Aotea Motor Lodge

Avoid this hotel. I booked and paid then discovered I had booked a day too early. Within ten minutes of booking, I requested to change the date. I was informed that the booking could not be modified or cancelled. As a result I lost my entire purchase cost. Knowing that my mistake was genuine, they would not budge on policy. Very inconsiderate of them and I have learnt a hard lesson.

Check-in was a bit of a challenge. We didn’t realise it closes at 7pm on a Friday night (website and ******* both day reception open until 9:30pm). Property Manager made allowances and waited for us until 8:15om. Great spa, much larger than expected. Would stay again and make sure if arriving after 7pm we get in contact.

Convenient clean spacious units. Friendly staff. Due to the location being on a main road there was some traffic noise on Friday and Saturday night but not as much as I would have expected. I would definitely stay there again.

We arrived early (12:00pm) on the off chance that our room might be ready. It was no big deal that it wasn’t but we didn’t need to hear over and over that checkin is 2pm. We had booked a premier room and couldn’t believe the traffic noise plus the street cleaner at 6:45am. I think the Premier rooms should be away from the street. I have stayed previously in different rooms and there was no issue with street noise. My side of the bed had a small table next to it. There was no lamp and no power points which is a bit unusual these days with all the tech people have. There was a heat pump which despite its name, is an air con unit so you should be able to use it on the cool setting but there was a sign saying it is set to heat and do not change it. The motels look lovely from the street and the interior is modern - it is just missing some things that could improve the stay significantly especially if it’s a hot day / night. Another thing to note, the spa bath was actually in the bedroom - not the bathroom.

Easy check in, lovely quiet place to stay, staff friendly. Clean and tidy, would recommended.