Manukau Motor Lodge

We were in Room 5, and the parking was horrible. People took up two spaces, leaving others without anywhere to park. Hoha. The after-hours kaimahi was friendly, but couldn’t do anything to help. Inside, only the two power points in the kitchen and by the TV worked. The ones near the table and beds were faulty. The shower drain was blocked, so water pooled while we showered and gunk came up. Every time we used a tap in the bathroom or kitchenette, it made a high-pitched squeal that rang for about a minute. The ceiling fan sounded like it might come off, but the room was hot and we had no choice but to use it. Given the problems and what I paid, I wouldn’t stay again. The room we got shouldn’t cost more than $80 a night.

The Reception and Cleaning staff really were wonderful, and the location is handy, just a five-minute walk from major supermarkets, strip malls and eateries. We were also treated to free, very loud concerts from the local bars and people who live at the venue, if you’re lucky like we were. We had to stay because it was a long weekend and no other motels were available, though we would have left after the first night. Room 36 was clean, tidy and seemed recently refurbished, but it smelled old and musty. For an Executive room, I expected a higher standard. The loose bedroom blind let in too much light, and the bed was incredibly lumpy, especially on the left. After two hours of sleep, I woke with terrible pain in my left glute, with springs running parallel to the edge causing havoc. The bed was shocking, not worthy of a standard room, let alone an Executive one. They should contact Flatpack Company and invest in some of their mattresses. I appreciate having a safe roof over our heads, and the reception staff were lovely. But based on our experience, the place was “mutton dressed as lamb.” I’d rate it no higher than 3 and don’t recommend the motel. When I phoned, reception strongly advised booking online because it was cheaper, and it was.

Handy location, close to everything. The rooms were clean and tidy, with fresh, crisp sheets, and you could tell surfaces had actually been wiped down. The staff were friendly and helpful. The pool, though... questionable. Parking was the only issue, and that wasn’t entirely the motel’s fault.

Close to the mall and Rainbows End, with a pool and a little kitchenette. Great for a family, or if you’re planning a day out in Manukau. It’s not too flash and not too rough, just right. The wardrobe had so many fans, there’s no way you could say this place doesn’t have air. No need for aircon when it’s fully stocked with fans 😂 We enjoyed it.