Hobson's Choice Motel

This motel is widely recognized for its exceptional cleanliness and the spacious rooms it offers, providing a comfortable and well-maintained environment for guests. Its signature feature is the consistently praised friendly and accommodating staff, who frequently go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay. The property is an ideal fit for overnight travelers seeking a convenient stopover, families appreciating the generous room sizes and available pool, and couples looking for a comfortable and quiet retreat. Motorcyclists also find it particularly suitable due to the staff's willingness to provide secure parking. To make the most of your visit, consider requesting a room away from the main road if you are a light sleeper, and be aware that while the decor may be dated, the functionality and upkeep are highly rated.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently highlight the inviting pool area, which is often described as lovely and a great amenity, especially on warmer days, though some noted occasional issues with its cleanliness. The kitchenette facilities are a significant draw, often well-furnished with a good-sized sink, microwave, toaster, kettle, and a new fridge, providing ample convenience for preparing simple meals. While some found the hotplates outdated or absent, the overall utility of the kitchen space is appreciated. Laundry facilities are available for guest use. Wi-Fi performance receives mixed feedback, with some finding it fast and others experiencing slow or patchy connections. The TV setup, including Sky TV, is generally functional, though some guests found the controls difficult or the screen size small. Many rooms feature a spa bath, which is often enjoyed as a relaxing bonus, despite a few reports of insufficient hot water to fill it completely. Parking is available, often close to the rooms, but can be tight or disorganized for larger vehicles.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The cleanliness of the rooms is overwhelmingly praised, with guests consistently describing them as spotless, exceptionally clean, and fresh-smelling, even for an older property. Rooms are generally spacious and well-laid out, offering ample room to relax. However, the decor is frequently noted as dated, retro, or in need of a makeover, with some furniture appearing old or worn. Bed comfort receives mixed reviews; many guests found the beds comfortable with clean, crisp sheets, ensuring a restful night's sleep. Conversely, some experienced beds as too soft, too hard, or felt electric blanket wires. Noise levels vary; while some rooms are quiet, others, particularly those close to the road, can experience traffic noise. Bathroom facilities are generally good, with decent showers and hot water, though issues like low water pressure, half-glass shower doors that don't contain water, or missing/broken shower doors were occasionally reported.

Location & Accessibility
The motel boasts a highly convenient location, being very close to the town center and within a short walking distance to Dargaville's shops, grocery stores, and local amenities. This makes it an excellent base for exploring the area or as a practical stopover point for longer journeys, such as en route to Cape Reinga. Guests appreciate its easy accessibility and proximity to essential services. Parking is available on-site, often directly in front of the rooms, which adds to the convenience. However, some guests found the parking areas to be tight, disorganized, or challenging to maneuver, especially for larger vehicles, suggesting that while off-road parking is provided, space can be limited during peak occupancy.

Staff & Service
The staff consistently receive glowing reviews for their friendliness, warm welcome, and exceptional helpfulness. Guests frequently highlight their accommodating nature, noting that nothing seems to be too much trouble. Many instances of staff going the extra mile are reported, such as offering secure garage parking for motorcycles, providing advice, assisting with room features like the TV, or even offering room upgrades. The check-in process is described as fast, friendly, and easy, contributing to a smooth arrival experience. Overall, the attentive service provided by the team is a recurring theme, significantly enhancing the guest experience and making visitors feel valued and well-cared for throughout their stay.

Additional Information
While the motel is widely praised for its cleanliness and functional amenities, many guests note that the dated decor and furniture, particularly the couch comfort, could benefit from an update, as some seating is described as uncomfortable or worn. Despite the older appearance, the property is well-maintained, and everything generally works as expected. Some guests expressed security concerns regarding the door locks, feeling they could be easily compromised, though the presence of locked gates at night provides some reassurance. Isolated issues included noise from laundry facilities for rooms located nearby, and one instance of insufficient hot water supply after filling a spa bath. The property's overall presentation, despite its age, is often seen as a testament to the diligent upkeep by the management.