Nelson's BEST-KEPT Secret? This Castle Motel Will BLOW You Away!
Nelson's BEST-KEPT Secret? OH. MY. GOD. This Castle Motel Will BLOW You Away! (Seriously) - A Messy, Honest Review 🏰✨
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I’m still recovering from my stay at… well, this place. The name? Let’s keep it a secret for now. But trust me, you'll want to find it. This isn't your grandma's motel, folks. This is a castle motel. And not the cheesy, dollar-store fake kind. We’re talking legit, fairytale-esque, complete with turrets and, let’s just say, a LOT of character.
First Impressions (And a Minor Panic Attack):
The entrance? Dramatic. Think long, winding driveway, bordered by… (wait for it) giant wrought iron gates that look like they belong in a vampire movie. My first thought? "Did I accidentally stumble onto a LARPing convention?" Then I saw the actual castle. Seriously, majestic. I nearly ran my rental car straight into a ridiculously ornate fountain because I was too busy gawking.
Accessibility - The Good, The Bad, and the "Hmmmm…"
Alright, let's get real. I was traveling with a friend who uses a wheelchair, and accessibility is always top priority. Here's the deal:
- Wheelchair Accessible: The public areas seemed pretty good. The main entrance was wide, elevators were available.
- Facilities for Disabled Guests: I believe they offered designated rooms, but you absolutely need to call ahead and confirm EVERYTHING. We got a little lost in a side wing, and it seemed like it hadn't been updated in a while.
- Elevator: Thankfully, yes. Crucial for a castle!
- Exterior Corridor: Mostly. Some of the wings did have exterior access, making moving around easier with the chair.
- Parking: Free parking, yes! And spaces seemed to be close to the entrance.
Room For Improvement: Though, minor rant incoming, one elevator seemed to be out of order sometimes. It's a castle, it's old, I get it… but hey, better accessibility review.
Inside the Fortress (My Room… Swoon)
- Available in All Rooms: Okay, the basics were covered. Air conditioning (thank god, Nelson gets HOT), alarm clock (though I never, ever use them), and free Wi-Fi! Yes!
- Wi-Fi [Free]: This was a lifesaver. Seriously.
- Internet Access: LAN and Wireless!
- Air conditioning: Essential.
- Wake-up service: Unused but appreciated.
- The Good Stuff: Now, let’s talk about the room itself. I booked a "King's Suite." (Because, duh.) I was greeted with… a bathtub big enough to swim in. Seriously. The decor was… castle-y. Heavy drapes, dark wood furniture, a real fireplace (sadly, not functional, I tried). It was like sleeping in a Renaissance painting.
- The Details (A Little Messy, Just Like Life): Bathrobes (YES!), slippers (even better!), a mini-bar. The bed… oh, the bed. Cloud-like. Extra-long bed, because, well, I'm tall. The shower? Strong pressure.
- Room decorations: The room decor fit the castle mood.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax (AKA, Stuff I Actually Did):
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Yes! The pool area was BEAUTIFUL. But the water was COLD.
- Spa/sauna: YES! The spa had multiple options for a spa day, sauna, or steam bath.
- Sauna: Hot. Steamy. Bliss.
- Massage: I got a massage, and it was divine. The spa staff were great.
- Fitness center: There was a gym but I didn't have time to workout.
- Pool with view: The pool had an amazing view of the gardens.
- Terrace: Yes. Great for evening drinks.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (My Stomach's Tale):
- Restaurants: Multiple restaurants! I ate at the international cuisine restaurant.
- Bar: They had a bar with a decent selection of cocktails.
- Poolside bar: The poolside bar was the perfect spot for a quick drink.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Pretty standard buffet breakfast, but the coffee was good.
- Desserts in restaurant: The dessert buffet was truly amazing.
- Room service [24-hour]: Yes! And I definitely took advantage of the burger option at 2 AM. No regrets.
- Snack bar: The snack bar by the pool hit the spot.
Cleanliness and Safety (Important in These Times!):
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Yes.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: I saw people cleaning constantly.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Definitely.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Mostly followed.
- Safe dining setup: Tables spaced out, etc.
- Cashless payment service: Convenient.
- Check-in/out [private]: They have a private check-in area.
Services and Conveniences (The Boring, But Necessary, Part):
- Concierge: Helpful.
- Daily housekeeping: Excellent.
- Laundry service: Yep.
- Dry cleaning: Also available.
- Food delivery: Yes.
- Convenience store: Snacks! Always important.
- Car park [free of charge]: Yes.
- Daily housekeeping: They kept even the weirdest corners tidy.
- Wi-Fi for special events: It's there if you need it.
For the Kids (But I Didn't Bring Any):
- Family/child friendly: Seemed pretty accommodating.
- Babysitting service: Yes!
- Kids meal: They did have kids menu.
- Kids facilities: There were kids facilities.
The "Other" Stuff (The Quirks and Confessions):
- Smoking area: Yes.
- Non-smoking rooms: But you can request to not include smoking.
- Check-in/out [express]: Yup.
- Check-in/out [private]: I enjoyed the private check-in.
- Proposal spot: This place IS a proposal spot, I'm sure.
- Couple's room: Yes. Great rooms and a great spot for a date.
- Exterior corridor: Check.
- Front desk [24-hour]: Always someone there.
- Fire extinguisher: Yes.
- Pets allowed unavailable: Unfortunately, not.
- Getting around: Everything was nearby.
Getting Around (Easy Peasy):
- Taxi service: Available.
- Car park [on-site]: Yes.
- Airport transfer: Yes.
- Valet parking: Yes.
Final Verdict (The Emotional Rollercoaster!):
Okay, so here’s the truth: This place is… magical. It’s a little over the top, a bit quirky, and possibly a tad overpriced (I’m not going to lie). But… it’s unforgettable. The staff are friendly, the rooms are amazing, and it's just… fun. It’s a true getaway.
Would I go back? In a heartbeat. Even if I have to sleep in a turret and fight for my Wi-Fi. This castle motel? It's a definite "yes," with a side of "just call ahead about accessibility, okay?"
My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars (because nothing is perfect, and the pool was cold!).
Sheraton Raleigh: Your Unforgettable Raleigh Escape Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't just an itinerary; it's a potential train wreck, a symphony of questionable decisions and the absolute JOY of being in Nelson, New Zealand, mostly at the Castles Motel. Let's see if I can even make it through this without needing a stiff drink (probably not).
Day 1: Arrival, Anxiety, and Attempted Calm
Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Land at Nelson Airport. Oh god, airports. The smell of stale coffee and desperation… they're like a warm, slightly suffocating hug. I'm convinced I'll forget something vital (wallet? Passport? Sanity?). Prayed the rental car company is what it says on the tin - "Happy Wheels" or something equally ironic.
- Transportation: Rental Car (pray for no major dents in the first 24 hours)
- Emotional State: Anxious. Giddy. Mostly anxious. Why did I think I could navigate on the left side of the road again?!
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Check into Castles Motel. Right, the moment of truth. Will it be a charming, slightly rundown, slice of Kiwi heaven, or a moldy horror show? I'm secretly hoping for the former. The check-in process better be smooth or I'm going to unleash my inner Karen.
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): The Great Unpacking & Motel Reconnaissance. Crucially, assess the tea/coffee facilities. Are the mugs even remotely clean?! Can I get a decent cuppa going, or am I doomed to instant regret? Find the nearest supermarket. Stock up on snacks (chocolate, obviously), basic necessities (wine - crucial), and a map that I may or may not actually consult.
Evening (4:00 PM - 9:00 PM): A wander through the city, attempting a relaxed stroll. Hopefully, I did find a decent cafe, and grab a coffee and a snack. This turns into more of a brisk walk with an undercurrent of panic, trying to figure out where anything is. Dinner at a pub (probably). Might accidentally try to talk to a sheep. Hopefully, I'm not too jet-lagged to appreciate the sunset over the water. If I'm lucky, I'll have the wherewithal to take a photo.
Transportation: Mostly walking (probably getting lost), maybe a bus.
Emotional State: Mildly overwhelmed, slowly moving towards a state of bewildered awe.
Evening (9:00 PM onwards): Collapse in the motel room. Consider watching a movie but will probably just pass out within minutes of the TV flickering to life. The bed better be comfy… I've paid for comfort! (Probably more than I should have)
Day 2: The Abel Tasman Adventure (with potential for epic fail)
Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Wake up, ideally not screaming from a nightmare involving driving on the wrong side of the road. Breakfast! Preferably involving bacon. (If there is bacon, all other motel sins are forgiven.) Fuel up the car and head towards Abel Tasman National Park. The brochures promised pristine beaches and kayaking… also, sunshine. Please, God, let there be sunshine.
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): The kayaking part of the Abel Tasman itinerary. I have kayaked before. Mostly in a small, controlled environment. This is the open ocean, right? With seals? Will I be eaten by a seal? Probably. But, hey, at least the views will be good. I'm already envisioning myself capsizing. Actually, I'm pretty good at capsizing, I'll wear a helmet, probably. I'm going to bring my own snacks.
- Transportation: Car to the Abel Tasman visitor center, then kayaking.
- Emotional State: A mixture of excitement, terror and a vague sense of inevitability that I'm going to end up looking like a total idiot.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): The (hopefully enjoyable) picnic lunch on the beach. If I haven't already drowned. This depends fully on if the weather is good at all. Sandwiches, apple slices, and the absolute necessity of sunscreen. Sunscreen is important… unless I get eaten by a seal first. Also, probably accidentally eat a bunch of sand. It's inevitable.
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Hiking, probably, or a boat trip. I’m hoping for a boat trip, to be honest, so I don't have to walk. Just thinking about "hiking" is getting me out of breath. The options. Coastal views, stunning scenery… and the potential for getting lost, bitten by something poisonous, or getting attacked by a rogue seagull. Seagulls are evil.
- Transportation: Kayak/Boat, then potentially walking.
- Emotional State: Depends on the weather. If it's sunny, euphoric. If it's raining… moody and resentful.
Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Dinner somewhere near the National Park. Fish and chips, it is! The quintessential New Zealand experience. Will probably eat far too many. May regret it later. Drive back to the motel, hopefully without falling asleep at the wheel.
- Transportation: Car
- Emotional State: Tired, but hopefully content. Maybe a little bit sunburned.
Evening (9:00 PM onwards): Netflix/bed. The blissful relief of horizontal. Maybe a cheeky glass of wine.
Day 3: Nelson City Exploration – Art, Adventure, and the Unexpected
Morning (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Sleep in! (If the motel soundproofing is decent.) A good breakfast is essential for a day of exploration, and avoiding the siren call of the hotel bed. Coffee, toast, maybe a cheeky cheeky pastry, or whatever.
Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Time for a stroll around Nelson. Visit the Saturday Market (if it's on, obviously). Check out some cute, quirky shops. Potential purchases: a ridiculously priced souvenir, something I don't need but absolutely must have. Also try and see the Cathedral.
- Transportation: Car (parking hopefully not a complete nightmare), walking.
- Emotional State: Excited, but trying to keep the spending in check.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Lunch in Nelson city. A cafe, preferably with outdoor seating. People-watching, you see. Maybe find a charming restaurant, preferably one with a sense of humour and a good selection of local wine.
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Explore a bit of art or history. The Suter Art Gallery? A museum? Whatever takes my fancy. Or maybe I'll just sit in a park and sulk. Whatever happens, is not the main concern.
Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Find some sort of adventure. Not too strenuous, the weather could change. A scenic drive somewhere? A short hike near town? The possibilities are endless, and a little bit intimidating.
Evening (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Dinner in Nelson. Perhaps try a restaurant I've heard recommended. Could accidentally find something amazing. And yes, another glass of wine.
- Transportation: Car, walking
- Emotional State: Mostly calm, but with the potential for a sudden burst of spontaneity.
Evening (9:00 PM onwards): Pack, and prepare for the journey home. The bittersweet feeling of impending departure. A quiet evening, reflecting on the trip? Or maybe just one last, slightly frantic scramble for my car keys.
Day 4: Departure (and the inevitable post-trip blues)
Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Sigh deeply. Grab a final motel breakfast. Check out (hopefully smoothly), and pray the rental car is returned in one piece. One last look at the room, just in case I've forgotten something. (Bet I have.)
Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Drive to Nelson Airport. Traffic? Will I be late? Airport security, the final test of my emotional resilience. Return the car (without smashing it).
- Transportation: Car, then airport
- Emotional State: A little sad, a little relieved.
Afternoon (11:00 AM onwards): Flight home. The journey begins, along with the inevitable post-trip blues. Reflect on the trip. *Did I manage to enjoy myself? Did I accidentally offend anyone? Did I
Is this Castle Motel REALLY a secret? Because I found it on the internet.
Okay, so, the castle part... is it actually a castle? Like, drawbridge and everything? Because I'm easily disappointed.
The photos… they look a little, um, staged. Is it as amazing in real life?
What are the rooms like? Are all of them equally castle-y?
Is it family-friendly? I've got kids.
What's the vibe like? Can I just show up in my pajamas?
Is the location good? I want to explore Nelson.
Okay, spill the tea. What's the *one thing* that you'll always remember about your stay?
