Hotels of Earth

Franz Alpine Retreat

★★★★ 2 Donovan Drive, Sh 6, Franz Josef Glacier, 7886, Franz Josef Glacier, NZ

8.6 guest rating· 125 reviews

About this hotel

Scenic Views and Convenient Amenities

Enjoy the beautiful views from the terrace and garden at Franz Alpine Retreat. Take advantage of complimentary wireless internet access, room service, and daily continental breakfasts.

Cozy Guestrooms with Modern Amenities

Relax in one of the 17 guestrooms equipped with refrigerators, flat-screen TVs, private balconies or patios. Stay connected with free Wi-Fi and enjoy satellite programming. The bathrooms feature showers, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers.

Ideal Location and Nearby Attractions

Conveniently located in Franz Josef Glacier, the motel is just a 5-minute drive from Westcoast Wildlife Centre and Glacier Hot Pools. Explore nearby attractions like Te Wahipounamu and Lake Mapourika for a memorable stay.

Book now for an unforgettable experience at Franz Alpine Retreat!

Rooms & rates

2 Bedroom Cottage

Sleeps 5 · 80 m² · Queen Bed, 2× Twin bed

  • Balcony or patio
  • Private bathroom
  • Kitchen
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Free WiFi

Unit, 1 Queen Bed, Accessible, Mountain View

Sleeps 2 · 35 m² · Queen Bed

  • Balcony or patio
  • Private bathroom
  • Bathroom grab bars
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Free WiFi

Chalet, 2 Bedrooms, Mobility Accessible

Sleeps 4 · 69 m² · 2× Double bed

  • Balcony or patio
  • Private bathroom
  • Bathroom grab bars
  • Kitchen
  • Coffee/tea maker

Unit, 1 Queen bed

Sleeps 2 · 35 m² · Queen Bed

  • Balcony or patio
  • Private bathroom
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Free WiFi
  • Shower

Chalet, 2 Bedrooms

Sleeps 4 · 69 m² · Double bed, King bed

  • Balcony or patio
  • Private bathroom
  • Kitchen
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Free WiFi

Chalet, 1 Bedroom

Sleeps 2 · 69 m² · Queen Bed

  • Balcony or patio
  • Private bathroom
  • Kitchen
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Free WiFi

Chalet, 2 Bedrooms, Courtyard Area

Sleeps 4 · 69 m² · Double bed, 2× Twin bed

  • Balcony or patio
  • Private bathroom
  • Kitchen
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Free WiFi

Cottage, 1 Queen Bed, Kitchen, Courtyard Area

Sleeps 2 · 39 m² · Queen Bed

  • Balcony or patio
  • Private bathroom
  • Kitchen
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Free WiFi

Chalet, 2 Bedrooms, Garden View

Sleeps 5 · 69 m² · Double bed, 3× Twin bed

  • Balcony or patio
  • Private bathroom
  • Kitchen
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Free WiFi

Amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Wheelchair-accessible pool
  • Wheelchair-accessible spa
  • Free self parking
  • Wheelchair accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible van parking
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Cross-country skiing nearby
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Safe-deposit box at front desk
  • Change of towels (on request)
  • Designated smoking area
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Garden
Show all 24 amenities
  • Helicopter/airplane tours on site
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horse riding nearby
  • Housekeeping on request
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Skydiving nearby
  • Snowshoeing nearby
  • Terrace
  • Tours/ticket assistance
  • Wheelchair accessible

Location

© OpenStreetMap contributors

2 Donovan Drive, Sh 6, Franz Josef Glacier, 7886, Franz Josef Glacier, NZ

Check-in
from 03:00 PM to 08:00 PM
Check-out
until 10:00 AM

What guests say8.6125 reviews

+ Value for money+ Quiet locationUnfriendly staffHard bedLack of amenities (milk)
Cleanliness8.3
Service7.8
Location9.3
Room Quality8.3
Amenities8.8
Value for Money9.3

Overnight in glacier country

10.0

Just a one night stay on our roadie down the West Coast to the snow, to check out the glacier and have a walk. Unit was as expected, new and warm. Was fine for our needs.

peter · 2025-09-06

Guest review

10.0

Value for money

Catherine · 2025-08-25

Guest review

10.0

Very quiet, easy driving distance to Franz Josef township

Paul · 2025-08-07

Guest review

4.0

The staff weren’t overly friendly. They wore headphones while giving us our keys and when we needed any assistance they didn’t really talk to us and kept their headphones in. When we booked we were told we would have milk but there was no milk provided. The bed was as hard as a rock. There were towels labelled “make up” but then there was a sign above them saying if we used them to take our make up off and stained the towels we would be fined. Overall we were there for one night and can’t really find much positive to say about it

imogen · 2025-08-06

Guest review

6.0

The accommodations were fine, my wife and I booked a 2 bedroom cabin for one night. We had a friend traveling with us as well. When booking a 2 bedroom cabin I think most people would assume that would mean 2-4 people staying in the room. Upon check in we were charged an additional $50 for the third person. So in my mind they made an additional $50 on us for the use of one additional bath towel. A bit ridiculous considering we were the only guests for the entire night. There are plenty of other options around Franz.

Dustin · 2025-06-24

Horrible.!!! Would not stay again

2.0

Horrible horrible horrible! Would never stay again. Stayed in cabin no 1 - first one on your left as you go in. Disgusting carpet mat (seriously why would u have that on view when people came in) , place smelled musty and damp. Shower was not cleaned properly From previous guest yuk!!! Tripped up on stepping into and exiting the cabin (my husband fell and scraped the skin on his hand!). You have to wash and put away your dishes b4 leaving! Paid over $300 nz for one night! What is the cleaner for then! No dishwasher even. Beds were hard. Sorry to say but there was nothing pleasant about our room! Couldn't wait to leave in the morning.

cheezy59 · NZ · 2025-04-22

Good to know

Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms.

Construction is underway at a neighboring building and there may be noise disturbance from the construction work.

Contactless check-in and contactless check-out are available.

Pets

Pets not allowed

Pets

Service animals are exempt from fees/restrictions

Check-in & Check-out

Contactless check-out is available

Accessibility

No elevators

General

Professional property host/manager

Check-in & Check-out

Contactless check-in is available

General

Gap period enforced between guest stays - 24 hours

Pets

Service animals are allowed