Wanaka-44.69685100,
169.13416500,
Corner Of Dunmore & Dungarvon Streets(Show on Map)
7.7
Good
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1 room2 guests1 room, 2 guests
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Summary of reviewsAspiring Lodge Motel in Wanaka has established a reputation for its outstanding location, central to the town's attractions and within easy walking distance to shops, bars, restaurants and the scenic waterfront beach. Visitors frequently highlight the convenience of exploring the area on foot and the proximity to amenities such as a supermarket, lake and ski field, making it an ideal base for tourists.
The motel’s rooms receive mixed reviews, but positive feedback emphasizes the spaciousness, cleanliness and practical amenities like microwaves, fridges and kettles. Guests appreciate the roomy bathrooms and the warmth and insulation of the rooms. However, some reviewers note the dated appearance and occasional design flaws, such as dark decor and cramped kitchenettes.
Cleanliness at the motel is generally well-received with many guests commenting on the tidy and well-maintained state of their accommodations despite a few mentions of minor issues like cobwebs or occasional odors. The helpfulness and friendliness of the staff are consistently highlighted with specific praise for their accommodating nature and personal attention to guests’ needs.
The wi-fi service at Aspiring Lodge Motel is inconsistent with some guests experiencing poor connectivity and buffering issues, while others report satisfactory performance. The onsite parking is seen as a valuable amenity, though the tight and limited spaces can pose challenges, particularly for larger vehicles.
The beds also receive mixed feedback but lean towards the positive with many guests finding them comfortable and conducive to a good night's rest. The motel, while outdated, is appreciated by many for its rustic charm and suitability for families, thanks to its central location and budget-friendly rates.
Overall, Aspiring Lodge Motel is recognized as a clean, centrally located and accommodating option, especially suitable for budget-conscious travelers and families seeking convenience in exploring Wanaka. Show more
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Categories
Motel with Parking
Cheap Motel
Accessible Motel
Small Motel
3-Star Motel
Room Types
Standard Double RoomIncludes a refrigerator, microwave, toaster, tea/coffee making facilities, en suite bathroom, electric blankets and a balcony with lake views/ courtyard with mountain views.
Executive StudioThese studios feature a fully equipped kitchenette with refrigerator, microwave, electric stove, toaster, kettle and kitchenware. Also includes an en suite bathroom and electric blankets.
Downstairs, the corner studio has a private courtyard with a mountain view and a bigger kitchen. The upstairs studio has a balcony with a mountain view and a partial lake view.
Downstairs/upstairs units are subject to availability. To request a particular room type, please use the special request box when booking or contact the property using the contact details found on the booking confirmation.
Family RoomThese studios feature a kitchenette with full-size refrigerator, microwave, electric stove, toaster, kettle and kitchenware. Also includes an en suite bathroom, electric blankets and a balcony with lake views.
Twin RoomIncludes a refrigerator, microwave, toaster, tea/coffee making facilities, en suite bathroom, electric blankets and a balcony with lake views/ courtyard with mountain views.
King StudioThis heated studio includes a fridge, tea/coffee making facilities and a terrace with outdoor furniture.
Family StudioThese studios feature a kitchenette with full-size refrigerator, a microwave, an electric stove and kitchenware. Also includes an en suite bathroom, electric blankets and a balcony with mountain views.
Guest Reviews
7.7
Good
Location
Aspiring Lodge Motel boasts an enviable location that is repeatedly praised by its guests. Nestled in the heart of Wanaka, it places visitors within easy walking distance of the town's main attractions, including shops, bars, restaurants and the scenic waterfront beach. The central location allows convenient access to a supermarket next door, making it a practical choice for guests. Several reviews highlighted the ease of exploring the area on foot, mentioning that many places of interest, such as the lake, cycle trails and bus stops to Queenstown, are just steps away from the motel. Guests also appreciated the motel’s proximity to the Remarkables ski field. The upper units offer pleasant views and sunny balconies, where guests can relax and enjoy the surroundings. The overall sentiment is that Aspiring Lodge Motel's location is exceptional, providing both convenience and a splendid base to explore Wanaka.
Rooms
Aspiring Lodge Motel receives mixed reviews regarding its rooms. On the positive side, many guests appreciate the spaciousness of the rooms, describing them as very large and well set out with ample space even for three people. The bathrooms are noted to be spacious with reasonably powerful showers. Additionally, the rooms are kept very clean and tidy, contributing to a pleasant stay. Guests also find the inclusion of chargers and appliances useful for a self-contained experience and the parking availability is highlighted as a significant bonus.
However, some areas of concern include the dated appearance of the property with certain elements indicating its age. Some rooms appear dark due to the use of dark wood and certain areas, such as the kitchenette, feel cramped and limited. The couch might be too small for two people and some guests note that the decor and style are dated.
Despite these drawbacks, the motel's well-insulated, warm rooms and its prime location provide redeeming qualities that guests appreciate, making it an overall satisfactory, if not exceptional, lodging option.
Beds
Aspiring Lodge Motel receives mixed feedback on its beds, yet many guests report positively on their experiences. A significant number of reviewers find the beds to be quite comfortable with some highlighting the beds as super comfortable and very comfortable – perfect for a good night’s sleep. Several guests also appreciate the king-size beds and the overall cleanliness of the bedding. While a few mentions arise regarding beds being hard or uncomfortable, the majority suggest that the beds are satisfactory for at least an overnight stay. Guests often praise the overall spaciousness of the rooms and the excellent central location, complemented by wonderful service, creating a pleasant stay overall.
Cleanliness
The Aspiring Lodge Motel receives mixed feedback on its cleanliness from guests with a dominant trend towards positive remarks. Many guests found the motel to be very clean and highlighted that the rooms were clean, tidy and spacious, providing necessary amenities such as a microwave, fridge, toaster and kettle with tea, coffee and milk. The central location and smooth check-in process were also appreciated by visitors.
Despite these positive aspects, some guests noted areas in need of improvement. Issues such as old and dusty odors, occasional cobwebs and outdated rooms were mentioned. There were sporadic reports of dirty items, including filthy curtains and a dirty toilet. However, the majority of the reviews praised the cleanliness and value for money of the accommodations. The helpful staff and overall neatness of the facilities also contributed to the favorable opinion held by many guests.
Staff
The staff at Aspiring Lodge Motel consistently receive high praise from guests. Visitors frequently mention the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff, singling out individuals like Marlyn and the French woman at reception for their commendable service. Guests note the accommodating nature of the receptionists, who often go out of their way to assist, whether it's providing travel tips or even lending personal items like a laundry hanger. The owners also receive recognition for their kindness and willingness to help. The staff’s warm welcome and the assistance provided contribute significantly to a pleasant stay. The team is efficient, ensuring easy access to the facilities and a quiet environment. The combination of personable service and a strategic location near the supermarket and lake makes a stay at Aspiring Lodge Motel both convenient and enjoyable.
Wi-Fi
The internet service at Aspiring Lodge Motel has received mixed feedback from guests. Many have found the wi-fi to be unsatisfactory, often describing it as poor, terrible or even unavailable in their rooms at times. Some guests have also experienced issues with buffering while trying to watch TV, indicating inconsistent connectivity. However, there are also positive remarks with some guests reporting strong internet and the availability of unlimited internet, which allowed for streaming services like Netflix. It appears that while the wi-fi can be hit-or-miss, there are moments where it performs well.
Parking
The Aspiring Lodge Motel offers convenient on-site parking, which many guests found to be a useful amenity. The staff also receive high marks for their helpfulness and willingness to assist, including going above and beyond to resolve any issues with vehicles. However, it's important to note that the parking spaces are quite tight and limited, making it challenging to find a spot, especially during peak times. Some guests mentioned difficulty accommodating larger vehicles, such as cars with trailers. Despite these limitations, the parking is free, adding value to the overall stay. Overall, while the parking situation can be cramped and occasionally lacks sufficient capacity, the attentive and friendly staff help to mitigate some of the frustrations.
3 Star
Aspiring Lodge Motel in Wanaka is an accommodation option that has received mixed reviews from guests. The property is noted for being clean and comfortable despite its outdated and somewhat tired decor. While some found the old and drab decor not up to standard, others appreciated its rustic charm and found that it met their needs. Families particularly enjoyed the convenience of its central location, close to the lake, playground and local restaurants, as well as having a supermarket next door.
However, the motel's age is unmistakable with guests pointing out the need for modernization and a total upgrade. Noise can be an issue due to the thin walls, making conversations from neighboring rooms audible. Despite these drawbacks, many found the accommodation still satisfactory for a comfortable stay. For those looking to prepare their meals, facilities are limited but manageable. Overall, while Aspiring Lodge Motel is an older and more dated property, its clean environment and prime location make it a decent choice for budget-conscious travelers, especially families.
No, Aspiring Lodge Motel doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Aspiring Lodge Motel.
No, Aspiring Lodge Motel doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Aspiring Lodge Motel.