Napier's Rock Star Motel: The Ultimate Getaway Awaits!
Napier's Rock Star Motel: The Ultimate Getaway Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause we're diving headfirst into my experience at Napier's Rock Star Motel: The Ultimate Getaway Awaits! Yeah, yeah, the tagline’s a bit…slick, but hey, that's what we're here to unpack, right? I went in with high hopes, visions of poolside cocktails and epic Insta stories. Did Rock Star Motel deliver? Let's get real, shall we?
First Impressions & Accessibility: Making it Work (Mostly)
Okay, so the first thing you notice? The exterior's got that classic "old-school cool" thing going on. Think faded neon signs and maybe a smidge of paint peeling – a little bit of that "I've seen some stuff" vibe. Accessibility-wise? They say they’re accessible. They claim facilities for disabled guests. Now, I'm thankfully able-bodied, but I did snoop around. The elevator was a little slow, let's be honest, and I wasn’t entirely sure where all the wheelchair accessible rooms were so I’d advise calling ahead and double-checking if that's a major need. But I saw ramps, and the front desk staff were generally helpful when I pretended to need assistance…you know, for research.
Wi-Fi: My Digital Lifeline (and a Potential Headache)
Alright, let's get to the nitty-gritty: internet. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms is advertised. HUGE selling point for me, because, you know, gotta update the 'gram. And the in-room Wi-Fi? Worked… mostly. Sometimes it dipped, sometimes it soared. Internet access - LAN? Never touched it. Didn’t even know what it looked like. The Wi-Fi in public areas? Seemed better, probably because fewer people were hogging the bandwidth. So, yeah. Dependable, high-speed internet is not the strong suit of Rock Star Motel, you should know.
Rooms: Rockstar Living in a Rockstar World
My room… well, it was a room. Air conditioning - check. Blackout curtains - check. Bathroom phone - what the heck? Who even uses that?! The bed was comfy, the linens clean. I appreciate that the room included complimentary tea, I'm a caffeine addict. Mini bar? Yeah, stocked with the usual suspects (and a couple of things that looked like they'd been there since the '80s). In-room safe box? Always a good thing, especially when you’re trying to look wealthy, I can vouch for that. The décor? Let's call it… eclectic. A mix of retro posters and what I assumed was original art. I'm not entirely sure on who was the artist. Non-smoking rooms? Absolutely. Even though I have been known to enjoy a cigar. The window opened, which was crucial, because I needed to let some fresh air in . Extra long bed? Yes, much appreciated.
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry (Or at Least Fed): Dining and Snacking
Alright, the food. Now we’re talking. The restaurants offered a variety. Asian cuisine in restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant were all available, but the menus were slightly… overwhelming. Breakfast service was a buffet situation, with a breakfast [buffet] that was alright, which may have included Asian breakfast and Western breakfast, I may or may not have tried both. Coffee was plentiful. Snack bar? Meh. Poolside bar? Ah, that was the ticket. Nothing beats a cocktail by the pool, even if the music was a bit repetitive. Room service [24-hour]? Awesome! Particularly useful when I was nursing a slight hangover one morning. Happy hour? YES PLEASE! The bar was great, lots of nice cocktails and bottle of water were provided. However, there was no Salad in restaurant, which was a shame.
Relax and Unwind: Spa Shenanigans and Fitness Fiascos
Okay, the spa area. This is where things got interesting. Spa, spa/sauna, swimming pool [outdoor]: all there. A pool with view? Not quite. You could see the sky, I guess. The sauna was okay. I mean, it was hot. The massage was the real winner. I booked a full body massage. You need to ask for the strong one. Then I got a Body scrub afterwards. And I had a foot bath. Honestly, that was one of the best parts of the whole experience.
And the gym? Let's be honest, the fitness center was the kind of place where treadmills go to die. I took a peek in from the door and it was basically like a forgotten corner of the hotel. The steamroom? Also a bit depressing.
Keeping it Clean (and Safe-ish):
I'm a worrier. So cleanliness and safety are major. They were clearly trying. Daily disinfection in common areas. Rooms sanitized between stays. Hand sanitizer everywhere. The staff trained in safety protocol. I saw a lot of Anti-viral cleaning products. They also provided Hygiene certification and a First aid kit.
The Extras: Services and Conveniences
Concierge were helpful, but super busy. Laundry service – expensive, but I was out of clean clothes. A Convenience store on site was the bomb, because I always forget stuff. Daily housekeeping was efficient. They had a Terrace which was nice. Elevator – as previously mentioned, a little slow but worked. Car park [free of charge]? Huge win! Not all those little add-ons are working, I found that a little irritating.
For The Kids: Babysitting and All That Jazz
I don't have kids, but I saw some Kids facilities. I'm guessing it's probably fine.
Things to Do, Things to See: (Mostly) on Your Own
Okay, so what to do at the Rock Star Motel besides eat, drink, and complain about hotel Wi-Fi? Well, there's a shrines a bit away for people who are religious. There's a CCTV in common areas, and CCTV outside property, keeping an eye on the perimeter. They did a contactless check-in/out, which kept things moving. They had a car power charging station, which is handy. They also had a bicycle parking, which is great.
Getting Around: Transportation Options
Taxi service was readily available. They also offered airport transfer. I did neither of those things however.
My Honest Verdict (and a Persuasive Pitch)
So, Napier's Rock Star Motel: The Ultimate Getaway Awaits! … is it the ultimate getaway? Maybe. Look, it’s not perfect. It's a bit rough around the edges. The internet is on a permanent power nap. Some of the amenities could use a refresh. But! It's got charm. It’s got character. It doesn’t take itself too seriously. And, most importantly, it’s got that pool where you can sip cocktails and pretend you're a rock star, even if you're just a slightly stressed-out writer pretending to be a guest.
Here’s the Deal (and My Official Recommendation):
Book your stay now at Napier's Rock Star Motel and get a complimentary cocktail at the poolside bar AND a 15% discount on your first spa treatment! (Offer Code: ROCKSTAR15). Seriously, book it! If you're looking for a polished, perfect experience? Maybe keep scrolling. But if you’re after something a little more… real? Something with a bit of grit, a bit of fun, and a good dose of that "seen-some-stuff" vibe? Then pack your bags and rock on, baby! You might just find that the ultimate getaway is a little bit more…unpredictable… than you expected.
Sayang Sanur 204: Bali's Hidden Paradise (Unbelievable Photos!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your perfectly curated Instagram travel diary. This is my trip to The Rocks Motel in Napier, New Zealand. Prepare for the glorious mess that is… me.
Napier & Me: A Chaotic Love Story (with a dash of sunburn)
Day 1: Arrival, Regret, and Art Deco-induced Giddiness
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Hawke's Bay Airport. Okay, first impressions. It's… smallish. Charming, though. Like a quaint little Hobbit hole, but for aeroplanes. My luggage, bless its cotton socks, almost didn't make it. Apparently, "Auckland to Napier with a transfer in Wellington" is a logistical nightmare. Who knew?
- 1:30 PM: Taxi to The Rocks Motel. Honestly, not the most stellar first impression. The driver, a lovely woman named Bev, was regaling me with tales of her prize-winning petunias, and I may or may not have accidentally agreed to judge a local bake-off. Curse my people-pleasing nature.
- 2:00 PM: Check-in. The Rocks Motel. It's… clean. Simple. With a questionable floral arrangement that has me questioning my life choices. The woman behind the counter, bless her, is already regretting my existence. I can feel it.
- 2:30 PM: Unpack. Find my travel toothbrush, a bottle of emergency wine (essential), and a slightly squashed packet of biscuits. Comfort. Commence mental health prep.
- 3:00 PM: First foray out. The glorious sunshine hits me square in the face. Oh man. Napier. Is. Stunning. Art Deco overload! I'm practically drooling. The architecture is just… chef's kiss. I spend a good hour just wandering, gawking, and taking a million photos that will never, ever do it justice.
- 4:00 PM: Attempt a coffee at a "hip" café. Order a flat white. It arrives looking like a sad, anemic puddle of milk. I drink it with gritted teeth, praying to the coffee gods for a stronger brew.
- 4:30 PM: Find the National Aquarium of New Zealand. I am, and always will be, a sucker for fish. Spent a good 2 hours watching penguins. They, at least, seem to know what they are doing.
- 6:30 PM: Dinner at a slightly overpriced, but ultimately satisfying, restaurant. Local wine (thank goodness!). Feel a faint, but growing, sense of contentment.
- 8:00 PM: Back at the motel. Wine. Biscuits. TV. Feel the jet lag creep in. Curse the fact that I forgot to pack an eye mask. Stare at the floral arrangement with a growing sense of existential dread.
Day 2: Sunburn, Seafood, and a Very Loud Bird
- 7:00 AM: Wake up absolutely fried from the sun. My face is a glorious shade of lobster. Apply liberal amounts of aloe vera, regretting my sun-worshiping ways.
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast at the motel dining room. (It's more of a breakfast nook. But hey, free toast!) The floral arrangement is mocking me.
- 9:00 AM: Hit the Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market. Sensory overload in the BEST way. The smells! The colours! The sheer variety of… everything! I buy a mountain of fresh fruit (because, you know, health after the biscuits). Oh, and some cheese. And a scone the size of my head.
- 11:00 AM: A visit to the Hawke's Bay Museum & Art Gallery. Learn a bit about local history. Feeling a little smarter. Or maybe it's just the scone talking.
- 12:30 PM: Lunch at a seafood restaurant down by the beach. The view! The fresh air! The perfectly cooked fish! Pure bliss. I may have accidentally eaten three oysters. Don't judge me.
- 1:00 PM: The beach time. I stroll along the beach. I take my shoes off and let the waves lap against my feet. It’s warm, and the sun is out, and the sea-gulls are screeching which is a sound I love, and the only thing in the world that bothers me is the sand.
- 2:30 PM: A frantic search for a pharmacy. Sunburn. Still. Need more after sun.
- 3:00 PM: Head back to the motel to put on the after sun cream.
- 4:00 PM: Attempt a scenic coastal walk. Get hopelessly lost. End up in a field of… something. Hear an incredibly loud, obnoxious bird. It won't stop screeching. It’s probably judging my sunburn. I start talking back to the bird. This is where things go downhill… it's a long walk back.
- 6:00 PM: Decide to eat dinner at the motel. The best option. I will never have to see that bird again.
- 7:00 PM: The floral arrangement is gone! The woman behind the counter smiles…I smile back. I feel a little less alone in this motel.
- 8:00 PM: Watch TV, and I take a peek through the window at a local cinema and discover they are playing my favorite movie: "The Princess Bride." I purchase a ticket and am off!
Day 3: Wineries! And Existential Dread (Again)
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast at the motel dining room. The floral arrangement is still gone. Relief washes over me.
- 9:00 AM: Wine Tour! Yes, finally. This, my friends, is what I came for. I'm a serious connoisseur of… well, cheap wine that I can afford. I don't care about the sophisticated stuff.
- 9:10 AM: Get picked up. Find myself on a bus with a group of people who have probably known each other for years and who seem to have an elaborate system of seating preferences. I want to sit next to them, but don't want to intrude. I end up sitting alone.
- 9:30 AM: The tour starts. The first winery is gorgeous. The wine is… surprisingly good, actually. I take copious notes (read: scribbles) on my tasting card, pretending to know what I'm doing.
- 11:00 AM: Second winery. More wine. More scribbles. Start to feel the effects. Good lord, this is dangerous.
- 12:30 PM: Lunch at a winery. Food is… okay. The wine, however, is fantastic. I am starting to resemble a tomato.
- 1:30 PM: Third winery. Everything is starting to blur together. I’m not making any sense. Start contemplating the meaning of life. Is there a good answer?
- 3:00 PM: Back at The Rocks Motel. The floral arrangement is still gone. I’m convinced I’ve entered some alternate reality where floral arrangements are banned.
- 3:30 PM: Nap time!
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at the first place I saw in Napier. The restaurant is amazing, and it makes you feel like you’re in a movie.
- 7:30 PM: Back at the motel. I watch the show, and have a glass of wine.
- 9:00 PM: Sleep!
Day 4: Farewell, Napier! (Until the next time… probably)
- 8:00 AM: Wake up… feeling… better. Miraculously hangover-free!
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the, now familiar, motel dining room. I see the woman behind the counter…we both wave. And actually smile. Maybe I'm not so bad after all.
- 10:00 AM: One last stroll through Napier. Buy a few souvenirs (because, of course). This time, I'm not lost.
- 11:00 AM: Head to the airport. My luggage, thankfully, arrives with me.
- 1:30 PM: Depart. As the plane takes off, I look out the window. Napier, you gorgeous, quirky, slightly sunburnt city, I think I'm in love. And I will be back.
Final Thoughts:
This trip wasn't perfect. I got lost. I got sunburned. I may have embarrassed myself in front of a very loud bird. But it was mine. Messy, imperfect, and utterly wonderful. And as for The Rocks Motel? Well, it was clean, and the floral arrangement was gone. And, really, isn't that all you need? Now, where's that wine? I have a feeling this isn't the last adventure. Next stop: the rest of New Zealand. Let the chaos continue!
Bandung's BEST Syariah Homestay: SPOT ON 91393 Budiluhur 10 Awaits!
Napier's Rock Star Motel: The Ultimate Getaway - Or Is It? Your Burning Questions Answered (Maybe!)
Alright, spill it! Is this place REALLY rock 'n' roll? Like, is there a mosh pit in the lobby?
Okay, deep breaths. Let's be honest, "Rock Star Motel" leans *slightly* more towards "inspired by" than actual full-blown, guitar-smashing, hotel-trashing rock 'n' roll. I mean, don't go expecting a chance to meet your favorite band after a show - trust me on that! There's a certain vibe, a very specific aesthetic that does, admittedly, capture that kind of energy - but the reception, is more polite than rowdy. No mosh pit (thank god, I've still got a bad knee). Think of it as, well, more like a very stylish tribute band. The decor probably could've been bolder, but there are, in some rooms, some really cool touches. Although, the neon lights in my room kept flickering, which wasn't very glam...
So, what's the deal with the rooms? Are they actually... comfortable?
Comfortable? Hmm. Depends on your definition, doesn't it? Look, the beds *look* amazing. Like, magazine cover amazing. And some, yeah, *some* of the rooms are pretty decent. I heard horror stories from a friend who actually had an issue with a terrible air conditioner and it took them ages to fix it... Personally, I found the pillows a little... firm. Like, fighting-a-pillow-fight-with-a-brick firm. But, the shower pressure? Phenomenal. Seriously, best shower I've had in ages. (Silver lining, people!)
The food! Is there even any food? And if so, is it edible?
Okay, food. This is where things get... interesting. There *is* food. Technically. They have a restaurant called "The Velvet Underground Dining Room," which sounds way cooler than it actually is. I mean the music was good, but I swear I saw the same three songs on repeat for like, three hours! The menu? It's... ambitious. Some things are genuinely delicious. The burgers are pretty good, solid choice there. My advice? Stick to the burgers. Oh, and maybe avoid the "signature cocktail" - unless you enjoy a drink that tastes suspiciously like cough syrup. The service? Now, that's where things get REALLY rocky...
What about the pool? Is there a pool? And if so, is it clean? Is it crowded? Do you have to fight for a sun lounger? (Because, frankly, I *hate* fighting.)
Yes. There IS a pool. It's... a pool. Okay, let's be honest, it's no Olympic-sized beauty. It's more like a medium-sized rectangle. Clean? Generally, yeah. They seemed to be cleaning it regularly-ish. Crowded? Depends on the time of day. I went mid-afternoon, and it was a nightmare. Families with screaming kids, loud music, the whole shebang. I lasted about ten minutes before I retreated to the relative peace of my brick-pillowed bed. The sun loungers? Oh, honey, you'll definitely have to fight. Seriously. I saw grown adults physically wrestling for prime poolside real estate. Bring your A-game. And maybe your elbows.
The staff! Are they friendly? Helpful? Or are they too cool for school?
The staff. Ah, the staff. This is a mixed bag. Some are delightful. Genuinely helpful, smiling, going above and beyond. Others... well, let's just say they seem to be auditioning for a role in a rock and roll biopic. Lots of attitude, a touch of disdain. It's a coin flip, really. I encountered both extremes. One particularly helpful bellhop (I think his name was "Ace"?) saved me from a truly disastrous luggage situation. On the other hand, trying to get a simple question answered at the front desk felt akin to trying to interview a Sphinx. I once had to wait for over 30 minutes just to get a towel... The attitude was all "rock star" and no actual service. It was infuriating, to say the least, especially after my experience with the air conditioner.
Parking? Is parking a nightmare? Because I *hate* circling the block.
Parking... Ugh. Yes, parking. Brace yourself. It's not ideal. Space is limited. And it's tight. REALLY tight. I saw a guy spend a solid hour trying to parallel park (this was right in front of me and I couldn't even offer help, as you can imagine). Valet parking is available (for a fee, naturally), but good luck getting your car back quickly. Be prepared to add extra time to your schedule if you're going by car. Honestly, if possible, use public transport or a taxi; you'll be saving your sanity.
Okay, so, overall? Should I book a stay?
This is the million-dollar question, isn't it? Look, Napier's Rock Star Motel is... an experience. That's the best way I can describe it. It has its flaws, oh yes, it has flaws. But it also has a certain charm. If you're looking for a perfectly polished, flawless hotel experience? Probably not. If you're looking for something interesting, something memorable, something with a bit of a rock and roll edge (even if it's a *slightly* tarnished edge), then... maybe. Consider it a gamble. You might have an amazing time. You might have a slightly frustrating, slightly messy, but ultimately memorable time. Just go in with your eyes open. Manage your expectations. And, for the love of all that is holy, be prepared to fight for a sun lounger. And pack earplugs. Seriously.
The bathroom! What about the bathroom? Is it clean? Is there any mold? (Because, I'm very particular about mold.)
The bathroom. The bathroom is...a mixed bag. Some bathrooms in the rooms were well-kept and clean, the kind I like. Other bathrooms, my friends described them as "slightly questionable." The showers generally have pretty good water pressure, which is a huge plus, but the water temperature control was erratic. There was one day I was sure I was going to be boiled alive, and one day I was certain I'd go hypothermic. The cleanliness varied from room to room. My advice? Check your room carefully upon arrival. And BYO bleach spray, just in case. You have to be prepared.
Post a Comment for "Napier's Rock Star Motel: The Ultimate Getaway Awaits!"