Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ness travellers enjoy double glazing, a DVD library, gym passes, heated towel rails, cof-
fee plungers and real coffee.
Riverview Motel
MOTEL $$$
( 06-345 2888, 0800 102 001;
www.wanganuimotels.co.nz
;
14 Somme Pde; d $98-150; )
Take your pick from one of 10 older-but-updated kitchenette units in the main block, or
the five spa suites out the back. Super-clean, affordable and central, with a charming
Irish host.
Grand Hotel
HOTEL $$$
( 0800 843 472, 06-345 0955;
www.thegrandhotel.co.nz
;
cnr St Hill & Guyton Sts; s/d/ste from
$79/99/130; )
If you can't face another soulless motel room, rooms at this stately old-
school Whanganui survivor (built 1927) have a bit more personality (and all have bath-
rooms). Singles and doubles are basic but good value; suites are spacious. The Grand
Irish Pub and a restaurant are downstairs.
Astral Motel
MOTEL $$$
( 06-347 9063, 0800 509 063;
www.astralmotel.co.nz
; 46 Somme Pde; s/d/f from $85/95/110;
)
Astrally aligned with the very terrestrial Dublin Bridge nearby, rooms here are a
bit dated and a tad noisy but are well serviced and good bang for your buck. There's also
a pool and 24-hour check-in if you're rolling in off the midnight highway.
Eating
Jolt Coffee House
CAFE $
(19 Victoria Ave; items $3-8; 7am-4.30pm Mon-Fri, 7.30am-1pm Sat, 8am-1pm Sun)
Give your
morning a jolt at this hip coffee house inside a 105-year-old former pharmacy. There's
not much on the menu (muffins, caramel slice, chocolate croissants): the focus is
squarely on fair-trade caffeine. Pretend you're Bob Dylan at acoustic music nights on the
second Friday of each month.
WA Japanese Kitchen
JAPANESE $
