TRM Daily Report today is specially for SWMBO (She Who Must Be Obeyed has been the manager at TRM for the last 12+ years).
Above – Unhappy guests giving TRM’s star rating the “thumbs down”?
Back in March TRM received a damaging report on Facebook. Two ladies booked in and were sent to a large two bedroom unit only for SWMBO to discover it had not been serviced! As a result they really put the boot in… SWMBO did apologise advising it was the first time in over 12 years that a room had been missed, but to no avail. She is still upset… so I thought she might get cheered up by some other recent 2017 reviews to provide some balance (a bit like shutting the stable door after the horse had already bolted) to reassure prospective guests and win back some brownie points – I know, I should have done this immediately back in March…
Many thanks to the contributors. I should post these more often to offset any critical reviews about the fishing advice.
“Dog friendly and a massive family suite!”
Reviewed 5 days ago NEW
Booked very last minute and the owner was super helpful and accommodating. Not often you find a dog friendly motel but this one was excellent. Decor is dated but family suite is massive with everything that you could need. Clean and tidy too. Will stay here again!
Reviewed 1 week ago via mobile
Two nights here – warm and comfy. Very clean and well equipped. Our unit was amazingly quiet, considering it is close to the highway (but just a little off). Reasonable pricing, too. Would definitely make this our first choice next time.
Reviewed 26 March 2017
We stayed only one night, intending to do the Tongariro Crossing the following day.
The owners were so accommodating, and seemed like a lovely couple.
Something went wrong with the booking site we used, and somehow we ended up being booked for the wrong day entirely the next month.
They were filling up, but found somewhere for us that night even though they weren’t expecting us ’til a month later.
They were full of advice and also took care to equip us with walking poles and Swandris as we were not properly equipped.
Will definitely stay there again next time we’re in the area!
- Stayed March 2017, travelled with family
(Guests above sharing their fishy stories at TRM. Guest below on right had to wait on staff with home made hot muffins for morning tea! How insulting is that!)
Hannah Dactyl reviewed — ·

Mark Vernon reviewed
It is outstanding value for money and I always feel very welcome and nothing is too much trouble.
There are seldom any problems but if they arise, as can happen anywhere, Ross and Pip will fix them quick – Such as a trout fly embedded in my neck – thanks Ross for the surgery
Reviewed 11 March 2017 via mobile
This motel has very dated decor however it wasn’t an issue as I was here to enjoy the outdoors not the indoors. Another bonus each unit has a carport. Great location if wanting to do Tongariro River Trail. Awesome trail to bike. Definitely will be back very soon.
Stayed March 2017, travelled solo
Reviewed 12 February 2017 via mobile
My husband and I are doing a two-month tour of New Zealand on bicycles. We arrived, hot and tired, and mentioned to the owner, Ross, that we would like to do some fly fishing. He loaned us gear and pointed us to some wonderful waters just a couple of blocks from the motel. We have had a wonderful couple of fun and relaxing days. It feels like we are staying with dear friends in a very nicely appointed and immaculate guest cottage. Thank you so much, Ross and Pip!
Stayed February 2017, travelled as a couple
“Great Kiwiana motel experience”
Reviewed 12 January 2017
We absolutely loved our stay at the motel – two nights, breaking our journey either side of a trip to the Bay of Plenty.
It’s old fashioned and quirky – but in a good way, a real Kiwiana experience – from the timber-clad walls and fishing pics to the colourful vintage wool extra blankets-
Spotlessly clean, quiet, very relaxed, and handy for town and the river. Pip and Ross are really friendly helpful hosts and Pumpkin the resident boxer dog is a delight.
(Above – many guests know each other after so many years and get together for drinkies)