| Buying a motel in New Zealand can be a rewarding | | | | achieved this by attention to service and offering top |
| investment, both personally and financially, total guest | | | | level quality. We have also upgraded our computer |
| nights in short term accommodation is increasing | | | | sites, and in the process become very computer |
| nationally and all those guests have to stay | | | | savvy - our goals have been achieved" Raymond |
| somewhere. | | | | explained. |
| Buyers from all walks of life are drawn to the | | | | Success in the accommodation industry is based on |
| accommodation industry and in particular the notion | | | | how your guests perceive you - the provider. Striving |
| of buying a motel. Motivators looking for a complete | | | | to meet (at the very least) or exceed the guests |
| change of lifestyle, improving their income and | | | | expectations will ensure that your motel will profit |
| seeking new challenges are what compel many of | | | | from strong repeat and referral business. |
| these potential buyers. | | | | Motel features such as spa pools, restaurants, and |
| But what are the realities; once the rose tinted | | | | gyms are part of the guests' experience, but keep in |
| glasses have been removed, do these new moteliers | | | | mind; your motel may have all the features in the |
| find their ambitions of lifestyle and income matching | | | | world, but if the rooms aren't clean your guests' |
| the day to day reality? | | | | wont return. Get the basics right and the rest will |
| Experienced motliers, Gael and Raymond Austen of | | | | follow. |
| Coromandel Court Motel, have kindly consented to an | | | | The Austen's feel that the continuing success of the |
| interview to answer some of these questions. | | | | Coromandel Court Motel is based on having a solid |
| Previous involvement in the corporate world, which | | | | management team supported by very good staff |
| included extensive travel both nationally and | | | | including an experienced back-up manager. Their |
| internationally, and with associated experiences of | | | | motto, which all members of the team follow, is |
| accommodation, provided Gael and Raymond with a | | | | "Clients first, second and third". |
| strong foundation with which to enter the industry. | | | | An ongoing challenge for Gael and Raymond has |
| They bought the Coromandel Court Motel during the | | | | been to ensure that all clientele leave the motel |
| winter of 2003 after undertaking meticulous research | | | | completely satisfied with all aspects of their stay, |
| which encompassed many other motels situated | | | | ensuring that they return and also consequently |
| throughout the country. | | | | recommend the motel to friends. I spoke directly to |
| "We believe the Coromandel Peninsula is the new | | | | some of the guests to gauge opinion - remarks like |
| found place in the North Island, to compliment this, | | | | "top hosts", "hygiene the best", "quiet", and "best in |
| the motel offered the opportunity of building a good | | | | all our travels in New Zealand" were freely given. A |
| solid business with the prospect of expansion to | | | | quick glance through the comments in the Motel |
| grow the business" says Gael. | | | | Visitor's book certainly qualifies the validity of the |
| The Austens, like many people, purchased the motel | | | | Austen's approach, with many genuine, happy and |
| for the lifestyle and income that it represented. | | | | satisfied guests. |
| However, they rapidly found that while there was | | | | "To be a successful motlier" Gael advises "prior |
| the income, there was very little lifestyle. After the | | | | experience in the hospitality industry is very helpful |
| initial shake down period, they realized that changes | | | | but not essential. A professional approach and |
| had to be made to rectify this and to make the | | | | manner and outgoing personalities are a must. |
| motel function more efficiently. Committing to change | | | | Prepare to go the extra mile at any time with a |
| typically involves an investment of both time and | | | | smile" |
| money, and at a cost of around $30,000 an extra | | | | Raymond's tip for newcomers is "Look for a solid |
| commercial dryer, commercial washing machine and | | | | business in a good area that offers the opportunity |
| commercial dishwasher were installed. | | | | for potential growth" |
| The investment was worth it - Gael and Raymond | | | | Having not only achieved but exceeded the targets |
| now achieve quicker and more professional results, | | | | set back in 2003, the Austens are now ready for |
| and all importantly the lifestyle has followed suit. | | | | their next challenge. Under their stewardship the |
| Naturally, when taking over an existing business many | | | | Coromandel Court Motel has developed into a shining |
| purchasers set goals for themselves as to how they | | | | example of what is possible and the motel now |
| will 'improve' the existing operation. In this, Gael and | | | | stands in the top arena based on turnover and |
| Raymond were no different, setting targets for | | | | occupancy for its size. If you are considering buying a |
| themselves that included developing a first-class | | | | motel, take note of Gael and Raymond's suggestions |
| corporate clientele as well as increasing the | | | | above. |
| international and repeat guest nights. "We have | | | | |