Te Tiriti Motel

We had to move rooms on the second night after heavy rain came in and soaked the carpet and curtain. The replacement was small too, and its spa bath didn't work, as a sign there explained. The first room was dated and cramped, with a small shower cubicle, a kitchen shelf with a kettle, and only a tiny bathroom sink. There was one bedside table. The office was closed when we arrived at 2:30 pm, so we had to call to learn our room number. Getting there meant carrying our suitcases through the pool gate, alongside the pool, then up stairs at the far end of the building in pouring rain. When we checked out, the office was empty again and we had to leave the key in a drop box. I called to ask why reception wasn't staffed and was told they were short-handed and working at a caravan park elsewhere. That doesn't meet the standard I'd expect from a supposed four-star motel. The place feels like a 1970s or 1980s motel with very little updating, two stars at best. I don't recommend it.

Getting around was easy for my mum, who has walking disabilities, and the pricing was affordable. The staff were friendly and welcoming, and our room was clean, tidy, and looked really nice. We had a wonderful stay and will definitely come back. Highly recommend.

Check reception hours carefully if you're staying here. It closed as early as 4:30 pm, but I arrived an hour before closing and found nobody there or any instructions for getting into my room. I tried both phone numbers on the front door and got no response for more than two hours. The owner eventually called back, but I was taken aback by how little courtesy they showed. I wouldn't recommend this place. Better to avoid it if you can.

The manager was super helpful, and the pool and barbecue area were in great shape in a beautiful spot. We had the king suite for one night. It was a lovely, roomy place with quality bedding, a view of the hills, and all the usual supplies, including a toaster, kettles, and a coffee plunger. There wasn't a sink in the kitchen, so we washed dishes in the bathroom. We'd stay again.