The unique five-star hotel won the award last month, based on reviews and ratings collected from guests on Tripadvisor globally over a 12-month period.
Poshtel Oamaru owners Jacqui and Phillip McNicholl moved from Auckland and began developing the hotel with a vision of creating an authentic New Zealand theme. That included exhibiting a pair of running shoes belonging to New Zealand athletics coaching great Arthur Lydiard and a 1924 All Blacks team photo. The hotel opened in 2018 and has continued its development from there.
Tripadvisor president Kristen Dalton said the Best of the Best winners went "above and beyond" and Poshtel Oamaru were among the top 1% of Tripadvisor’s 1.6million listings worldwide.
"This is a huge accomplishment and a tribute to their hard work and dedication to making their hotel a great place to stay," she said.
The Travellers’ Choice awards programme was created nearly a decade ago to celebrate the hotels, restaurants, beaches, experiences and destinations the community of travellers love, recommend and keep going back to.
Poshtel general manager Mrs McNicholl said they were "very flattered" to receive the award, particularly as it related to reviews posted by their guests, and acknowledged the importance of their staff.
"It is the most important measure of all and exceeding their expectations is something we focus on every day.
"As we genuinely enjoy meeting people and getting to know our guests, learning about their culture and how to make their stay as positive as possible is very rewarding."
She said among the key measures of hospitality was cleanliness and the interaction of all staff, with guests.
"Our front-of-house and housekeeping staff deserve much of the credit for this award. We know they take great pride in their work and in presenting Oamaru as a destination that welcomes visitors and goes the extra mile to make the guests’ stay the very best it can be."
