A’Abode Motor Lodge

HOTEL OVERVIEW

You know what struck me first about A’Abode Motor Lodge? It’s actually refreshing to find a place that doesn’t try to pretend it’s something it isn’t. This is proper motor lodge accommodation done really well – think clean lines, modern comfort, but without the stuffiness you get at some of the fancier joints in town. The location on Ruahine Street is honestly pretty clever if you know Palmerston North at all. You’re close enough to the Square that you can walk there in about ten minutes (well, maybe fifteen if you’re like me and stop to look at things), but far enough out that you’re not dealing with weekend noise from the bars. Plus, parking is actually sorted here – I mean, it sounds basic, but you’d be surprised how many places in Palmy make parking a total headache.

The rooms themselves have this sort of understated quality that I really appreciated. Everything feels deliberate, you know? The beds are properly comfortable (and I’m picky about mattresses), the bathrooms are spacious enough that you’re not bumping into everything, and there’s decent natural light which makes such a difference when you’re staying somewhere for more than just crashing overnight. What I found interesting was how quiet it gets in the evenings – even though you’re not far from some busier streets, the way the place is set up really cuts down on road noise. The staff seem to actually know the area too, which is more valuable than you might think. When I asked about good coffee nearby, they didn’t just point me toward the nearest chain – they sent me to this little place that locals actually go to.

Honestly, this feels like the kind of accommodation that frequent travelers end up booking again and again, not because it’s flashy or Instagram-worthy, but because it just works. The 8.5 rating makes sense when you stay here – it’s not trying to be a luxury resort (and the price reflects that), but everything they do focus on, they do well. If you’re in Palmerston North for work, visiting Massey, or just using it as a base to explore the Manawatu region, A’Abode gets the fundamentals right without any of the pretense. The check-in was smooth, the room was ready early (always a bonus), and I never had that nagging feeling that I was missing out on something better elsewhere in town.