Wanaka's BEST Kept Secret: Fairway Motel & Apartments!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to dish the dirt, the diamonds, and everything in between on Wanaka's… well, I was going to say "best-kept secret," but the secret's kinda out now, isn't it? Still, Fairway Motel & Apartments deserves its due. And I'm here to give it all the due.
First things first: Fairway Motel & Apartments is a goldmine for accessibility! Seriously. My Aunt Mildred, bless her heart, uses a walker, and navigating hotels with her is an Olympic sport. But at Fairway? Smooth sailing. Wheelchair accessible rooms and facilities are a definite win. It's a breath of fresh air to see a place actually cares about making things easy for everyone. And that extends to the elevator and facilities for disabled guests. They get a gold star from Mildred and me!
Now, let's talk about the stuff that really matters: Relaxation. Oh. My. God. I swear, I almost moved in. Okay, maybe not almost, but the thought did cross my mind. They have:
- Pool with a view: This is my happy place. Sipping a cocktail (more on that later) and gazing out at the mountains? Pure bliss.
- Spa: I didn't end up using the spa myself, unfortunately, but other guests raved about the treatments. Definitely on the list for next time!
- Sauna, Spa/sauna: Ah, the sauna! After a long day of hiking, it was a perfect way to unwind and soothe those aching muscles.
They have all the usual stuff to help you unwind: Fitness center, Gym/fitness, Massage, Steamroom, Swimming pool.
Cleanliness and Safety: Look, in this day and age, we're all a little germ-phobic. I get it. Fairway doesn't disappoint. They're all over the Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Professional-grade sanitizing services. The Hygiene certification is a nice touch, too. They even have Staff trained in safety protocols and plenty of Hand sanitizer stations. They give you the option to opt out of Rooms sanitized between stays .
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Okay, so I spent a lot of time in this area. The Poolside bar? My new best friend. Think expertly crafted cocktails, stunning views, and a general feeling of "this is the life." They even do Happy hour! The Restaurants on site are decent, with a good variety of options: A la carte in restaurant and Buffet in restaurant. I didn't see Asian cuisine in restaurant, though I recall seeing a menu that had this sort of food on it. The Coffee shop is a lifesaver for those early-morning caffeine cravings, and they have the basics covered: Breakfast [buffet], Room service and Snack bar. They even have Vegetarian restaurant available if you are into that sort of thing.
Services and Conveniences: This is where Fairway goes above and beyond. They have Air conditioning in public area, Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Elevator, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes, and so much more to ensure a comfortable stay.
For the Kids: This is where it gets particularly impressive. They have Babysitting service and Family/child-friendly options. They offer Kids meal if needed.
Available in All Rooms: Let me tell you, getting away from the noise and crowds is a huge plus, so having Soundproof rooms is a Godsend. If you are feeling a bit rough: the staff can offer you Air conditioning in all rooms; a Bathrobes, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], and a Window that opens
My Fairway Fairytale:
Okay, let me tell you about my own Fairway experience. (because you know you're getting a true review when you hear the anecdotes, right?)
I booked a room, and it was exactly as described. The view from the balcony? Stunning. One morning, I woke up and the sun was just hitting the Remarkables. I went to the pool, did a few laps, and then went down to the breakfast buffet. The staff was awesome.
And then there was that cocktail. I won't name which one, but it had passionfruit, a hint of chili, and a view that could make a saint sin. I practically lived at the Poolside bar during my stay.
The Imperfections (Because We're Human):
Look, no place is perfect. The Wi-Fi, while free, sometimes struggled a bit, particularly during peak times. You could occasionally hear some noise from the hallway. And honestly, the coffee from the coffee shop was just okay – I had to venture off-site for my proper caffeine fix. But honestly, these are minor grumbles in the grand scheme of things.
The "Booking Now!" Offer (Because You Deserve It):
So, are you ready to experience Wanaka's magic at the Fairway Motel & Apartments? Here's the deal…
Book your stay now and receive:
- A complimentary welcome drink at the poolside bar (that passionfruit cocktail is calling your name!)
- A 10% discount on all spa treatments (because you deserve to be pampered).
- Free Wi-Fi across the property (because even on holiday, we all need to stay connected.)
Use code "WANAKAESCAPE" at checkout to redeem this offer. But hurry, this offer is only valid for bookings made in the next 7 days!
This is not just a hotel; it's an experience. It's about waking up to breathtaking views, unwinding by the pool, and feeling utterly, gloriously relaxed. Fairway Motel & Apartments delivers on all fronts. So, what are you waiting for? Book it now! This is one secret I highly recommend you let out.
Chehalis I-5 Oasis: Your Perfect OYO Hotel Stay Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your perfectly-photographed, influencer-approved itinerary. This is REAL. This is me, at the Fairway Motel & Apartments in Wanaka, New Zealand, about to… well, attempt to have a vacation.
Fairway Motel & Apartments, Wanaka: My Attempt at a "Chill" Getaway (God Help Me)
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Luggage Struggle
Morning (like, way too early, I swear the alarm clock was personally out to get me): Christchurch airport. Ugh. Airports. They're basically giant, over-priced petri dishes of existential dread and bad coffee. But hey, I made it! Car rental. "Compact" they called it. More like "slightly less tiny than a shoebox." Cue the first minor breakdown when I couldn't figure out the keyless entry for a solid five minutes. Finally, managed to wrestle the luggage - and by wrestle, I mean, nearly give myself a hernia - into the boot. Seriously, I packed like I was expecting a zombie apocalypse or something. Why did I bring three pairs of hiking boots?!
Afternoon (Wanaka Bound!): The drive. Ah, the drive. Stunning scenery. Absolutely breathtaking. I actually pulled over a couple of times, just to gawk at the mountains and the teal-colored lakes. Took approximately 400 photos that all look exactly the same. (Note to self: learn to use the panoramic setting). Arrived at the Fairway Motel. Check-in was smooth, thank god. The apartment itself? Okay. Decent. Functional. That's the polite way of saying "slightly dated, but clean enough, and hey, a view of the mountains! Bonus!"
Afternoon (The Great Unpacking Disaster): Ah, unpacking. The gateway drug to complete disarray. Threw everything everywhere. Realized I couldn't find my toothbrush. Panicked. Found it wedged between a pair of socks. The kitchen? Contemplating how hard I’d fall if this apartment offered a cliff-side view! Decided on a bag of chips.
Evening (Dinner and Regret): Tried to be all sophisticated and cook myself dinner. Made some pasta. Accidentally used like, a whole box of it. Devoured the entire thing. Sat on the balcony, attempting to enjoy the "fresh country air" but mainly just getting eaten alive by sandflies. Vowed to buy bug spray tomorrow.
Day 2: Lake Wanaka & The Ice Cream Incident
Morning (Lake Life!): Okay, this is what I came for. Lake Wanaka. Holy moly. The water is that perfect blue, the mountains are majestic… it's genuinely stunning. Took a stroll along the lakefront. Tried to maintain a serene, "I love nature!" vibe. Failed. Kept tripping over rocks and almost face-planting into the water.
Mid-morning (The Wanaka Tree): The famous Wanaka Tree. Honestly, it’s just a lonely little willow tree in the middle of the lake. But people LOVE it. Took a photo. Took another photo. Took another photo. Realized I was basically just another tourist, and secretly judged everyone else taking photos too. The ultimate hypocrisy.
Mid-afternoon (The Ice Cream Apocalypse): This deserves its own subheading. The ice cream shop. Delicious. Deliciously tempting. Ordered a DOUBLE scoop of Hokey Pokey. (It was glorious in that first bite). Got halfway through, and splat. Dropped the entire thing. Right on the pavement. Laughter mixed with tears (mostly tears). Vowed to never trust myself with ice cream again.
Late Afternoon (The Quest for Bug Spray): The sandflies. THEY. ARE. RELENTLESS. Finally, after a frantic search of every pharmacy in town, found the holy grail: bug spray! So much so I bathed in the stuff.
Evening (The Pizza and Wine Coma): Ordered pizza. Opened a bottle of local wine. Basically curled up in a food coma on the couch in front of the TV. Watched some random documentary about penguins. Passed out.
Day 3: "Adventure" (and Mild Panic)
Morning (Hiking!): Okay, I'm trying. I really am. Decided to attempt a "moderate" hike. The Roys Peak Track. Everyone raves about it. The first 5 minutes were fine. Then, the incline started. My legs started screaming. My lungs felt like they were going to explode. People were zipping past me like I was standing still. Nearly turned back. But the view at the top… holy crap. It was worth the pain. Breathtaking. Absolutely. I had to sit down for a while.
Afternoon (The Aftermath): My legs are jelly. I am permanently sunburnt. I am currently wearing a "I Survived The Hike" smile and a permanent limp.
Late Afternoon (Rest & Recovery): Basically, collapsed in the apartment. Watched trash TV. Ordered takeout. Considered writing my will.
Evening (The Sunset Struggle): Went back to the lakefront. This time… for the sunset. It was stunning. But of course, the perfect moment was ruined by a rogue gust of wind that blew my hair into my face and a crying baby nearby. Still beautiful though.
Day 4: Leaving & Unresolved Travel Questions.
- Morning (The Great Pack-Up): More chaos. More luggage wrestling. More questioning of my life choices that led to bringing so many things.
- Departure: Leaving. Wanaka is lovely, but I'm ready for a break from the scenery and the sandflies.
Final Thoughts:
Wanaka, you were beautiful. You were challenging. You were filled with ice cream-related distress. And you were, ultimately, a good time. I'd come back. Maybe. Probably. If I can find a way to defeat the sandflies and learn to walk at the same time.
Vienna's BEST Hostel Near Central Station: Space Home Awaits!
Fairway Motel & Apartments: Wanaka's "Whisper-Secret" - Let's Get Real!
Okay, Seriously, Is This Place *Actually* a Secret? Or just… Over-hyped?
Alright, listen. "Secret" is probably a *bit* of a stretch. Everyone who’s *been* there raves about it. But it's not like, plastered all over Instagram with influencers doing perfect poses. My answer is you'll find it with Google but it is definitely NOT that "influencer-friendly" hotel where, you know, everything's pristine and the staff wear little name badges and are unnervingly polite. Fairway leans more towards "charmingly lived-in."
I’ve been to Wanaka… a LOT. And I've seen the slick boutiques and the "luxury" lodgings – and frankly, sometimes they feel… sterile. Fairway is different. You feel like you've stumbled on a place where the locals *actually* chill. (And the pricing is far friendlier to my budget, which is always a win!) It’s more word-of-mouth, more "Hey, you HAVE to check out this place, it’s got the *best* view!” kind of vibe. So yeah, it's not a neon-lit secret, but it's definitely a hidden gem.
What’s the Deal with the Views Everyone Talks About? Is it *Really* That Spectacular?
Okay, the views. *Sigh*. Look, I'm not usually one for gushing, but… the views. The *views* are something else. I spent one morning, coffee in hand (the instant stuff, because I'm not *that* organized, let's be honest) just staring at the lake and the mountains and the... everything. It was breathtaking. Literally, I almost choked on my coffee.
The apartments on the upper floors? GOLD. The balconies are spacious enough to actually *use*, unlike some sliver-thin balconies I've been stuck on before. You can practically reach out and touch Mount Iron! (Don't try that, though. Safety first, people!) Honestly? Worth the price of admission. I swear, I saw a kea land on the balcony next door once. *Kea!* That’s a pure Wanaka moment.
Tip: Request a room with a lake view. Seriously. Do it. And bring binoculars. You won't regret it.
Are the Apartments Actually, You Know, *Nice*? Or Are They a Bit Dated?
Right, let's be honest. They're not, like, ultra-modern minimalist palaces. They're comfortable. They're functional. And they’re... homey. Think clean, well-maintained, and (thankfully) *not* swathed in that beige-on-beige decor that seems to plague so much of this world.
They're perfectly fine. I mean, you're not going to find a jacuzzi in every room, but they have everything you need. The kitchens are fully equipped – which, for someone like me who occasionally likes to pretend I can cook, is a big win. Plus, there's usually a decent TV and, critically, reliable Wi-Fi. Because, you know, emails. (Ugh.)
And honestly? I prefer a place that's *lived in* a little, rather than somewhere that screams "untouchable!". They are well-maintained and the owners were very helpful.
Is the Location Good? Can You Walk to the Town Centre?
YES! The location is fantastic. It’s a short, easy walk into town. Like, five minutes, tops. You can stroll along the lake, admire the views, pop into town for coffee, a bite to eat, or a bit of retail therapy (my weakness!).
You're close enough to everything you need, but far enough away from the noise and hustle of the main street. The peace and quiet in the evenings is golden. It’s genuinely lovely. Parking is easy, too. Always a bonus in Wanaka!
Honestly, the location alone is almost worth the price of admission, especially after a bit of hike. Just a little stroll and you are in beautiful nature, easy peasy.
What about the Staff? Are They Friendly?
Absolutely. They're not robots churning out "have a nice day!" but they're genuinely helpful, friendly, and down-to-earth. One time, I managed to lock myself out of my apartment at like, 10 pm. I felt like an idiot. But the guy at the reception didn't make me feel like an idiot. He was super-chilled, helped me out, and even gave me some local tips about the best place for fish and chips. Total lifesaver!
They seem to genuinely care about the place and want you to enjoy your stay. It's not a big, impersonal hotel chain. It's like a family-run place. And you can feel it.
Okay, Spill: What's the *One* Thing That Wasn't Fantastic?
Alright, alright. Here’s the (probably) only slightly less-than-perfect thing. The Wi-Fi can be a little… temperamental at times. Like, sometimes it's blazing fast, letting me stream Netflix without a hitch. Other times, it’s a bit slower. You know, the kind of slow that makes you want to throw your laptop out the window.
But honestly? It’s a small price to pay for everything else. Plus, it forces you to actually *unplug* a little. Which, let's be honest, we all need. Unless you absolutely *need* internet at any moment, it is fine, but don't expect super-fast speed all the time.
Would You Stay There Again?
Absolutely, without a doubt. In fact, I've already booked my next trip. (Don't tell anyone!) For the price, the location, the views, and the general chill vibe? It's hard to beat. I'd choose it over the more hyped-up places any day. It's a place where you can relax, breathe in the fresh air, and actually *enjoy* being in Wanaka. And sometimes, that's all you really need.
So, yeah. Go there. But maybe… keep quiet about it, okay? 😉
Okay, One More Thing! What's the MOST Memorable Thing That Happened During Your Stay?
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