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The Big Five Motel is situated in a quiet location off the main street of Palmerston North yet still within walking distance of most civic amenities. If you are looking for great accommodation at affordable rates with friendly service, our motel is perfect for you.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Quiet
Modern
Languages Spoken
English, Afrikaans
Location
154 Park Road, Palmerston North 4410 New Zealand
Big Five Motel
77 reviews
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.
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The motel was pet friendly, which is exactly what we needed. The greeting was friendly, the unit was nice and clean, and the owner had recommended that we change the blankets to lighter colour ones as we were bringing a large white dog. It was a short walk to a local park, which was great for the dog. A good stay, will definitely use again.
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Date of stay: July 2023
Value
Location
Service
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.
The motel was simple, clean and functional. The staff went above and beyond to ensure a comfortable stay which was much appreciated. It was close to where I wanted to be and I wouldn't hesitate to book again. Thank you for providing a sandwich and lovely cherries!
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Date of stay: January 2025Trip type: Travelled solo
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.
Everything is very updated at the small Motel - the owners treated us as their best friends and provide us with very usefull information. Stunning breakfast, meals and lovely company!! We strolled to the Lido hot water swimming pool, play ground, bird aviary , rose gardens and had fun on the train through the park (just like children) Thanks for our lovely stay. We will be back for more whenever we are in Palmerston North and good luck with your new extentions.
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Date of stay: August 2007
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Check-in / front desk
Service
Business service (e.g., internet access)
Trip type: Travelled on business
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.
We have stayed at this motel off and one over a period of 8 years for “one nighters” as we have family in Palmerston North. We have always taken a small and minimal room which suited our purposes. This time we ordered a larger unit to get space because we wanted more room to dress going to special function. We got as well as a double bed, a bunk bed, single bed, couch and table all in the same room. Little improvement in floor space. The room stank of stale dog urine, the bed scarf had dog hairs on it, the kitchen appliances were worn, and cups stained. I did have a conversation with the owner about what we had found as I prefer to do this rather than post on Trip Advisor. I have posted this on trip advisor as somebody did a write up about the same problem in an earlier review. The owner did say they were in the process of upgrade and were dog friendly. It is a case of buyer beware.
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Date of stay: November 2020
Value
Location
Service
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.
Realised it was graduation week so pricing was inflated. Hoping the rate paid is not their regular pricing. These rooms are smaller than an Ibis!! Crammed, too much excess furniture/ things. Outside lights that dont turn off and shine through the slat blinds. Would choose carefully and stay if the rate was under $130 night. Bonus was clean. couple bikkies and chocs. Not close to any eating.
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Date of stay: May 2021Trip type: Travelled on business
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.
We chose this place as we were traveling with our German shepherd and they were listed as dog friendly. Turned out to be a great choice, staff were friendly and helpful.the place was well set up and had a very high standard of cleanliness. Also reasonably priced .
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Date of stay: February 2019Trip 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.
Response from Bruce A, Owner at Big Five Motel
Responded 5 Jan 2020
Thank you for your positive review. We are happy that you and your dog enjoyed your stay. We look forward to catching up with you when you are next in the area.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Fantastic Motel! Spacious rooms, exceptionally clean, friendly owners and staff. Beautifully decorated. Nice special touch with chocolates and biscuits in the rooms. Second time staying here and never disappoints. True South African hospitality at its finest. Plus fur babies are allowed and they had no complaints as well ;) A home away from home in the heart of Palmerston North.
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Date of stay: October 2018Trip 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 BigFiveMotel, Owner at Big Five Motel
Responded 16 Oct 2018
We are so happy that both your experiences at our motel have been so fantastic. We pride ourselves on making your stay with us as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Your fur babies are just as welcome here as what you are. We look forward to catching u[ with you again.
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I stay in a lot of hotels across Australia and New Zealand. When I am staying in Palmerston North I always choose the Big 5. The staff are the best and the hotel is clean and comfortable, nothing is too much trouble to them. Highly recommend this hotel.
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Date of stay: May 2017
Value
Rooms
Service
Trip type: Travelled on business
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 BigFiveMotel, Owner at Big Five Motel
Responded 28 May 2017
It feels so good to get such positive feedback from you. We aim to make your stay a home from home experience and look forward to catching up with you on your next trip through the area.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Yes this was one of the smallest rooms we stayed in but it had everything that we needed. When we checked in it was the cheeriest greeting we received on our whole trip! The breakfast was very good and delivered to our door. There was a park close by great was walking and a lovely restaurant within walking distance.
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Date of stay: February 2016
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep 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.
Response from BigFiveMotel, Owner at Big Five Motel
Responded 9 Jan 2017
We are happy that you have had a wonderful experience with us. Enjoy the rest of your holiday and we will catch up again in the future.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Really enjoyed our stay, very warm welcome at reception, great decor and very clean rooms. Lovely touch with the Easter Eggs and good quiet location off the main road and not far from the centre of town.
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Date of stay: April 2015
Value
Service
Sleep 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.
Response from BigFiveMotel, Owner at Big Five Motel
Responded 10 Apr 2015
We are happy that your stay was a memorable occasion. We enjoyed hosting you and look forward to your next visit.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
There are more places to choose from in the Palmerston North area.
PRICE RANGE
$131 - $152 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
Settlers Motel
LOCATION
New ZealandNorth IslandManawatu-Wanganui RegionPalmerston North
NUMBER OF ROOMS
14
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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