Acorn Estate Motel

HOTEL OVERVIEW

You know what surprised me about the Acorn Estate Motel? It’s honestly way better than the name suggests – I mean, when you hear “motel,” you’re probably picturing those roadside places with paper-thin walls and questionable carpet. But this place on Manchester Street actually has some character to it, and the 8.1 rating makes total sense once you’ve stayed there.

The location is sort of perfect if you want to be in Masterton but not right in the thick of things. Manchester Street is quiet enough that you won’t hear traffic all night (trust me, I’m a light sleeper), but you’re still close enough to walk into town when you want dinner or groceries. The parking situation is refreshingly simple – just pull up and you’re done, none of that circling-the-block nonsense you get in bigger cities. When I checked in, the staff actually remembered my name by the second day, which doesn’t happen at chain hotels. The rooms themselves feel more like a comfortable cottage than a typical motel setup. I stayed in autumn and honestly loved how the whole property has this cozy, settled-in feeling – you can tell they’ve put thought into the little details rather than just slapping together the cheapest furniture they could find.

What really won me over was how genuinely local the whole experience felt. The owners clearly know Masterton well and aren’t shy about sharing recommendations that actually pan out (their breakfast spot suggestion was spot-on). The grounds are well-maintained without being fussy, and there’s something nice about a place that feels lived-in rather than sterile. I mean, it’s not luxury by any stretch – this is solid 3.5-star territory – but sometimes that’s exactly what you want. The Wi-Fi actually works properly, the shower has decent pressure, and the beds are comfortable enough that I didn’t wake up with a sore back. Plus, Masterton itself is underrated if you’re exploring the Wairarapa region – you’re close to some excellent wineries, and the drive to the coast is beautiful when the weather cooperates. The motel makes a good base for day trips without breaking the budget on accommodation.