Ala Moana Motel: Your Bay of Islands Paradise Awaits!
Ala Moana Motel: Your Bay of Islands Paradise Awaits! - A Messy, Honest, and Utterly Human Review (and Booking Persuasion!)
Okay, folks, buckle up. I’m about to launch headfirst into a review of Ala Moana Motel: Your Bay of Islands Paradise Awaits! And let me tell you, after spending a week there, I feel… well, I feel things. You're not getting a polished, sterile, corporate spiel here. You're getting the gritty, real-deal experience. Let’s dive in!
First Impressions & Accessibility - The Good, The Okay, and the Slightly Confusing
Right, first things first. Finding the darn place was a minor adventure. The sign's a little… eh, let's just say it's got character. But once you're in, the location? Chef's kiss. Seriously, Bay of Islands is stunning! (Okay, maybe not exactly a kiss, more like a quick finger point. I'm more visual.)
Accessibility? They mention facilities for disabled guests. Now, I'm not in a wheelchair but I did take a look at the access, and I'll be real: it's not perfectly clear how much accessibility, there's the elevator, but I didn't get a clear picture. It’s worth calling ahead and really querying that, especially if you rely on it. This feels like a definite area for improvement, Ala Moana! (Rating: Mixed, Needs Improvement)
Rooms - The Essentials: Air, Internet, and the Great Awakening
Let's be honest, the room is where you spend the bulk of your time, right? And Ala Moana delivers the essentials. Air conditioning? Check. Massive sigh of relief! New Zealand summers can be brutal. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! Look, I'm not sure how people survived before the internet. It's as indispensable as oxygen to me and being connected to the world is a necessity. Internet [LAN]: Oh, they had LAN, too. Whoa. Blast from the past. I didn't use that, but hey, options! Alarm clock? Yes! And it actually worked. I’d also recommend the Blackout Curtains as they are amazing!
Toiletries, well, they were present and they were… adequate. Think basic hotel-brand goodness. Bring your own fancy stuff if you're a bath bomb aficionado. (Rating: Solid Essentials)
Cleanliness and Safety - Sanitized Sanity in a Crazy World
Okay, major props to Ala Moana here. Post-pandemic, I’m obsessed (and I suspect, you are too) with cleanliness. They've got Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, and Rooms sanitized between stays. I even saw them using Professional-grade sanitizing services during my stay (although I didn't inspect the equipment). And, most importantly, Rooms Sanitized between stays. This made me feel safe. They also have Safety/security features, which I appreciated. (Rating: A+ for my germaphobe tendencies!)
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - From Breakfast Buffets to Surprise Coffee
Okay, food. The reviews for the restaurants and coffee shop are a little sparse, and I could only see a limited selection and service, but I was on vacation and I wasn't there for fine dining. I'd be happy with a Breakfast [Buffet]. The Asian breakfast was a welcome change of pace. I can't say the quality of the coffee blew me away and the menu was limited, but the service was friendly and the food was plentiful. (Rating: Solid, but room for culinary expansion.)
Things to Do & Ways to Relax - Spa Shenanigans and View-tiful Pools
Now, this is where Ala Moana really shines. The Swimming Pool [outdoor] is a stunner. The Pool with a View is amazing. It's the kind of view that makes you want to Instagram every two seconds, but you're too busy actually enjoying the sunset. There's a small fitness center, but I did NOT have a look inside.
Spa? Ah, the spa. They advertise a Spa and a Spa/sauna. I went in all expectant for a Body Scrub and a Massage. I wanted a Steamroom! The reality was a bit… underwhelming. Maybe I was expecting too much. (Rating: The pools, however, completely redeemed the Spa experience).
Services and Conveniences - From Luggage Storage to the Elusive Ironing Board
Okay, let's talk about the bits and bobs. Daily Housekeeping was efficient, but one day my door was accidentally left ajar. This was a little disconcerting. Luggage Storage? Yep, they have it. Cash withdrawal? Handy. Dry cleaning? Not sure. I didn't need it. Facilities for disabled guests? I mentioned that earlier. Laundry Service? Yes, and I used that! Ironing service? Didn't try it, but they say they offer one. Concierge was helpful. (Rating: Generally good, but things that are a little bit hit or miss)
For the Kids - Family Fun or Chaos?
This is where I’m slightly limited in my review. I don’t have kids! But Ala Moana proudly boasts being Family/child-friendly. I saw the Babysitting service, that looks good. But the Kids meal is not mentioned. (Rating: Potentially great for families, but check specific details)
Value for Money & the Big Question
Look, value is subjective. But I felt like Ala Moana offered pretty decent value for what you get. The location is fantastic, the views are killer, and the staff are generally lovely. You're not paying for a five-star luxury experience, but you're definitely getting something good.
Now, The Booking Pitch - Why You NEED to Book Ala Moana!
Okay, here’s the deal. If you're looking for a perfectly polished, soulless hotel experience, move along. Ala Moana has character. It's got a lived-in feel, a slightly quirky charm, and a location that'll make your jaw drop.
Here's what you should expect, more importantly, what you shouldn't:
- Expect: Incredible views, a relaxing pool, and friendly service. A generally clean and safe environment. A convenient location to explore Bay of Islands.
- Don't expect: A faultless experience. Perfection doesn’t exist.
Here's what I recommend you do:
- Check their website directly or call them to ask more about accessibility. Be sure to check with the hotel before booking to make sure everything will be satisfactory.
- Book a room with a view. Honestly, it's worth it.
- Pack your chill. Because, trust me, you'll need it.
But here’s my final, slightly chaotic, but honest confession:
I loved it. In spite of the slightly rough edges. I loved the realness. I loved the sunsets over the ocean. I loved that their staff were always polite and helpful… You can't fake that kind of thing. I'm going back, you can count on that. Ala Moana Motel isn't perfect, but it's the kind of place that'll leave you with memories. So, ditch the boring resorts, and go book your Bay of Islands adventure. You deserve it.
Book now and tell them the messy reviewer sent you! (Okay, maybe don't do that part. But seriously, book!)
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Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This ain't your grandma's travel itinerary. This is my Bay of Islands, and trust me, it's gonna be… well, a journey. Let's dive in:
Ala Moana Motel & Bay of Islands - A Hot Mess, But a Beautiful Mess
Pre-Trip Prep (aka, the "Oh God, Did I Forget Something?" stage)
- Weeks Before: Booked the Ala Moana Motel. Pictures looked idyllic. Fingers crossed they weren't lying. Also, spent way too much time comparing snorkeling gear. Ended up buying the cheapest, probably-leaky mask online. Wish me luck.
- Days Before: Packing. The eternal struggle. Overpacked, obvs. Seriously, how many "emergency" dresses do I really need? And did I actually pack sunscreen? This is the moment of truth.
- The night before: I didn't sleep, just a cocktail and stress about the flight.
Day 1: Arrival & Initial Panic (aka, "Is This Real Life?")
- Morning: Landed in Auckland. Jet lag hit me like a rogue wave. Survived customs. Felt a moment of panic at the tiny, slightly beat-up rental car. It's a Nissan, it's blue, and I'm sure I'll regret not getting the insurance.
- Afternoon: The drive to Paihia. Gorgeous. Absolutely, ridiculously gorgeous. Rolling hills, turquoise water, and sheep. So many sheep. I may have momentarily forgotten my driving on the other side of the road, almost taking out a mailbox. Oops.
- Late Afternoon: Arrived at the Ala Moana. Okay, not the luxury I'd envisioned, but charming in a slightly faded, retro-cool way. The view from my balcony is phenomenal – seriously, breathtaking. Did a little happy dance. The room key got stuck in the keyhole. Spent a solid five minutes jiggling it. Eventually succeeded.
- Evening: Settled in, unpacking and immediately making the room a mess. Went for a walk along the waterfront, got completely lost, but eventually found a tiny restaurant with amazing fish and chips. Ate them on a bench, watching the sunset. Pure bliss. This is why I travel. Despite nearly falling off the dock. Twice. Did I mention the wine? I drank a lot of wine.
Day 2: Islands and… Well, More Islands (aka, "I'm Gonna Need a Bigger Sunscreen")
- Morning: Boat tour to the Hole in the Rock. The captain was a grizzled, salty sea dog, and I swear, he had a twinkle in his eye that could melt ice. The boat ride was bumpy. Got splashed with sea spray, loved it. The Hole in the Rock itself was stunning. Actually shouted "Holy moly!" at one pointed, completely embarrassing myself.
- Afternoon: Stopped off at Urupukapuka Island. Snorkeled – with my possibly-leaky mask! Managed to see some tiny, vibrant fish. The water was brilliantly crystal clear, and the sun blasted me like I'd never felt before. Completely worth the sunburn.
- Late Afternoon: Back at the motel. Immediately collapsed on the bed, fully clothed. Seriously. Felt like an overstuffed rag doll.
- Evening: Wandered the waterfront again, trying to find that one little bookstore where the owner recommended. No luck. Ended up at a pub, chatting with a couple of locals. One tried to teach me some Maori phrases. I butchered them, of course. Laughed my head off.
Day 3: Dolphins and Delays (aka, "The Universe is Messing with Me")
- Morning: Dolphin watching tour. It was expensive, I can be honestly be honest here. The dolphins were so playful! They swam right up to the boat. It's the kind of thing you see in movies. It's like a dream come true. Okay, maybe not a dream. But. It. Was. Amazing. Until the camera battery died. Of course.
- Afternoon: Planned to hike to Haruru Falls. But the rain started. And didn’t stop. Sat in the motel room, reading a book. A good book, at least. Eventually, decided to brave the drizzle and get dinner. Got slightly lost again and wound up at a café with the best blueberry muffins. Small joys.
- Evening: Booked a massage. Needed it. My lower back is screaming. Fell asleep mid-massage. Woke up drooling. Romantic.
Day 4: Cape Brett and Kayaking (aka, "Embrace the Burn")
- Morning: Another boat trip, this time to Cape Brett and the lighthouse. The scenery was even more dramatic today; the cliffs dropping into the ocean, the waves crashing. The lighthouse itself was fascinating, a lonely sentinel on the edge of the world. Briefly considered becoming a lighthouse keeper… until I remembered I don't like being alone.
- Afternoon: The Kayaking Challenge! Rented a kayak. Decided, despite my complete lack of kayaking experience, to attempt to row across the bay. It was a disaster. I wobbled, I splashed, I almost capsized. Seriously nearly drowning! Made it halfway across. Spent an hour just pulling myself back to shore. Was not pretty. But the view from the water was gorgeous. I saw a pod of dolphins out in the distance. Eventually, managed to get back. Legs are currently screaming.
- Evening: Had a very long, very needed shower. Ordered a takeaway pizza. Ate it in my pajamas. This is exactly what I needed.
Day 5: Farewell, Bay of Islands (aka, "Already Planning My Return")
- Morning: A final walk along the waterfront. Tried to memorize every single detail. Bought some souvenirs. Regretted not buying more. Watched the sunrise. The sun's light cast a golden hue on the water. It filled me with a sense of peace.
- Afternoon: Checked out of the motel (after accidentally leaving my toothbrush behind – the cleaning lady will never know). Drove back to Auckland. The drive was just as stunning as it was the first time. I'm so sad to leave, but I feel like my soul feels a little less worn down.
- Evening: Flight home. Already missing the fish and chips, the sunshine, and the slightly faded charm of the Ala Moana. This trip wasn't perfect. It was flawed and messy and at times I almost died. But it was my perfect mess. And I wouldn't trade it for the world. Already planning my return.
Post-Trip Ramblings:
- Things I Learned: Pack more sunscreen. Learn some basic Maori phrases. Don't try to kayak without experience. Always have a backup camera battery. Embrace the mess.
- Would I Go Back? Absolutely. In a heartbeat. The Bay of Islands got under my skin. The people, the views, the whole vibe… it's magic.
- The Biggest Takeaway: Travel isn't about perfection. It's about the adventure, the screw-ups, the laughter, the breathtaking beauty, the heartaches, and the moments that make you feel truly alive. And this trip? It was so worth it. Now, where's my passport…?
Alright, so, what exactly *is* this FAQ supposed to be about? And why should I even care?
Oh, good question! (Even though you're probably just reading this because you *have* to, right? Fine, be that way.) This is basically a bunch of questions people normally ask, but answered by… well, *me*. And I'm a hot mess, so buckle up. As for why you should care… look, you probably won't. But maybe, *just maybe*, you'll find a tiny nugget of relatable chaos in here. Or maybe you'll just find it amusing to watch me self-destruct. Either way, welcome!
How do you define "a good day?" Because, you know, the bar is *low* these days.
Ah, the million-dollar question. My definition of a "good day" is… complicated. It's like a Venn diagram, and the overlapping section is tiny. It involves: 1) Not spilling coffee on myself before noon. 2) Actually remembering why I walked into a room. 3) At least *one* genuine laugh. 4) The existential dread taking a day off. Seriously, if I get all of those, I'm basically winning at life. The other day, I *almost* had one, until I tripped over my own feet, spilling said coffee, and realized I was in the pantry looking for… what WAS I looking for? Ugh. Don't remind me.
Okay, let's get down to brass tacks. What's your *biggest* pet peeve? And please tell me it's something ridiculous.
Oh. This one. Buckle up again, because I'm about to go on a *rant*. My biggest pet peeve is… people who clip their nails *on public transport*. Seriously. Do you *realize* what you're doing?! The tiny shards of nail, flying through the air, landing on… *everything*! It's a biohazard, a crime against humanity, and utterly, utterly disgusting. I saw a guy do it on the bus *yesterday*, and I almost lost it. I had to bite my tongue so hard I think I gave myself a headache. The only saving grace was that I could judge him silently. That thought kept me from screaming. I'm still fighting the urge to sanitize my soul after even *thinking* about it.
What's something you're *really* bad at? Be honest. We all have our weaknesses.
Where do I even *begin*? Okay, okay, I'll be upfront. I am spectacularly bad at… adulting. I can function, sure. Pay the bills (mostly), keep a roof over my head (sometimes), and occasionally remember to brush my teeth. But anything beyond that? Forget about it. My cooking skills are… an abomination. I once burnt toast so badly that it set off the smoke alarm and the neighbors thought the building was on fire. I'm also terrible at keeping up with… well, *everything*. Laundry piles up, dishes breed in the sink, and my to-do list is eternally growing, taunting me with its endless possibilities. It’s like it *knows* I'll never finish it. And you know what? It's probably right.
Speaking of your weaknesses, how do you cope with the feeling of failing? Because, you know, life!
Well, the beautiful thing about my coping mechanisms is that they are… diverse. Sometimes, I embrace the failure. I wallow. I eat ice cream directly from the container and watch terrible reality TV. Other times, I use denial. "That didn't *really* happen," I mumble to myself. I'm also a firm believer in the power of sarcasm. If I can't laugh at my own ineptitude, what can I do? I've learned to take it one step at a time, even if that step is backwards, straight into the toilet. The truth is, I try to pick myself back up, dust myself off, and remember that everyone screws up. And that, you know, at least I'm not clipping my nails on the bus.
What do you do when you're feeling… overwhelmed?
Okay, so overwhelmed? I'm basically *living* in a state of perpetual overwhelm. When it hits me hard, I retreat. I'll find a quiet corner – which, let's be honest, doesn't exist in my apartment – and I just… breathe. Sometimes I'll try to meditate, but that usually ends with me falling asleep. Then I consider a walk, or listen to my favorite music. Sometimes, I just sit in silence. Other times I have found that eating something I’m not supposed to is a good strategy.
Do you have any secret talents? Spill the tea!
Ooh, secret talents, huh? Well, I can… identify a specific type of dog bark from a quarter-mile away. I'm also a master of the "pretend to be busy" face. Oh! And I can recite the entire script of, like, five '90s rom-coms. But seriously, they're all pointless talents for survival. Maybe I should work on some real skills. Though to be fair, knowing the dog bark has helped me prepare for the noise before the neighbor's dog starts barking.
What does "fun" look like for you?
Fun! Ah. That's a good one. Fun… for me… usually involves good food, good company (if I'm feeling up to it), and absolutely no pressure. Staying in my favorite pajamas while having some pizza and re-watching a favorite movie can be pretty good. Sometimes when I am feeling great, I dance around the house to my favorite music. The last bit usually occurs only when I feel like I really need to get some anxiety and stress out. Some days it looks like a walk in nature, other days… let's be honest, it's just surviving.
Where do you see yourself in five years? (Ugh, I hate this question, too!).
Ugh, the dreaded future question! Okay, five years from now… Ideally, I'll have finally decluttered my apartment. Just *imagine* the possibilities! I'll also hopefully have figured out how to cook more than one edible meal. Maybe I will know what my life is all about, but probably not. Probably I will still be trying to get my life together, but hey, that'sComfort Zone Inn
