Howick's BEST Motor Lodge: Auckland Stays Don't Get Better!
Howick's BEST Motor Lodge: Auckland Stays Don't Get Better!
Howick's BEST Motor Lodge: Auckland Stays Don't Get Better? – My Unfiltered Truth Bomb
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on Howick's BEST Motor Lodge. Forget the polished brochures and stock photos – I'm going to tell you the real story. And yes, that includes the stray hairs, the questionable coffee, and the overwhelming urge to hide the remote control.
First Impressions & Accessibility (Getting In With Ease - Or Not!)
From the second I pulled up, I was assessing. You know, the whole "Can Grandma get in easily?" test. Praise the Lord, the wheelchair accessibility seemed pretty decent. Wide doorways, ramps where necessary (it’s Auckland - hills are a given!), and even elevators. Score one for the good guys! The car park [free of charge] was a godsend. Auckland parking gives me hives, so getting to park right in front of my room was a massive mood booster. Though, let's be honest, I did see a dude try to park his enormous truck in a spot clearly meant for a Smart Car. That, my friends, is a testament to the parking gods' sense of humor.
Now, the Internet Saga… (Because Let's Be Real, We LIVE Online)
Okay, the Internet situation. This is where things get a tad…complex. They tout Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and Internet access – wireless. Groovy, right? Well, let me tell you, sometimes, the connection felt like it was powered by a hamster on a tiny wheel. Days I felt like screaming "Wi-Fi, are you trying to kill me?!" The Internet access – LAN option was there, but who even uses LAN these days? The whole thing was a bit of a gamble in terms of streaming. I tried for a binge-watching session to melt the stress, and failed miserably – buffering, constantly, like a bad boyfriend. Anyway, for general checking-of-emails, it was fine.
Getting Comfortable (Rooms that are actually Liveable!)
My room? Pretty darned good. Air conditioning, thank you! Blackout curtains – a MUST for this light sleeper. Extra long bed – crucial for a restless fidget like myself. Daily housekeeping meant I didn’t have to face a week of my own chaos – a major win. The mini bar was stocked, which is always a temptation and a budget destroyer, and the refrigerator held my essentials. The Bathrobes were fluffy. And I appreciated the coffee/tea maker (though the coffee itself could have used a little more…oomph). However, my biggest gripe? The mirror placement. I'm not sure, but maybe it was a tad too far from the power outlets or the lighting - made putting on makeup a disaster. I'm still feeling the results.
(This is where I start my tangent. Hold on to your hats)
Oh, the whole “mirror and light situation” reminds me of this one time I stayed in a Parisian hotel… Okay, I’m getting myself off track. Back to Howick. I'm terrible at staying on point!
Food, Glorious Food (And The Occasional Questionable Choice)
The Breakfast [buffet] was a standard affair on a good day, but I have to be honest. It was your typical hotel buffet. No culinary masterpieces here. I did indulge in the Asian breakfast one morning, which was a refreshing change, but again, nothing that blew my mind. They mentioned the room service [24-hour], and while I didn't indulge, I'd say it was tempting. I mean, the option of having a salad and desert in your room is an appealing one. The restaurants on site, well, there was a choice. A bar. I did sneak a peek. The coffee shop was a life saver. Not the best coffee in the world but it did the job.
Relaxation Station (Trying to Find My Zen)
Ah, the good stuff! They have a Swimming pool [outdoor]. and a pretty good one at that. I spent a delightful hour or two there. I was going to try the gym/fitness. But I’m, frankly, lazy. And even the tantalizing prospect of hitting the Spa felt too strenuous. Let’s be honest, all I wanted was a good book and a long nap. And I might just have got that. Which is awesome. They do offer Massages and the like, so I'd say the opportunities are there.
Cleanliness & Safety (Keeping the Germs at Bay)
In a post-covid world, you want to know you're safe. And Howick's BEST seems to have taken hygiene seriously. The Anti-viral cleaning products were present, and I noticed the Daily disinfection in common areas. They’ve got the whole Hand sanitizer stations and are doing their best to stay safe. I felt relatively secure.
Stuff for the Kids (Babysitting, Yay or Nay?)
Didn't have any kids in tow, so I can't personally vouch for the babysitting service or kids facilities. But the environment struck me as family friendly, generally.
The Quirky Bits (What Separates Good from Great)
Okay, the real test. What makes Howick's BEST stand out? This is where it gets interesting.
The Staff. The front desk crew was genuinely helpful and friendly. Like, actually happy to help, not just reciting a script.
The Location. It's in Howick. Easy access to the stores. Plenty of places to grab a bite.
The Bottom Line (My Honest Verdict)
Would I stay at Howick's BEST Motor Lodge again? Absolutely, yes. It's a solid choice. The rooms are comfortable, the location is convenient, and the staff are lovely. It isn't perfect, but what is? Come prepared for a few Wi-Fi wobbles, and you’ll be golden. It's not five-star luxury, but it's a damn good Auckland basecamp. It's honest. It's real. It’s Howick, done right.
Metadata/SEO Stuff (Let's Get Those Google Bots Happy!)
- Keywords: Howick Motor Lodge, Auckland Accommodation, Accessible Hotel, Free Wi-Fi Auckland, Spa Hotel Auckland, Family Friendly Hotel, Howick Hotel, Car Park, Auckland Hotel Deals, Best Hotel in Howick.
- Title: Howick's BEST Motor Lodge: Auckland Stays Don't Get Better! (My Unfiltered Review)
- Meta Description: Honest review of Howick's BEST Motor Lodge. Read about accessibility, rooms, food, and amenities. Is this Auckland hotel worth the hype? Find out!
- Alt Text for Images: Use relevant phrases like "Wheelchair accessible room at Howick Motor Lodge," "Outdoor pool at Auckland Hotel," "Free Parking at Howick Best Motor Lodge"
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This ain't gonna be your pristine, pre-packaged itinerary. This is… my attempt at one, based around a stay at the Howick Motor Lodge in Auckland, New Zealand. Prepare for a bumpy ride.
Title: Auckland & Me: A Chaotic Love Story (Starring the Howick Motor Lodge)
Pre-Trip Whining (aka, the prologue):
Honestly? The stress of planning a trip is almost worse than the actual travel. Endless Googling, comparing prices, trying to remember if I packed my passport (spoiler: I probably haven't). Auckland, I've heard good things. Lush, beautiful. More like the Hobbit than whatever drab reality I’m currently living. Fingers crossed.
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread (Plus, the Howick Motor Lodge!)
Time: All Day
Activity: Arrive, check in (hopefully without looking too travel-worn and disheveled), acclimatize, and possibly have a minor meltdown.
9:00 AM (or whenever my flight actually lands that isn't late!): Ugh, Auckland Airport. It's actually pretty nice. (For an airport.) Breathe deep, pretend to be organised, and… wait for the bags. Seriously, baggage claim is the purgatory of modern travel.
10:30 AM (ish): Hired a car. It's small. Really small. I call her "The Hobbitmobile." Praying she can handle the roads.
11:30 AM (if traffic doesn't kill me): Finally, Howick Motor Lodge! I'm praying for a comfortable bed and a shower that isn't a trickle. The online photos looked decent. Let's face it, I'm tired and cranky. I've already talked to two people and I'm already over them.
12:00 PM-1:00 PM: Unpack. Assess the room. The room is…functional. It has a bed. It has a questionable floral bedspread that screams "1980s" but I don't care, I'm tired. Commence existential crisis while staring at the view (probably a car park). Decide to embrace the chaos. This is what makes it "unforgettable", right? Right?!
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Found a local cafe. God bless the internet for helping me out. Seriously, I swear I could forget my own name without Google Maps. Grab a flat white (obligatory) and a scone that hopefully doesn’t taste like cardboard. Note to self: learn basic phrases of Maori, and don't act like a complete idiot.
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Explore Howick itself. Small, cute, and I'm already starting to feel a little more relaxed. Drive along the coast. Feel the sun on my face. Breathe. The air feels different here. Cleaner. Less… stressed.
6:00 PM-7:00 PM: Back to the Lodge. Attempt to make dinner in the kitchenette (microwave meals? Sigh). Fail miserably. Order takeaway (probably fish and chips). Curse that I didn't pack any snacks and am in serious danger of becoming hangry.
7:00 PM - Bedtime: Fish and chips. Watch some TV. Contemplate the meaning of life while simultaneously trying to decide if NZ TV is weird or just… different. Probably both. Fall into a sleep of exhaustion and vague contentment.
Day 2: Beach Bliss & Road-Trip Regret
Time: All Day
Activity: Beach (hopefully sunny), Auckland Botanic Gardens, and, if I’m feeling brave, a little more driving that hopefully doesn't involve getting lost.
9:00 AM: Breakfast! A weird mix of cereal from the Lodge's "complimentary" selection and a banana I managed to buy yesterday. Start the day in a better mood. Feeling like I've actually accomplished something, which is an impressive feat.
10:00 AM: Head to Howick Beach. Seriously, the sand just sparkles. It's gorgeous! I am a beach person, so even though it's not blazing sunshine, it's near perfect. Walk along the promenade. Watch the seagulls squawk. Feel the wind. Realise I've forgotten my sunscreen. Ugh, rookie mistake.
12:00 PM: Auckland Botanic Gardens. I'm not really a "garden person" normally, but the internet said it was worth a visit and, honestly, it was spectacular. The smells. The colours. It was… relaxing. I took a deep breath. Got lost in the palm trees for a moment, a small, silly smile crept on my face.
2:00 PM: Lunch! Found a little cafe by the gardens. I ordered some sort of veggie burger thing. Actually, it was quite good. (Surprise!)
3:00 PM: Back to Howick Motor Lodge. Time for a break. I was considering a long drive, but the thought of the roads is making me nervous. I did a quick detour to a local supermarket. I got some snacks, like a true professional.
4:00 PM - Evening: Relax. Shower. Journal. People-watch from my window (it's a good view). A little writing, planning for the next few days, and trying to avoid the inevitable "touristy" traps that are going to be, well, traps. Start a book. Maybe read a few pages.
7:00 PM: Consider going out but end up ordering pizza and watching TV. The pizza was decent. The TV? Still weird, but I'm slowly getting acclimatized.
Day 3: More Auckland (and a bit of a Breakdown)
Time: All Day
Activity: Explore Auckland City! Sky Tower, museums, and hopefully no more accidental detours down random side streets.
9:00 AM: Breakfast. The complimentary cereal is starting to get old, but I'm too lazy to drive for a better option. Sigh.
10:00 AM: Okay, Auckland City. Let's do this. Park. Walk. Get slightly lost despite the GPS.
11:00 AM: Sky Tower time! Okay, the view is spectacular. You know, the kind of spectacular that makes you go, "Wow." And then you see the price of the cafe at the top and go, "Wow…not today."
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM: The Auckland Museum. History, culture, Maori artefacts. It's incredibly moving. I'm actually feeling genuinely emotional. This trip is more than just checking boxes on a list. It's…something.
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Lunch in the city. Had a burger. It was… okay. Nothing special. Realise I'm starting to miss the comfort of my own kitchen (and the ability to cook something other than microwave meals).
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Shopping. Found some cool souvenirs. Maybe I'll get something for the folks at home that’s not a keyring or a magnet. Decide to treat myself to that fancy chocolate bar. Yes.
5:00 PM: Back to the Hobbitmobile. Drive back to Howick Motor Lodge. Traffic. Traffic. Traffic.
6:00 PM: Complete and utter meltdown. I could not find a good restaurant nearby, everything costs a fortune, and the travel exhaustion has finally caught up. I’m at my wit's end.
7:00 PM: Take-away and an early night.
Day 4: Chill Day & Goodbye (For Now)
Time: All Day
Activity: Relax! Maybe a spa treatment if I can find one in the area, and a final walk on the beach before my flight.
9:00 AM: Actually got some sleep. Ate that chocolate bar from yesterday. Amazing.
10:00 AM: Spa? Spa! Found one in Howick. Treat yo'self. It was amazing. One of the best things I've ever done.
1:00 PM: Last lunch. More fish and chips. Still good.
2:00 PM: One final stroll along the beach. This time with sunscreen! Soak up the sun and the sea air.
3:00 PM: Pack. The hardest part. Reminisce about the memories.
4:00 PM: Drive to the airport.
5:00 PM: Drop off the Hobbitmobile.
6:00 PM onwards: Flight! Auckland, it's been…an experience. I'm exhausted, a little overwhelmed, and already planning my return.
Post-Trip Reflection (aka, the epilogue):
Auckland and the Howick Motor Lodge? Not perfect, but perfect in its imperfection. The chaos, the minor frustrations, the moments of
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Howick's BEST Motor Lodge: Auckland Stays Don't Get Better! (Apparently... Let's See!) - FAQ
Okay, okay, so everyone's raving about this place. What *actually* makes Howick's BEST... well, the BEST? Is it just the name? Because that's a bold claim.
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because "best" is a strong word, and I'm skeptical by nature. The leaflet boasts "immaculate rooms, unparalleled comfort," and "the ultimate Auckland escape." Look, I've stayed in places where "immaculate" meant "last cleaned in the Reagan administration." I’m willing to be proven wrong, though! So, I’m told the location is key: right in the heart of Howick Village, which, frankly, I didn’t even *know* had a heart. Easy access to shops, restaurants, the beach... theoretically, all within stumbling distance. They also harp on about the "friendly staff." We'll see. My last encounter with "friendly staff" involved a three-hour wait for a lukewarm coffee. Fingers crossed.
Let's get down to the nitty-gritty. What are the rooms *really* like? Are we talking motel chic or something a little... less beige?
Okay, ROOMS. This is where it gets interesting. The website promises "modern decor" and "spacious rooms." Now, "modern decor" can mean a lot of things. Is it that minimalist, "everything-is-white-and-you're-afraid-to-touch-anything" kind of modern? Or is it that "dated-but-trying-to-be-trendy-with-a-splash-of-orange" modern? I'm hoping for the former, but I'm cautiously preparing myself for the latter. I'm a sucker for good lighting and a really comfortable bed. If I can't sleep, *nothing* else matters. And space! Who wants to trip over their suitcase every five seconds? If I can actually move around without dislocating a hip, they've already won some points from me.
Breakfast. The most important meal of the day (argue with me, I dare you). What's the breakfast situation? Continental? Full cooked? Or do I need to fend for myself?
Breakfast. The make-or-break, the grand finale, the *reason* I'm even venturing out of bed. The website *hints* at breakfast. Let's be honest, a "continental breakfast" usually consists of stale bread, questionable jam, and instant coffee that tastes like sadness. I'm a sucker for a proper, cooked breakfast. Eggs Benny? Yes, please! Sausages that *actually* taste like sausage? Take my money! If they've got a decent espresso machine, I might just consider giving them a five-star review. Seriously, bad coffee can ruin my entire day. I might even bring my own French press. Don't judge me.
Parking? God, don't even get me STARTED on Auckland parking... Is it plentiful? Free? A total nightmare?
Parking. Oh, sweet merciful heavens, the parking. Auckland parking. It's a special kind of hell. I've spent hours circling city blocks, fueled by rage and a dwindling fuel gauge. The website *better* say "ample free parking." If I arrive and have to navigate some kind of parking Hunger Games... I'm walking. I’ll walk, I swear it! The thought of paying extra for a parking space? I'm already grumpy about the *cost* of staying at the place! I desperately hope they've taken into account the Auckland parking plague. Otherwise, I'm rating them one star purely on principle.
What about the location, actually? Is it near anything *interesting*, or am I going to be staring at a carpark all weekend?
Okay, location, location, location! They *claim* it’s in the heart of Howick Village. Which, as I mentioned, I didn't realize existed. Is that a good thing? I'm hoping for cute cafes, interesting shops, maybe a decent pub. I *need* a decent pub. I need to be able to wander out and have a drink without driving. I'm picturing myself, wandering the village at sunset, a cold beer in hand... Is this actually possible? Or am I going to be stuck in a motel room watching daytime television? The website mentions a beach, so that's a bonus. Beaches are good. I may or may not have been lured in by the prospect of a cute little cafe and a walk along the beach! I want to stroll along the sand, with the smell of fish and chips in the air, not the smell of stale air conditioning, please! God, let there at least be a nice coffee shop!
Let's talk about the staff. Are they actually helpful? Or do they disappear the second you need something? Give me the tea!
Staff. The unsung heroes, or the bane of your existence. "Friendly staff" they boast. Oh, the promises! It's a gamble, let's be honest. I once stayed somewhere and the staff was so utterly useless, I swear they were actively trying to make my stay worse. Like, they *enjoyed* it. I’m hoping for a welcome that's not just a monotone drone reading off a script. Enthusiasm? A genuine smile? Asking if I need anything? (And actually *meaning* it?) If I call down to reception and they have no idea how to help me at all, I'm going to lose it. Seriously, basic hospitality goes a long way. Perhaps I am a bit of an old softie. But I want to feel welcomed and taken care of. Is that too much to ask?
Okay, so let's say something goes wrong. Like, the shower doesn't work (been there, done that, and I was NOT happy). How responsive are they to complaints?
Something goes wrong. Oh, it *always* does. The shower that only dribbles lukewarm water. The TV that's stuck on a channel broadcasting static. The air conditioning that sounds like a jet engine. What happens then? Are you left to fend for yourself, or do they *actually* care? Responsiveness is key. If I have to chase someone down for hours to fix a problem, I'm going to become incredibly grumpy. A quick fix, a sincere apology, and maybe even a little something extra (a complimentary drink, perhaps?) can turn a bad situation around. I had an absolute *nightmare* at a resort once, where the air conditioning was broken, and it took them THREE DAYS to address the issue. Three days! It was the worst sleep of my life. The horror! So, how good are they are fixing a leaky tap? I am praying that I don't have to find out!
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