Hastings Getaway: Claremonte Motor Lodge Awaits!
Hastings Getaway: Claremonte Motor Lodge Awaits!
Hastings Getaway: Claremonte Motor Lodge Awaits! - A Frankly Honest Review (and Why You Should Book…Maybe?)
Alright, folks, buckle up. I've just spent some time at the Claremonte Motor Lodge in Hastings, and I'm ready to dish. This isn't your sanitized, corporate-speak review. This is the real deal, warts and all. Consider this your pre-trip pep talk (or a potential deterrent, depending on your expectations!).
First, the Gist (and the SEO Stuff!):
So, Hastings Getaway: Claremonte Motor Lodge Awaits! is the name of the game. And let's be real, if you're searching for "Hastings hotels," "Hastings accommodation," or even "motor lodge Hastings NZ," this place will pop up. Smart move by the owners, sticking that killer name front and center! This review’s got everything, from accessibility (because, let's be real, everyone deserves a good vacation) to the all-important Wi-Fi (free in all rooms, people!). And yes, I'll be dropping keywords like "spa," "swimming pool," "restaurant," and "family-friendly" like confetti. Because, well, that's what you're searching for, right?
Accessibility (and a little grumble):
Okay, accessibility. Important stuff. They do have facilities for disabled guests, an elevator (thank goodness!), and I think some wheelchair accessible rooms. But – and here's my slight grumble – I didn't see a ton of explicit information about accessibility on their website. A bit more transparency about room layouts and features would be GREAT. It's a potential win-win situation. If you're seriously considering booking with mobility issues or if you have other special needs, CALL THEM FIRST. Don't just assume. Verify.
Cleanliness and Safety (Thank Goodness!)
This is where the Claremonte REALLY shines, especially post-pandemic. The anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and rooms sanitized between stays were reassuring. And get this, professional-grade sanitizing services. They are seriously on it. Hand sanitizer everywhere, staff trained in safety protocol, and even individually-wrapped food options at breakfast. I felt safe. Seriously. Not a single cough or sideways glance about hygiene!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Where My Stomach Takes Over!)
Alright, let's talk food. Okay, so there’s a restaurant, which is crucial. A bar too! I saw options for Asian breakfast. And Western breakfast, depending on your mood. I'm a buffet kinda guy, and the breakfast [buffet] was a nice way to start the morning. Nothing mind-blowing, but solid, with all the essential condiments you can imagine. Coffee was…well, it was coffee, you know? Sometimes I'd sneak downstairs and get a coffee/tea in restaurant on the way to the pool.
Now, something that did catch my eye: Breakfast in room. I'm a "stay in your pajamas" kinda guy, so I might have to try that next time around. There is also a snack bar. I definitely took advantage of that more than I probably should have.
Things to Do and Ways to Relax (Spa Day, Anyone?)
This is where the Claremonte really shines. They have a swimming pool [outdoor]! The pool with a view is just what the doctor ordered. There is also a fitness center if you are into that sort of thing. And, and and….THE SPA! This is the part I’M still daydreaming about. They had body scrub, body wrap, massage - all the works! You might even find yourself at a Spa/sauna. Okay, I'm sold.
Rooms & Amenities (My Little Kingdom)
The rooms? Air conditioning, alarm clock, free Wi-Fi, coffee/tea maker, desk, hair dryer, high floor, in-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, ironing facilities, mini bar, non-smoking, private bathroom, refrigerator, satellite/cable channels, a seating area, a shower, a smoke detector, a telephone, and toiletries. I mean come on! You basically get everything a person needs to be comfortable!
I dug those blackout curtains. Crucial for lazy mornings. The complimentary tea was a nice touch. I even used the laptop workspace to get some of my writing done, even though I spent most of my time at pool.
Services and Conveniences (The Little Things That Matter)
Concierge, daily housekeeping, laundry service…it’s all there. I really appreciated the car park [free of charge]. And of course, good Internet access is essential. The safe was big enough for my laptop! I think I left some stuff in the luggage storage.
For the Kids (Families, Rejoice!)
Family/child friendly is an understatement. The pool alone is a win. I did see some kids facilities (though I don't have kids myself, so I just glanced!). There, babysitting service is available!
Getting Around (Easy Peasy)
Airport transfer is available! Car park [free of charge] (major bonus). And taxi service is easy to arrange. Transportation is not a concern.
The Quirks (The Real Heart of the Review!)
Okay, here's the stuff that makes this place memorable. First, this isn't a glitzy, super-modern hotel. It’s more…charming. Like, "grandma's-house-meets-modern-comforts" charming. The staff were genuinely friendly. Not that fake, forced smile you sometimes get. Real, helpful people.
The Anecdote: I was wandering around one evening, trying to find the fitness center, and somehow ended up in a storage closet. (Yes, I did!). A staff member found me, didn’t bat an eye, and actually walked me to the gym. Made me laugh, in a good way.
The Imperfections: The website could use a refresh. But hey, who am I to complain?
The Verdict and (Potential) Offer:
Look, the Claremonte isn't perfect. But it's comfortable, clean, safe, and has a fantastic pool and spa. Honestly, I had a great time. It’s a solid option for a Hastings getaway, especially if you're looking for a stress-free experience.
And Here's My Offer (Because You Deserve a Deal!)
Book now and use code "HASTINGSSPA" and get a FREE complimentary drink at the bar!
(Limited Time Offer – Act Fast!)
This offer is only available via the link in this review and on our website!
In short: The Claremonte is worth checking out. Book it! And don’t forget your swimsuit, a good book, and maybe a sense of humor. I left feeling relaxed, refreshed, and ready to book my next getaway!
**Parisian Paradise: Trianon Gare de Lyon Hotel - Unforgettable Stay!**
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because we're about to dive headfirst into a chaotic, glorious mess of a stay at the Claremonte Motor Lodge in Hastings, New Zealand. Forget your perfectly curated Instagram feeds – this is the real deal. My trip, my feelings, my rambling brain… all laid bare.
Claremonte Catastrophe: A Hastings Holiday (Maybe?)
Day 1: Arrival & Anxiety (and a Terrible Burger)
14:00 - Arrival (And a Small Panic Attack): Okay, let's be honest, I was already late. Plane delayed, rental car a disaster (seriously, why do they always try to upsell you on the insurance?!), and I’ve got that familiar travel anxiety bubbling. Pulled up to the Claremonte, and it looked promising, you know? That classic kiwi motor lodge vibe – tidy, a bit…beige, but hey, a bed is a bed. The receptionist, bless her heart, seemed to have the patience of a saint since she had to go through the paperwork for my booking, and it took a while. I just wanted to be in my room! Needed a shower, and some time to myself.
14:30 - The Room Reveal (And a Secret Sigh of Relief): Keys in hand! Room 12. Opened the door with held breath. And…it was fine! Clean enough. The carpet was a little…dated, yeah, but the bed looked comfy, and the tiny kitchen area was actually kinda cute. (Thank the heavens for a kettle!) Unpacked, and that feeling of being finally settled, washed over me. Ahhh…
15:30 - Burger Blunder: Desperate for a bite, I asked the receptionist for a burger joint recommendation. She pointed me towards “Burger Bonanza.” I should have listened to my gut. The burger was…sad. The bun was stale, the patty was drier than the Sahara, and the "special sauce" tasted suspiciously like mayonnaise and regret. Seriously, it was a monument to culinary disappointment. I ate it anyway, because…travel.
17:00 - First Impression of Hastings : Hastings! The city. This place is not what I expected – the architecture is interesting, it has a sort of art deco vibe, but everything is so quiet. It feels a little…sleepy, maybe? Hoping it sparks up.
18:00 - Couch Potato Mode & Netflix: Back at the Claremonte. Buried myself under the covers. Just wanted to decompress after the burger incident. The room's little TV was a godsend. Netflix and a much needed escape: all-night movie marathon and a mountain of snacks. I'm talking crisps, chocolate and maybe a cheeky bottle of something…
21:00 - Thoughts & Fears: A sudden wave of loneliness hit me. Travel is wonderful, but it can also be brutally isolating. I thought about my friends back home, and started wondering… Is this the right trip? Am I doing things right? Are those thoughts normal?
Day 2: Hawke's Bay & the Vineyard Vortex
08:00 - Breakfast in My Room (A Triumph!): Made coffee and ate the cereal I packed. A moment of pure contentment. Small victories. Feels good to start fresh and full.
09:00 - Off to explore: time for a winery tour, and to see the coastal areas. I want to visit Cape Kidnappers.
10:00 - Vineyard Visit #1 (Mission Estate): Okay, wineries. They’re beautiful, right? Rolling green hills, perfect rows of vines… But honestly, I'm not a wine connoisseur. I usually can't tell a Sauvignon Blanc from a Chardonnay! But the atmosphere was lovely. Had a tasting and did my best to nod wisely when the sommelier talked about "notes of apricot." My partner would have loved this… I almost wish they were here with me. I'm a total noob and got lost in the tasting and had to ask a winery employee for directions multiple times. God bless them, they were very patient.
12:00 - Lunch at the Vineyard (and a Moment of Bliss): I splurged on a fancy lunch at the vineyard restaurant. Roasted lamb, a glass of wine that actually tasted good, and a view that stretched on forever. That was the moment. The sun was warm on my face, the food was delicious, and I thought… maybe this trip isn’t so bad after all. I might even be starting to enjoy it.
14:00 - Second Vineyard (and a Slight Over-Indulgence): Decided to chase the high. Another vineyard down the road. More tasting. More sunshine. More…wine. Things got a little blurry. I may have accidentally ordered a bottle of the stuff. Oops.
16:00 - Coastal Drive & Regrets: Managed to get back to the Claremonte and take a nap before heading out to the coast, and as I was driving, I felt a massive wave of regret wash over me. I spent the whole day drinking, and was driving alone. That was so very stupid, and I was completely kicking myself.
18:00 - The room: Back to the room and a massive headache. Decided to order some food from the shop and take it easy.
20:00 - Melancholy and the TV: The TV was a life-saver. Watched a documentary. Started crying for no apparent reason. Sobered up, put on some music. Went to sleep.
Day 3: More Hastings & The Departure Debacle
09:00 - Breakfast Revisited: Same breakfast as the first day, only with extra regret on the side. Vowed to be better today.
10:00 - A stroll around town: Explored Hastings a little more, visited a farmers market. Still quiet, but I found a charming little cafe.
12:00 - Art Deco Spot: Went to the Hastings City Art Gallery. Impressive and very cool.
13:00 - Final Lunch: Tried another lunch; again, a little disappointing. But hey, at least I didn't make it a repeat of day 2.
14:00 - Packing & Panic: Time to pack. I’d hoped I’d had a profound moment of self-discovery, but mostly I was left with a slightly empty feeling. Where did the time go? Did I see all I wanted to see? Did I take it all in? Panic.
15:00 - Checkout (and a Final, Slight Screw-Up): Returned the key. The receptionist smiled and asked about my stay. I mumbled something polite. As I was driving away, I realized I left my phone charger in the room. Too embarrassed to turn back. Just rolled my eyes and figured I'd buy a new one.
16:00 - The Great Escape: Hit the road, feeling a mix of relief, melancholy, and a weird, lingering taste of…burgers? Hoping the rest of my trip goes better.
17:00 -> ??? Future: What now? On to the next adventure, one messy step at a time.
Final Thoughts (Honest Ones):
The Claremonte was…fine. Hastings was… interesting. My trip was… a mixed bag. But hey, that’s life, right? I'll always remember the terrible burger, the wine-fueled afternoon, and the quiet, sometimes lonely moments in that little motor lodge room. Maybe that's the point. Travel isn't always perfect photos and Instagram-worthy moments. It's about the mess, the imperfection, the surprise. And that, my friends, is what makes it real.
Phuket Paradise Found: Your Dream Stay at Naiharn's One World One Home Hotel
Hastings Getaway: Claremonte Motor Lodge Awaits! (Or Does It...?) FAQs
Okay, so you're thinking about Hastings and the Claremonte. Buckle up, buttercup. I've got opinions. And tales. Mostly about missing the blasted turnoff. But hey, that's life, right?
1. Is the Claremonte Motor Lodge actually... *good*? Like, is it worth dragging yourself away from Netflix?
Alright, truth time. "Good" is subjective, like deciding which brand of instant ramen is *least* offensive. The Claremonte? It's... charmingly old. You know, the kind of charming that involves a slightly musty smell and a TV that probably pre-dates your grandma. But, and this is a BIG but, it has CHARACTER. It's not a sterile, soul-sucking chain hotel. It's got... history. Or, at least, it *feels* like it has history. (I’m pretty sure a ghost of a 1970s salesman haunts the hallways, judging my choice of pizza.) Honestly? I'd go back. Just pack air freshener and a good book. And maybe a flamethrower for those rogue spiders. (Kidding! Mostly.)
2. What's the deal with these "vibrant, airy rooms" they keep mentioning? Are they... airy?
Okay, "vibrant, airy" is a bit... optimistic. Look, the rooms are *functional*. They have windows. And, if you're lucky, the window might actually open. But the air is… well, it’s motel air. You know the one – a blend of ancient carpet particles, cleaning supplies, and the lingering scent of previous guests. BUT! I will say, the bed in my room was surprisingly comfy. Like, I could've happily spent an entire day just lying there. (And maybe I did... don't judge me. I was tired.) The colors? Think 70s beige with a splash of avocado. Airy? Debatable. Functional? Absolutely.
3. Is there a pool? Because, you know, vacation.
YES! There *is* a pool. And it looks... inviting. From a distance. Look, I didn't actually *use* the pool. (I'm more of a "indoor, reading with a cup of tea" type of vacationer.) But it looked clean, and I saw other people splashing around. So, yeah, pool = good. Just bring your own floatie. And maybe a hazmat suit, for the truly cautious. (Joking! Relax.)
4. What's the location like? Is it, like, near anything *good*? Or am I doomed to eat gas station sushi?
Okay, the location is... decent. It's not in the *middle* of everything, which is a plus for a bit of peace. You’re a reasonable driving distance from everything Hastings has to offer, which is good. It's not a black hole of culinary despair. (Though, let's be honest, gas station sushi is tempting in a "forbidden fruit" kind of way sometimes.) I found some good local cafes. And the fish and chips were AMAZING! Just, maybe, check Google Maps before you set off. Because, let me tell you a story... So, there I was, first time in Hastings, thinking “Oh, I’m a smart traveler. I’ll just wing it!”. WRONG. I missed the turnoff. Twice. Ended up driving around in circles for a solid hour, muttering under my breath about how clearly marked the road signs were. (They weren't.) Finally, I was like, "Okay, self, pull over and get directions." Which, of course, involved ANOTHER detour because my phone decided to lose signal. It's an adventure getting there. Embrace the chaos.
5. What's the parking situation? Because I don't want to spend half my vacation circling the block.
Parking? Easy peasy. Plenty of space. Now, whether that space is directly *in front* of your room, well, that's a roll of the dice. But you'll find a spot. Probably. Worst-case scenario, you walk a whole *thirty seconds*. Horrifying, I know.
6. The Wi-Fi... is it a lie? Or can I Instagram my breakfast in peace?
The Wi-Fi... is there. It *exists*. Whether it's actually fast enough to, you know, handle the modern internet, is another story. I managed to upload a few blurry photos of my incredibly mediocre breakfast. So, yes, you *can* Instagram your breakfast. Just don't expect to be live-streaming the Olympics. Or anything overly demanding.
7. Okay, the staff... are they friendly? Because a grumpy concierge can ruin a whole trip.
The staff? They were *perfectly* pleasant. Not overly effusive, which I appreciated. They were efficient. They answered my questions. They didn't judge me for wearing my pajamas to the front desk. (Or, at least, they didn't *show* it.) So, yeah, friendly enough. No complaints. And, crucially, no existential dread-inducing encounters with a surly receptionist.
8. Is there anything... *bad*? Because every place has a downside, right?
Okay, let's be real. It's not the Ritz-Carlton. The building is aging gracefully (or, let's be honest, just aging). The decor is... dated. And the soundproofing? Nonexistent. You will hear your neighbors. You will hear the traffic. You will hear the faint whisper of a disgruntled ghost (probably complaining about the lack of decent room service). But honestly? It's part of the charm. It's a perfectly decent, affordable place to crash while you explore Hastings. It's not *fancy*, but it's got character. And, you know what? I kind of liked that.
9. Would you go back? Honestly. Because I need the unvarnished truth!
Would I go back? Hmm... It's a solid "maybe". Would I recommend it to someoneComfort Inn
Post a Comment for "Hastings Getaway: Claremonte Motor Lodge Awaits!"