After a series of delays getting from Wellington to Picton and knowing SH1 was closed due to the earthquake, we knew we were up for a long evening to get to Kaikoura. Thankfully, Ivan was very communicative and made our arrival (just after midnight) a lot less traumatic than we expected!
Easy check in (it is a hotel) and friendly, helpful staff with good facilities for a family style hotel apartment. Decor is old school chalet style but functions well and the view out to the mountains from the decking out the back was gorgeous, especially in the fading afternoon light. Location is good with Kaikoura helicopter and boat whale watching services close by. Loved the location and the township itself; Michael's "place"/hotel is good value in a relatively expensive country and we enjoyed our stay immensely.