This motel in Taupo has a very nice environment, but it's more suitable for people with cars.
First, the location. It's a bit far from the city center on foot, and a taxi would cost around NZ$10. If you don't have a car, you should consider that. However, it's very close to Lake Taupo, basically just across the street. A walk along the lakeside path is a very pleasant experience.
There's also a small hotspot nearby where you can sit by the pool and soak your feet while looking at the lake. It's about a 5-10 minute walk away. Black swans occasionally appear in that area, but unfortunately, I didn't see any this time.
A plus for this place is the people. The owner is very friendly; he gave me a small bottle of milk upon check-in. The next day, when I was checking out and about to take a taxi to the bus station, he overheard me and offered to have his partner drive me there. We had a pleasant chat on the way, and he saved me NZ$10, which was a big plus.
The facilities are typical of a family-run motel. The room itself was fine, but there are a few things to note:
First, there were no window screens. Because the surrounding environment is quite natural, small flying insects can easily get in if you open the door or window at night (not a hygiene issue, but simply the environment itself), so it's generally not recommended to use them.
Secondly, the air conditioner is located in the entrance hallway, while the bedroom is inside. You need to walk through a corridor to get the cool or warm air in. In summer or winter, the perceived temperature might be slightly delayed, so you'll need to turn it on earlier.
There's also a laundry room in the accommodation area, but it closes around 8 or 9 pm, so remember to check the time.
Overall, this place is more of an environment-oriented accommodation. It's lakeside, quiet, and offers some nice touches (like a foot bath), but you might need to adjust a little to the location and other details.
Another detail about the room layout that can affect your sleep experience:
The bedroom, walk-in closet, and bathroom are connected, with only a door frame, not a door itself, creating a "semi-open" layout. This means this entire space cannot be truly closed off.
If you are sensitive to light when sleeping, be mindful of the bathroom lighting. Because there's no door, light shines directly into the bedroom, so it's recommended to turn off the lights before bed.
However, this creates a somewhat subtle feeling: From the bed's position (especially the left side of a double bed), your feet are directly facing these two open spaces—a dark area extending inwards without boundaries.
This creates a feeling of "space extending into darkness."
Simply put, it's a darkness with some depth but no clear boundaries.
For some people, this layout can subconsciously keep them on alert, making it harder to fully relax, especially in unfamiliar environments, and slightly affecting their sense of security when falling asleep.
If you're particularly sensitive to spatial issues, be prepared for this.
Alternatively, the homeowner could consider adding a horizontal bar or a thick curtain for future improvements.
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