755 Regal Court Motel

You know what caught me off guard about the 755 Regal Court? The name’s a bit fancy for what’s actually a really solid, no-nonsense motel right on George Street – but honestly, that’s part of its charm. I mean, it sits in North Dunedin where you’re basically surrounded by student flats and the occasional barking dog, yet somehow this place manages to feel like a proper retreat from all that university chaos.

The location is actually brilliant if you know Dunedin at all. You’re close enough to walk into the city center without breaking a sweat (maybe 15 minutes if you’re not in a rush), but far enough out that you won’t hear the Friday night revelers stumbling down the Octagon at 2 AM. Plus, there’s decent parking – and trust me, if you’ve ever tried to park anywhere near the university during term time, you’ll appreciate that more than you might expect. The staff seem to get that most people staying here are either visiting family at Otago or exploring the peninsula, so they’re pretty good with local tips. One guy at reception told me the best time to hit Larnach Castle (early morning, apparently, before the tour buses arrive).

What I really liked was how the rooms feel more spacious than typical motel fare – the kind of place where you can actually spread out your stuff without everything ending up on the floor. The beds are surprisingly comfortable, and the heating works properly, which is no small thing when that Dunedin wind starts howling off the harbor. Sure, it’s not going to win any design awards – the décor is pretty standard motel territory – but everything’s clean and functional. The bathroom had good water pressure, which after staying in some questionable places around the South Island, I’ve learned not to take for granted. There’s even a little kitchenette setup that’s actually useful if you grab supplies from the New World down the road. The only minor gripe? The walls aren’t super thick, so if you get stuck next to a family with energetic kids, you’ll know about it. But honestly, most of the time it was pretty quiet – I think the student accommodation nearby absorbs most of the local noise.

For what you’re paying, especially in a city where accommodation can get pretty pricey during graduation season or when there’s something big happening at Forsyth Barr Stadium, it’s solid value. The 4-star rating feels about right – it’s definitely a step up from your basic roadside stop, but it’s not trying to be boutique hotel fancy either. I’d stay here again, particularly if I was doing that whole Otago Peninsula wildlife tour thing and needed somewhere convenient but peaceful to crash afterward.

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