Kaikoura Beach Motel — Hotel in Kaikōura

I stayed 2 nights.||||Matthew, the owner Michelles’ son, is fantastic.||||Nothing is a problem for this guy … virtually leaping out of his skin to give you the best service you’ll find anywhere regardless of price …. he knows every service supplier in the area .. just ask the guy where anything is and he’ll hook you up, even call them ahead for you to make sure they are open.||||I mentioned in passing to Matthew I had an issue accessing my overseas sports streaming subscription and the dude took the time to install a VPN on my iPad — hey presto I had access to US Netflix & my seperate Australian STAN Sports subscription 😃 ||||The motel is super clean, all the other staff are friendly as hel as well … ||||It’s about a 12 min very very pleasant walk along the waters edge to the bars / shops / restaurants ..||||I doubt you’ll find better value for your buck in terms of proximity, service or presentation of room.||||The motel is a little older but it’s super well maintained with a new fit-out and you can park your vehicle right out front of your room.||||LOCATION IS RIGHT...

We were returning to our base in North Island after spending a fortnight or so touring South Island, and staged overnight in Kaikoura on our way up to Picton. Most of our journey had been in glorious sunshine, but as we reach this famous whale watching resort, we started to feel the tail-end of Cyclone Gabriella which had already devastated many parts of the North. Thus, as we drove around the Esplanade trying to find the motel, our efforts were complicated by heavy rains and surging seas spilling over onto the road. The Beach Motel is not well sign-posted, and is dominated by another property next door, but we found it eventually. Our allocated chalet-style room was bright, spacious and clean with two bedrooms to accommodate a small family. It was also convenient for the one or two restaurants nearer the town centre. Good value and...

Don't like to be negative, but I'm a practical person. If it's a hot day, don't stay here. We got here and wanted to rest up, but the room was like an oven. Opened the windows, rested the fan on the bed and left, coming home well after dinner, it was still hot, obviously no air conditioning. The neighbouring rooms were the same. The room doesn't have some basics for a motel either. The website has random photos that make it deceiving. However the rooms are refurbished and have nice decor. The bed and pillows are comfy which is important for sleep and continued driving the next day. Would be great in...