Parklands Motor Lodge Timaru

We stayed one night at this lodge, two adults and two kids, after our van needed repairs at the workshop. The amenities were really functional, though the room decor felt a little outdated. The bathroom was big, with both a shower and a bath. We used the kitchenette to cool the coffee, tea, and hot chocolate provided for free. The kids noticed the traffic noise, but my wife and I slept like babies.

I came up from Dunedin for two nights of work and absolutely loved staying here. The room was warm and homely, and the Wi-Fi worked awesomely since I had heaps of work to do after hours. After a long day, the spa bath worked perfectly, though the hot water ran out sooner than I’d expected on the first night. The staff were super efficient and the room was super clean. It’s on the main road, but the traffic didn’t bother me at all. I’d definitely stay again, 100%.

Honestly, there are better motels in Timaru. I didn’t get the room I’d paid for: I’d booked one away from the road, since it is Timaru after all, but was put right beside it. The water pressure was practically nonexistent, the spa bath didn’t work, and the bath taps were nearly broken. The coffee sachets and plunger coffee both tasted very old. The decor was dated, and there were signs of mould painted over in the rooms. The website says check-in is available until 11pm, but a sign on the office door said 9pm. The person checking us in took our money very quickly, handed over the milk, then cleared off to watch cricket. They’d pestered us while we were travelling to try to get us there early for cricket, we suspect. It wasn’t a very welcoming experience. The owner parks their car right in front of the office, which makes manoeuvring around the car park tricky. I’d give it 0 if I could.

The people were nice and friendly, and the rooms were very clean and well presented. A little dated, but the price reflects that. It’s on the main road and close to a park.