Coastal Motor Lodge

Nov 22nd, 2022

My mother has lived close to this motor lodge for almost 10 years. Wed never needed to stay but needed accommodation for Easter so booked in a few months ago. The arrival was fine, greeted by the receptionist, given key & clear description of where to park. Then she said that the windows were open to air the room out and alarm bells started ringing. I was super disappointed by the outside. As we had booked for 2 adults, 1 child, we were not in the cute A-frames Id always looked at, but rather the cottages behind the neighbouring houses (there goes the view of the sea Id imagined). Its really drab but the major disappointment was the mildew smell and feeling. There was a reason why theyd opened up the windows! I was really tired and would have loved a nap but instead I read my book for 20 minutes, my husband and I agreed it wasnt the greatest place to hang out, shut the dehumidifier in the bedroom and returned to my mothers for the rest of the day. The place is tired. Mattress is comfortable as is the 2 seater couch, but the bathroom is poky and has one of those metal shower boxes with a curtain that my husband has regaled me with tales of how is feet used to freeze to the bottom of in the 80s cos its so cold. I dont want a shower in there - Ill wait until I get home. The kitchen is adequate, once again old and hasnt been touched since installation in 70/80s. And its super beige and drab. I can still smell mildew 8 hours after having the dehumidifier on but theres no real road noise at night which is great. Location is on the Thames Coastal highway and runs between the national park and the ocean so its a gorgeous spot but it could just do with some updating and better ventilation.
Apr 4th, 2023

During the forty years that I have visited NZ, I do not recall ever having stayed in such a dirty unit. In the entire unit it was cobwebs galore. Judging by the various dead insects on the carpet, one can only come to the conclusion that the vacuum cleaner was in the repair shop. Windows have not seen a sponge and water for months, the freezer obviously not been defrosted for some time and even the mirror in the bedroom was so dirty that I managed to draw a very unhappy emoji. This place can clearly do with some tender loving care. No need to mention anything re. price / quality.
Jan 26th, 2023

Jan 9th, 2023

Dec 10th, 2022