Aotea Motor Lodge

From go to wo, a wonderful experience. Staff very welcoming and friendly. Eager to give advice about local knowledge. Upstairs room with view over houses. Very clean, spacious and quiet. Well equipped . Comfortable bed. Spa bath was amazing. Only issue was strange smell when using air conditioning. Good location with just a short step to town. Across the road from the local club which has great meals. Definitely go here. You won't be disappointed

Wasn't keen on having a spa bath in the bedroom. Would have been nice to have net curtains or blinds on windows as lack of privacy as people walk past. Being short in stature microwave was far too high. Kitchen very basic with small microwave and toaster the only cooking equipment, so couldn't cook or warm up a meal as no saucepans or anything. Upside comfortable bed, plenty of tea, coffee etc. Subway right next door and other eating places nearby. Clean.

This was one of the noisiest motels that we have ever stayed at. Be aware it's located near a busy intersection and opposite a petrol station.nOur room were dark and locked up stairs - furniture was dark and depressing- Tudor dark ages style.nIt was clean. But for heavens sake get rid of the door infront of the little fridge.

Splendid stay. Pristine rooms. We spent most of our time out and travelling however on our return we enjoyed a lovely soak in the bath, comfortable queen sized bed and a few movies. Staff here were welcoming and friendly. Supermarkets across the road and very close to restaurants. Overall a pleasant experience and would return for another visit.

We booked to stay at the Aotea Motor Lodge, Whanganui for 2 nights in mid January 2026.nOn arrival, we were allocated a small, dark corner room under the stairs leading to the upstairs verandah. At best, this room could have been used as a utilities space for storing cleaning equipment. It was totally unsuitable for tourist accommodation.nWe explained to the proprietors that we could not stay in this room and, after driving around the locality, found a more suitable room in a nearby motel.nThe proprietors of Aotea Motor Lodge did not seem surprised when we checked out without even unpacking our bags. They did not offer any apologies or refund of monies already paid.nThe Aotea Motor Lodge is damaging Whanganui's reputation as a tourist destination. We would not recommend it to anybody.