Colonial City Motel
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Colonial City Motel

23 Thackeray Street, Hamilton 3204 New Zealand
clean bthrms, comfy lounge.
Traveller (11)
Room & Suite (5)
a suit visitor -now dead
Dining (2)

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About

#18 of 29 motels in Hamilton
4.3 of 5 bubbles
Location
3.6 of 5 bubbles
Rooms
4.1 of 5 bubbles
Value
3.8 of 5 bubbles
Cleanliness
3.8 of 5 bubbles
Service
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sleep Quality
Great bit of old world charm in the heart of the city.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Wifi
Hot bath
Non-smoking hotel
Shared bathroom
Laundry service
Room features
Seating area
Separate dining area
Coffee / tea maker
Kitchenette
Microwave
Refrigerator
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
3.0 of 5 stars
HOTEL STYLE
Quaint
Budget
Languages Spoken
English

Location

23 Thackeray Street, Hamilton 3204 New Zealand
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 70 out of 100
70
Hamilton Airport
8.9 km•
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Auckland Intl Airport
96.9 km•
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Reviews
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Detailed Reviews
BearVillain wrote a review Jun 2015
Birmingham
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Cricket World Cup NZ Tour

One of those places you're really not sure how to review. I liked the building and its oldie worldy style but the room was tired and in need of freshening up. Wall paper was coming away from the wall with cracked/flaking plaster also evident (see photo's).

Our initial greeting was cool and aloof but in fairness this did get a little warmer later in the evening after a debate over whether breakfast was included in the room rate - it was and was promptly delivered to our room in readiness for the morning.

NB No credit card imprint required here....fair play to them for that and wifi was free of charge.

On departure it was a case of no one there/drop your key on the desk.
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Date of stay: February 2015
4.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
3.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
3.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Have your 'beakfast included in room rate' confirmation with you
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MandyC70_13 wrote a review Aug 2014
Rotorua, New Zealand
3.0 of 5 bubbles
We stayed in one of the studio units last weekend. Although the units look a little tired and there were a few stains in the carpet, overall it is clean warm and comfortable. The couple at reception was very friendly and welcoming. We had breakfast delivered to our unit the next morning which showed up exactly on time and was good. Very good beds, and handy location as it's not too far from the city centre. All in all, we had a good experience and would stay again.
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Date of stay: August 2014
4.0 of 5 bubblesValue
4.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
4.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leroybob wrote a review Aug 2019
New Zealand
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Had an over night stay following surgery at Waikato Hospital - not 5 star but met my requirements nicely - nice people who provided friendly service - good accommodation with very comfy bed - and close to hospital.
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Date of stay: August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eunice wrote a review Oct 2020
2.0 of 5 bubbles
This motel room C18 would have been ok but for the single bed in the lounge was uncomfortable and springs could be felt in the mattrass. The shower was good though the toilet system buttons kept collapsing and the carpet in the back corners of the bedroom were either eaten away or rotten from water damage which was obvious in the kitchen as the cupboards smelt very musty. The managers were very polite but I would not go back there. I was there with my daughter while my husband was in Waikato hospital for heart surgery
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Date of stay: October 2020
3.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
2.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
3.0 of 5 bubblesService
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jan J wrote a review Jun 2014
Tauranga, New Zealand
1.0 of 5 bubbles
I phoned this motel as the website indicated a vacany for the nights I wanted to book. The website blurb said the motel had been built in the 1970's and I wanted to find out if it had been refurbished at all.
I phoned and introduced myself, said that I saw they had a vacancy, and very politely asked that "I had seen on the website that the motel was built in the 1970's and was enquiring if it had been refurbished since the 70's". I thought this a perfectly reasonable question, and the answer would be yes or no. There was a stoney silence, then the woman told me in a cold agressive manner that I had just asked a very insulting question to ask a motel owner and she was not going to answer it. I was stunned, as I had been polite and thought all motel owners would get asked about their units, after all the guest is paying for the room. So I apologised, still very politely, and said I was unaware it was an insulting question and I had no intention at all to offend. This woman, whom I presume to be the owner, continued to tell me what an insulting question it was etc. Overall I apologised about 4 times, giving the woman the chance to modify her manner and start a reasonable conversation. Finally I said "well I guess it is inappropriate for me to stay at your motel then?" and she replied "yes".
This woman was so aggressive and actually left me shaking and in tears. I was in a vulnerable state as my husband had been transferred to Waikato Hospital and that is why I needed accommodation. The motel is mentioned on the Waikato Hospital Accommodation Options info sheet, the motel must be dealing with vulnerable people all the time.
After phoning another motel and getting the best customer service you could ask for (Astra Motor Lodge), I phoned the woman at Colonial City Motel and re-introduced myself, and very politely (again) told her I 'retracted my apology'.
If the motel units have not been refurbished since the 1970's the woman only need say so, she could add that they were 'tidy, clean......" or whatever she felt their redeeming features were. The response is definitely not to attack the caller. Why on earth is this woman working in hospitality!!
Read more
Date of stay: June 2014
1.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ellen N, Owner at Colonial City Motel
Responded 19 Jun 2014
you are absolutely right. At that time I should not have been running the office. it was the end of a very bad day I know that apologies can't go far enough I should have made an adult decision and shut the business down for the afternoon but thought I could battle through as there was know one here to take over from me I was wrong
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Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Imurtrader wrote a review Apr 2013
Auckland
1.0 of 5 bubbles
My warning to people is not to book this accommodation, worst experience we ever had. Booked through a website then found out they were overcharging us, when we asked the question, they got very offensive, not a good way to treat your guest. Wasn't happy with their attitude as been in many hotels and motels in my lifetime this one has to take the cake. Even ripped the phone from me when they asked me to call the website booking.com to clarify, wouldn't even let me speak. Even kicked us out because we asked a question, thought we were trying to rip them off but for $20 do you really think it was worth the effort. Ended up staying at a much better place and didn't even mind paying more for it. If I could give a negative score, I would. Highly NOT recommended as there is many more better places and not worth ruining your stay in Hamilton.
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Date of stay: April 2013
1.0 of 5 bubblesValue
1.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ezra F wrote a review Sept 2017
Hamilton, New Zealand
1.0 of 5 bubbles
This place is SCARY! We were lured in by the apparent beautiful exterior of the motel. After we checked in we discovered our room was a filth hole. Smelled like smoke, mold and poop. Pretty much everything was wrong with this motel. I would not recommend anyone to stay at this hotel unless they’re over 80!
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Date of stay: September 2017
3.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
4.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
2.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ellen N, Owner at Colonial City Motel
Responded 15 Jun 2018
Just a shame that someone who was asked to leave this motel because of bad behaviour had to be petty enough to leave this terrible review for a great motel
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Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Paul_V-NZ wrote a review Oct 2013
Wellington, New Zealand
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Me and my girlfriend were sent out from the room by a man (I suppose the husband of the lady at the desk, maybe the owners) because we were 10 minutes later than the check-out time that was at 10 am. That man shouted against my girlfriend in an aggressive way and so my girlfriend was very scared of that and started to cry in the car. I travel a lots and it is the first time that happens to me something like that. Very disappointed of that terrible behaviour! Not recommended at all!
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Date of stay: October 2013Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travelalotnzTS wrote a review Feb 2013
Napier, New Zealand
1.0 of 5 bubbles
My experience was one of the most dirty rooms I have stayed in. Carpets not vacummed. The sofa had food crumbs everywhere, even the side arm rest. The top edges of the sofa were full of dust. The pictures on the walls were covered in dust. There were ants crawling along the kitchen benches. There were also cobwebs in most corners.There was no vanity bench in the bathroom.The bathroom slide door was covered in dirty marks. Light switches werecovered in finger marks , Mirriors were not clean, the bedspreads and linen were old and stained with other occupants hairs. the room smelt musty. My husband and I spent 1 hour cleaning the room before we felt comfortable sleeping there. Perhaps it was a bad day from the cleaners but some of the filth seemed to have been there a while.The microwave had a layer of grease and crumbs on the top.The place was looking dated and had torn wallpaper etc. The towels were so old they were grey from the water they have been washed in. There was mould under the headrest in the spa bath. There was no operating fire alarm or smoke detectors within site of the room I stayed in. I dont know how this is safe for paying visitors?
Do not stay in room 17!! The bed was comfortable and the large TV was great.
Perhaps the proprieters should look at there cleaning staff and invest in some new linen and towels. A splash of paint and wallpaper could also improve there situation.
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Date of stay: February 2013
2.0 of 5 bubblesValue
1.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
3.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
1.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
4.0 of 5 bubblesService
3.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tradicional wrote a review Oct 2012
Montreal
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Perhaps it was our mistake for selecting a studio for 2 mature adults.
The studio was advertised as equipped with a kitchenette, stove.

The studio was a small room which was enough to accommodate a twin bed not a double bed, and the small desk with a single chair was not aimed for two people stay.
The kitchenette had no hot plates as advertized but an eletric frying pot. The washroom next to the room was tiny with no heater. The place was visited by a large cockroach, and apparently this happends when it is wet and cold outside. The internet access was free from the motels dining place, but their beutiful & friendly cat named Elizabeth left her hair on the computer and the chairs around as she was used to snuggling up on them, and the chairs had cloth cover.

The nice thing was the owner's / manager's attitude , name Heather, who upon a request checked with Bookings.com and with a smile& without a penalty refunded us the prepaid additional day's stay so we could get out and move on with our trip.

To be fair we checked other rooms, and found the curtains old, a bit dingy, and insufficient to keep the outside lifgts from penetrating the room for a good noght stay. In fact I had to unscrew a light bulb in front of our "studio" room.

Even at the price NZ $ 85/night with breakfast ( basic food brought to the room night in advance ) we found the place disappinting and would not recommend the place to anyone.

It had planty of parking, but the street was difficult to find as it is not well marked at the roundaround.
Read more
Date of stay: October 2012
3.0 of 5 bubblesValue
2.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
3.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
2.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
3.0 of 5 bubblesService
2.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Avoid the place if you seek and prefer a fresh, bugs free accommodation
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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0neelya wrote a tip Oct 2016
Te Kauwhata, New Zealand17 contributions1 helpful vote
3.0 of 5 bubbles
"not sure but perhaps best not close to the busy road"
Read full review
tekohiwi wrote a tip Nov 2015
Whitianga, New Zealand599 contributions114 helpful votes
3.0 of 5 bubbles
"Not on the road front"
Read full review
OrangeVacation wrote a tip Oct 2015
Shenzhen, China15 contributions2 helpful votes
2.0 of 5 bubbles
"most rooms are quiet and far from the road"
Read full review
nudenut wrote a tip Sept 2015
Te Puke, New Zealand33 contributions9 helpful votes
4.0 of 5 bubbles
"The two we have stayed were all okay"
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BearVillain wrote a tip Jun 2015
Birmingham39 contributions36 helpful votes
3.0 of 5 bubbles
"Have your 'beakfast included in room rate' confirmation with you"
Read full review
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LOCATION
New ZealandNorth IslandWaikato RegionHamilton
NUMBER OF ROOMS
17
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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COLONIAL CITY MOTEL - Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions about Colonial City Motel
Which popular attractions are close to Colonial City Motel?
Nearby attractions include Hamilton Lake Domain (0.9 km), Waikato Museum (0.7 km), and Escapist (0.9 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Colonial City Motel?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free parking, and a hot tub.
Which room amenities are available at Colonial City Motel?
Top room amenities include a kitchenette, a refrigerator, and a seating area.
Is parking available at Colonial City Motel?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Colonial City Motel?
Conveniently located restaurants include El Mexicano Zapata Cantina Hamilton, Sage, and Duck Island Ice Cream.
Is Colonial City Motel located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.8 km away from the centre of Hamilton.
Are there any historical sites close to Colonial City Motel?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Sapper Horace Moore-Jones commemorative statue (2.0 km).
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