103 Prince of Bealey Motel — Hotel in Christchurch

Relatively new and modern looking motel but worn-out carpet with sharp features (staples/nails) protruding from the carpet edges close to the interface on the adjoining sections with the kitchen and bathroom. Fortunately, the sharp features are not long enough to prick deep into the feet of adults/children but these are considered as safety hazards to those who do not wear shoes inside a premise or room. ||Truly shocking to find a used underwear left by previous occupant between the heat rail and wall in the bathroom, which is deemed a red flag to us considering that we are now living in COVID era. The finding of this underwear put a doubt in our mind that the room was sufficiently sanitized/cleaned before we occupy it during our second stay (first stay was ok other than the worn-out carpet and sharp features on the carpet edges). ||There are no heaters in the rooms, only inverter air conditioner in the hall/common area. The rooms were cold when we checked-in during winter period (July 2022). Inadequate heating in the bathroom because of the bathroom tiles and dimension stones on the bathroom walls.||On the day of check-out a Chinese lady from the motel called us enquiring about a hardened spot on the carpet of the room that we stayed overnight. She suspected we burned something in the room that had caused the hardened condition (later she described as burned) and we clarified that we did not do any cooking/smoking or have any device with us (e.g. mobile heater) that can cause hardened condition to the carpet, and moreover there is fire alarm or smoke detector with the room. We've asked for photo evidence to validate the motel's claim about the hardened surface on the carpet but did not receive them. The motel has subsequently submitted an additional payment request but we've disputed this claim and surprisingly additional transaction of NZD500 was charged even when this dispute is being mediated by the booking platform. There isn't photo evidence to show the location of the alleged damages or breakdown details to reflect what are the specified damages or extent of it to substantiate the additional payment presumably for the repair cost. So be warned about this motel putting up unsubstantiated/dodgy damage claim and charge your card even after leaving the country.||Truly concerned that the motel will continue to retain the credit card details and charge further without consent/authorization. Will lodge official complaint to the city council and NZ consumer groups about the health and safety issues, and dodgy damage claim to unsuspecting...

The small window in my studio room didn’t allow for much natural light, and even one of the artificial lights (a lamp on the bedside table) had a finicky switch that only worked one in every ten flicks. The bathroom’s adjustable shower head was too low for me even at its maximum height (I’m 6’2”), and the mirror (unadjustable, obviously) equally so, forcing me to bend my neck – or squat – in order to shave. My thighs got a good warm-up though, which you might deem a highlight depending on where you score on the fitness guru scale.

But friends, these small nitpicks were more than made up for by the very helpful and prompt service I received before and at check-in. See, I’d been delayed by closed roads and tempestuous weather, but this wasn’t a problem for Cathy, who, at my request for a late check-in, kindly left my room unlocked with the heat pump going. Then later, when I called again to request a change in my reservation to the following day, she swung her chair round to the control panel, wedged her phone between chin and shoulder, and set her fingers to typing. (At least, this is how I pictured it.) Within seconds, my reservation was changed and my phone buzzed with the email to confirm it. Clockwork.

The next time life does you something nasty, ring Cathy. Oh, and check out her motel too. Maybe BYO mirror,...

Great value on near a lot of Christchurch’s attractions!

The beds were comfortable, internet was fast, and the service was fantastic!

We arrived a bit early, and the staff went out of their way to ensure our baggage was safe while they prepared our room.

We had originally chose this hotel for budget purposes upon our arrival, but we had our expectations surpassed by all the accommodations and service.

Walk down to the Sun Dog Diner for breakfast, nearby. Absolutely fantastic, and close.

There are other hotels nearby that charge double, and don’t come close to this hotel.

Will stay again, but I think the couple that own this are on their way to a very successful and busy hotel, if they continue to keep their customer in mind, and very pleased.

100%, great value. I really wished upon my final night, I wouldn’t have wasted my money across the...