Timaru: hotel con bar

I wrote a review in 2015. We've just stayed there again. It's quite deceiving. From the outside, there's scaffolding (they're obviously doing the place up) and initially inside, it looks like the same old hotel. However, the rooms have been done up and ours was excellent. Good size, great bathroom, large TV, comfy new bed - a really good room. And very good value considering the price. We were very happy. It may still be a 3-star hotel, but the room was much better value than that.

DATE OF TRAVEL: July 2023 Stayed here for 3 days for a business trip. First impressions were.... disappointing. The hotel was empty, the chef was also at reception and the building looks run down. HOWEVER, check in was fast, the rooms were well appointed, if well travelled, and the bed was very comfy. Sadly I didn't get back to my hotel room until late night each night but the breakfast was fantastic and affordable. All the staff were super friendly, welcoming and accomondating. Room walls were thick as I didn't hear my colleagues in the other rooms at all, even when we were talking. Shower was great. Good pressure and the bathroom had all the basic amenities you would need for a regional motel. Though some people may not like it, the interestingly spaced corridors made the hotel feel like a rabbit warren and I actually quite enjoyed that. The gym was probably the best one I'd seen in all of my hotel stays in Canterbury. I was really impressed. Sadly it was closed before I left and when I came back so didn't get a chance to try it. It's only a few minutes away from the main restaurant ***** of the town and the food at all of them was fantastic. Caroline Bay Beach is beautiful and I enjoyed my morning walks there. Would I stay again? Though I may never have a need to again, most definitely if the need did arise. First looks are certainly deceiving with this place but push through it and you'll find yourself a gem of a stay =)

With a stay at Northpark Motel in Timaru (Washdyke), you'll be within a 15-minute walk of DB Brewery and Washdyke Lagoon Wildlife Refuge. This motel is 2.2 mi (3.5 km) from Ashbury Park and 2.5 mi (4.1 km) from Dashing Rocks Beach.Satisfy your appetite with local cuisine at Ascot Sportshouse & Eater, a family restaurant which features a bar/lounge. Dining is also available at the coffee shop/cafe. Cooked-to-order breakfasts are available daily from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM for a fee.Featured amenities include express check-in, express check-out, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.Make yourself at home in one of the 28 guestrooms featuring refrigerators and microwaves. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and satellite programming is available for your entertainment. Bathrooms feature showers, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers. Conveniences include phones, as well as desks and electric kettles.