For the start of our Alps2Ocean adventure we booked in at the Colonial which is quiet, easily accessible to town and the bike drop off, reasonably priced, clean and comfortable. There is a bike rack but not really bike storage so we took care in storing our bikes in the room as the unit is very spacious.
Booking.com
Booking.comBooking.com
Reception on arrival was very friendly although no other information was imparted other than acknowledgement of booking, payment and location of our unit.
Our unit was an upstairs room which clearly was an addition to the managers own house, and also likely to have been (or still was given that there was an internal entrance door), and additional flat for family members or guests.
Room itself was of a studio type arrangement, containing a single and large comfortable queen-sized bed. Well furnished, including a descent sized dining table from which one could work, and a television with Sky channels for entertainment. Excellent Wi-Fi service.
Being upstairs also provided some greater privacy than other Motel Occupants, and a great deal more sunlight during the day. This did however also make the unit very warm and use of open windows became essential. There was also available a large fan if desired.
Bathroom was spacious and adequate. Kitchenette was minimally adequate.
What mostly spoiled our stay here however was the fact that while indicating (as was required) that we wished to have our room serviced, this was not done despite obvious signs that the cleaner had at least entered the unit while we were away for the day. Towels were not replaced other than a tea towel, replacement tea/coffee/chocolate sachets were not provided, bathroom area had not been cleaned and a dish washing cloth had been removed.
Very well located within the township, with access to the towns centre being almost just across the road.
Clearly a budget type Motel, and therein lies its value.
Staff went above and beyond the call of duty in returning some sunglasses to me which I left in a unit. My fault. Great prompt honest courteous country New Zealand service. Thank you very much Colonial staff!
We were really disappointed with Colonial Motel. The rooms are old, dated and feel downmarket. We could accept that if they were priced accordingly but they were not. The big problem was that the room smelled strongly of smoke despite there being a sign on the door saying it was smokefree. As non-smokers, we found the smell of smoke overpowering. The other problem was that the pillows (not the pillow cases but the actual pillows) really stunk. Neither of us had a decent night's sleep. We would never stay there again.
Probably the worst stay in a motel for ages. We were bizarrely charged $2.00 for our eftpos transaction because our debit card had a chip, in other words $2.00 to access our own money. We went out for dinner but upon return our room smelt strongly of cooking smells possibly from the motel residence , a very strong oder which was still lingering in the morning . All our clothes have a greasy unpleasant smell. The shower didn’t drain properly, outside light shone in thru glass door. The room instructions demanded we wash all used dishes, how completely unhygienic is this practice. Room had no heat pump or air conditioner and the bar heater was ineffective, and as it gets hot in summer our upstairs room would get extremely unpleasant. The motel seems to cater to contractors which makes for a noisy early start as they leave for work. No tissues which is not great in winter and limited tea and coffee. Book elsewhere.
This motel was exceptionally clean and comfortable. When we arrived the heater was already on so the room was warm, and given it was about 3 degree day, this was very welcome. Decor has been updated and is modern. Cost was also very reasonable, and people we dealt with were professional but still friendly.
