Dunedin's BEST Kept Secret? This York Motel Will SHOCK You!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the (slightly tea-stained) beans on Dunedin's supposed BEST Kept Secret, the York Motel. And let me tell you, after my stay, I'm less "shocked" and more… well, let's just say "intrigued." This place is a trip, a chaotic symphony of good intentions and slightly-off execution.
Accessibility & Safety: A Mixed Bag, Mostly Leaning Positive… with a Caveat
Okay, let’s be real, Accessibility is absolutely critical. I mean, who wants to wrestle with a wonky access point after a long flight? The basics are covered: they *say* wheelchair access is available, but I didn't personally scope it out, so I can't vouch. They’ve also (thankfully) got an elevator, which is a godsend for anyone lugging luggage uphill. Crucially, they have a 24-hour front desk (phew!) and a (at least on paper) a doctor/nurse on call. Big points there.
Now for the "buts"… Cleanliness is something everyone care about. During the pandemic, they at least pretended to take things seriously. I mean, there's a whole section on "Anti-viral cleaning products" and "Rooms sanitized between stays." I’m not a scientist, but the room did feel clean-ish. Importantly, they offered room sanitization opt-out which is great! They even boasted about "Professional-grade sanitizing services." However, I did find a suspiciously fluffy dust bunny under the bed. Maybe it had gotten lost in the sanitizing process? 🤔
They also have a bunch of safety features, like CCTV, fire extinguishers, and smoke alarms. That’s all good news. They claim to have "individually-wrapped food options" and "Safe dining setup," but I actually didn't eat at the restaurant, because… well, we'll get to that.
Rooms: Comfort, Chaos, and the Quest for the Perfect Cup of Tea
The rooms themselves are a mixed bag. They all have Wi-Fi (thank goodness!), plus air conditioning (a must in D, especially when there's a sudden heatwave), and a mini bar stocked with – well, I’m not sure what exactly, because I didn't touch it! They say there's free bottled water (definitely appreciated after a long day of… whatever it is you do in Dunedin), and tea and coffee maker. The kettle, bless its heart, was fighting a losing battle with lime scale. I’m talking, a serious buildup. My quest for the perfect cuppa was thwarted. But hey, they have a complimentary tea. Take it or leave it.
My room had a "high floor," which was lovely (the view wasn't to die for, but it wasn't terrible). There was also an extra-long bed, which was a bonus for this tall gal. And the blackout curtains! Essential if you're trying to sleep off a hangover or just escape the Dunedin sunshine that never arrived. I'm not sure where the room decorations are though. I think I was expecting something more charming, more… "Dunedin." It looked a bit… generic. More like a generic motel room.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Adventure Waits
Here, things get interesting. Here's where the review gets seriously messy. They have a restaurant. They say they have everything: "A la carte," "Asian cuisine," "International," "Vegetarian". Breakfast is a buffet, or you can have it delivered to your room. And they apparently have a "Poolside Bar," which is… well, it’s out there somewhere.
I intended to try the restaurant, I really did. But the idea of a buffet after a long day of travel, combined with the potential for more lime scale-infused coffee, just felt… overwhelming. So I ordered room service, which was… fine. Standard motel fare. Nothing to write home about, but it filled the void, and I got a bottle of water.
Here's the thing: the lack of character is the thing. It felt strangely… bland. Even the "Happy Hour" felt a little bit like a suggestion that wasn't well followed up on. Like it was trying to be so many things at once, that it ended up being kind of… nothing.
Relaxation & Recreation: An Ode to the Elusive Spa
This is where I felt really disappointed. The York claims to have a Spa. And a fitness center! I WANTED A SAUNA! The listing boasts about "Body scrub," "Foot bath," "Massage," and the mystical "Pool with view". The reality? Well, let’s just say I never actually found the spa. Nor the 'pool with a view'. There was a pool… but no view. No 'Steamroom', no 'Spa/sauna' just a pool. But hey, at least the "swimming pool [outdoor]" was available! (though I still haven't gone for a swim). I didn't see a gym, either. So, basically, my idea to go for a spa day failed. And a long walk was not an appealing option in the howling Dunedin wind.
Services & Conveniences: The Elevator to Heaven
There’s a whole list of "Services and Conveniences" like "currency exchange," "concierge," and "dry cleaning." I didn’t need any of these, and I honestly forgot they were there. Honestly, I’m not entirely sure what a concierge does in a motel, and I'm happy not to know! Maybe they tell you were the bathroom is? I did notice the "Elevator!" Which was pretty good and they have "facilities for disabled guests" which is great.
For the Kids: Family Vibes or Total Chaos?
They do claim to be "Family/child friendly." There's a babysitting service mentioned. And they mention "Kids meal." I didn’t see any kids, so the "kids facilities" are another mystery. Maybe the mystery is the thing?
Getting Around: Drive or Die (or, You Know, Take a Taxi)
The York does offer airport transfer, which is handy after a long flight (plus, I think it's included in the room rate. Yay freebies!). They have car parking and, of course, the standard "taxi service". But they DON'T have "pets allowed," which is a shame.
My Verdict: Dunedin's Best Kept… Secret? More Like… An Unpolished Gem With Potential
So, is the York Motel Dunedin's "BEST Kept Secret"? Not exactly. Is it terrible? Absolutely not. It’s an experience. It's a motel that tries. And that, in itself, is kind of endearing.
It has potential. The staff seem friendly (though I didn’t interact with them a ton). If you don’t have soaring expectations and are on a budget, it is potentially… okay.
HERE'S MY OFFER:
Tired of cookie-cutter hotels? Crave a little character? Book your stay at the York Motel in Dunedin… and prepare to be intrigued!
Here’s what you’ll get:
- A room (probably) with clean-ish floors and a slightly dodgy kettle.
- Free Wi-Fi (because, duh).
- Free airport transfer!
- Access to the (possibly mythical) spa, gym, and pool (fingers crossed they exist!).
- A chance to experience the slightly quirky charm only a Dunedin motel can offer.
- A break from the ordinary.
- Maybe the best hot water linen laundry washing ever.
For a limited time, we're offering a special "Embrace the Chaos" discount! Book your stay now and get 15% off your room rate.
Don't expect perfection — just a memorable stay. After all, isn't that what traveling is all about?
Click here to book your (potentially) shocking Dunedin adventure at the York Motel!
Unbelievable! Donaueschingen's Top 101 Hotels: Der Oschberghof Reigns Supreme?
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned travel itinerary. This is… my itinerary, the one that actually happened (or maybe didn't happen exactly as planned) when I stumbled into Dunedin, New Zealand, and landed myself at the Motel On York. Lord, help me.
Day 1: Arrival & Mild Panic (and the Best Freakin' Fish & Chips I've Ever Had)
- Morning: Okay, so the flight. Let's just say Air New Zealand is not known for its spacious legroom. I spent most of the flight trying to contort myself into something resembling a human being, while simultaneously trying to ignore the guy next to me who was, shall we say, enthusiastically enjoying his in-flight entertainment. (Pretty sure I now understand the entire plot of Lord of the Rings, thanks to him.) Landed in Dunedin, which, let me tell you, is chilly in the morning. Thought my teeth were gonna fall out!
- Afternoon: Checked into the Motel On York. Honestly? It's clean. And the woman at the front desk, bless her heart, was the kind of Kiwi you just want to hug. (Too much? Maybe. But she was lovely!) I grabbed my keys, and the first thing that really struck me at my room was the sheer silence. City noise? Gone. Just the gentle hum of… well, I don't actually know what it was, but it was peaceful. Unpacked my bag, which was, surprisingly, only slightly resembling a bomb had gone off inside.
- Evening: This is where the real magic happened. Found this little fish and chips place, "Best Cafe" I think it was called based on the menu. Ordered the classic, and dear god… I'm not exaggerating: it was the best fish and chips I have ever tasted. Crispy, flavourful, the perfect amount of salt and vinegar. Ate it sitting by the water, the seagulls looking on with hungry eyes, and I nearly wept with happiness. Felt a pang of loneliness though, which is strange because usually eating alone is a given, but the setting felt… just right. Walked back to the motel feeling slightly bloated but utterly content. Wondered if I could sneak another order in later…
Day 2: The Peninsula Pilgrimage & Penguin-Induced Giddiness
- Morning: The Peninsula, oh god the Peninsula. Everyone kept talking about it, and, honestly, the drive was a bit nerve-wracking. Those roads? Tight! And the scenery… incredible. Vast, windswept, like something out of a movie. Stopped at a viewpoint. Nearly got blown away. Took approximately a thousand photos, all of which probably look the same.
- Afternoon: Okay, the highlight. The penguins. The penguins. I went to the Royal Albatross Centre and spent a ridiculous amount of time just staring at those clumsy, adorable little creatures. Watched them waddle, watched them swim, watched them attempt to land (with varying degrees of success). Felt like a little kid again, all wide-eyed and giggly. I mean, come on, they're penguins! What's not to like? Took about a million more photos of the penguins, probably more than I took of the scenery.
- Evening: After the penguins, I went back to my room and tried to relive the day. Which meant, opening up all the photos I took. I just sat there, lost in a world of penguins and beautiful beaches. Found a hidden, local brewery. Tried a dark beer, which made me feel like I'd been drinking mud (I'm not a beer person!), so I switched to wine and ordered pizza from the motel. It was… fine. Ended the night feeling strangely… fulfilled.
Day 3: Castle Chaos & a Stroll Through the Octagon (and a Spot of Melancholy)
- Morning: Larnach Castle. Beautiful, spooky, grand. A bit too much like a fairytale for my taste, but still. Spent a good hour wandering around, imagining all the dramas that must have unfolded within those walls. Felt a bit like an old lady walking through it, the place was a bit touristy. Spent more time trying to figure out the historical drama of the place and ended up more intrigued.
- Afternoon: Had a long stroll through the Octagon. It was a Saturday, and the place was crowded. The city felt alive, with little shops, food stalls, and artists. I found a nice cafe, ordered a coffee, and did some people-watching. Ended up wandering in an art gallery and ended up buying a painting that I could barely afford!
- Evening: Walked back to the motel in a bit of a daze. Started to feel homesick, a weird little knot of sadness in my stomach. I'm really not used to being totally alone. Called my sister, rambled on for a half-hour, and felt at least 50% better. Ate the rest of the pizza from the previous night (cold).
Day 4: Departure & Reflections (and a Promise to Come Back… for More Fish & Chips)
- Morning: A last breakfast at the Motel On York. Checked out, hugged the woman at the front desk (this time, less awkward), and headed off to the airport.
- Afternoon: Back in the airplane. Thinking about the experience, I thought. Dunedin. A city that has its flaws and is not necessarily perfect for everyone, but you know what? It was perfect for me. Found myself smiling, remembering the penguins, the fish and chips, the quiet of the motel, all the little moments that made the trip.
- Evening: Landed back home. Exhausted, a bit disoriented, but happy. The things that struck me in this trip was how much there was to offer without the glamour and glitz of other tourist destinations. This trip wasn't perfect. It was messy, and there were a few moments of outright melodrama. But it was real. And I can't wait to go back. And, yes, to eat more fish and chips. Definitely more fish and chips.
So, there you have it. My Dunedin adventure. A chaotic, glorious mess of penguins, castles, and a truly life-changing plate of fish and chips. Would I do it again? Absolutely. Would I recommend the Motel On York? Absolutely. Just don't expect it to be a picture-perfect fairy tale. Because, well, life isn't, and sometimes, the imperfections are what make the whole experience so utterly unforgettable. Cheers to that!
Karlsbad's BEST Hotel? Maxis' Digital Check-in Will SHOCK You!
So, what *is* this "Best Kept Secret" anyway? Spill the beans!
Okay, okay, settle down, Sherlock. It's the York Motel in Dunedin. Yeah, sounds... underwhelming, right? Like, "Oh, another motel?" But trust me on this. It's the kind of place that… well, it's *Dunedin*. Quirky, a little run-down, but in the most charming, genuinely *you* kind of way. It's got that lived-in vibe, like your eccentric aunt's house. (The one you secretly LOVE). And the price? Don't even get me STARTED. You'll think they made a mistake. I practically *begged* them to take more money the first time I stayed there. (They didn't).
Is it really *that* shocking? Like, will it blow my mind?
"Shocking" might be a *slight* exaggeration, alright? Look, it's not like it's going to be an exploding volcano of luxury. More like… a gentle, slightly surprising geyser of "Whoa, this is actually really nice, and ridiculously cheap." I mean, it’s not the Ritz. It's a motel. But – and this is a BIG but – it's got a certain… *soul*. You know? That feeling you get when you stumble upon a hidden gem? Exactly. The shock comes in the *value*. You'll be mentally calculating how much you *should* be paying, and then you'll just… smile. It's the GOOD kind of shock, like finding a hidden stash of your favorite chocolate.
What's the catch? There *has* to be a catch, right? Is it haunted?
Okay, look, I'm not going to lie. There are *some* things. The wifi can be a *bit* dodgy. Okay, maybe a *lot* dodgy. And the furnishings... let's just say they have a certain… *vintage* charm. (Translation: They've seen some things. Probably a few questionable fashion choices from the 80s). And no, I haven't seen any ghosts. Though, one time, I *swear* I heard a faint, mournful saxophone solo coming from Room 203 at 3 AM. Maybe it *was* a ghost! Or maybe it was my neighbour's questionable musical taste. But honestly, for the price you're paying, I can totally overlook a rogue saxophone solo. It's part of the charm. It’s *character*! And the catch? The catch is that you might actually *enjoy* your stay. That's the biggest catch of all!
Okay, Okay, you've piqued my interest. What *specifically* makes it so great? Give me the details!
Alright, alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty! First off, the staff. Seriously, the bestest people ever. Like, genuinely friendly. My first trip there? I showed up late after my flight, tired, cranky and generally a mess. The woman at the front desk? Offered me a free coffee and a chat! (And the coffee was *actually* decent!). Secondly, CLEANLINESS. I'm a bit of a clean freak, and I have to admit I was apprehensive, but it was sparkling! Thirdly, this is where things get *interesting*.
Okay, I’m going to double down on this because this is a memory I swear I will never forget.
So, the room, right? Standard motel room, nothing fancy, but… in *the* corner… there was. A. Freaking. ROCKING CHAIR. Yup. A rocking chair. In a MOTEL ROOM. Now… I’m not a rocking chair kind of guy, to be honest. But when I sat down… I felt this… *calm*. This… *peace*. I ended up spending like, an hour in that stupid rocking chair, watching the rain, and just… existing. It was glorious. It was stupid. It was incredibly weird. It was perfect. And that, right there, is the York Motel experience in a nutshell. The utterly, unexpected, beautiful weirdness of it all.
Plus it's close to everything! The beach, the city centre... Honestly, it’s just a great location.
Who is this motel *for*? Is it for families? Couples? Backpackers?
Honestly? Everyone! Seriously! It's not some high-end, pretentious place. It's unpretentious. Down to earth. But, it does suit certain folks better. Families might appreciate the space, budget travelers will absolutely love it, romantic couples looking for something understated would adore it. Basically, anyone who's not expecting a five-star experience and is open to a little bit of… well, *life* and a darn good value. If you're snobby, it *might* give you the vapors. (But honestly, lighten up, buttercup!).
Any downsides? Be brutally honest!
Alright, brutally honest? The parking can be a little… tight. Especially if you have a monster truck. So yeah, the parking situation isn't ideal. And, as mentioned before, wifi can be a bit spotty. And, truth? The road can get a little noisy in the morning. But, here’s the thing: none of these things *really* bothered me. Because the good stuff – the friendly staff, the clean rooms, the crazy rocking chair experience – outweighed the negatives. And let's be real, for that price? I would have happily have slept on the floor.
How do I book a room? Is it hard to get a reservation?
I don't want it to become *too* popular, you know? But, it's pretty easy. Just check online. The usual suspects. You can usually get a room without too much trouble, but I'd book in advance, especially during the busy season. Because you don’t want to miss out. It's the best kept secret, but that's probably changing now that I'm blabbing about it… oh well!
Final verdict? Would you recommend it?
YES! A thousand times, yes! If you want a sterile, cookie-cutter hotel experience, stay somewhere else. But if you want a genuinely great value in a quirky, charming city, the York Motel is THE place. Honestly? It's the best. Go! But don't tell *everyone*, okay? I want to keep my rocking chair all to myself…
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