Motel Memories

04/10/2015

Time to say goodbye.

A post I've been putting off for a while now, but I guess that it's time.
After almost 21 years here, we have sold the motel with takeover being the 30th October - a little over 3 weeks away. Pat is slowly and reluctantly untangling himself from his various community involvements, ready to be tangled up again when we eventually settle somewhere - probably Tauranga.
I've got quite a few chapters waiting to be written of The Book. Do be assured that most of you will have a mention - and I won't be changing names!
Thank you to all of you who have entered our lives - Many, many of you we first met as guests who have become dearest friends. In fact, two of you who are especially special, Graham and Brooke are organising the packing up of 21 years of living here. We will be celebrating our 10th Friendship Anniversary with them soon.
Thank you also to the hundreds of fellow moteliers we have met. We've pinched a lot of your ideas and I know a few that have used some of ours.
We hope that the new owners, Anthony and Karen and their Managers (yet to be appointed at this date) will continue to enjoy the specialness of The Grange - they say they have every intention of continuing as we have run it. We know they will bring their own passion and enthusiasm to the place and we wish them every success.
See you all.

02/09/2015

Really proud to be one of only 4 accommodation providers in the country to receive this prestigious award.

Four New Zealand properties featured among 650 global properties named to the annual elite list, resulting from two million+ guest reviews

31/08/2015

Watch to the end - stunning!

Six talented men sat on stage to record an epic version of "Hotel California". But they do it without a band. Their A Capella version of this famous song is completely one-of-a-kind. Their intro alone is fascinating as they create their own band, using their voices. They might just t..

27/08/2015

Congratulations to Bronny and Steve of the Astra Motor Lodge Hamilton who last night were awarded the 2015 AA Tourism Host of the Year at the annual Motel Association Conference held in Dunedin. Well done team and well deserved!

08/08/2015

Happy guest - Happy motelier. Sometimes guests' appreciation just blow you away! How lovely.

21/07/2015

Just been advised we're one of 650 accommodation providers world wide to have won Expedia's Insiders' Select Award!! Only 4 in New Zealand!

20/07/2015

Check out our new website.

We provide award-winning professional service and accommodation in comfortable quiet units nestled in a garden setting. Handy via motorway to Auckland City, Auckland International Airport and in walking distance to several bars and restaurants. "We aim to consistently exceed your expectations and to…

18/07/2015

This is the company we used recently to upgrade our guest Wifi connection. It's been up and running for several weeks now with no problems whatsoever. All units have great coverage and we've had several guests comment on how strong the signal is. Thanks Swerve!

IT support that's better than having your own IT department. Computer support, cloud services, IT Project Management & IT procurement services.

15/06/2015

So nice when a guest leaves a note!!

08/06/2015

Lovely to have Pam stay with us recently. She's standing in front of the park bench which we commemorated with a plaque dedicated to her late husband, Peter.
In 2005 we developed the garden area outside the office after Peter repeatedly told us how dark and dreary it was with overgrown pine trees.
We were excited to show Peter on his next visit what had been done but sadly he died the day before he was due in.
Pam and her daughter unveiled the plaque a few weeks later and it's lovely to still think of Peter, valued friend and guest.

05/06/2015

After 4 or 5 years we've finally upgraded our Wifi. The old system was displaying it's age and was intermittent for some people in some units. Now it's fast and modern and very easy to use.Still free for guests use of course. Thanks very much Swerve - we'll certainly recommend you to others.

31/05/2015