Hicks Bay Lodge — Hotel in North Island

Last minute booking here at Hicks Bay Motel. Lady at Reception seemed disinterested, but friendly enough. Good directions provided to room. The complex seems to consist of around 4 blocks of rooms, plus a restaurant/shop and also a swimming pool.

My room was in one of the upper blocks. Ample parking right outside the door. Lots of kids running around between the rooms and the pool, so drive slow around the complex. There was a insect screen type door on the outside of the room, but with heaps of people wandering past constantly, it doesn't really offer any privacy.

Room was advertised as being updated. Don't know who they are trying to fool. I estimate the motel units were built in maybe the late 1950s. Maybe the rooms have been spruced up with a lick of paint, but they still look and feel OLD. Musty smell and quite dusty. Furniture was also very old, along with the linen. Threadbare towels. Linen was clean however, and apart from the dust, everything else appeared clean. No complimentary toiletries that you would usually find in a Motel, just a couple of small bars of cheap soap cakes.

No air conditioning, and I could only get one window open. There was a small pedestal fan which was successful in pushing hot air around the room all night. There was a TINY TV (Can't believe they make flatscreens that small - open a magazine up and it's that sort of size) It has Freeview.

It must be said though that the views were to die for. Even from my room which was not even advertised as having a view. Obstructed by a few trees sure, but my word, that view down over Hicks Bay and over to the distant headland was fantastic. Sat there and enjoyed the sunset. The two motels blocks further down the hill look like they would have excellent unobstructed views. Try and book those ones I reckon.

Restaurant also took advantage of those stellar views. Food was in all honesty not too bad. Prices were average, service was average (SLOW), Food was slightly above average and the view was not average at all! I had Steak which was cooked to my liking.

Note that there is no track from the Motel down to the Beach. Head down to the Beach and you will see why, it is a shear cliff! It's only a 2min drive down the hill anyway, to a golden expanse of empty beach.

If you are staying a bit longer, grab Groceries/Supplies in Gisborne or Opotiki depending on which direction you are coming from. Te Araroa around 10-15mins away does have a fairly well stocked 4 Square and also a Self Serve Fuel Station. The Motel is a 40-50min drive to the East Cape Lighthouse (Be warned road is currently in poor condition, even some of the sealed bits with huge pot holes and corrugations. They are in the process of slowly sealing it, but in any case, take it very slow - Jan 2021)

back to the Motel. It is a experience to say the least. It is EXTREMELY overpriced for what is essentially a dated private backpackers room. They are the only motel in the area so have a monopoly of sorts. But that view was worth the disappointing accomodation. It's that good. I wish they would bulldoze this current complex and start fresh. So much potential with a location like that.

1 Star accomodation, 5 star views. So I feel 3 stars total is fair.

Just do your research before booking so you know what to expect. Value for money is poor,...

Firstly we understand the east coast location is remote and we weren’t expecting the Taj Mahal, so basically happy with our unit a 2 bedroom for our Moko to sleep, yes a bit run down but comfy beds clean linen, although a cockroach was running up the wall, second room definitely damp with mould on windows and a damp smell but ok we were just staying 2 nights in summer so warm anyway. We were out all day with family and evenings too so didn’t use restaurant etc so cannot comment on that. Chris the Manager was friendly when we checked in , however power was being worked in so we agreed to pay on checkout. There was no power until 6 pm but that was ok no problem for us. I was concerned that there were no smoke alarms in the rooms anywhere.. last morning we tried to get gas hob ignited wouldn’t work just wanted to cook some eggs, oh well not too worried. On checkout I went in to pay and was met with a grumpy uninterested woman, who proceeded to say we had alcohol charges on our room which of course wasn’t ours, I just wanted to pay for the room and go, she was vile and rude, I asked if the rooms had smoke alarms and she said sarcastically “well did you see any? “ which I replied “ no” and she said well obviously we don’t ! I said well that’s a safety issue and she said “don’t complain to me” unbelievable. Also mentioned then that the oven hob didn’t work and she said “ well you have been here 2 days why didn’t you ask?.. so rude . $195 is pretty expensive but that’s not really my issue, it was this rude woman, the charges for alcohol were obviously a mistake, that happens , beautiful spot but I would avoid staying there until they get staff sorted,...

After speaking to my parents about their experience staying the night at this motel, none of my family or friends will ever stay there. My parents had gone to the dining room for a meal, once the meal was order my dad proceeded to the bar to buy them a drink. He asked for a ginger ale for him and red wine for my mum. The owner asked him if he was going to buy an entire bottle which my dad replied no. The manager said he wasn't opening a new bottle just for my dad to buy one glass. After a few words both ways dad final settled for a different red wine. Dad returned to the table 45 minutes after first placing an order for entrees and meal. Back at the table they had waited another 1 hour before asking the waitress how long before their entrees would arrive. She went to find out. The manager approached my dads table and proceeded to shout at him saying he was a trouble maker. My dad was so embarrassed he got up and left the dining room leaving my mum there. Her entree arrived and the manager turned and proceeded to shout at her. Really disappointed that the professional service was so poor from the owner. The managers wife was very nice and very apologetic about the service my parents received and I thank her for her kindness. But as for her husband I do feel he needs to re look at his professional service and public relations. None of my family will be recommending their motel and we will...