Dunedin's Hidden Gem: Owens Motel - Your Unexpected Oasis!
Dunedin's Hidden Gem: Owens Motel – Your Unexpected Oasis! (A Review That Actually Feels Real)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to lay down the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth about Owens Motel in Dunedin. Let's be real, I've stayed in some places. Places that could charitably be described as "character-building." Owens Motel? Well, it's not just a place to crash; it's a vibe. And that vibe is… seriously… unexpected.
First off, I'm obsessed with accessibility. I'm not disabled, but I appreciate a place that thinks about everyone. And Owens Motel, bless their cotton socks, gets it. They've clearly put some serious thought into wheelchair accessibility. Wide doorways, ramps, the whole shebang. Finding that level of consideration, especially in a place that feels hidden away, is a win from the get-go. Plus, knowing the elevator is there makes me feel more secure, even if I'm not using it. They've got the facilities for disabled guests dialed in, which, let's be honest, is just good hospitality.
Cleanliness and safety are, well, paramount these days. Let’s be blunt: I'm a germaphobe (don't judge!). Owens Motel? They're on it. The anti-viral cleaning products are a given, but the commitment to daily disinfection in common areas and the emphasis on room sanitization between stays? That actually made me breathe a sigh of relief. Individually-wrapped food options are definitely a plus, and the hand sanitizer stations strategically placed everywhere? A definite win. Honestly, their focus on things like physical distancing of at least 1 meter and staff training in safety protocol made me feel far more at ease than I expected. I almost felt guilty about being so relaxed!
Internet Access: Look, I need my Wi-Fi. I work remotely, I'm a digital nomad… blah blah blah. The good news? Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! The even better news? The Wi-Fi in public areas wasn't a complete dumpster fire either. Solid coverage. The Internet [LAN] option is there too, if you're old-school, and the Internet services overall were reliable. And for those of you needing a laptop workspace, they've got it.
Rooms: Okay, let's talk about the core of the experience: the rooms. My room? Spotlessly clean. Seriously. And that's the first thing you notice. The non-smoking rooms are a godsend, and the soundproofing actually works – a massive plus for a light sleeper like me. My room had an air conditioning unit that actually performed, a refrigerator stocked with… well, actually nothing but the free bottled water, which was fine by me. But here's the thing that actually won me over – the little details. The blackout curtains that shut out the Dunedin sun, the reading light that actually illuminated, and the slippers! Who gives you slippers these days? The extra long bed was a dream. And the desk? Perfect for burning the midnight oil or just pretending to work while secretly watching Netflix. And the mirror. Oh, the mirror… (trailing off into a personal beauty routine breakdown, that only a real user review could offer.)
Amenities - The Good, the Bad, and the Undecided:
- Pool with view: Sadly, the pool was closed during my visit. I saw pictures and it looks lovely. It did give me a reason to focus on the other positives.
- Spa, Sauna, Steamroom: Didn't see them. Another one for the 'next time' list.
- Fitness center: I swear I saw one. It could have been a closet, but I wasn't checking.
- Food is where things get interesting. They boast a restaurant (the website claims). I didn't find it. I found a helpful reception person who directed me to some absolutely banging takeaway places. Breakfast takeaway service also was a win, honestly!
- Coffee/tea maker was a plus. I lived off of it.
- Baby sitting service: Look, I don't have kids, but I appreciate that they thought about it.
- Business Facilities - I didn't use them, but good to know.
The Stuff You Can't Miss:
- Accessibility: Seriously, top-notch. Made me feel welcome and safe.
- Cleanliness: Impeccable. The staff seem genuinely invested in keeping the place spotless.
- Staff: Super helpful. Very friendly, and full of helpful recommendations.
Things That Could Be Better (Because Nothing's Perfect):
- The Restaurant: I'm still unsure if I missed it, or its merely a future concept.
Overall:
Owens Motel isn't a gleaming, corporate hotel. It's authentic, it has character and its genuinely comfortable. It felt like a home away from home, a place to relax and recharge. It is that unexpected oasis!
My Offer to You (Yep, I'm Persuading You!!):
Ready to Escape the Ordinary? Book Your Dunedin Getaway at Owens Motel NOW!
Don't settle for the same old boring hotel experience. At Owens Motel, you'll discover:
- Unbeatable Value: Get all the comforts you need without breaking the bank.
- Peace of Mind: With top-notch cleanliness and safety protocols, you can relax and enjoy your stay.
- Unforgettable Dunedin Adventures: Conveniently located near everything Dunedin has to offer.
- That Extra Little Something. Whether its the perfectly placed chair in the corner of the room or the way they made me feel from the get go. The little something that makes your stay so different from the mainstream.
Click here to book your stay at Owens Motel and experience the unexpected oasis for yourself! You won't regret it.
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Pool Home in Lorgues, France Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average, perfectly-curated travel itinerary. This is going to be a glorious, chaotic mess of a plan, fueled by caffeine and the sheer, unadulterated joy (and occasional frustration) of traveling through Dunedin, New Zealand, with Owens Motel as my base. And trust me, you're in for a ride.
Trip Title: Dunedin Daze & Cloudy Days (…hopefully not) - A Semi-Coherent Itinerary
Base Camp: Owens Motel, Dunedin (because budget, and hey, it looks… comfy? Fingers crossed.)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Dunedin Confusion
10:00 AM: Touchdown at Dunedin Airport. Okay, first hurdle: figuring out this whole “New Zealand is on the other side of the planet” thing. Let's see, unpack… and find my lost earring. (Why do earrings ALWAYS vanish in the travel bag abyss? It’s like a black hole for tiny accessories.)
11:30 AM: Uber/Taxi to Owens Motel. Praying it’s as clean as the photos suggest. My expectations are realistically low – I'm a notorious slob.
Noon: Check in and collapse. Seriously, after a long flight, all I want is a horizontal surface.
1:00 PM: Lunch: grabbing a pie. (Apparently, it's the law in New Zealand. Though I'm not sure it's working, I will give it a good go ).
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: A very slow, confused, and likely poorly executed wander around the city centre: Seeing the Railway Station, not rushing, and looking at shops. I'll take an hour, max. I hope.
4:00 PM: Rant time: Okay, the city is gorgeous, but finding my way around is a nightmare. I'm convinced Dunedin’s streets are designed to confuse tourists. Why are there so many one-way streets? Am I the only one who’s perpetually lost?
- 4:30 PM: Attempt to find coffee; Get lost, again.
- 5:00 PM: Gave up on coffee and now I'm just wandering the streets.
6:00 PM: Early dinner. More pie? Maybe try something I can pronounce on the menu.
7:00 PM: Back to the motel to prepare for "Tomorrow's Big Day"
8:00 PM: A quick read and lights out. Jet lag is a brutal mistress, and she demands sleep.
Day 2: Otago Peninsula: Penguins, Albatrosses, and Overwhelming Beauty… and more confusion
9:00 AM: Okay, breakfast, and some real food this time. Maybe try oats or something that's good for me.
10:00 AM: Heading to the Otago Peninsula! Rent a car? Public transport? The internet is conflicted. Let's be honest, I haven't driven in a while (like, a LONG while… and I'm not a great driver at the best of times.) But I guess I will have to find my way.
11:30 AM: Arrive at the Royal Albatross Centre at Taiaroa Head. OMG, albatrosses! Big, majestic, the stuff of legends. This will be my most exciting day!
- 1:00 PM: Okay, the albatross thing was amazing. Seriously, I could've watched them soared endlessly (and probably did).
2:30 PM: Penguin Place. This is where it gets emotional, people. Blue penguins are tiny, adorable, and exist in reality! I feel like I'm in a nature documentary, all "ooh" and "ahh" with every waddle. I’m considering adopting one. I’m sure Owens Motel would love that.
5:00 PM: Drive back to the city, maybe get lost again.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. Still on a high from the penguins. Maybe try a fancy restaurant? Or more pie? (I'm thinking pie, tbh.)
7:30 PM: Collapse on bed, and start writing my diary. Day one: I felt like I was trying to be a character in a movie. Day two: I'm in a movie, and it's awesome.
Day 3: Dunedin's Wonders (and Possible Disasters)
- 9:00 AM: Sleep in! I deserve it. Probably go for a walk.
- 11:00 AM: Baldwin Street. The steepest street in the world! I wonder if I can actually walk up it… Okay, that was… challenging. My lungs are screaming. But the views are Instagram-worthy, at least.
- 12:00 PM: The Dunedin Botanic Garden. A peaceful stroll is needed after my lung-busting adventure up Baldwin Street. Hoping to find some peace.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at a nice cafe near the garden.
- 2:30 PM: Visit the Toitu Otago Settlers Museum. Learning about Dunedin's history and then wandering into a gift shop!
- 4:00 PM: Some shopping? I'm not a big shop-a-holic, but gotta get some souvenirs, right?
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. I could order pie. I could also go for something different, so I can say I had different meal options.
- 7:00 PM: Evening at the motel. Packing and relaxing.
- 8:00 PM: Catch up with friends. (Or maybe not, could be a good opportunity to get more sleep)
Day 4: Departure and the lingering taste of Dunedin
- 9:00 AM: Wake up.
- 10:00 AM: One more quick walk.
- 11:00 AM: Check out of Owens Motel.
- 12:00 PM: Head to the airport.
- 1:00 PM: Reflecting on the trip, reminiscing a little bit on the trip.
Notes, Ramblings and Confessions:
- Coffee: I'm a caffeine addict, so this itinerary is likely heavily influenced by my need for a daily fix. Expect frequent coffee stops, and possibly a caffeine-induced manic episode.
- Weather: New Zealand weather is notoriously unpredictable. I’m prepared for all four seasons in a single day and will be packing accordingly. (Translation: I'm probably overpacked).
- Photography: I'm more of a "snap first, think later" kind of photographer. Prepare for a barrage of poorly-framed photos and videos on social media.
- Pacing: This itinerary is a guideline. I am NOT a morning person, so things might get delayed. (…Probably will).
- Expectation vs. Reality: I'm aiming for a blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion. Realistically, I'll probably spend half my time lost, the other half eating, and the rest in a blissful state of sleep.
- Mood swings: Expect a wide range of emotions. I'm prone to both fits of ecstatic joy and bouts of grumpy grumbling.
- The Pie Factor: I'm giving it my all to get the pie.
- The "I'm Sure I'll Find It" Packing Strategy: I'm probably forgetting something important. I'm sure it'll be fine.
Final Thoughts:
This itinerary isn’t perfect. It's messy, it's chaotic, and it’s probably going to change on a whim. But it's mine. It's a reflection of my personality, my imperfections, and my excitement to experience Dunedin. The goal? To come back with stories to tell, memories to cherish, and hopefully, a newfound appreciation for the art of getting completely lost (and occasionally found) in a new place. Wish me luck! And if you see a confused woman wandering the streets with a camera and a slightly glazed look in her eyes, it’s probably me. Say hello!
Luxury La Calamine Escape: Bubble Bath Bliss Awaits!
Owens Motel: Dunedin's Hidden Gem? (Or, The Place That Almost Broke My Spirit... But Didn't!) FAQs - Prepare Yourself!
Okay, Okay, So What *IS* Owens Motel...? And Why Should I Even Bother?
Alright, settle down, buttercup. Owens Motel is... well, it's *a* motel. Nestled (that's a kind word, mind you) in the heart of Dunedin, it's not exactly the Ritz. Picture a place where time seems to have stopped around, oh, the 1970s... Maybe even earlier! But, and this is a BIG BUT, it's also… kind of charming. In a 'your grandma's slightly dusty attic' kind of way. For cheap accommodation in a fantastic location, it's a no-brainer. And, honestly, it's full of character! Or, y'know, a character or two. I'm talking *people* you'll never forget...
"Hidden Gem"? Really? Is it *actually* hidden? Like, do I need a treasure map?
Ha! Not *exactly* hidden, but it's not exactly plastered all over Instagram. You won't find it blinking with neon lights. You won't trip over it while wandering the city. You'll drive past it, maybe shrug, and then, if you're lucky, you'll think "Hmm... that *does* look... interesting." You gotta *seek* it out. It's like a secret handshake you unlock by, well, booking a room. That's the adventure!
Let's Talk Amenities. Tell me the *truth*. What do they *actually* offer?
Okay, okay, deep breaths. The truth? It's not the Four Seasons. Don't expect a jacuzzi. Don't expect a minibar stocked with artisan kombucha. What you *do* get is:
- Rooms: Basic, clean-ish (mostly!), and with… a *certain* vintage aesthetic. Think floral wallpaper. Think curtains that *might* block out the sun if you're lucky.
- Free Wifi: It exists! It works… sometimes. Pray to the internet gods. Seriously.
- Parking: Typically, yes. Don't expect designated spots, though. It's a "find a space and hope for the best" situation.
- A Kitchenette: The kitchenettes, some of them have *everything*... and some have almost *nothing*. Depends on your luck.
But honestly? It’s the *lack* of some things that makes it memorable. I once stayed there and, after discovering the toaster was a fire hazard, ended up making toast on the grill of the *one* working electric stove. You know what? It was the BEST toast I've ever had in my life. It was a moment of true, rugged survival!
Is it a good place for families? I've got kids!
Hmm... Well, that depends on your kids. Are they the type who thrive on adventure? Do they see the grime as "character"? Are they okay with the *possibility* of sharing a bed with a friendly moth or two? If so, then maybe! If they’re used to fancy hotels, RUN. Seriously, run for the hills. I once heard a kid scream about a "spider the size of a small cat"… I never saw one myself, but hey, different strokes for different folks, right? If you're looking for something simple and inexpensive, and your kids are up for a little adventure, then sure why not.
Speaking of spiders... How clean is it, REALLY?
Okay, look. I’m not going to lie to you. It's not hospital-grade clean. But it’s not a biohazard zone, either. Think "lived-in" and "well-loved." There’s some dust, some cobwebs, and possibly a few errant… creatures. Bring the antibacterial wipes, just in case. I always do. It’s honestly not *terrible* but don't scrutinize EVERYTHING. You'll drive yourself mad.
Is there anything close to the motel?
Yes! The beauty of Owens Motel is not just the motel itself, but its location. It's in the heart of things. It's close to all sorts of neat stuff! Like a bakery that has the *best* pies I've had in my life, which I *may* have gone to every day (sometimes twice). It's a short walk from the botanical gardens, which are lovely. And, most importantly to me, it's close to the best coffee shops. Honestly, it felt like my own little hub, my own little world, centered in the middle of Dunedin.
Is the staff friendly? I have heard mixed things.
"Friendly" is a loaded word. Let's say… they're *there*. They’re efficient. They’re *mostly* helpful. Don't expect overly bubbly customer service. They’re not the kind of folks who'll ask, "How was your day?" They're the kind of folks who hand you the key and say, "Room's that way." But that's part of the charm, right? They're honest. They are kind. They *are* efficient. They keep the machine going in their own way. They definitely leave an impression, I will give them that much.
Okay, spill. What's the *worst* thing that happened to you at Owens Motel?
Alright, buckle up. This is going to be a long one. Once, and let me preface this by saying I’m not usually a drama queen, there was a plumbing issue in my room. Now, I'm not talking a leaky faucet. I'm talking the entire bathroom *flooded*. Water everywhere. And I mean *everywhere*. I woke up at 3 AM to what sounded like a raging river in my room. I stood there, half-asleep, staring at water pouring from the ceiling like a scene from a disaster movie. I waded through the ankle-deep stream of water, and it turns out the toilet broke *right above my bed*. I was so cold... and the water just kept coming. I called the front desk, half-expecting some kind of magical plumbing genie to appear. No such luck. They sent someone over, who, bless his heart, didn't look at all prepared, and he spent the next hour and a half… well, attempting to fix it. The water, however, was relentless. I was starting to suspect this wasn't just a plumbing problem, this was a *personal* problem. This was some kind of sign. I was convinced I had offended a water god,Globetrotter Hotels
