Barbara's place is perfect and I'd just say if you are planning to go to Napier stay there. The view over Napier is beautiful, the rooms are so generous in size and so comfortable. The house is a beautiful historic house. All of these things make it special but the extra touches of fruit, cheese, wine in the fridge, good coffee etc made it feel like home. And extra thanks to Barbara coming to the airport to collect us!
The house is at the top of a hill with a steep walk back from town (with fantastic views on the way) but if this seems too much or if it is raining it's a $7 taxi ride from town.