Hastings Getaway: Omahu Motor Lodge's Unbeatable Deals!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we’re about to dive deep into the rabbit hole that is Hastings Getaway: Omahu Motor Lodge’s “Unbeatable Deals!”… and let me tell you, after spending a week there (yeah, a whole WEEK, don't judge, my life's a rollercoaster!), I've got some thoughts. And trust me, they're not all rainbows and sunshine.
First off, let's be real: “Unbeatable Deals!” is a bold claim. And while I wouldn’t say it’s completely inaccurate, it's more like "Unbeatable Deals! (mostly)" Let's get this show on the road, this is gonna be a long one…
Accessibility: The Good and the "Almost Good"
Okay, so, right off the bat, accessibility. This is important, people. Let's be honest, a bad accessible stay can turn my day from ok to absolute trash. In my case, things were good, but not perfect. I'm mostly mobile, but my buddy uses a wheelchair, so we were assessing the situation and making sure everything was working, and it generally passed the test. Wheelchair accessible? Check. Everything was pretty open, wide doorways, easy maneuvering. Elevator? Check. (Thank goodness, because I'm not climbing up 3 flights of stairs after a day of wandering). Facilities for disabled guests? They say yes. But the devil's in the details, right? Some of the ramps felt a tad steep for my friend, and the accessible room, which we checked out, wasn't quite as spacious as advertised. Definitely usable, but not quite the “luxurious accessibility” promised. I could mention more stuff, but this is the main thrust of it…
Cleanliness and Safety: The Sanitizing Symphony (and the occasional hiccup)
Okay, this is crucial in these Covid times, am I right? Rooms sanitized between stays? Yep, supposedly. Felt safe, but a bit too sterile at times. Anti-viral cleaning products? They claimed it. Hand sanitizer, check! Hand sanitizer, check! Everywhere. Like, seriously, I felt like I was in a medical convention. But, hey, better safe than sorry, right?
The daily disinfection in common areas was noticeable. You could smell it, too. Not my favorite, but I suppose I appreciate this. Let's talk about that room sanitization opt-out available… I'm not sure about this, as it made me confused. I wasn't sure if I was the one supposed to opt-out since its my room… but fine.
Room was clean, but… Look, I'm not going to pretend I inspected the entire place with a microscope. But the whole experience felt safe, even if it bordered on "clinical."
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food Fumbles and Hidden Gems
Alrighty, let's talk food. This is where things get… interesting.
Restaurants: Technically, there are restaurants. Kind of. Restaurants, coffee shop, even a bar.…but let's just say the selection is…economical. The Asian cuisine in the restaurant? Not my cup of tea. But hey, different strokes, right? I felt like all the food was a gamble…
Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast: The free breakfast was a highlight and a lowlight. The Asian breakfast was an instant no for me, but the Western breakfast, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, could be pretty decent. It's a buffet, so it gets messy, yes. But the good news is, most of it was edible. And the Coffee/tea in the restaurant was hot!
Snacking: They do have a snack bar, which is crucial. Because, let's be honest, who doesn't need a late night salty snack?
Drinks: One of my favorites, a poolside bar. This place was my go-to destination. Poolside bar. The bottle of water, what a treasure, seriously.
Room Service: Room service [24-hour]? Yes, please.
**Things to Do: Relaxation Station Not Included (But Kinda There)
Is there a SPA? Yes! Steamroom? Yes! Sauna? Affirmative. Spa/sauna? YES! Great. This is were the mood changes.
Pool? Yes. Pool with a view? No… but a swimming pool, yes.
Fitness? Fitness center! I used it. Not bad (but I've seen better). Gym/fitness? Yep. Foot bath (Didn't try). This is all good stuff.
Massage? They offer it.
Body wrap, body scrub? Yes!
The Rooms: More Than Meets the Eye (Sometimes)
This is were the fun is! There's a ton of stuff in the rooms.
- Bed: Extra long bed? Awesome.
- The Basics: Air conditioning? Yep, thank God. Alarm clock? Yes.Blackout curtains, Bathroom phone, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone.
- The Extras: Slippers? Yes! Free bottled water? YES! Interconnecting room(s) available? Cool. Laptop workspace? Good.
- The Quirks: On-demand movies? Old-school, but appreciated. Reading light? Always a win. Window that opens? Praise be!
- The Tech: Internet access – wireless, Internet access – LAN (in case you, like, still use that). Wi-Fi [free]? Yep.
- The Safety: Smoke detector, Safety/security feature, and In-room safe box all make me feel safer.
- The Aesthetics Room decorations? Okay. Not fantastic, not awful.
Services and Conveniences: The Perks (Some of Which You'll Actually Use)
Whew, still with me? We are in it, full steam ahead!
The Essentials: They have Daily housekeeping, for which I am eternally grateful. Laundry service, concierge, dry cleaning, luggage storage. Elevator (Thank goodness!), Air conditioning in public area, Invoice provided.
Stuff I Used: The car park [free of charge] was excellent. The cash withdrawal was great. Front desk [24-hour]? Awesome!
The Nice-to-Haves: Babysitting service, safety deposit boxes, smoking area, a convenience store, gift shop, a shrine?
The Business Stuff: Okay, the Wi-Fi for special events, indoor venue for special events, outdoor venue for special events. I can see the allure.
For the Kids: They're Covered (Mostly)
I didn’t have kids with me, but I noticed the family/child friendly vibe. Babysitting service? Good to know.
Getting Around: Smooth Sailing (Mostly)
- Airport transfer? Yes, and it worked perfectly. Car park [free of charge], car park [on-site], bicycle parking.
Overall Vibe: A Bit Like a Reliable Friend (With Some Flaws)
Honestly? Hastings Getaway is a solid choice. It's not going to knock your socks off with luxury. It's not going to be the most memorable experience of your life. But it's clean, safe, generally well-maintained, and offers a practical, if slightly bland, vacation.
My Quirks and Opinions
- The "Happy Hour"? Mediocre.
- The Staff: Generally friendly and helpful, which is a huge plus.
- The Location: Okay. Not exactly "in the heart of it all," but close enough to everything.
- The Elevator? Yes. Awesome.
The Bottom Line: Should You Book?
Okay, here's the deal. If you're looking for budget-friendly lodging with decent amenities, good accessibility (with a few caveats), and a safe, clean environment, then YES, book Hastings Getaway!
BUT!
If you:
- Are looking for luxury
- Have super-specific dietary requirements
- Expect gourmet dining
- Need pristine decor
- Don't like a slightly clinical environment
… then you might want to temper your expectations.
My "Unbeatable Deals!" Recommendation
To make your stay truly "unbeatable," here's what I recommend:
- Book a room with a view: Seriously, it makes a difference.
- Pack some snacks: Just in case the dining situation doesn't meet your needs.
- Embrace the "meh" factor: Accept that it's not perfect, and you'll be fine.
- Take a spa day: After spending a week I can tell you this is a worthwhile consideration.
- Look for the discounts: The "Unbeatable Deals!" are real. Check their
Alright, buckle up, buttercup, because this ain't your grandma's perfectly-polished itinerary. We're heading to Omahu Motor Lodge in Hastings, New Zealand, which, let's be honest, I chose mostly because it was the only place left with a vacancy that didn't involve sleeping in a car. And, you know, cheap. Here's the (highly likely to be disastrous) plan:
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Parking Predicament (Plus Existential Dread)
14:00 - Arrival at Omahu Motor Lodge. Check-in, Pray for Cleanliness & WiFi to work. Okay, first impressions. The website photos were, shall we say, optimistic. I’m picturing peeling wallpaper, and I am not wrong. The receptionist looked like she’d seen a few things (and, judging by her eyes, possibly regretted some of them). Checked in, got the key, and here we are. Prayed for a decent internet connection. Desperately needed to post a selfie to let the world know I was ALIVE. After the long flight, you'd think there would be the urge to take an instagrammable photo of the lodge. However, I've got a better feeling about it; perhaps by the end of the trip, it will have grown on me. Or maybe, I'm just in denial.
14:30 - Parking Fiasco. Find the allocated parking spot. (Spoiler alert: it's a tight squeeze). Okay, so I'm a terrible parker. And by that, I mean I'm a disaster. Got the rental car, which felt HUGE and was the wrong color (this always feels a little ominous, right?). The parking bay was laughably small. Backed in. Wrong. Forward. Wrong. Cue the internal monologue of self-loathing. Eventually, after approximately 17 attempts and a possible near miss with a fluffy dog, I was parked. Sweating profusely, dignity in tatters. Already considering walking everywhere. Definitely need a stiff drink (or three) later.
15:00-17:00 - Settling In. Investigating the Room. Mild Panic. The room. Well, it is a room. It has a bed. And a television that probably picks up three channels. The air conditioning seems to be just noise. There are a few suspicious stains on the carpet that I'm actively choosing to ignore. Started unpacking. A sense of dread settles in. Am I really going to spend a week here? Maybe I should have gone for a spa vacation. Or, you know, any other vacation. I quickly checked the WiFi, praying it was working, as it started working, the world came closer. I looked for a good movie to lighten up with.
17:00 - 18:00 - The Great Hastings Reconnaissance Mission (walking). Needed to stretch my legs and get a feel for the area (and possibly locate the nearest liquor store). Wandered out, clutching my phone like a lifeline. Hastings… is… well, it's Hastings. Found a park that was prettier than expected. Got mildly lost. Was greeted by a local dog and then, a little later, the local police car.
18:00 - Dinner: Fish and Chips (the classic Kiwi experience - if I can find it.) Okay, this is where things can go wrong. Fish and chips are a staple. Found a place recommended online that promised “the best chips in Hastings.” They were alright, but the chips didn't quite live up to the hype. Still, greasy fish and chips are a good distraction from existential dread. I have a strong feeling I can get used to it.
19:00 - 21:00 - Attempt at Relaxation. Wine and TV. Back in the room. Found the wine. Turned on the TV. Watched something utterly forgettable, just enjoying the quiet. The room is slowly growing on me. Maybe I'm finally running out of things to complain about. And, I think I can hear the world outside. I'm ready to drift to bed.
21:00 - Bedtime. Unsuccessfully, until 02:00 Tried to sleep. Couldn’t. My mind was racing, thoughts of my trip filling my head. What did I do today? What am I going to do tomorrow? I kept turning and tossing in bed. Even the noise of air conditioning felt like a monster breathing beside me. The clock said 02:00, before I was able to enter the world of dreams.
Day 2: Hawke’s Bay Adventures and Crashing My Way Through Them
09:00 - Morning After. Breakfast: Cereal in a Small, Probably-Not-Sanitized Bowl. Woke up, regretting the wine. Ate some cereal. Wondered if it was the right time to get out of bed. The bowl looked like it might have been washed.
10:00 - 13:00 - Napier and Art Deco. Drove myself to Napier, about 30 minutes away. Napier is supposed to be all Art Deco elegance and charm. It’s pretty! Walked around, took a few photos, and felt like I’d stumbled into a film set from the 1930s. Slightly overwhelmed by the prettiness, and started to feel very touristy.
13:00 - Lunch in Napier. Found a cute little cafe. The food was great. But, you know, the prices. I ordered the full set, soup, main course, and desert. The food was delicious, and the cafe was great, however, my wallet was crying.
14:00 - Wine Tasting at a vineyard (hopefully not ending disastrously). Wine tasting! Hooray! Found a beautiful vineyard and gave a good taste. The wine was delicious. The sun, very bright. Tried to sound like I know what I was talking about, despite having no idea about wine. The people were great, and the location was, superb. However, the prices were outrageous. Left after spending a small fortune. The next day, that was a decision I would regret.
16:00 - Attempted Scenery-Seeing at a Scenic Lookout. Drove up to Te Mata Peak, a scenic lookout. The views are incredible. But I'm also acutely aware of the fact that I’m standing on the top of a mountain. I am afraid of heights.
18:00 - The Motel Restaurant (fingers crossed). I'm too tired to go out. So, I head to the motel restaurant, which is the only place open. Ordered the steak. It’s edible. It’s not incredible. But, I'm not hungry.
19:00 - 21:00 - More Rest. Watch telly, maybe read a book, and attempt to go to bed early.
21:00 - Bedtime. But, this time, with a Headache. I spent too much on wine, and I am paying the price. My head is pounding. I take some painkillers and try to sleep. I don't sleep as well as I'd like. And the next day, I have to get up early.
Day 3: A Day of Rest and Self-Loathing (with a Twist)
08:00 - The World's Worst Breakfast. The one shop open, only had some eggs and ham. I felt like a pig because I ate so much. It wasn't great.
09:00 - Attempt to be Productive. Decided to use the WiFi. I need to write. I need to post. I need to connect in order to feel less alone. But, as always, the WiFi is not working.
10:00 - More Self-Loathing. I failed. I can't do this. I can't make some of the things I have to do. I can't keep up.
12:00 - Attempt to Fix Things. I head outside and keep walking. I get a little better, and I start feeling better.
14:00 - Local Market
16:00 - The Perfect Dinner
(The rest, potentially, will be even more chaotic. Anything can happen!)
This is just a framework, of course. Depending on the weather, my mood, and how many times I get lost, the actual schedule is likely to resemble a Jackson Pollock painting. But that's the beauty of it, isn't it? The glorious, messy, unpredictable mess of travel. Wish me luck. I'll need it. And please, if you happen to be in Hastings… buy me a drink. I might need it.
Unbelievable Malang Getaway: Griya Gribig RedDoorz Paradise!
Okay, spill the tea! What's the *actual* deal with these "Unbeatable Deals" at Hastings Getaway: Omahu Motor Lodge? Is it all just marketing fluff?
Alright, alright, settle down, Sherlock! Let's be real, yeah, *some* marketing fluff is inevitable. But honestly? They're pretty darn good. I've been to Omahu Motor Lodge... more times than I care to admit, mostly because my bank account yells "NO!" at fancy hotels. But seriously, I once snagged a deal where I practically *ate* for free – they had this package with a voucher for a local cafe. The coffee was divine, seriously, best flat white I've had in ages. And the accommodation? Clean, tidy, comfy enough for a good night's sleep. Don't expect the Ritz, okay? It’s more like a really well-kept, comfortable Kiwi bach vibe. So, is it ALL fluff? Nah. Mostly solid. But if you're expecting gold taps, look elsewhere, honey!
Are these deals *actually* available? I've been burned by these "too good to be true" offers before!
Okay, I feel your pain! I hate that feeling of being conned. Here's the inside scoop: Yeah, they're generally available. But you gotta be quick! Think Black Friday, but for a weekend getaway. Seriously, check their website *constantly*. Or sign up for their email list (I begrudgingly did, turns out it's actually useful). I missed out on a *killer* deal last month because I was, you know, actually *living* a life (shocking, I know). And that's the gamble. They're real, they're tempting, and they vanish faster than a free slice of cake at your work's office party. Pro Tip: Book midweek! Weekends are a battleground.
What *kind* of deals are we talking about? Specifics, please! Like, do they have package deals? What are the rooms really like?
Alright, here's the meat and potatoes (or, you know, the pavlova, because New Zealand). They often do package deals – think "Stay two nights, get a free bottle of local wine" type stuff. Or the aforementioned cafe voucher thing. Sometimes they'll bundle in tickets to local attractions – the gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers is a MUST-SEE. Rooms? Okay, let’s be brutally honest. They're not *luxurious*. Think clean, functional, with the essentials. A comfy bed (which is the most important thing, fight me!), a small kitchenette (perfect for making a cup of tea and avoiding the bill at a restaurant), and a decent bathroom. I'd classify them as "budget-friendly but not depressing." I’ve got kids, you know? I appreciate the cost savings. And honestly, their family rooms are pretty awesome, considering. More room, less stress! (Usually... kids, am I right?)
Is there anything bad to say about it? There *has* to be a catch...
Okay, okay, you want the dirt? Fine! The biggest "catch" (and it's not really a catch...) is that it's a motor lodge. You know what I mean? You could be next to the road, or next to the pool (if they even HAVE a pool at that time of year). Traffic noise can be an issue. I remember this one time... ugh. I ended up with the room closest to the road. Which, let me tell you, is not great when you've got a howling toddler and the rumble of trucks at 3 AM. So bring earplugs. Also, the Wi-Fi can be a little iffy sometimes. Like, dial-up slow. I wouldn’t rely on it for streaming movies, that's for sure. And, yeah, the decor is a bit... dated. Think 80s beige. But hey, it’s clean, and you’re not paying a fortune. And, let's be honest, for the price, you can't complain too much. The location is generally pretty good though, close to everything.
What about location? Is Hastings a decent place to stay for a holiday?
Hastings? Well, it's not exactly the French Riviera, but it's got its charms. It's right in the heart of Hawke's Bay, which, let's be honest, is wine country heaven! So, yes, absolutely a decent place to stay. You're close to vineyards, beaches, art deco stuff in Napier... There are some restaurants and cafes in Hastings itself too. My favourite! The food is amazing. I will say, however, that if you want constant action and nightlife, Hastings isn't the place. It's more about relaxing, enjoying the scenery, and, you know, maybe drinking a little bit of wine. Which, let's be honest, is exactly what I want on a holiday.
Quick story! One time, my husband and I went wine touring for a friend's birthday. I drank a little too much Pinot Gris, got a little lost (well, very lost) in a field of lavender, then ended up singing karaoke in a pub. That's Hastings for you. Relaxed, friendly, and full of surprises.
Any other random tips or advice?
* **Book Direct:** Sometimes the best deals are hidden on their website, not just third-party sites. * **Check Reviews... But With a Grain of Salt:** People complain about *everything*. Read the reviews, but don't take them as gospel. * **Pack the Essentials:** Earplugs (seriously!), a travel adapter (if you're international), and maybe your own favourite pillow. * **Embrace the Quirks:** It’s not the Four Seasons. It’s a motor lodge! Relax, enjoy the cheap deals, and roll with the punches. It’s all part of the adventure! * **Most Importantly: Have fun!** Go see the gannets at Cape Kidnappers (bring binoculars, you won't regret it!), visit the Art Deco city of Napier (seriously, it's like stepping back in time), sample the local wines. It's all there for you to enjoy!
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