Escape to Paradise: Central Court Motel, Whangarei Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Central Court Motel, Whangarei Awaits!
Okay, Buckle Up Buttercups, Because We're Escaping to Paradise (Central Court Motel, Whangarei!)
Alright, alright, settle in. I'm back from the promised land that is the Central Court Motel, and I'm here to dish. Forget those sterile, corporate reviews – this is real talk. This place isn't perfect, but hey, neither am I, and that's part of what makes it so… well, charming, actually. Especially if you're like me, in desperate need of an escape, a little bit of kiwi hospitality, and maybe a decent cup of coffee. Let's dive into this whirlwind, shall we?
The Whole "Accessibility & Stuff" Thing:
Look, I’m not a wheelchair user, but I did check out the Accessibility options because, frankly, it's 2024, and it's a must. While the information suggested there are Facilities for disabled guests, it's always best to call ahead and clarify exactly what that means. They do have an elevator, which is HUGE bonus points if you're hauling up a mountain of luggage like I do.
Rambling about Amenities:
Right, so, the online blurb said Internet access – wireless, which is cool as a cucumber. And they do claim Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, but in my room, it vanished a few times. It wasn't a massive deal for me, but if you're a digital nomad glued to the internet, maybe check the signal strength first. They do have regular Internet access, and even Wi-Fi in public areas, so you're not totally shut off (god forbid!).
Eating, Drinking, and the Fine Art of Relaxing (or trying to):
Okay, this is where it gets interesting. They advertise a bunch of stuff, from Asian breakfast to Western cuisine in restaurant. But the actual dining situation felt a bit…dynamic. One day the restaurant was open, the next it wasn't. They have a Bar, and occasionally a Poolside bar, which is actually pretty awesome. If you're like me, a Coffee/tea in restaurant person, well, you'll be happy. This place also offers Breakfast [buffet] and sometimes a Breakfast service – don't expect Michelin Star quality, but it's tasty.
Let's talk about the pool! The Swimming pool [outdoor] is actually a highlight! It's not the biggest pool, but it's warm, clean, and perfect for a leisurely swim or just chilling with a view. This is what I needed. Bliss.
They also boast a whole host of relaxation and "spa-like" things: Spa, Sauna, Steamroom and Massage. I tried to experience all of them and honestly, it was a bit hit and miss. The Spa/sauna was great on one of the mornings. The Massage, though? The masseuse was lovely, but the room was cold and a bit weird. It needs work.
They have a Fitness center (I think I saw the idea of one). They have a Pool with view - yep, the outdoor pool. They also have a Foot bath, which I did not try but maybe I should have.
Cleanliness and Safety – More Important Than Ever:
This is where Central Court Motel shines. I was REALLY impressed! The level of cleanliness was TOP NOTCH. They had Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Individually-wrapped food options, and the staff seemed genuinely engaged in keeping things safe. They have Hand sanitizer everywhere and all the staff are trained in safety protocols. I felt genuinely safe. This is a major win in my book!
My Room, My Castle (Even if it Was a Bit…Cozy):
Okay, let's talk rooms. They have Air conditioning, a Coffee/tea maker, a Refrigerator, and the all-important Free bottled water. The room was clean, cozy. It didn’t hurt that my Window that opens and the Blackout curtains were perfect for sleep-in-sessions. The bed was comfy. There was a reading light so I get to read my book. There was a Separate shower/bathtub, and lots of towels. They even had Slippers!
The Little Things, Services and Conveniences:
They have all the regular stuff. You know, Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, Ironing service (thank GOD), and Luggage storage. The concierge was super helpful with suggestions. I did NOT use the Babysitting service, but it's a nice option.
Getting Around & Parking:
They have Airport transfer which, again, great for an escape. And the Car park [free of charge] is a game-changer. Finding a parking spot in Whangarei is easier than finding a unicorn.
My Central Court Motel Anecdote:
Okay, I’ll let you in on a secret. On my first night , I was utterly exhausted from the drive. I ordered Room service [24-hour] which, I thought was amazing. I did not realise I had to go out and fetch my food myself. I was so tired, it made me laugh. Later that night, though, I tried the Poolside bar and everything changed.
The Verdict: Should You Escape to Paradise?
Absolutely, yes! This isn’t your cookie-cutter, sterile hotel experience. This is a place that feels like a REAL place, with real people. It's got its quirks, its imperfections, and its moments of pure bliss. Central Court Motel is the perfect escape, particularly if you want a real experience. Book it. You won't regret it.
Don't Delay – Book Your Whangarei Escape Today!
Okay, here's the deal. Central Court Motel may not have bells and whistles, but it's got heart. And right now, we're offering a special deal: Get 10% off your stay when you book directly on their website! Use code "WHANGAREIESCAPE" at checkout. But hurry, this offer is only valid for bookings made in the next 30 days!
Why this?
- Value for Money: Get incredible value for your money in Whangarei!
- Cleanliness: Experience total cleanliness.
- Poolside Bar: Enjoy the pool, the sun and the atmosphere.
- The Charm Factor: You’ll leave feeling refreshed.
- Free Parking: Enough said.
Escape to Paradise: Central Court Motel, Whangarei Awaits! Book now and create your own unforgettable escape!
Indonesian Paradise Found: Bukittinggi's Ananda Syariah Hotel Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly-manicured itinerary. This is me, bumbling through Northland, with a motel room as my base camp, and a whole lotta feelings to unload. Here we go, Central Court Motel Whangarei, here’s what I tried to do, or maybe just felt like I was doing:
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Kiwi Disappointment (and Redemption)
- 1:00 PM: Landed in Auckland. Pretty smooth flight actually, surprisingly! Smug self-pat on the back for managing to pack a decent carry-on (the stuff of legends, I tell you). The drive up to Whangarei? Let’s just say the GPS is a dirty liar. "Fifteen minutes to your destination" turned into a solid hour. My patience was already wearing thin, much like my favourite t-shirt.
- 3:30 PM: Check-in at Central Court Motel. Honestly, the exterior… well, let's call it "charming in a bygone era" kind of charming. The parking lot? Okay, getting a little too cozy with that guy's bumper. Walked into my room. Clean enough, but… the air conditioning? A faint, wheezing whisper of cool. Oh well. "Home" for the next few days.
- 4:00 PM: Decided I was going to become one of those people who just does the walk. Went for a stroll down the street to the shops to get some supplies. The vibe of Whangarei was… well, I wouldn't kick it out of bed for eating crackers.
- 5:30 PM: The Great Kiwi Disappointment. I’d heard whispers of the best fish and chips in the North Island. Found the place, salivating, imagined flaky goodness. Ordered a massive serving. The fish was… slightly overcooked and the chips? Soggy, like a rained-on cardboard box. I actually felt a pang of grief. Did I come all this way for this?
- 6:30 PM: Redemption! Walked back to the motel as the sun was setting and saw that the aircon had decided to join the party. Suddenly a pleasant, cool feeling was there as I entered the room.
- 7:00 PM: Ate the fish and chips in my room. After all, I had no other friends.
Day 2: Waterfalls, Wind, and a Near-Death Experience with a Seagull (Maybe a Slight Exaggeration)
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast: The motel's "complimentary" breakfast (aka, a sad selection of cereal and instant coffee). Guzzled the coffee anyway. Necessity is the mother of all caffeinated adventures.
- 9:30 AM: Whangarei Falls. Okay, now we’re talking! The waterfall itself was gorgeous. The air was fresh, the sun was shining, and the birds were chirping… then one of the birds tried to steal my muffin. I swear, it was an aerial assault. Almost lost an eye.
- 10:30 AM: Took a walk along the trail. The wind was brutal. I thought I was going to be blown right off the face of the planet. My hair, a glorious mess. My glasses, threatening to depart my face.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. Had a toasted sandwich at some local cafe. Simple, but satisfying. The view of the harbor was nice.
- 1:30 PM: Drove. Drove for what felt like hours through winding roads towards the coast. Stopped at some random beach. Actually, this place was just what I needed… a perfect, windswept coastline.
- 4:00 PM: Back at the motel. Exhausted. Contemplated a nap, but instead I decided to watch some telly.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. Found a local pub. Tried to make small talk with the locals. They politely smiled. I think I was wearing my disappointment like a badge.
Day 3: The Art Gallery, the Volcano, and a Lesson in "Good Vibes Only"
- 9:00 AM: Woke up to a slightly less sad breakfast.
- 10:00 AM: Whangarei Art Museum. Okay, so art isn't always my thing, but this place was actually kind of engaging. Weirdly, I felt a genuine connection with one particular painting. It was about finding beauty in the mundane. I'm fairly certain it was about my fish and chip fiasco… but the art, the light, and the general serenity of the place was making this a lovely morning.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a cafe. I was determined not to look like I was having a bad day. I wanted the locals to think I was actually having fun. Ordered a nice salad.
- 1:30 PM: Mt. Manaia walk. This was supposed to be a moderate hike, but MY GOD. Those stairs. I have never experienced such a torturous experience. But the view from the top? Breathtaking. Made me question all my previous life decisions. I felt like I could touch the sky. The world felt big and small at the same time.
- 4:00 PM: Back down and back at the motel. I deserved to sleep. I had earned it.
- 7:00 PM: Decided to try a different restaurant. Much better. The food was great, the company was better! And the evening finished, sitting staring at the sky with an ice-cream in hand.
Day 4: Farewell, Whangarei (and the Subtle Charm of a Cluttered Soul)
- 9:00 AM: Last motel breakfast. The air conditioning was gone, but the coffee surprisingly held its quality.
- 10:00 AM: Packed. Said goodbye to my temporary home. The Central Court Motel was, in a very strange way, kind of perfect. It was a perfect place to hide from the world, a world that can occasionally disappoint you.
- 11:00 AM: Started the drive back to Auckland. Did the "drive-by" look at the beach.
- 2:00 PM: Got to Auckland. Found my hotel, and promptly crashed on the bed.
Final Thoughts:
Whangarei was… an experience. It was messy, imperfect, and sometimes, downright frustrating. But it was mine. And in the end, isn't that what matters? I saw some stuff, ate some stuff, and felt a whole lot of stuff. I learned that even the most underwhelming fish and chips can be a story to tell. And maybe, just maybe, I'm starting to realize that embracing the chaos, the wind-swept hair, and the slightly stale motel coffee is actually the key to a memorable adventure. Now, to go find a really good coffee shop…
ANEW Hotel Capital Pretoria: Your Unforgettable Pretoria Escape!
So... Why the Ukulele? Seriously, Why NOT a Guitar?
My first experience? Oh, the shame. Christmas, my grandma's house. I'd gifted myself a bright yellow uke, thinking, *I'm gonna be a tropical beachside troubadour!* Cut to me, struggling to hold a G chord (which, even now, sometimes betrays me), sounding like a dying seagull trying to harmonize with a lawnmower. My cousin, bless his heart, patted my hand and said, "At least you're trying!" Trying is the key, people. TRYING!
Plus, the ukulele attracts the *nicest* people. Try going to a ukulele meetup and NOT smiling! It's impossible!
Okay, I'm Convinced. But Where Do I Even *Start*? Chords are scary!
My advice? Baby steps. Learn C, G7, Am, and F. Those four chords get you (and me, if I'm honest!) through a *ridiculous* amount of songs. There are tons of free ukulele tutorials on YouTube. Just pick one, preferably one with a friendly teacher, and *stick with it*. Consistency is key, even when you feel like throwing that ukulele across the room (I haven't, but I've certainly considered it!).
And don't be ashamed of "beginner chords". I know people that will shame you for it, but the "beginner chords" are 90% of the songs anyway.
My Fingers HURT! Is this normal? Am I a musical failure?!?!
Oh, the memories! The first week, I could barely make a fist. Every morning, I'd wake up and feel like my fingertips had been through a cheese grater. It's annoying, frankly. And yes, sometimes you have to take a break. Listen to your body (and your fingers!). Don't push through the pain. You might start to hate ukulele if you don't listen to yourself. Also, check that you're not pressing too hard; a light touch is key.
And don't compare yourself to others! Some people are natural; the rest of us just have to work at it (and endure the fingertip agony!).
Alright, I've got the chords, my fingers are calloused... Now what? How do I ACTUALLY PLAY SONGS?
I still get embarrassed, though. Performing in public is terrifying! My first 'performance' was at a small open mic night. I was so nervous, I forgot the words to "Riptide" (a ukulele classic!). I panicked, my voice cracked, and I probably looked like I was about to burst into tears. Total disaster. But I got a standing ovation from my friend, who I told to clap for me. He never misses!
Then I played again, and again, and again. I find that it's what you make of it.
What's the Deal with Strumming? Is There a "Right" Way?
There's the basic down-down-up-up-down-up; that covers a lot of ground. But experiment! Try different rhythms. Listen to how your favorite ukulele players strum. Try to copy them (even if you sound terrible at first - you WILL sound terrible at first, just own it!).
I am still trying to find the right patterns for some songs!
What Kind of Ukulele Should I Buy? There are SO many!
Don't break the bank! A decent uke for under $100 is perfectly fine to start. I started with a cheap one. I regretted it. The strings were poor, the tuning was a nightmare, and I spent more time fighting the instrument than playing it. Look at the reviews. Check the wood. The sound really is everything.
And more than anything, listen to what *you* like. It doesn't need to be fancy. My current uke is a beat-up mahogany concert, and I love it. It's not perfect, but it's *mine*.
Tuning is a Nightmare! Help!
Get a digital tuner! A clip-on tuner makes life so much easier. There are even free tuner apps for your phone. Don't bother with trying to tune by ear at first. It's a cruel joke. Trust me, I tried. One time, I tuned by ear for like an hour. It was so off that it could have been a completely different instrument. I just wanted to play! So, get a tuner and save yourself some sanity!
You'll get better at tuning as you go. But seriously, a tuner is your best friend.
Post a Comment for "Escape to Paradise: Central Court Motel, Whangarei Awaits!"