Palmerston North's BEST Kept Secret: Aspree Motor Inn!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on Palmerston North's MOST UNDERRATED gem, the Aspree Motor Inn! And let me tell you, this ain't your average cookie-cutter motel. This is… well, let me just dive in, okay?
Let's Talk Accessibility & Safety First! (Because, you know, adulting.)
Okay, first things first, Aspree nails the accessibility game. Wheelchair access is a big win, and they've thought about the important stuff. The whole vibe is like they actually care, not just ticking boxes. And in today's world, with all the, cough, “unpleasantness” floating around, safety is paramount. They've got the works: CCTV, fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and a 24-hour front desk. I mean, it's comforting to know someone's watching the fort, right? Plus, they've got all the modern safety protocols:
- Anti-viral cleaning products? Check.
- Daily disinfection in common areas? Double-check.
- Staff trained in safety protocols? Triple-check!
They're even offering room sanitization opt-out! Seriously, they're onto it, so even if you're a germaphobe like moi, you can chill.
Internet & Techy Stuff - Gotta Stay Connected!
Listen, I need my Wi-Fi. It’s a simple fact of life. Aspree understands. Free Wi-Fi in ALL ROOMS! Boom. Case closed. They also have good old-fashioned LAN access if you’re feeling old-school. They even have a Wi-Fi for special events. They covered all the bases. Plus, access to the internet and internet services! I can't imagine traveling without this!
Rooms and Amenities! - Where the Magic Happens (Maybe)!
Now, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: the rooms. They are clean! Which is a HUGE deal. They're not all glitz and glamour, but they are comfortable. You get the essentials:
- Air conditioning! God bless.
- A clean bathroom with all the toiletries you need.
- A comfy bed.
- A desk for those late-night emails (or, let's be honest, streaming).
- Blackout curtains. Crucial for sleep, especially after a long day.
They’ve also got bathrobes, so you can feel fancy. The free bottled water is a nice touch. And the mini-bar is there if you are tempted, but it's not too extravagantly priced.
My One Minor, Quibbly Complaint (Because I'm Human!)
Okay, so here's my tiny gripe: My room had a small window, which would not open fully! I'd have preferred a bit more fresh air and sunshine. But honestly? It's a very minor issue in the grand scheme of things.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Feed Me, Seymour!
Okay, this is where Aspree surprised me! Forget the usual motel grimness; they actually have options!
- Restaurants? Yes!
- A la carte in the restaurant? You bet!
- Breakfast in the room? Get that coffee going.
- A bar? Absolutely!
I decided to indulge in the Asian breakfast one morning. It wasn't exactly Michelin-starred, but it was DELICIOUS and fresh. I ordered room service (because I could), and the food arrived quickly, hot, and actually tasted good! The coffee/tea in the restaurant was also really nice. There is western breakfast as well.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax - Beyond the Bed!
This is where Aspree punches above its weight. They offer the usual suspects, but then they throw in a few curveballs:
- Swimming pool [outdoor] - Perfect for a lazy afternoon.
- Fitness center - To work off that delicious breakfast, I guess?
- Sauna/Spa - I didn't go for all the spa stuff, but it's there if you fancy it!
I did take a dip in the Pool with a View! It wasn't the most impressive view I've ever seen, but it's still a refreshing place to unwind after a long day.
Services and Conveniences - The Little Things That Matter
This is where Aspree truly shines. They’ve got the little things covered, and the big things, too.
- Daily housekeeping! My room was spotless every day.
- Cash withdrawal? Yep.
- Concierge? Indeed!
- Laundry/dry cleaning? In case YOU make a mess.
- Car park [free of charge] - HUGE win.
- Elevator! (Phew!)
For the Kids – Family-Friendly Fun!
Aspree's great for families! They have kids facilities and even babysitting services.
Getting Around – Smooth Journeys!
- Airport transfer? Check.
- Taxi service? Present and accounted for.
- Car parking [on-site]? You betcha!
The Offer - The Pitch! (Get Ready to Book!)
Alright, here's the deal… I'm going to be honest, Aspree Motor Inn isn't on the top of everyone's list of "best place to stay". However, it's a solid choice for anyone looking for comfort, convenience, and a great price. Here’s what makes it a winner:
Here's Why You Should Book Aspree Motor Inn RIGHT NOW:
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!
- Clean and Comfortable Rooms!
- Great Price!
- Excellent Accessibility!
- Amazing customer service to the staff.
- Incredible Breakfast!
If you value a pleasant stay, and you want a bit of quality without selling your kidney to pay for it, then the Aspree Motor Inn is your best option!
So, what are you waiting for? Book your stay at Aspree Motor Inn today! You won't regret it. 😉
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause we're about to unravel my Palmerston North adventure at the Aspree Motor Inn. This ain't your perfectly-polished, Instagram-filtered itinerary. Oh no. This is the real deal. Prepare for a whirlwind of questionable decisions, questionable beige decor, and a whole lotta me.
The Aspree Motor Inn Chronicles: A Deep Dive (or, How I Learned to Love the Beige)
Day 1: Arrival, Reality Check & the Mystery of the Missing Remote
Afternoon (ish): Arrived at Palmerston North. After a frankly harrowing flight (turbulence, screaming toddlers – you know the drill), I was buzzing. Visions of rolling green hills and sheep, lots of fluffy sheep filled my head. Check-in at the Aspree. "Welcome, darling!" chirped the lady at the desk, who looked suspiciously like she’d escaped from a 1980s time warp. Beige. Everything. Deep, comforting, soul-crushing beige. Okay, I thought, I can do this. I'm a travel writer, a professional adventurer! I'll embrace the beige. I'll find the beauty!
Late Afternoon: Unpacked. The room was… compact. The bed? Soft. The TV? Ancient. Spent a solid 20 minutes searching for the remote. Gone. Where do remotes go? Are they sentient? Do they stage little boycotts? I spent another 10 minutes trying to figure out the heating. In the end, I decided to just embrace the cold. Found an extra blanket in the cupboard - the savior.
Evening: Walked to the local restaurant based on the online recommendation and found a delicious, but slightly too-sweet, Pad Thai. Started my travel journal. The first entry? "Beige. Beige. Beige. And the remote… where ARE you? This is going to be one of those trips, isn't it?" Felt like I'd finally made it.
Day 2: Gardens, Sheep & the Great Coffee Conundrum
Morning: Awoke to… beige. And the sound of a lawnmower. The relentless sound of a lawnmower. Decided to explore the "Dugald Mackenzie Rose Garden" that was supposed to be near. Wandered around the roses. They were pretty, but the gardener seemed to be in charge and not me, it was hot. I found a bench, plopped down, and realized I needed coffee. Desperately.
Mid-Morning: The hunt for decent coffee commenced. Palmerston North, I learned the hard way, is a land of…variable coffee standards. After a series of unfortunate encounters with lukewarm brown liquids, I stumbled upon a small cafe. Finally, a decent flat white arrived. Victory. I’d survived the coffee gauntlet. The day started.
Afternoon: Found a local sheep farm that offers tours. I mean, sheep! I was in heaven. Picture this: me, surrounded by fluffy, ridiculously cute sheep. I tried to take a picture with one and was told it was not a good idea. The guide explained that it didn't like photos. The sheep didn't seem to mind the attention, but I was told to stay back. Fine. I understood. Felt a kinship with the animals. I spent a good hour just staring at them. Amazing.
Evening: Back at the Aspree. Did a TV search, found nothing but "The Price is Right" from 1998. Went out for dinner and stumbled upon a pub that was holding some live music. The band was a bit…off. The singer, a man with a booming voice and a serious mullet, kept forgetting the lyrics. But the crowd was having a blast. Embraced the messiness.
Day 3: The Manawatu Gorge & Existential Beige
Morning: More beige. More lawnmowers. Breakfast at the Aspree, which tasted like an old, lonely piece of toast. After that.. off to the "Manawatu Gorge"! Apparently, it's stunning. I was excited.
Mid-Morning: The gorge. Wow. The views were breathtaking. The river cutting through the mountains… it was beautiful. I found myself getting lost in thought. Life? Travel? The existential implications of beige? The gorge was a powerful reminder of how wonderful life could be.
Afternoon: Back at the Aspree. The room felt…lonely. The TV still had no remote. I spent an hour staring at the ceiling, lost in a sea of self-pity (you know, the usual travel melancholy). The beige was starting to get to me. Real bad.
Evening: Called room service. The only thing on the menu was a sad-looking sandwich. I ordered it anyway. And then, something unexpected happened. They gave me two sandwiches! Realizing that someone had made a mistake, I devoured both. Found a little bit of joy in the absurdity of it all.
Day 4: Departure & a Fond Farewell to the Beige
Morning: Awoke. Beige. Said goodbye to the Aspree Motor Inn. Left without the remote, I don't think they would have been too happy with me had I taken the remote. Got in the car. Palmerston North, you were… something.
Late Morning: Driving to the airport. Stopped at one last coffee shop, just to be sure. The coffee was amazing. Proof that good things do happen! Got the plane and just fell asleep.
Final Thoughts:
Palmerston North, you were an experience. You were beige, you were sheep, you were coffee adventures, and you were the Manawatu Gorge. You were…real. You weren't perfect, but neither am I. The Aspree Motor Inn? Yeah, it's probably not going to win any design awards, but it was a place to lay my weary head. And hey, I found a whole new level of appreciation for the color beige. Would I go back? Maybe. The lure of the sheep is strong… But next time, I'm bringing my own remote. And maybe a can of paint.
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Aspree Motor Inn: The Truth, The Whole Truth, and Probably Nothing But...
Is Aspree Motor Inn REALLY Palmerston North's Best Kept Secret? Or is that just marketing fluff?
Okay, let's be real. Best Kept Secret? That sounds like something a desperate travel agent whispers so they can convince you to, well, to *go*. But here's the deal: it's *secret-ish* in that it's not plastered all over Instagram with influencers posing in front of perfectly curated floral arrangements. I mean, it's *Palmerston North*, not the Maldives, right?
But yeah, I'd say there's something to it. My first time there, I was expecting typical budget motel vibes – you know, the kind where the curtains are permanently drawn and the air conditioning sounds like a dying walrus. Aspree? Different. It was clean. Really clean. And the staff - bless their hearts - were genuinely lovely. Not the fake-smile, forced-politeness kind, but the "Oh, you're going to the Manawatu Gorge? Enjoy – just watch out for the wind!" kind. That's magic, right there.
What are the rooms *actually* like? Are we talking dingy carpet and peeling wallpaper?
Okay, so here’s where I'm going to be brutally honest. My first room? Okay, it wasn't *luxurious*. We're not talking marble bathrooms and rainforest showers. Think of it as... a very well-maintained, cozy, practical space. I mean, the carpets *were* fine, the wallpaper – no issues. There probably aren't any of those horror stories you're imagining. The bed? Comfortable. Actually, *really* comfortable. And the shower? Hot water! A crucial factor in these parts, especially in winter. Especially after you've been out in that Manawatu wind. Believe me.
The real secret? The *vibe*. It's just...chill. It's what you want. Some of the rooms do look like they have been updated, some are looking a little dated! But hey, it’s a nice place to stay. You can relax and have a good time, and that's what counts.
The pool – is it a mirage? Or is it something else?
The pool... Oh, the pool. Alright, look, they do have a pool. It's outdoors. And it's... well, it's a pool. It's not Olympic-sized, or anything. But it's clean! It's often delightfully empty (I've had entire swims to myself!), and it's genuinely refreshing on a hot day. Now, don't go expecting a sparkling, Instagram-worthy infinity pool. Think more... functional. But honestly? Sometimes, that's exactly what you need. The worst part of the pool area? The *sun loungers*. It feels like there's never enough. They are just taken quickly. Be quick or get a towel ready.
Is it noisy? I can't stand constant traffic or yappy dogs!
Okay, noise levels: it's pretty good. It's set back a bit from the main road. My room, (and I've stayed in a few, I might add!) the only time there's been too much noise, was when the rugby team were practicing on the grounds. But it's usually peaceful. Now, if you're a light sleeper, maybe ask for a room towards the back. But in general? Pretty quiet. You're not going to be kept awake by endless traffic or yappy dogs. Unless, of course, *you* bring the yappy dog. (They're dog-friendly, by the way. Another bonus!).
Breakfast: What's the deal? Is it worth it?
Breakfast… Alright. This is where it gets a little messy. They do offer breakfast. It's usually a continental breakfast-type thing is, I'm not going to lie, it's not gourmet fare. Expect the usual suspects. Cereal, toast, maybe some fruit, and possibly a croissant that's seen better days. Coffee? It's coffee. But, and here's a BIG but... You can walk to a great cafe nearby. It’s called *The Hokowhitu* - which is just a short walk away, has good coffee and a hearty cooked breakfast. So, is the Aspree breakfast bad? No. Is it amazing? Also, no. My advice? Check your budget, weigh up the convenience, and decide based on that.
The Staff! Are they actually friendly, or just putting on a show?
Okay, I've already mentioned this, but it's worth repeating. The staff at Aspree? They're genuinely lovely! I had a particularly rough trip once, and I arrived looking like I'd been dragged through a bush backwards. The woman at reception (I think her name was Mary, or something similar - bad with names, me!) saw me, and immediately offered me a cup of tea. No questions asked. Just kindness. That kind of thing sticks with you. They seem to care. That's kind of rare, these days, isn't it? And they're helpful. Ask them for recommendations for dinner, or directions, or anything – they'll go the extra mile. Actually, they're probably the main reason it *is* Palmerston North's best-kept secret.
Parking: Easy peasy or a nightmare?
Parking? Simple. Easy. Plenty of spaces. (Unlike, say, trying to find parking in downtown Palmerston North on a Saturday morning, which feels like a competitive sport!). Never had a problem finding somewhere to park. Free parking. Bonus!
Can I bring my pet?
Yes! Aspree is pet-friendly. That's a big win in my book. I didn't bring a pet but I've seen lots of happy dogs there. Just check with them in advance to make sure there are pet-friendly rooms available. And, you know, bring the poop bags (you know who you are!). It's thoughtful, isn't it? Makes it feel more like a home from home than just a hotel.
