Wellington's BEST Kept Secret: 83 By The Sea Motor Lodge!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea – and the perfectly brewed coffee, and maybe even a little bit of the hot tub water – on Wellington's BEST Kept Secret: 83 By The Sea Motor Lodge! Forget those cookie-cutter hotels you're used to. This is about real life, real travel, and real, slightly messy, perfection. Let’s do this.
First Impression - The Unfiltered Truth
Okay, so first things first: the name. "83 By The Sea Motor Lodge." It's… functional. Doesn't exactly scream "Instagrammable luxury," does it? But, and this is a HUGE but, don't let that fool you. This place is a gem, a quirky little starfish clinging to the coast, that gives you a warm hug the second you walk in. I’m talking friendly staff, not robotic check-in procedures.
Accessibility: More Than Just Ramps, People!
Now, I have to start with accessibility. I've been to places that say accessible, but really just mean "rampy." Not here. They've genuinely thought about it. Elevator? Check. Wide hallways? Check. Rooms designed with space and ease in mind? Double check. They get it. Facilities for disabled guests are actually, well, facilities. This is a huge deal.
Internet, Oh Internet, My Love (and Sometimes My Frustration)
Let's be real: in this day and age, decent internet is a need, not a want. Thank god, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise the Lord. And it worked. I actually got some work done. But here’s the thing – sometimes the Wi-Fi in the lobby was… spotty. I mean, I was expecting the usual, but it was better in my room, which, you know, win! It’s still a minor inconvenience. Don't expect to stream Netflix in the middle of a hurricane. It’s the real world, people.
Rooms: Your Cozy Little Bubble of Awesome
Alright, let's move to the rooms, the place I had to be. Wi-Fi [free] is already a big win for me. Air conditioning, oh yes. I was also thrilled to see a Refrigerator, so I can live in my bliss. They are comfy, they are practical, they are… not trying too hard. And I LOVE that. They've got everything you need – Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Window that opens. I'm not a big fan of hotels trying to be too fancy. The blackout curtains were a lifesaver for those jet lag days. And that Coffee/tea maker? Absolute necessity. Did I mention the Extra long bed? Heaven.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fuel for Adventure (or Just Lounging)
Okay, so Restaurants are a must for anyone. Let's be honest, I'm lazy. 24-hour Room service? Yes, please. Coffee shop, offering Coffee/tea in restaurant, is a Godsend. But here’s where it gets good. There's a Poolside bar! Imagine, you, a cocktail, and a glorious Wellington sunset (if the weather cooperates, which, let's be honest, 50/50 chance). They really made Snack bar available to get me covered. Plus, Breakfast [buffet]! You can have everything needed to start the day. I am not sure about Asian cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant, Dessert in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant but whatever it is, I will definitely try it!
The Spa: My Personal Paradise
Okay, so picture this: after a long day of exploring Wellington (and battling gale-force winds, because, Wellington), you collapse into that Spa. I'm talking a true spa experience. I could've stayed there forever. The Sauna? Amazing. The Steamroom? Even better. I am a fan of Massage - a true reset. Do yourself a favor and book a treatment. You won't regret it.
Safety First (and Second, and Third)
Let's talk about feeling safe. They get it. CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Fire alarm, Security [24-hour], and Smoke alarms, are all reassuring. But it goes beyond the basics. Hand sanitizer is everywhere, and they've got some serious cleaning protocols going on. They take Cleanliness and safety and that gave me some peace of mind.
Conveniences and Quirks: The Little Things That Matter
Here's where 83 By The Sea really shines. The Concierge was super helpful, booking tours and giving insider tips. The Laundry service saved my sanity (I was getting down to the bare essentials). And for the business travelers, Business facilities include Audio-visual equipment for special events, Meetings, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meeting stationery, Projector/LED display, Seminars, Xerox/fax in business center. There’s a small Convenience store, so you can grab those forgotten essentials.
For the Kids (or the Big Kids at Heart)
I didn’t have kids with me, but I did see evidence of its Family/child friendly nature. It had a Babysitting service, Kids facilities, Kids meal, and Family/child friendly, which seems great.
Getting Around: Easy Breezy
They offer Airport transfer (HUGE win!), and Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station if you've got a car. You can also arrange for a Taxi service. Very convenient.
My One, Small, Tiny Grumble
Alright, I HAVE to be honest. The elevators made a weird noise. It's a tiny little thing, and it never stopped me from using them, but it was there.
The Verdict: Book It Now!
Look, 83 By The Sea isn't perfect. But it's real. It's welcoming. It's a place where you can truly relax and recharge. It's Wellington's best-kept secret, and I’m letting the cat out of the bag, because you deserve to know about it. It's the perfect place to be to explore the cities.
The Messy, Honest, and Absolutely Irresistible Offer:
Tired of Hotels That Feel Like Robots? Crave Real Comfort?
Book Your Getaway to 83 By The Sea Motor Lodge and Get:
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (Because everyone needs their internet fix.)
- A Luxurious Spa Experience! (Melt away those city exploration worries.)
- Genuine Accessibility! (More than just ramps, an inclusive experience.)
- A Warm Welcome and Friendly Faces! (Forget the sterile check-in experiences.)
- Book directly through their website by [date] and receive [discount, free breakfast, or upgrade].
Don't wait. 83 By The Sea is waiting for you.
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Homestay in Delhi NCR Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this itinerary for 83 By the Sea Motor Lodge in Wellington, New Zealand is gonna be less "polished travel brochure" and more "scribbled-on napkin after three too many coffees and a near-miss with a rogue seagull." Consider yourself warned.
Day 1: Arrival and a Mild Panic Attack (Mostly Thanks to Map-Reading)
- Afternoon (Around 2 PM): Touch down at Wellington Airport. Yay! Mountains, fresh air, a vaguely promising smell of coffee – this is what I live for. Except, the rental car pick-up. Apparently, my "ability to navigate public transport" is a generous description. The map? Looks like a Jackson Pollock painting after a caffeinated squirrel got hold of it.
- Anecdote: Finally, after circling the rental car lot three times and nearly running over a bewildered tourist, I managed to find the right damn car. The lady at the desk gave me a look. I swear. A look that said, "Honey, you’re gonna need that insurance…"
- Quirk: I'm already calling my car "The Battlestar Gallactica" because I have zero driving confidence.
- Late Afternoon (4 PMish): Arrive at 83 By the Sea Motor Lodge. The photos online? They lied (in a slightly more charming way). It’s not exactly glamorous, but the view…holy moly. The sprawling ocean, the rugged coastline, the dramatic clouds…Okay, I can deal with the slightly dated décor.
- Emotional Reaction: Seriously, the view. I could just sit on the balcony right now, drink wine, and forget the world exists. But wait, the itinerary!
- Minor Category: Check-in. Smooth as butter, they've got that hospitality thing down. They even had a little welcome chocolate, you know, to make you feel at home, like a little guilty pleasure.
- Early Evening (6 PM): Unpack. Vaguely attempt to decide on an outfit for dinner. End up wearing whatever's closest and hoping for the best.
- Evening (7:30 PM): Dinner at a local restaurant. Decidedly not fancy. Fish and chips. Massive portion. Ate the whole thing. Regret setting in simultaneously with the rising tide.
- Rambling Thought: The food here! Oh, the food! Everywhere you turn, there's something delicious and…expansive. I swear, New Zealanders have a different definition of "standard serving size."
- Emotional Reaction: A delightful, if slightly gluttonous, success!
Day 2: Exploring and the Great Museum Meltdown
- Morning (9 AM): Breakfast in the room: Instant coffee, a somewhat squashed muesli bar. Standard. Admire the view. AGAIN. It's still gorgeous.
- Late Morning (10:30 AM): Head to Te Papa Tongarewa Museum (Museum of New Zealand). Everyone raves about it, right?
- Opinionated Language: Okay, Te Papa is a BEAST. It's huge. I got lost. Multiple times. I had to navigate a massive museum with my usual confidence. It was chaos.
- Messier Structure: The Maori art exhibition was incredible. The exhibits on the history of the country were really amazing but the earthquake exhibit? A little too real. I think I might have had a mini-breakdown.
- Doubling Down: I spent hours in the earthquake simulator. Okay, maybe not hours, but I went back twice. The first time I laughed, the second time I clutched my chest and mumbled about needing a stiff drink. Which I then sought out at the museum café.
- Afternoon (2 PM): Okay, after a museum experience, I was ready for a drink. Found a charming little cafe near the waterfront, ordered a coffee and people-watched for an hour.
- Minor Category: The weather. Wellington changes its mind more often than I change my socks. One minute sunshine, the next a torrential downpour. Pack layers, people!
- Late Afternoon (4 PM): Return to 83 By the Sea. Nap. Needed.
- Evening (7 PM): Dinner at a restaurant I found because I was very hungry. More delicious food. More wine. Regret imminent.
- Emotional Reaction/Quirk: Feeling slightly overwhelmed by the day. The sheer beauty, the museum, the wind, the food…it’s a lot! But in a good way. In a way that makes you want to shout, “I’m alive and I’m here!”
- Rambling Thought: I wonder when I'll find time to do the things on my list? Probably never. But it's okay.
Day 3: Beaches, Bays and a Wild Goose Chase
- Morning (9:00 AM): Breakfast in the room. Coffee. View. Repeat. I could get used to this. Though, realistically, I might become a permanent resident if I keep eating the way I've been eating.
- Late Morning (10:30): Drive up to a cute little bay.
- Afternoon (1 PM): Lunch at a simple eatery.
- Late Afternoon (3 PM): Attempt to find a scenic walking trail. Get hopelessly lost again. Blame "The Battlestar Gallactica" for poor map-reading skills.
- Opinionated Language: The roads here are either ridiculously windy or ridiculously narrow. Half the time, I’m pretty sure I‘m driving on the wrong side. But with the views, who cares!
- Early Evening (5 PM): Return to 83 By the Sea. Soak in the view. Attempt to download another travel guide and give up after the internet refuses to cooperate.
- Evening (7 PM): Pack. Reflect on the fact that my suitcase is now more full than when I arrived.
- Emotional Reaction: A bittersweet feeling as the trip nears its end. Sad to go but ready for home.
- Quirk: Consider a late-night swim in the ocean but quickly remember the water is probably freezing and the wind is whipping around relentlessly. Maybe tomorrow. If I'm brave.
Day 4: Farewell Wellington (Sniffle)
- Morning (9 AM): Final breakfast. Admire the now-familiar view. Reluctantly pack the few remaining items.
- Late Morning (10 AM): Check out of 83 By the Sea. Drive back to the airport. Try to remember where to return "The Battlestar Gallactica" without getting lost.
- Messier Structure: I'll miss the view, I'll miss the food, I'll miss the… well, mostly the view. Wellington, you were…a bit wild, a bit wonderful, and totally worth every single minor panic attack.
- Rambling Thought: Maybe I'll come back someday. With a better map-reader, and a stronger stomach (for both food and earthquakes).
- Afternoon (1 PM): Fly home.
- Evening: Sleep off the jet lag and start dreaming of delicious fish and chips…and the ocean view.
83 By The Sea Motor Lodge: The Truth, The Whole Truth, and Nothing But the Truth (Mostly)
Okay, spill. Is 83 By The Sea *really* Wellington’s best-kept secret? Or is it just…a place?
RIGHT?! That's what got me hooked in the first place! "Best-kept secret"? Sounds kinda dodgy, doesn't it? Like a password-protected speakeasy selling questionable cocktails. Look, I went in with low expectations. I figured cheap, clean, and maybe a view of a wall. But honestly? It’s more than a place. It's... an *experience*. It's like stumbling upon a hidden gem in a junk shop – a bit dusty around the edges, sure, but with serious charm. I'm talking about waking to the sound of seagulls squabbling, the smell of the sea air practically slapping you in the face (in a good way!), and a feeling that you've somehow escaped the ordinary. Maybe "best-kept secret" is a *little* dramatic. But it certainly doesn't scream "tourist trap" and that's a HUGE win in my book.
What’s the deal with those sea views? Are they ACTUAL sea views, or the "sea view" you get from looking *around* a building?
Okay, let's be clear. The view…it’s *there*. It's not panoramic, mind you. Think less "Lord of the Rings" sweeping vistas, and more "charming little slice of the coast." Some rooms are better than others. I got lucky once and had a room with a proper balcony, and…OH. MY. GOD. I spent like, half a day just staring out there. Coffee in hand, wind whipping through my hair, watching the waves crash. Pure bliss. Another time? Bit of a side view, but still… the salt air! Honestly, even if you get a slightly obstructed view, you’re still *by the sea*. And, let's face it, Wellington is all about embracing the weather, right? Embrace the sea breeze, the slight dampness, the sound of the waves...It's part of the whole quirky charm.
Tell me about the rooms. Are they... modern? Like, do they have USB charging ports and fancy showers?
Modern? Mmmmm… “Rustic” is more the word. Let’s just say the décor has a certain… *vintage* vibe. The kind of vintage that might involve floral wallpaper and furniture that *might* predate you. USB charging ports? Well, you may have to scour for a more accessible outlet, be prepared for a bit of outlet-hunting! The showers... hmm. They work. The pressure’s…adequate. Look, it's not the Ritz-Carlton, but it's clean, comfortable, and it's got everything you *need*. And honestly? Who needs a fancy shower when you have the *sea* just outside your door? I'm honestly cool with a slightly dated space if it means I can sit on my balcony and watch the sun set. It’s about the experience, people!
Is it family-friendly? Noise levels? Can my kids run around like maniacs?
Hmm. Okay, family-friendly in the sense that they *tolerate* kids. Don't expect a dedicated kids' club or anything. Noise levels... are relative. You *are* by the sea, so expect the occasional seagull symphony, but it's generally pretty peaceful. The walls… well, haven't exactly had a soundproof makeover. Maniacs, though? Maybe rein them in a bit. It's not a massive resort, so your little darlings running wild might ruffle a few feathers. I’d say, it's better if you can handle the general chaos of kids yourself, and not rely on the lodge to soothe you.
Parking? Is it a nightmare?
Parking? Ah, yes. Wellington, and indeed New Zealand, has a love-hate relationship with available parking spots. At 83 By The Sea? It's… adequate. There's off-street parking, which is a blessed relief – especially in central Wellington where you'll be dealing with aggressive car-park attendants and extortionate fees. It's not always a guaranteed spot right outside your door (you might have to circle a few times), but generally, parking’s not the *worst* thing in the world. A HUGE advantage over a city hotel.
Any downsides? Be honest!
Okay, okay. Honesty time. Don't expect perfection. The Wi-Fi can be a little… temperamental. Let's just say it's a good excuse to digitally detox. The walls are thin, so you might hear your neighbours (and they might hear you). The décor is "retro," which is being polite. And, depending on the time of year, the sea air can get… *intense*. Bring layers! Honestly, the biggest 'problem' I've had is not wanting to *leave*.
What's the best thing about 83 By The Sea?
For me? The *vibe*. It's friendly, relaxed, real. It's not trying too hard. It's got character. And, oh, the sea! I love waking up and breathing the sea air. One time, I was there during a massive storm. The waves were crashing right up against the sea wall, and I just sat there, watching with a cup of tea. It was exhilarating and scary, all at the same time. It's memories like that, that make it special. The genuine warmth of the staff helped too, even during the craziest weather. And that's what makes it more than just a place to sleep. It's that escape, that feeling of being away from it all, even though you're just a short drive from the city. It's not fancy, it's not perfect, but it’s got a heart. A big, salty, sea-soaked heart.
Would you recommend it?
Absolutely. But with caveats! If you're after luxury and flawless service, look elsewhere. If you're after personality, charm, and a genuine Wellington experience, then absolutely yes. Just don't expect champagne fountains and diamond-encrusted towels. Pack your sense of adventure, your tolerance for a bit of "lived-in" charm, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected. You'll probably love it. And if you don't? Well, at least you'll have a good story to tell.
