Auckland Newmarket Motel

The rooms were okay, though nothing special. We got only a small amount of soap and bathroom supplies, and just two towels for three people, including one child. There were no cooking amenities either. Compared with several motels I’d stayed in over the previous two weeks at nearly the same price, I’d put this one second from the bottom. They could do better.

We got a very low rate through booking.com, and the central spot was great for getting to nearby restaurants and the shopping mall. It’s also pet-friendly. My one gripe is the bathroom tap: the water pressure there is weak, so it would be better to have a sink for filling the jug.

The price was good, and I’d stay here again. The location worked well for me, between the airport and the place I needed to be. My room was large and nice, with a spacious bathroom, microwave, kettle, dishes, fridge, and freezer. The aircon was quiet, which was a plus. I took off a star for a few things. Getting the shower to a warm temperature was difficult, it was either too hot or too cold, so the mixer might need attention. There’s no shelf in the shower for soap or shampoo. I was on the ground floor and could really hear footsteps from upstairs and muffled conversation, which wasn’t great for privacy or rest.

The location made it easy to get around, with shops, restaurants, and attractions all within walking distance. For an affordable place in a central spot, it was great value and worth the price.