21st March 2009 A lovely place. Absolutely beautiful room with a private desk and fantastic views of the country. The bathroom is STUNNING with marble tiling a amazing shower with the latest japanese technology, yes 2 shower heads, massage jets the works. And the bathtub is also of a double size.
Although the dining experience was another matter. Paying around $40+ per main course, $25-$35 per entree and and $20+ per dessert I would expect a top notch meal. Instead it left me very bitter, frustrated and unsatisfied. Entirely horrified that such an establishment could associate it's name and location with the terrible job done by the restaurant. The meal was over salty and yes I do like my meals with that extra twist of salt and pepper, the duck was dry. The entrees on their own were weak but paired together - actually a good pairing. Worst of all was the dessert.
A simple pana cotta. Should be mildy sweet, creamy, firm to the breaking of the skim but soft once past the barrier. This was not.
On the plate it looked like a smooth tinged pink shiny bar of soap. And taste wise it was rubbery. There was too much gelatin in the mix and it when prodded it barely budged.
I would never trust to eat at their retsuarant, Altitude again.
A new Alpine temptation for the luxury traveller visiting the South Island of New Zealand, Select Braemar Lodge, with its sweeping views across the Hanmer Basin and surrounding mountains is the newest luxury lodge to open in the Alpine Pacific Triangle. Offering unparalleled levels of service, comfort and style, the main lodge features three conference rooms, lounge bar and the Altitude restaurant, as well as a Spa Braemar with an exciting range of treatments for body and soul. Beautifully appointed with breathtaking views, each of the 24 spacious and open plan King suites feature private balcony (some with hot tub), lounge, flaming gas fire and double spa.
Location
Just ten minutes by car to the quaint Hanmer Springs Village and 90 minutes drive north of Christchurch, Select Braemar Lodge is ideally placed en route from Marlborough, Kaikoura or the beautiful West Coast. Summer temperatures range from 20 to 35C, while winter temperatures for the ski season vary from a frosty minus 6 to 18C.
Visit over 70 vineyards of the Waipara Wine region, enjoy Lake Sumner nature hikes or horse riding and mountain bike trails through the enchanting Hanmer Forest. Experience trout fishing off the beaten track and complete rejuvenation at the award winning Thermal Pools and Spa.
Select Braemar Lodge is 10-minute drive from Hanmer Springs Village and 90 minutes from Christchurch and its international airport.
21st March 2009 A lovely place. Absolutely beautiful room with a private desk and fantastic views of the country. The bathroom is STUNNING with marble tiling a amazing shower with the latest japanese technology, yes 2 shower heads, massage jets the works. And the bathtub is also of a double size.
Although the dining experience was another matter. Paying around $40+ per main course, $25-$35 per entree and and $20+ per dessert I would expect a top notch meal. Instead it left me very bitter, frustrated and unsatisfied. Entirely horrified that such an establishment could associate it's name and location with the terrible job done by the restaurant. The meal was over salty and yes I do like my meals with that extra twist of salt and pepper, the duck was dry. The entrees on their own were weak but paired together - actually a good pairing. Worst of all was the dessert.
A simple pana cotta. Should be mildy sweet, creamy, firm to the breaking of the skim but soft once past the barrier. This was not.
On the plate it looked like a smooth tinged pink shiny bar of soap. And taste wise it was rubbery. There was too much gelatin in the mix and it when prodded it barely budged.
I would never trust to eat at their retsuarant, Altitude again.
A lovely place. Absolutely beautiful room with a private desk and fantastic views of the country. The bathroom is STUNNING with marble tiling a amazing shower with the latest japanese technology, yes 2 shower heads, massage jets the works. And the bathtub is also of a double size.
Although the dining experience was another matter. Paying around $40+ per main course, $25-$35 per entree and and $20+ per dessert I would expect a top notch meal. Instead it left me very bitter, frustrated and unsatisfied. Entirely horrified that such an establishment could associate it's name and location with the terrible job done by the restaurant. The meal was over salty and yes I do like my meals with that extra twist of salt and pepper, the duck was dry. The entrees on their own were weak but paired together - actually a good pairing. Worst of all was the dessert.
A simple pana cotta. Should be mildy sweet, creamy, firm to the breaking of the skim but soft once past the barrier. This was not.
On the plate it looked like a smooth tinged pink shiny bar of soap. And taste wise it was rubbery. There was too much gelatin in the mix and it when prodded it barely budged.
I would never trust to eat at their retsuarant, Altitude again.