Category Archives: Bella Vista News

One of the things we are constantly hearing at Bella Vista New Plymouth is that our guests want to stay at a sustainable New Plymouth motel and support those accommodation businesses who share their values of reducing waste, water usage and carbon footprint. Pretty good goals right?  We thought so too, and this series of short stories is a tale of how our New Plymouth accommodation business is going about it.
 

For New Plymouth Bella Vista, it’s all about the guest experience. If we as a central city New Plymouth accommodation business align with our guests in thinking that we have a responsibility to look after this Earth for ourselves and those around us, there is nothing we can’t achieve. We have to do all we can to make sure we are operating under the best practices available, and we hope this story captures that.

First, the New Plymouth motel team looked at what we are doing right now. Pleasingly, we are getting a lot right already. We currently encourage guests to use the recycling bins for glass, cardboard and plastic.  We have changed those mini-bottles of shampoo, conditioner and body wash with larger recyclable on-wall units. Further, all pillows, pillow protectors and bed toppers have been made using recyclable plastic bottles. We have removed as much plastic from our motel rooms as we can and even have a couple of pet guinea pigs to help reduce our food waste going to the dump! These and other initiatives have earned us the Travel Sustainable Property badge on Booking.com. But we think we can still do more!

Recently our Bella Vista New Plymouth accommodation team reached out for a meeting with New Plymouth District Council to discuss what more we can do about reducing our waste and carbon footprint. Our motel is so lucky to have a council that actively supports businesses that are looking for ways to measure, reduce and review their systems. We are excited about this new partnership we are forging.

We’ve all seen the damage of rubbish and waste in our rivers and seas, and we are looking at what we can do to improve just a little bit in our corner of the world. For New Plymouth motel accommodation family our “get passionate” moment was when a bird’s nest fell from a tree and upon inspection, we discovered all this plastic woven into the nest. It was a haunting reminder of the impact we have all had on our eco-system and just how far we have fallen in our role of Kaitiaki (custodians) of this earth.

We want to do better. We are already measuring how much comes in and how much goes out. We want to work with those around us to ensure we bring in as little as possible and we want to ensure that what goes out is disposed of in the best possible manner. We want to find out more about our carbon footprint and ways we can reduce it.  The New Plymouth Bella Vista team is passionate about wanting to support local, national, and even global initiatives that help us become a more sustainable workplace and environment. We look forward to keeping you up to date with this story.

In the meantime, if you have any ideas that you think will help us to help the planet – feel free to connect with us on Facebook, email or give us a call on 06 769 5932.

The past few months have been quite a challenge for us all, but now is the time to look forward to summer and get some plans in place for a breakaway, holiday or just a change of scenery.

Bella Vista can cater for all your needs for just one night, an extended stay or multiple nights across different locations, so we thought it would be worth confirming those reasons as to why you should stay with Bella Vista Accommodation Nationwide.

Quality and Consistency

Bella Vista is the only New Zealand motel chain independently assessed by an external auditor. Qualmark represents New Zealand around the world and Bella Vista is proud to carry a 4 star Qualmark endorsement reflecting our commitment to quality and sustainability in every single one of our 27 locations.

Quarantine Free

For your piece of mind, we want to stress that Bella Vista is not offering quarantine services in any location, enabling you to enjoy your stay with absolute certainty. Since lockdown we have reviewed and improved our cleaning regimes across our motels meeting Ministry of Health guidelines. Bella Vista also does not cater for long-term temporary accommodation guests.

Added Extras 

What’s not to love about a few free things that really should be free! We’ll see you right every time you stay with free and unlimited WiFi, free onsite parking, complimentary tea and coffee and, of course, a free smile from your host. When you book direct, by joining Bella Vista Rewards you will also receive a (free) credit of $5 to offset against future stays along with bonus value vouchers.

Locally Owned and Operated

Right now, it’s all about Kiwi’s helping Kiwi’s! We have to keep the New Zealand economy moving and each of Bella Vista’s 27 locations nationwide are all locals employing members of that community in their business. It would be greatly appreciated if you, plus your friends and family, can remember this when looking to book accommodation. Make sure the Kiwi dollar stays in New Zealand and doesn’t head offshore.

Book Direct Discounts

Not only does a direct booking with Bella Vista keep every cent in New Zealand, it will often allow our business owners to offer you a small discount as there is no requirement to pay additional charges to website travel agents based overseas. Just call to book (which is also free) on 0800 235 528

Each one of our 27 business operators has really appreciated your support if you have managed to stay with us lately, and we are looking forward to you staying again. We guarantee convenience, consistency and quality all delivered in familiar designed, purpose built motels in central locations.

If you're a member of our Bella Vista Rewards scheme by way of thank you, we've added a $20 voucher to use if you are intending to stay between now and the end of October. A small token of our thanks as we know every little helps!  If you are not part of the Bella Vista Rewards scheme then please do sign up here.

We look forward to hosting you!

#TrustBellaVista

Bella Vista Hokitika is proud to announce Ange Williams as the new business manager at Bella Vista Hokitika taking over from Dale & Claire Truscott who remain as owners of the business but have now ‘retired’ to Geraldine.

Ange has worked in the motel industry for 14 years – and of that, has spent almost 11 years of that at Bella Vista Hokitika, so she is a very familar face to our regular customers. She has been motel minding and wokring as a full time cleaning supervisor.

Ange is a born and bred West Coaster and lives and breathes West Coast Hospitality.. Married to Barry who is the On-Farm Asset Manager at Westland Milk Products, they have two children Daniel 16 & Kaycee 11.

They are a family who love sport. Daniel & Kaycee are very enthusiastic sports people and have kept them busy over the years organising and fundraising for various trips around the country and overseas involving rugby, netball & basketball.
 

Ange is super excited to be given the opportunity to manage our Hokitika motel, keeping the standards hight and providing guests with a great stay.  She looks forward to hosting you.
 

For more information or to book Bella Vista Hokitika please click here.

Planning your next adventure?  Well now that you have locked in your accommodation at one of our 27 motels across New Zealand, your next step might be to hunt for a way to get out and about exploring our beautiful country!

Self-Driving holidays are one of the most popular ways to explore NZ, allowing you the freedom to choose where and when you go, and at your own pace.  We know that planning a holiday can sometimes be a big task, so we wanted to make it that bit easier by teaming up with our friends at GO Rentals!  The Kiwi owned and operated car rental company is our top pick when it comes to booking the perfect car for your Kiwi road trip.

Our partnership with the team gives us a chance to pass on some great savings to you, in the form of a great 10% discount off your hire!  GO Rentals has been helping kiwis and travellers explore NZ since 1997 and are committed to providing their customers with the ultimate car rental experience. Their emphasis on service is one of the many reasons Bella Vista has chosen to partner with them.  Their level of service was recognized by their recent win of the 2018 CanStar Blue Award for Most Satisfied Customers in the Car Hire Category, being the only car rental company to earn perfect five stars across every category. 

In 2017, GO Rentals became the first Qualmark Gold certified car rental company in NZ and in 2018 received the certification for the second consecutive year.  The Qualmark certification recognises the best sustainable tourism businesses in New Zealand and is a great endorsement for the team!

And don’t just travel NZ… experience it!  Every customer who hires with GO Rentals receives a Free GO Play card. The GO Play discount program offers over 200 discounts to help you see and do more during your New Zealand holiday!  From Bungy jumping to Wildlife encounters, find out what activities are discounted through their program by visiting their website - GO Play with GO Rentals 

Needing inspiration for the best cities and towns to visit during your stay? GO Rentals has road trip itineraries and complete guides to help you make the most of your journey – just visit the GO Rentals website to learn about what our great country has to offer.

Itching to get going? To book using our exclusive Bella Vista 10% discount, click here to get started!

Helpful links:

GO Rentals home page 

GO Rentals Discount Link 

GO Play

GO Explore 

If you are travelling to New Zealand or are a resident Kiwi, there is a good chance you're already aware that New Zealand motels offer a great option for your overnight accommodation needs.

With 27 motels nationwide, Bella Vista is well placed to cater for anyone requiring a motel stay. They are affordable, comfortable and convenient plus in most instances, you will get a better feel for your locality. Whether you stay at Bella Vista Oamaru, Bella Vista Hamilton or Bella Vista Queenstown you will enjoy the hospitality of your Bella Vista host and be assured that each motel is Qualmark endorsed.

Unlike hotels, motels in New Zealand are not big complexes, will not have an on-site restaurant, swimming pool, lobby area, nor different staff for each department. But then you don't have to pay for these extras either! By comparison, Bella Vista Motels will have a welcoming reception area, a convenient carpark, some public spaces such as a garden or BBQ area and guest units within a secure courtyard. 

As Bella Vista's are managed by the owners/operator, you will certainly enjoy Bella Vista's genuine kiwi hospitality; a laid back and down to earth style and attitude.

Up to this point, if you have now decided to make a reservation with Bella Vista Accommodation Nationwide, here are 10 light-hearted tips you really should know before you arrive at the motel

1. There's no slippers

Yep. So there it is. We thought we'd get this out of the way first. Bella Vista nor New Zealand motels in general offer complimentary slippers. We understand you're disappointed so do make sure you pack your own.

2. Bella Vista motels are two storeys tall and do not have an elevator

Requests cannot always be guaranteed, but if you'd prefer to be on the ground floor please make sure you book with the motel and place your request directly rather than via a booking websites.
 

3. Please don't dry your clothes on the heater

Be very careful as it will create a significant safety risk. Covering a heater can cause fire.

4. Leave your luggage in the car

On your arrival, relax and leave your belongings in your car. Save your time and energy so that you only have to carry your luggage once, from your car to your room, after you have checked in.

5. Bella Vista Motel reception is not open 24/7

Bella Vista owner operators live on-site and do go to bed at night. They need their rest to ensure they can be bright and look after you during the day. So if you are going to check-in later than the advertised office hours, please make sure you let your host know.

6. Check-out time is 10 o'clock

For Bella Vista and most motels in New Zealand, check-out time is 10am. You can request a late-check out from your host which may be available.

7. Drying Dishes

In New Zealand we dry the dishes with a tea towel after being washed and then put them back in the cupboard. Just a friendly request not to put wet dishes back in the cupboard!

8. Enjoy an electric blanket

Electric blankets are terrific inventions and it seems that many hotels don't even know they exist. They are particularly useful in winter. Simply turn it on at least an hour before go to bed to get your bed warm and then turn it off once you're in bed before you sleep.

9. Make your own breakfast

Every Bella Vista room features a kettle and toaster, complimentary tea, coffee and milk. So feel free to add some extras and put together a half-decent breakfast before you leave.

10.  Be Aware of the T&C's

Terms and Conditions sound so tedious but they are there for a reason. So it is important that you understand them once you have completed your booking. Look specifically for cancellation and amendment policies so you can be sure your booking won't become problematic. 

With these tips now safely stored, head to www.bellavista.co.nz and book your next stay.

Today, Wednesday 7th February is global #bookdirect day. It’s the one day in the calendar year where the hospitality industry including the 27 nationwide Bella Vista Motels would like to remind our valuable customers that you can Book Direct with Bella Vista New Zealand and that you don’t have to book via an Online Travel Agent.

But why Book Direct we hear you cry. Well here’s a few reasons:

1. The Best Price.

Don’t always believe what you read and hear! You will always get a better price booking with your host. It costs them less to receive your booking over the phone, on the Bella Vista website or by email as they don’t have to pay agent commission  - so ignore those annoying adverts and visit www.bellavista.co.nz or dial our Freephone reservation number 0800 235 528. Quite often you might even receive a special offer.

2. Flexibility.

Enjoy the most favourable booking conditions with no hassle of having to work through a faceless intermediary. Phone your host and they are going to be more than happy to assist every single time. Surely that has to be better than contacting an offshore call centre and finding out no one really wants to help you amend your booking.

3.  Local Knowledge.

Whilst making your reservation, your host will answer all your questions about your stay without hesitation and no doubt offer some friendly advice at the same time. Take your time to pick their brains to make the most of your visit.

4.  Secure your favourite room.

By booking direct and talking to your host, you can request your preferred room. Whether it’s a garden view, an upstairs or downstairs studio, make your request and fingers crossed the room is available.  This simply isn’t possible to do with an online travel agent.

5. Help is at hand!

Have you ever had a booking with an online travel agent go wrong? Let’s just say the booking engine has a failed and you have booked a room that you think is available when in actual fact it isn’t. It’s not your fault. It’s not the motel or hotels fault but you’re the one left to pick up the pieces. If you want to avoid this disastrous scenario, book direct every time.

6. Book Now, Pay Later.

Secure your booking and pay when you arrive. That’s always going help with the holiday cash-flow

7. Earn Bella Vista Rewards.

Only customers who Book Direct are entitled to collect Bella Vista Rewards. If you Book Direct you will earn 5 points every time you stay which can be saved and then cashed in against a future stay. So booking direct is not only cheaper but we give you something back – how good is that!*  *available at participating Bella Vista's only

8. Support the New Zealand economy!

Every time you book via one of these monolithic online travel agents, your money is leaving the country and only a small portion gets returned to your host when you stay. It may be you don’t care whether the government is able to capture it’s GST slice,  but why should other countries profit either.

9. Put a smile on your hosts faces.

There is nothing your host will like more than a booking that has come directly to them. You making them happy will in turn increase the likelihood of them making your stay even better!

10. Free Continental Breakfast.

If you Book Direct on the Bella Vista website today, Wednesday 7th February, we’re going to give you a free breakfast when you stay. Just as a little way of saying thanks.

So whether it’s Bella Vista Queenstown you’re heading to, Bella Vista Hamilton, Bella Vista Franz Josef Glacier or Bella Vista Christchurch here are your Book Direct options:

• ­   Visit www.bellavista.co.nz
• ­   Call 0800 235 528
• ­   Email [email protected]

#bookdirect   #trustbellavista

In the modern digital age, every person travelling with a smartphone, iPad or other device has the opportunity to both read and post reviews and ratings on their overnight experience.

Whether they choose to leave their thoughts and opinions on Trip Advisor, Google, or a booking agent’s website, this very public feedback has guaranteed that New Zealand accommodation standards must remain high and guest expectations are met every time.

The evolution of user-centric feedback is an overwhelmingly positive development for the travel and tourism industry and ensures the general public can be fully informed about their purchasing decision by peers rather than by some clever marketing words or sales pitch. It’s the way things should be.

The digital feedback revolution is something that the Bella Vista Accommodation network fully supports. All positive feedback allows our terrific motel operators to take comfort that they are delivering a great experience. Of course, no motelier wants to receive a poor review but when that does occasionally occur, more often than not, it’s an easy fix and we are able to improve our offer.

One critical point that the customer seems to miss when using peer-to-peer reviews, however, is that these ratings are really only scratching the surface and are simply a superficial overview. Important questions that all New Zealand motels should be able to answer often get left unasked. Those question should include:

• How robust are your health and safety policies and practices?
• What does your businesses environmental footprint look like?
• Do you engage and give back to your local community ?
• Do you have an emergency plan to ensure I can rely on you in the unlikely event of a natural disaster?
• What do your cleaning schedules and systems look like and do they meet not just international standards by my standards?

This is where Quality really comes into the equation of deciding where you want to stay. In Bella Vista’s opinion, only accommodation operators who have been audited by a recognisable external and independent organisation can really promote their accommodation business with any kind of credible quality or star rating.

Bella Vista works closely with Qualmark, New Zealand’s official quality assurance
organisation who provide a trusted guide to quality travel experiences in New Zealand.  Qualmark's business advisors visit Bella Vista motels at least once a year ensuring we
are checked against best- practise operating standards and the optimum customer
experience delivery.

From 4 Star rated Bella Vista Queenstown in the south to 4.5 Star rated Bella Vista Whangarei in the north, Bella Vista takes pride in the fact that we are the only motel chain in New Zealand that is Qualmark endorsed across each of our 27 comfortable and convenient locations.

#trustbellavista

Bella Vista accommodation network takes its corporate responsibility seriously. We believe it is important to pay-forward and offset our business footprint by supporting New Zealand communities within which we operate. Every year a percentage of the Bella Vista motels head office funds are allocated to a worthy community cause, topping up on any activity an individual motel may have undertaken within its community.

In 2016, Bella Vista provided an array of bedding and pillows to the children of a low decile school in the Waitaki region. ‘A good night’s sleep’ is a mantra that Bella Vista follows so being able to extend that opportunity to some deserving children was certainly a worthy exercise.

This year, Bella Vista head office extended an invitation to the 27 motels throughout our New Zealand accommodation network asking for them to all pitch for a local cause that they were actively engaged with. After a robust selection process across the entries, it was determined that Bella Vista Franz Josef Glacier would receive the donation.

The Bella Vista Franz Josef motel owner Adam Haugh is very involved with his communities activities and when earlier this year the Franz Josef Glacier Civil Defence team were kitting out a shipping container with supplies and equipment should a natural disaster occur - including everything from tarps, water, fluro paint and power cables, Adam hit upon an idea that once again worked in well with Bella Vista’s ‘Good Night’s Sleep’ promise.   

No other town faces natural hazard risks quite like Franz Josef Glacier. Not only does the township lie on the Alpine Fault line which snakes through New Zealand’s south island, but it is also prone to flooding from both heavy rainfall and also the ever-present risk of the Waiho River that runs adjacent to the town.

Adam proposed that Bella Vista motels could contribute towards the purchase of bedrolls that could be used to make locals and visitors more comfortable in the Community Hall when it is used for emergency accommodation. The need for bedrolls became apparent after the last Civil Defence event in Easter 2016 when visitors and locals had to be accommodated at the Community Hall.
 

During the height of the summer, Franz Josef holds a few thousand people along with the 350 locals. Anything that can be done to make a disruptive time more comfortable seemed like a great idea. Adam was pleased to present the bedrolls to the Civil Defence team at a training day in April.

Bella Vista was delighted to help with a great cause and, of course, we hope that the bedrolls see very little use!

Bella Vista Franz Josef Glacier is a modern 18 unit motel situated right in the heart of the Franz Josef village and a highly rated Franz Josef accommodation choice. Despite the natural hazards alluded to in this article, Franz Josef Glacier is a fabulous place to visit, a very friendly small village with some great local activities such as the Glacier Hot Pools or the West Coast Wildlife Centre, interesting eateries including the Snake Bite Brewery and of course, the town is the perfect place to explore the glacier from which it takes its name. 
 

Bella Vista network is unique amongst New Zealand motel providers in that every one of our 27 locations across New Zealand provides a similar, consistent design, guaranteeing our customers piece of mind that you know what you are going to get. 

What you may not know is that many of our Bella Vista accommodation locations are happy to host meetings, gatherings, interviews, showcases and alike. Fully equipped apartment units with kitchenette's can easily be set up to match whatever style event you are holding. Full catering options are provided and rooms can be hired as part of a package for overnight stays.

Bella Vista Christchurch

With a set of five town-house style apartments as shown in the photo below, there is endless opportunity to operate a small numbered delegate meeting on-site. Situated a short stroll from the historic CBD and set amongst a significant choice of eateries on and around Bealey Avenue, this is a great Christchurch accommodation option to consider using if you need to meet.

Bella Vista Motel & Conference Centre Palmerston North

Unique to the Bella Vista motel network, Palmerston North Bella Vista has an onsite conference room. All the relevant details can be found on the Palmerston North accommodation page. Shown below is the dedicated meeting space which can accommodate up to 30 people in theatre style or 18-20 people in boardroom style. The room is available to hire on a daily rate of $150.

Bella Vista Ashburton

Bella Vista Ashburton is very active in the meeting space. Located at the north end of the township, Ashburton is one hour's drive from Christchurch Airport. Ashburton Bella Vista corporate customers come from across the region to hold team meetings, board meetings and consultations. The meeting spaces are welcoming, modern, meticulously clean and can be configured to your requirements whether it is a boardroom, U shape or lounge style. The rooms are accompanied with kitchen facilities and if your team need to take a break from time to time during a meeting head out to the gardens.

• Ashburton Half-Day Meeting - Duration: 4 ½ hours, max 10 people | $120.00 includes complimentary WiFi, tea, coffee and orange juice on arrival, pads, pens, mints, whiteboard and fruit. Morning tea with 2 food 3 choices is $8.00 per person.
• Ashburton Full-Day Meeting - Duration: 8 ½ hours, max 10 people | $160.00 includes complimentary WiFi, tea, coffee and orange juice on arrival, pads, pens, mints, whiteboard and fruit. Morning tea and afternoon with 2 food choices is $8.00 per person per setting. A light lunch is available -$15.00 per person.
• Ashburton Overnight Meeting - Pricing as per the full day option. | Accommodation starts from $125.00 per room.

Paul & Michelle pictured below would be happy to host your meeting so we encourage you to make contact and book your next meeting in now.

So why waste important time running between your hotel and the meeting space? Bella Vista Accommodation Nationwide can offer you and your team well appointed meeting spaces, affordable accommodation plus breakfast options. Contact any of our 27 locations for more information or call 0800 235 528 to speak to one of our team about your requirements. We look forward to hosting you.

As New Zealand becomes more accustomed to a future that will be dominated by electric powered vehicles (EV), Don & Sharon Macmillan at Bella Vista Whangarei have taken note and installed the first electric charging point of any Whangarei accommodation provider.

The Government’s target of 64,000 Electric Vehicles by 2021 will mean growth in EV usage across all travel sectors including Private, Corporate and Leisure travllers. Furthermore, it is understood a number of leading New Zealand car-rental companies are now considering introducing EV's into their fleets. Those vehicles will need accommodation providers who are able to offer, at the minimum, an overnight charging station.

"It was a little bit of a no-brainer" said Mrs Macmillan. "There was very little hassle involved and we are now able to offer charging facilities for two EV's every night." "Health and safety legislation has effectively ensured, and quite rightly, that you couldn't take shortcuts to offer this service"

Mrs Macmillan commented that whilst take-up has been limited to date, they wanted to stay ahead of the game and future-proof their business. "Our corporate booking agents in Auckland and Wellington are already asking if we have EV stations, so it is only a matter of time" When asked about the cost to her customers, Mrs Macmillan said "We'll be applying a nominal amount on top of our room rate to ensure any overnight charging covers our cost. It's primarily about service and added value for our customers."
 

Whangarei Bella Vista is a Qualmark endorsed four star plus rated motel. The property offers 18 superior units, is conveniently situated close to the CBD and the main Auckland-Northland highway and caters to every type of traveller needing an overnight break in Whangarei and to those using the town as a base to explore other local destinations.

Bella Vista General Manager Rob Burnell said he was delighted that Bella Vista Whangarei have taken this step. “Bella Vista Accommodation Nationwide will be extending the provision of overnight EV charging across its network of 27 motels in the coming year. We’ve been encouraging our business owners to think ahead in all areas of their business to ensure they are meeting the needs of an ever evolving market place”

For further information contact Bella Vista Whangarei on 09 438 6990