Owens Motel

Host was hospitable right from the start. This wee place looks older from the outside yet they have modernised on the inside. All good for a one night. One bedroom with Queen only but single available in lounge. (Rm3) Owens Motel is close to the central city, the museum, restaurants and bars, the central shopping precinct.

Friendly greeting given upon arrival. Typical of many buildings in this part of Dunedin, the Motel is a converted historic dwelling. Regrettably, however, such conversions do not always mean an ability to provide ideal accommodation units. The room allocated to me was of a reasonable size but was clearly originally two rooms converted into a studio style lounge/bedroom. A ground level unit, with another unit above. located toward the end of the building, which may have contributed to the initial musty odour experienced when first entering. In fairness, the mustiness was quickly dispelled after a brief time of airing and was not present for the remaining three days of residence. The room was nicely furnished with a wonderfully comfortable double bed and a comfortable sofa from which to view the television (making a change from having to view it from a wall hanging, and a chair. Carpet, however, was clearly of a commercial industrial type adding to a tired décor despite the attractive artwork. Disappointingly, there was no Guest Compendium, suggesting that guests already knew all there was to know regards local attractions and eating establishments. The ceiling clearly disguised the wooden flooring of the unit above through which even the smallest movements above were transmitted. A separate room served as a kitchenette, which appeared to have more removed from it than added. It also contained a simple plain table, providing the only place from which to be able to work as well as meaning you were isolated from any other activities in the studio area. While the kitchenette was well stocked with customary complimentary beverages, it did lack a sink, meaning dishes had to be washed in the bathroom handbasin (which of itself was a problem). It also had a small refrigerator which it was discovered was not entirely clean. The bathroom was small and contained a handbasin without a plug, making retention of water (as for dishwashing) impossible. Personal toiletries had to be precariously balanced on a windowsill above the basin. While the water pressure was good, the shower cubicle was ridiculously small making any movement impossible without also making bodily contact with any part of it. Considerable leakage while showering also results in a wet floor outside of the cubicle (despite the doors being closed). Complimentary body wash was provided, but this was good for only two showers if used sparingly. If you stay for multiple days, you will need to provide your own. Convenient location, being only a twenty-minute walk into the city centre. Excellent free Wi-fi.

I put a small group in this motel most years and have to say that Ray is just lovely. He is super helpful and very aware of our group requirements. It's a pleasure dealing with him. The units are clean and tidy and roomy. A great location for our pipe bands.

We love it here, it's our second stay. Pet friendly. The owners are super nice. Can not fault this place at all and we brought our small dog along who was welcomed. Close to everything and I have nothing bad to say about the motel at all. Thanks you for having us.

The location was perfect, close to the hospital. Big unit + separate bedroom. Free wifi & a heat pump which was a bonus as Dunedin is cold compared to Cromwell. The only concern was the roadworks outside during the night - which of course is the price you pay to be close to the hospital. All & all would definitely stay again.