Mediterranean Motel Kaikoura

The bed was somewhat comfortable, and the place did the job, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Surfaces had been wiped, though not properly, and we had to wash most of the dishes and cutlery ourselves. The TV wasn’t set up so we could watch anything. I also noticed in the morning that clean linen is put directly on the outdoor chairs and tables outside each unit before it’s used.

The location was great, but the table, mirror, and kitchen counter hadn’t been wiped, and there was filth under the bed. I’d switched from another booking after seeing the good reviews, hoping for somewhere more spacious and clean for the night. We arrived very late and tired, so I stayed. If that hadn’t been the case, I would have cancelled.

The room was spacious and clean, with parking right out front, and the bed was comfortable. I was travelling alone and felt very safe. There was some road noise from the main road, but I could tune it out. I called ahead while passing through late, and Bazza was very accommodating. When I arrived, he’d already turned on the lights and heater. Great for a stopover, and I’d definitely stay again.

I’d booked an accessible room, but there was no shower stool. The place was basically clean, though the curtains had big dirt spots. Outside, a tacky jumble of tables and chairs and a dirty-looking BBQ got in the way of the parking area. The units used to be run by a lovely couple, so I booked again, but ownership has changed. The room was poorly equipped: only a microwave, barely any cutlery, and just two plastic bowls. One spoon had a glint on it that made me think someone had used it for yogurt. The fridge wasn’t working the next morning. The owner said someone hadn’t turned it on, then explained it had to be switched on from the back. It had been turned off after the units were sprayed for a cockroach plague, but there was no apology, and housekeeping got the blame. I won’t stay there again.