The Commodores Lodge

“Be sure to stay a few days!”

This was a great place to stay! The location next to the port is fantastic, and there is a wonderful restaurant right next door, as well as many just across and down the street. The rooms are very comfortable and spacious, with a separate seating, dining, and kitchenette. The host, Rowena, was very… more

This was a great place to stay! The location next to the port is fantastic, and there is a wonderful restaurant right next door, as well as many just across and down the street. The rooms are very comfortable and spacious, with a separate seating, dining, and kitchenette. The host, Rowena, was very friendly and helpful. Don't overpack, because you can do laundry onsite! There is parking right in front of the check in office. It's a great place to relax for a few days!

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“Beautiful waterfront views but outdoor area needs natural lighting not full on spotlights to be appreciated fully.”

Russell is a beautiful little town to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery. We paid for a front room with waterfront views. It was beautifully presented and clean. Bed was slightly firmer than we would like but the thing that frustrated us was the lighting situation on outdoor seating area. It is o… more

Russell is a beautiful little town to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery. We paid for a front room with waterfront views. It was beautifully presented and clean. Bed was slightly firmer than we would like but the thing that frustrated us was the lighting situation on outdoor seating area. It is on a timer and doesn’t turn off till around 6.30am - it’s like sitting out in an area with spotlights on you - so everyone walking past is highlighted to you. It would have been lovely to get up during the evening or early hours and sit outside and enjoy the stunning views in natural lighting but we couldn’t - this feature - if is there for safety reasons needs to be dimmed or on sensor control - it put us off sitting outside - it also meant the room wasn’t as dark as we would like for sleeping as the light goes into the room around sides of curtains. We were given eye pads at reception to counteract that - but the bright lights really took the shine (pun intended) off our 4 nights there. Making us think the higher cost for waterfront views couldn’t be justified to its full extent as we felt too exposed sitting outside in the evenings or early mornings. Our neighbours in the next unit felt the same.

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“Excellent location, big clean rooms, hot tub”

You cant beat this location in Russell, waterfront at your door, ten steps to the Pier, a fish and chip shop and a small convenience store. Russell has a deep and complicated history and the Commodores helps remind you of some of that, with the furniture and touches that have that old world charm.… more

You cant beat this location in Russell, waterfront at your door, ten steps to the Pier, a fish and chip shop and a small convenience store. Russell has a deep and complicated history and the Commodores helps remind you of some of that, with the furniture and touches that have that old world charm. The rooms (more apartments) are very spacious (2 sofas, dining table, full kitchen). The bedrooms are dark because of the design of the hotel (at the back) but the living is to outside the front door! The rooms are a little worn but immaculately clean. When in Russell take the ferry to Paihia (buy a ticket onboard), try out Paihia's famous Jimmy Jacks robshack, drive or walk around to Long Bay, climb or drive Flagstaff Hill, have a cup of tea at Pompalier House and look in the little gift shop. Friendly staff, laidback feel. A great spot to stay.

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