The United States news publication, which has more than two million daily readers, released a series of lists ranking the world’s most overpriced and overrated tourist attractions.
According to the article, Larnach Castle ranked 17th in the top 100 most overpriced attractions and 94th in the top 100 tourist traps.
Castle managing director Norcombe Barker insisted the attraction was good value for money, but was thrilled with the international exposure, saying it was "a real feather in the cap".
"We’re actually thrilled about it.
"To have a Dunedin attraction rated as one of the top 500 attractions in the world by USA Today is quite a privilege really, so you know, we’ll take that."
Among the castle’s 3890 Google reviews, 74 mentioned the term "expensive" and three of them mentioned the term "tourist trap".
However, an examination by the Otago Daily Times of the castle’s reviews showed the term "expensive" was not always used negatively.
One Google reviewer stated: "Enjoy a not too expensive lunch in the ballroom/cafe."
"Locals don’t come here because they think it’s expensive, but it’s cheaper than most European country houses," another said.
"A little expensive, but worth every cent," another said.
Some reviews referred to the "expensive" costs as "money well spent".
Mr Barker said Larnach Castle, which costs $39 for an adult visit, took the notion of value for money seriously and worked hard to give visitors a good experience.
"People appreciate that they are paying for the restoration of the castle. Once they realise that, they actually say it is good value".
Another Otago attraction, Puzzling World, in Wanaka, ranked 76th in the overpriced list.
Out of the attraction’s 4824 Google reviews, 44 mentioned the word "overpriced."
Puzzling World could not be reached for comment yesterday.
