Pebble Beach Motor Inn

HOTEL OVERVIEW

You know what caught me off guard about the Pebble Beach Motor Inn? It’s actually got this old-school motor lodge charm that somehow works perfectly with Napier’s Art Deco vibe. I mean, when you’re driving down Marine Parade – and honestly, who doesn’t love that stretch of road along the waterfront – you might initially think “motor inn” equals basic roadside accommodation. But this place is different.

The location is pretty much unbeatable if you ask me. You’re literally across from the beach (hence the name, obviously), and I could hear the waves from my room at night, which was surprisingly soothing rather than disruptive. During the day, you can walk straight across to the shingle beach – yeah, it’s those smooth stones rather than sand, typical Hawke’s Bay coastline. What I really appreciated was being able to stroll into town for dinner without worrying about parking or driving back. The Art Deco buildings are just a few minutes’ walk away, and you’re close enough to the Sound Shell that you’ll know if there’s a concert happening (in a good way, the music drifts over rather nicely on summer evenings).

The rooms themselves feel more boutique than motor inn – they’ve clearly put thought into the renovation while keeping that relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere. My room had this clean, modern feel but wasn’t trying too hard to be fancy, if you know what I mean. The bed was actually comfortable (you’d be surprised how many places get this wrong), and there’s decent space to spread out your stuff. I particularly liked that they’d thought about practical things – good lighting for reading, outlets where you actually need them, and a bathroom that doesn’t make you feel like you’re in a shoebox. The balcony overlooking the water was a nice touch too, perfect for morning coffee while watching the early joggers and dog walkers along the promenade.

What really sold me on this place was the staff – they seemed to genuinely know Napier and could point you toward the good wine bars (crucial in this region) or tell you which restaurants book up fast. Check-in was smooth, parking was easy and free right there, and they had that laid-back Kiwi hospitality thing down pat without being overly chatty when you just want to get to your room. I stayed during shoulder season in March, so it wasn’t packed, but I imagine summer gets pretty busy given how close you are to everything. The 8.7 rating makes total sense – it’s not trying to be a luxury resort, but it does what it does really well. For exploring Napier’s wine country, hitting the beach, or just having a solid base while you wander around admiring all that 1930s architecture, it’s honestly hard to beat the combination of location, comfort, and that relaxed motor inn vibe that somehow feels just right for this part of New Zealand.