Escape to Paradise: Tudor Lodge Motel Awaits in Nelson, NZ!
Escape to Paradise (Maybe?): A Deep Dive into Tudor Lodge Motel in Nelson, NZ - Buckle Up!
Okay, folks. Gather 'round. Because I just got back from a trip to Nelson, New Zealand, specifically a stay at the (wait for it) Tudor Lodge Motel, and I have thoughts. Lots and lots of thoughts. Think of this as less a polished travel review, and more a rambling, slightly caffeinated account of my experience. Grab a coffee and a biscuit, you'll need it.
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So, first impressions? Well, the name, "Tudor Lodge," kinda sets a certain expectation, right? I was picturing exposed beams, maybe a roaring fire, definitely a giant tapestry with a unicorn on it. Reality? Let's just say "Tudor-esque" might be a more accurate description. Think more "motel, with a hint of Tudor," than full-blown Renaissance Fair. But hey, who am I to judge a theme?
Accessibility – The Big Question (and the slightly wobbly ramp):
Alright, let's get to the real stuff. I’m a pretty mobile, but still require consideration for accessibility. The wheelchair accessibility was definitely there, but with a few… quirks. They do have accessible rooms, which is a massive plus. The entrance was… well, there was a ramp. A ramp that seemed to have a slightly steeper incline than necessary. Maybe I was just feeling lazy after a long flight, but it felt like a mini-mountain every time. The accessibility features inside the room were decent, grab bars, wide doorways, the whole shebang. Kudos for that. The elevator was a lifesaver, thank god. Navigating the common areas was generally okay, although I did spot a couple of tight corners that might pose a challenge for some. The Facilities for disabled guests certainly existed, but maybe a little…optimistic in places. Definitely room for improvement, but points for trying! Remember, this is not meant to be a perfect review.
The Room – My Temporary Fortress (and the Mystery of the Missing Toilet Paper):
My room, thankfully, was one of the accessible ones. The room itself was… functional. Let's go with that. It had all the staples: air conditioning, (THANK YOU, Nelson summer!), a desk, a coffee/tea maker (essential!), and a fridge. The bed was comfy enough. Now, about the internet access: They boast about free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and yes, free Wi-fi [free] it was! I had Internet access – wireless, thankfully. And they did have Internet access – LAN, if you still like those old-school setups (who are you, even?). Free bottled water was a nice touch (especially after that ramp!). They even had slippers. Fancy!
But here's the thing: Day one, no toilet paper. Seriously. Not a single, solitary square. Now, I’m not one for complaining, but after a long day of travel, the lack of… well, you get the picture. Luckily, housekeeping, who they say did daily housekeeping, sorted it out promptly, but it was an interesting… welcome. Maybe I was supposed to bring my own. I still feel a bit…vulnerable.
On the plus side, I really appreciated the Blackout curtains. Perfect for sleeping in, which I needed after the ramp-fest. They also have non-smoking rooms, which is always a win for us non-smokers. The TV had the usual satellite/cable channels. I didn't spend much time watching it, but hey, it was there. The shower was fine, and the toiletries were… well, they were there. Everything was perfectly clean.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – A Culinary Adventure (or Not):
Okay, the dining situation. This is where things got… interesting. The Tudor Lodge has restaurants, plural! Technically. I think, from what I could gather, they are only open for breakfast. Now, they do offer breakfast [buffet], which I'm a sucker for. They claim Western breakfast, but it was pretty standard fare—eggs, bacon sausage, toast, the usual. But, and here’s a confession, I'M an Asian breakfast gal, and they didn’t have it, so I made do. The coffee was decent, but the coffee shop was not on duty.
They also mention Room service [24-hour]. And this is where I had a HUGE problem. Turns out, room service is only on certain days. I spent one evening STARVING. I mean, hangry. There’s the mention of Snack bar. I never actually saw one. This felt like a major miss, especially for late-night cravings, and for when you're too lazy to wander out after the ramp. I did, however, get a single free Bottle of water.
This is a place where there's a lot of room for improvement. It's the one thing that I would really complain about.
Amenities & Relaxation – Spa Dreams, or Just a Dip in the Pool?:
Now, this is where the Tudor Lodge really shines… or at least attempts to. There's a Swimming pool [outdoor]! The Pool with view (a limited view of the surrounding area) was quite lovely, and I did take a dip one afternoon to cool off, which was very nice. The Gym/fitness room was… tiny. But hey, it had a treadmill and a few weights. I took a look, let out a sigh, and went back to my room. Maybe I'll go tomorrow.
They brag about a Spa! I’m a sucker for a spa. Yes, please. Turns out, the spa services were… limited. I did, however, notice a few things: Sauna, Steamroom. I did not delve into these at all as I was told that they were out of order. Sigh.
The massage was said to be available, but you had to book. I totally spaced on that, so I missed my opportunity. I wanted a Body scrub, a Body wrap. But, alas, my skin must exfoliate itself.
On an aside, they do have stuff for Things to do, ways to relax, but as all other amenities were closed, I’m not sure that it amounted to a hill of beans.
Cleanliness & Safety – Germs Be Gone! (Hopefully):
They were definitely going for the "safety first" approach, which I appreciated. There were signs everywhere referencing COVID protocols. Lots of hand sanitizer stations. They mentioned Anti-viral cleaning products, and they did seem to be taking things seriously. Staff trained in safety protocol. My hope is, they were.
They mentioned Room sanitization opt-out available. I don't know why you would, but hey, the option is there. The staff, from what I could tell, were all wearing masks. I give them points for effort!
Services and Conveniences – The Usual, Plus a Few Surprises:
They offer the usual: concierge services, daily housekeeping, laundry service, luggage storage. They even have a gift/souvenir shop (although I didn't see it). The car park [free of charge] was a massive win. Airport transfer? Yes, but you have to organise it yourself.
I’d heard of Cashless payment service. I was more than happy to do this.
For the Kids – Family Fun, or Another Ramp Challenge?:
They advertise as Family/child friendly, but I didn't see much in the way of kid-specific amenities. I didn't see anything specific but a lack of information. They do have Babysitting service.
Getting Around – Navigating Nelson's Delights:
Car park [on-site] was a blessing! Nelson is a lovely town to explore, and having free parking at the motel was a huge bonus. They have Taxi service, just in case. They also provide Bicycle parking, which is great if you're into cycling around!
My Overall Verdict:
Look, the Tudor Lodge Motel isn't perfect. It has its quirks, its shortcomings, and its moments of… well, let's just say "Tudor-ishness." But it was clean, the staff (when you could find them) were friendly, and the location was decent. For the price, it’s okay. Would I stay there again? Maybe. It depends on what I’m looking for. If I need a budget-friendly, reasonably accessible base for exploring Nelson, it fits the bill. But if I'm after a luxury spa getaway with a roaring fire and a unicorn tapestry? Well, I guess I’ll keep dreaming.
Uncover Hidden Gems: Do Drop Inn's Fleurieu Peninsula Escape!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly polished travel itinerary. We're heading to the Tudor Lodge Motel in Nelson, New Zealand, and frankly, the organization might be slightly… ahem… flexible. Think less Swiss watch, more… well, me trying to find matching socks. Here we go:
Tudor Lodge Tango: A Messy, Magnificent Adventure
Day 1: Arrival and That Damn Motel Room…Again
- 1:00 PM (Give or Take): Arrive at Nelson Airport. Honestly? The flight felt like a never-ending yoga class where you were the reluctant pose. Grab the rental car. Pray it’s not a clunker named "Brenda" like last time. (That Brenda had a personality, let me tell you, and not in a good way.)
- 1:45 PM (ish): Check into Tudor Lodge. Okay, the outside is charmingly Tudor-esque, like a gingerbread house that’s seen better days. The ROOM… alright, here's the thing. The bathrooms, they are always the same with the Tudor Lodge, it's like a time warp, very dated. But hey! At least they're clean, right? Right?! (Crossing fingers and toes, hoping the shower pressure isn't a pathetic dribble.)
- 2:15 PM: Unpack. Or, you know, attempt to unpack. Always a monumental task after a long flight. Always find a rogue sock that's been hiding and plotting.
- 2:45 PM: Collapse on the bed. Briefly consider crawling under the duvet cover and never emerging. But no, the promise of Nelson beckons!
- 3:00 PM: Wander around the local shops. Grab, a coffee I desperately need and some groceries for breakfast and dinner.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. Cook up some lamb chops at the motel’s barbeque, hopefully it's working this time. Seriously, last time it was like trying to cook on a volcano and ended up eating chips. Pray it won't be a repeat of that culinary disaster!
- 7:30 PM: Netflix and chill. (Or just plain old "chill," if the Wi-Fi is dodgy). Find a comfy position in the bed. I've got a book and maybe a bottle of wine to enjoy.
Day 2: Abel Tasman's Allure (and My Blistering Feet)
- 8:00 AM: Wake up. Groan. Struggle out of bed, which still feels suspiciously like 2:15 PM. Breakfast.
- 9:00 AM: Drive to Abel Tasman National Park. The scenery on the way? Breath-taking. Honestly. The way the sunlight hits the water, those golden beaches… I nearly drove off the road gawking. (Don’t tell anyone.)
- 9:45 AM: Start the kayaking or walking. Decide to go kayaking.
- 10:00 AM: Kayaking! The sea is perfect, calm. I am in my element. Paddling away.
- 12:00 PM: Eat our lunch. Try not to feed the seagulls.
- 1:00 PM: Paddle back.
- 3:00 PM: Check out some of the shops in the Abel Tasman, buy some souvenirs.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner! Prepare a meal in the motel room.
- 7:00 PM: Watch TV or do some reading.
Day 3: Nelson's Charm (and My Ongoing Struggle with Laundry)
- 9:00 AM: Sleep in.
- 10:00 AM: Breakfast.
- 11:00 AM: Check out, or try, the Nelson Market. This place is a sensory overload. Flowers, artisan cheese, handmade jewelry… I want to buy EVERYTHING. Control yourself, self! End up buying a quirky painting of a sheep playing a ukulele. Don't judge.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at a local cafe. Try the seafood chowder. It's supposed to be amazing. (Hoping it lives up to the hype).
- 2:00 PM: Wander the city, buy some souvenirs.
- 5:00 PM: Back at the Tudor Lodge. (Time to tackle the laundry pile. Or at least glance at it. Laundry is the eternal nemesis of any traveler, at least in my world).
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at a restaurant.
- 7:30 PM: Enjoy the evening.
Day 4: Departure and Post-Trip Melancholy
- 8:00 AM: Wake up. Realize it's almost over. Feel a pang of sadness. I hate leaving places where I could stay forever.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast.
- 10:00 AM: Double-check the room. Make sure I haven't left anything crucial behind. (Last time, it was my toothbrush. This time, my brain wants to leave).
- 11:00 AM: Drive to the airport.
- 12:00 PM: Depart. Reflect on the trip. The good times, the slightly dodgy meals, the quirks of Tudor Lodge, the way the sheep painting makes me smile, the blisters I'm still nursing… And already start planning the next adventure.
Important Notes (and My Ramblings):
- The Weather: New Zealand is notoriously fickle. Pack for everything. Sun, rain, wind, hail… Be prepared for it all, even if the forecast says sunshine. Expect the unexpected.
- The Food: New Zealand is AMAZING for food. Embrace it. Try everything. Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations.
- The People: Kiwis are wonderful. Friendly, welcoming, and always up for a chat. Be polite. Be open. Be prepared to be charmed.
- The Motel Room: I swear, I'm not complaining TOO much about the Tudor Lodge. Sure, it might not be the Ritz, but it's clean, it's in a convenient location, and it's part of the experience. (And maybe, just maybe, I'll get a room with slightly better water pressure next time.)
- My Emotional State: Expect a rollercoaster. I'm prone to sudden bursts of unadulterated joy, followed by fits of grumpy introspection. This is normal. Don't worry. Just roll with it.
So there you have it. My utterly disorganized, entirely honest, and possibly slightly bonkers travel itinerary for the Tudor Lodge Motel in Nelson. Embrace the messiness. Embrace the imperfections. Embrace the adventure. And most of all… enjoy the ride!
Escape to Paradise: La Dolce Vita's Luxury Awaits in Durban
Escape to Paradise: Tudor Lodge Motel - Because, Honestly, You Need a Break. (Nelson, NZ Edition) - FAQ!
Alright, future escapees! You're thinking of the Tudor Lodge. Nelson, New Zealand. Righteous choice. Let's cut the fluff and get down to brass tacks. I've been. I've survived. I have opinions (lots). Here's the lowdown, in all its slightly-disorganized glory:
1. What IS This Tudor Lodge Thing, Anyway? Is It Actually Tudor-y? (And is that a good thing?)
Okay, so the Tudor Lodge. Picture this: a bunch of motel units, all trying REALLY HARD to evoke that vaguely medieval, half-timbered look. Are they perfect Tudor replicas? Absolutely not. Think of it more like... Tudor-inspired-ish. It's got that "attempting Victorian charm" vibe, which, honestly, can be endearing. I mean, hey, at least they *tried*. And honestly? After a long drive from the Golden Bay with a screaming toddler glued to your leg? You don't care about historical accuracy. You care about a clean bed and a decent shower. The slightly wonky Tudor-ness is part of the charm, I reckon.
Also, a HUGE perk: it's *different*. Compared to the standard soulless motels that all bleed into each other, it's a nice change.
My personal anecdote? The first time, I walked into the room and actually *laughed*. Not a mean laugh, more of a "well, alright then!" laugh. It felt like stepping onto a slightly surreal movie set. Totally memorable. Even if it IS just a motel.
2. Nelson Itself - Is It Worth Leaving the Room For? (And if so, what do I DO?!)
YES! YES, Nelson is worth escaping the Tudor-y confines of your room for. Seriously. It's gorgeous. Killer beaches. Art galleries. Cafes crammed with people desperately trying to look effortlessly cool… you get the picture.
But let's be real. Finding things to *do* can be overwhelming. My advice? Don't try to cram it all in. Pick one or two things per day. Seriously. Otherwise, you're just going to end up stressed and muttering about "overtourism" and "the lack of parking."
Must-Do's (my opinion, fight me):
- Hit the beach! Tahuna Beach is your go-to for families. Plenty of space, even when it’s buzzing.
- Walk the Centre of New Zealand track. Short hike, with the reward of a great view. Pack water. And maybe a sandwich. I forgot my sandwich. Regret.
- Explore the Saturday Market: Food. Craft. Weird stuff you didn’t know you needed until you saw it. This place is the heart of Nelson, go early to avoid the crowds
- Eat Fish & Chips: Seriously. Find a local chippy. Treat yourself. You’re on holiday! (My favorite spot is by the water front)
Side note: Don't be afraid to just wander. That's where you find the best stuff. The hidden cafes. The quirky little art studios. The perfect ice cream cone.
3. Rooms - What's the Deal? Cleanliness? Size? Coffee? (The important stuff!)
Okay, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. The rooms at Tudor Lodge are, generally, clean. Which is a HUGE win in my book. I'm not a germaphobe, but I *do* appreciate a decent level of cleanliness. The bed? Comfortable enough. Not the Four Seasons, but perfectly acceptable after a day of hiking/beach-ing/eating fish and chips.
Size: Can vary. Some rooms felt a little cramped. Others, more spacious. Check the website and see the room layout before you book. If you're travelling with a toddler and a suitcase the size of a small car, maybe upgrade to a bigger unit – just a thought.
Coffee: This is crucial. Thankfully, they usually have instant coffee and tea stocked. Not gourmet, but it works in a pinch. However, do what I do and bring your own coffee bags for a good cup, or find a cafe nearby.
My Mess-up: One time, I forgot my coffee. The HORROR. The morning was a blurry, caffeine-deprived haze. Learn from my mistakes. PACK COFFEE.
Bathroom: They're… functional. Everything works. Again, not luxury, but perfectly adequate. Don’t go expecting a spa-like experience though.
4. Amenities - What Else Is There Besides a Room? (Like, Wi-Fi? Pool? A Pony?)
Okay, let's be real. This isn't a resort. Don't expect a pony. (Though, honestly, that would be amazing.)
Here's the deal:
- Wi-Fi: Usually works. Sometimes drops out. (Because, well, life.)
- Parking: Usually easy. Plenty of space. (This is a BIG plus!)
- The Pool: They have a pool. It's a motel pool. It's… fine. Don't expect it to be Olympic-sized. (Also, wear sunscreen. I’ve learned this the hard way.)
- Other things: Laundry facilities usually available. Basic stuff.
Overall, the amenities at Tudor Lodge are perfectly adequate. They're not the main draw. The location, the charmingly quirky rooms? Those are the selling points.
5. The Staff - Friendly? Helpful? Do They Have A Sense of Humor?
The staff? Generally, they're lovely. Friendly. Helpful. I haven't encountered a grumpy person yet. Which, in the world of travel, is a win. They're not over-the-top, but they seem to be genuinely nice people.
My favorite staff memory: We arrived late one night, absolutely frazzled from a delayed flight and a screaming baby. The receptionist greeted us with a smile and a genuine offer of help. It made a huge difference. Those small acts of kindness can seriously save the day.
6. Location, Location, Location! How Far Is It From Everything?
The location of the Tudor Lodge is pretty good. Not *perfect*, but a good compromise. You're not right in the heart of the city, but you're a relatively short drive away from most of the main attractions.
Good for:Hotel Search Tips
