oamaru Harbour
    ‪3 min walk‬

Room options

View all photos for Standard Double Room

Standard Double Room | Free WiFi, bed sheets

Standard Double Room

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(8 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Standard Twin Room

Standard Twin Room | Free WiFi, bed sheets

Standard Twin Room

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Family Room

Family Room | Free WiFi, bed sheets

Family Room

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Twin Bed and 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Studio Suite

Studio Suite | Free WiFi, bed sheets

Studio Suite

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed
  • Free WiFi

About the neighborhood

Oamaru

Located in South Hill, Criterion Boutique Hotel is next to Auto Museum and Steam Train. This 7-room hotel welcomes guests with conveniences like free in-room WiFi.

What's nearby

  • Steampunk HQ - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Oamaru Victorian Heritage Precinct - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • St Lukes Anglican Church - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Oamaru Harbour - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Grainstore Gallery - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles

Restaurants

  • ‪Coast - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Indian Kitchen Restaurant - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Harbour St Bakery - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Whitestone Cheese Diner & Deli - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Scotts Brewing - ‬3 min walk

About this property

Criterion Boutique Hotel

Staff members can help with accommodation requests, and provide front-desk service during limited hours.
Guests can stay connected with free WiFi.

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 25+ Mbps

Parking and transportation

  • No onsite parking available

Conveniences

  • Limited-hour front desk

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

Accessibility

  • No elevator

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from noon - 8:30 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Property payment types

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards; cash is not accepted
  • Check-in: 2:00 PM—-midnight
  • Check-out: 10:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • No parking is available onsite.
  • This property accepts credit cards and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. 

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

National rating

Property class, provided by our rating system, is based on property type, amenities, and services.

Frequently asked questions

What's there to do near Criterion Boutique Hotel?

This hotel is situated in South Hill, just steps from Steampunk HQ and Grainstore Gallery, and within a short walk of Oamaru Victorian Heritage Precinct. You'll also find Oamaru Harbour and Janet Frame House less than a mile away.

How much does it cost to stay at Criterion Boutique Hotel?

As of Jun 21, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Criterion Boutique Hotel on Jul 8, 2026 start from $60, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Will I be able to park at Criterion Boutique Hotel?

No, there isn't parking at this hotel.

Does Criterion Boutique Hotel have a casino?

No, Criterion Boutique Hotel doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at Criterion Boutique Hotel?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hotel.

Does Criterion Boutique Hotel have a hot tub?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this hotel.

Does Criterion Boutique Hotel have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

No, Criterion Boutique Hotel doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Does Criterion Boutique Hotel allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at Criterion Boutique Hotel.

Does Criterion Boutique Hotel have connecting rooms available?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this hotel.

Can I book a room with a balcony at Criterion Boutique Hotel?

No, there aren't any guestrooms with balconies at Criterion Boutique Hotel.

Criterion Boutique Hotel Reviews

Reviews

7.0

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 13 out of 50 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 13 out of 50 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 13 out of 50 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 7 out of 50 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 4 out of 50 reviews

7.8/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

5.8/10

Amenities

6.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

8/10 Good

Chris

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely old hotel with great location
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jeremy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good friendly place to stay would stay again
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Chris

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice accommodation
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Marit Karlsen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
We had a fantastic stay at this hotel, with extra service from the host/owner. The hotel gave us a feeling of going back to historical times. And we slept very well !
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

6/10 Okay

robert Murray

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Room was clean and met staff on check in. Was an overnight stop so can’t really give an accurate assessment. Old building with high ceilings and cozy enough
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chris

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Great room thanks
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Steve

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff interaction and service. Room was perfect, and as described.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

4/10 Poor

Mike

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Old hotel built in 1880s. Pleased to get a room. Great location but no ensuite.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

6/10 Okay

David

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beatiful old hotel Rooms need attention
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chris

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Very comfortable
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Monica

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The facilities were very clean, the staff very friendly. However, when I made the reservation it said it was a room with a private bathroom, which isn't true; the bathroom is shared but very clean, and the other guests also kept the bathroom and kitchen clean. My stay there was very satisfactory since the location is perfect for getting around on foot and the hotel has parking.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Levi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
if you love a victorian vibe place this a hotel to stay. Me and my partner really love the place and their foods are superb.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mark

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Amazing building and warm, friendly staff.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gavin

Everything was clean
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

sammy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
For a budget hotel, I found myself having the most comfortable sleep in any of the hotels I stayed at in New Zealand! The rooms were super small without TV and en-suite bathroom, but I didn't expect it given this is 1 of only 2 remaining original continuosly ran hotels in the town.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

6/10 Okay

Gwynell

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Yes and yes, very courtious
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Helen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Quite a quirky place in the Victorian area of Omaru. The room was compact and probably the same layout as it was in Victorian time. The room and bathrooms were clean. The kitchen was a bit disorganised. The staff were lovely and very keen to help in any way they could.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

tony

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Very small room for two people. Shared bathrooms ok. Very quirky and historical. A nice adventure
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Donald

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
Rooms need a good clean . No hand towels for use in shared bathroom. Garbage upstairs was not taken out we were their two days. Needs a bit of modernizing . Has charm and history could be a real busy little boutique . All the doors and windows need some oil . Might help prevent guests from being woken up. Great location.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Gregory

Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Although the rooms are small. The bed was comfortable and fresh. The kitchen and bathroom could be cleaner but were still satifactory
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Peter

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Amenities
3.5 Stars... The room was clean and tidy. We were in the "Suite" which included a bathroom with very good shower, however despite being a jug and a jar of coffee, and some cups, there was no milk, sugar or tea in the room or the nearby communal kitchen. The bed was comfortable, but could of done with more than just one pillow each.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

4/10 Poor

Steven

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Boutique ? Shabby room. Clean bed. Shared bathrooms. Bar closed by 9. Fridge noise, train noise and locals driving around until 3 in the morning. It was an experience !
Upstairs area
Room No19
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

6/10 Okay

Liz

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Criterion is definitely a character hotel in the heart of Oamaru's historical area. It's location is very good in that respect. There's no double glazing so you can hear all the action out on the street, plus from the bar below. The facilities are basic. Shared bathrooms, no hand towels provided in them, or bathmats. Clean and good showers. No tea and coffee making options in the room, there is a kitchen which was used for the catering, not really provided for the guests. The hotel has a certain charm, but seems overpriced for what it provides, compared to another hotel in the town . It could be amazing if it was renovated.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jenny

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Linens are exceptional quality and very clean. Cannot praise this place highly enough. Exellent value for money. In the heart of the Heritage area. Jenny and Maryanne
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Joseph

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Perfect.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025