Variety, reviewing the film after viewing it at the Cannes Film Festival, found "the film benefits tremendously from the charismatic performances of the leads" and called it "a very appealing pic."TV Guide described Starlight Hotel as "Beautifully photographed...Had performances been weaker, the story might easily have been lost in the gorgeous photography of the magnificentNew Zealandcountryside...even though they realized it would require considerable extra expense, Mirage decided the incrediblenatural beauty of the South Island would immeasurably enhance the film, and they shot the entire film there."Best Family Videos gave it an A− quality rating and recommended it for teens to adults.