This was my second stay here. An adequate solid motel. It has beautiful views of Latham Bay and the Otago harbour. Delightful and sublime to wake up to in any weather, especially in the early morning, mist or with sunshine and clear skies.
Close to delightful walks and excellent eateries and restaurants.
While our room had a heat pump (reverse cycle air conditioning), it did feel somewhat cold around the edges, though it warmed up after a while and was perfectly fine. Bathroom was cold to walk into first time in the morning.
There is also an unusual rule about not being allowed to use oil when cooking. I presume this even extends to shallow frying with olive oil. I was aware of this so brought ingredients that did not require oil for cooking. However, it is something that would deter me from staying long term as I enjoy cooking lots of different kinds of dishes. I'm really wanting to find somewhere I can stay for a month while my house is being renovated and was thinking of Portobello (and this motel in particular), but this rule would probably put me off from doing so. On the positive side though, the kitchen is spotlessly clean (as if it's hardly ever used).
Decor, furnishing, fittings and bedding is slightly dated, but acceptable.
I've stayed in a room with a spa bath (jacuzzi) before (this time not). Would give this place 4 Stars if staying in the spa bath room again.
Would stay again for the beautiful views and relaxing atmosphere, though not long term (anymore than a few nights). A good place to stay for one to three nights while touring the idyllic Otago peninsula.