20 BEST Motels in Dunedin 🏘️ [2024]

Where to Find the Best Motel Accommodation in Dunedin

Motels are not what they used to be. Swap images of drab and dusty rooms for something stylish and contemporary that could rival a four-star hotel. Except, motels have all the fixings to provide a home-away-from-home experience and plenty of space to lounge and enjoy. In Dunedin, motels come in the form of affordable city centre units to idyllic holiday escapes along the beach. Whether you’re a couple looking for a quiet place to stay, a family looking for ample space for everyone, or a solo traveller seeking something affordable, we’ve got several motels to suit on this list of the best motels in Dunedin!

For alternative accommodation, take a look at 20 Best Hotels in Dunedin or The Complete Guide to Dunedin.

1. Aurora on George – The Best Motel in Dunedin

Urban meets garden at this attractive motel on George Street. Aurora on George is a four-star motel with modern studios and suites with comfortable king beds, robes, slippers, Sky TV, free WiFi, ensuite, a fully-equipped kitchen and even an umbrella for the Dunedin weather. Each room is extremely well-appointed with modern furniture, while the gem of this property is the beautiful inner-city flower garden. Other facilities include a fitness centre, as well as a cafe and restaurant on site.

Check Aurora on George out:

2. Beechwood Boutique Accommodation – Best Dunedin Motel for Couples

An endearing 10-unit motel, Beechwood Boutique Accommodation is a good go-to for discerning travellers. The studios are modernly renovated with light decor, yet cosy with features like underfloor heating and double-glazing. When you’re not relaxing in your spacious room, explore the Botanic Gardens in one direction and the city centre in the other. In short, it’s one of the 15 Best Romantic Accommodations in Dunedin – we’re serious!

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3. George Street Motel Apartments – Dunedin Motel on George Street

Enjoy privacy and convenience at an affordable price when you stay at the George Street Motel Apartments. The motel has well-appointed suites situated near the Otago Museum and a short walk from The Octagon. The “Superior Suite” comes in a queen or twin set-up, while families have the option of the “One-Bedroom Superior Suite” sleeping up to four guests. A mini continental breakfast is included with each stay, as well as access to Sky TV, free WiFi and free on-site parking. What’s more, it’s about the only accommodation in New Zealand with central heating and double-glazed windows!

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4. Owens Motel – Cheap Motel in Dunedin

Find excellent value self-catering accommodation in Dunedin at Owens Motel. The motel on George Street, which is a short walk from the city centre, offers studio rooms for couples to large three-bedroom units for families, each with full kitchen facilities. Each studio and unit also has an ensuite, free WiFi and free on-site parking. There’s not much else to say about Owens Motel other than its affordable, well-appointed with modern furniture and amenities, and it just does the job well! For alternative cheap stays, check out the 15 Best Budget Accommodations in Dunedin.

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5. Aria on Bank – Unique Motel in Dunedin

With unique apartment layouts and a location right by the beautiful Dunedin Botanic Gardens, no wonder Aria on Bank is such a popular motel in Dunedin. What’s more, the modern build with contemporary mezzanine rooms and full kitchen facilities (including a dishwasher) comes at an irresistibly affordable rate. With free on-site car parking, WiFi, high-pressure showers, TVs with Sky and more, everything is here for an effortless stay in Dunedin.

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6. Dunedin Motels and Villas – Upscale Motel in Dunedin

Dunedin Motel and Villas offers affordable accommodation without sacrificing style. The motel provides a “Studio” for two, as well as more spacious “One and Two-Bedroom Units” sleeping up to four or one of the “Villas” with options to suit up to seven guests. Services at the motel include smart TVs with Sky Sports and streaming, free WiFi, newspaper delivery, kitchen facilities, free car parking, double-glazed windows and optional continental breakfast. The motel is located in the North Dunedin Heritage Precinct near the Otago University and a short walk from town.

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7. 315 Euro Motel and Serviced Apartments – Dunedin Motel Close to the Hospital

There’s no such thing as an uncomfortable stay at 315 Euro Motel with its spacious units and apartments complete with high-quality modern furnishings from the kitchens to your ensuite bathrooms. The motel has a wide range of rooms available, all of which are self-contained, from twin rooms to deluxe one-bedroom suites. The motel is ideal for all traveller types and has a convenient location, three minutes from the hospital, five minutes from The Octagon and 10 minutes from the university. What’s more, there’s plenty of free on-site parking, all windows are double-glazed and there’s free WiFi available.

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8. Adrian Motel – Motel in St Kilda

Despite the very affordable rates, this motel in St Kildas is impeccably well-maintained even if it’s not the most modern in town. There are plenty of room types for all travellers, while most rooms are well-equipped with kitchen facilities with the addition of a communal barbecue. With the exception of the smallest studio, all other studios and apartments at the Adrian Motel have a private kitchen with at least a stovetop, microwave, toasting and kettle (jug). That’s why we also list this one as one of the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Dunedin.

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9. Bluestone on George – Luxury Motel in Dunedin

Ideal for a romantic getaway or a business retreat, Bluestone on George provides an “adults-only” stay in Dunedin. The luxury motel offers studio apartments with their own kitchenette, laundry and ensuite. While you’ll have your own kitchen facilities, we recommend at least one morning indulging in the continental breakfast or afternoon enjoying the antipasto platters delivered straight to your room. See more recommendations like this in the 15 Best Luxury Accommodations in Dunedin.

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10. Amross Motel – Motel in Dunedin North

Warm, welcoming and well-appointed, no wonder Amross Motel is consistently rated high as one of the best motels in Dunedin. Your friendly hosts are happy to share tips on what to do in the Dunedin area, while your rooms provide a comfortable homely vibe with recent refurbishments, 50″ TVs with streaming services, soundproofing, kitchen facilities and more. Some apartments even have a spa bath separate from the shower.

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11. Cable Court Motel – Pet-Friendly Motel in Dunedin

An affordable stay awaits in Dunedin North at the Cable Court Motel. One of the limited pet-friendly motels in Dunedin, your beloved pooch can come here too! There’s something to suit a range of needs and budgets, from affordable studios to spacious one-bedroom units. Rooms are sleekly appointed with all of your basic essentials and a few quirks like shower-over-baths and the studios only provide drink-making kitchenettes. However, the location is right by the Dunedin Hospital and Otago University yet, a short walk from the city centre.

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12. Alexis Motor Lodge – Motel in Dunedin Central

A charming motel at the charming Knox Row village end of Dunedin city centre, Alexis Motor Lodge is well located for shopping and dining in the city. There’s one free parking space per unit, while other handy tidbits include unlimited free WiFi, Sky TV, streaming services and a children’s play area. As for rooms, take your pick from studios, executive units and one- and two-bedroom units.

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13. 555 Motel Dunedin – Motel in Dunedin South

Stay in a quieter suburb of Dunedin between the city centre and the Otago Peninsula at the 555 Motel Dunedin. The motel in South Dunedin offers modern well-appointed studios sleeping two and one-bedroom apartments sleeping up to four people. Both include in-room movies, an iPod docking station, free WiFi, basic kitchen facilities, free on-site parking and the option of disability access rooms. 555 is a great choice if you have your own transport or are willing to take the bus – see our guide to Public Transport in Dunedin.

Check 555 Motel Dunedin out:

14. 755 Regal Court Motel – Dunedin Motel with Spa Rooms

Another fantastic Dunedin motel providing the conveniences of home can be found at 755 Regal Court Motel. Even their smallest units have kitchen facilities, as well as modern amenities like free WiFi and TVs with streaming services. There’s room for the whole family in the “Two-Bedroom Family Unit”, which sleeps up to five people, while the “One-Bedroom Double Spa Room” provides a romantic retreat for couples. All in all, 755 Regal Court has something for everyone.

Check 755 Regal Court Motel out:

15. 97 Motel Moray – Closest Motel to Dunedin City Centre

It doesn’t get more central than 97 Motel Moray, Dunedin’s closest motel to The Octagon. The motel features 40 units, which might not have the most stylish furnishings, but certainly does the job for a central stay on a budget. Choose between standard and executive studios or one to two-bedroom units, each with kitchenette facilities for you to save money on food. You can also enjoy other conveniences, such as free on-site parking, free WiFi, ensuite bathrooms and a garden.

Check 97 Motel Moray out:

16. Beach Lodge Motels – Cheap Motel at St Kilda

For an alternative location in Dunedin, why not choose Beach Lodge Motels by St Kilda Beach? The motel accommodation offers 18 large one, two and three-bedroom studio apartments with full kitchens. The motel has delightful touches like access to a complimentary vegetable garden, and things to keep the little ones entertained such as a basketball hoop and a spring-free trampoline.

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17. Motel on Carroll – Budget Motel in Dunedin

A central location, characterful decor and a great price: there isn’t much of a reason not to choose the Motel on Carrol! The motel rooms are well-appointed across the “Compact Studio” for one guest, “Three Person Studio” and a “Queen Unit”. Each of these units has very basic kitchenette facilities, good for preparing simple meals and breakfast. There are also larger apartments and units available with full kitchens and enough room for families and groups. Free WiFi, free laundry and undercover parking are also available at the Motel on Carroll.

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18. Leith Valley Holiday Park and Motels – Dunedin Holiday Park with Motel Units

Don’t rule out holiday parks for motel accommodation in Dunedin, of which Leith Valley Holiday Park and Motels is consistently one of the best rated. Although only 1km (0.6 miles) from Dunedin’s main street, you feel a world away nestled in park-like grounds with access to bush walks (with glowworms!) All of the accommodation options are reasonably priced here, whether its a self-contained motel unit with all the essentials at your fingertips or a basic cabin with shared kitchen and bathroom facilities (note that you need to hire bedding for the latter – but this is cheap also).

Check Leith Valley Holiday Park and Motels out:

19. Dunedin Holiday Park – Family-Friendly Holiday Park with Motel Units

Another holiday park with motel units, Dunedin Holiday Park is adjacent to St Kilda Beach. Not only does the holiday park have camping facilities for campervans and tents, but there’s a wealth of budget cabins, lodge rooms, ensuite units, self-contained units and two/three-bedroom motel studios to choose from! Each unit has a tongue-in-cheek colonial-style theme, while cartoon characters grace the exterior of the cabin accommodation. There is also a shared amenities block with all the essentials, such as a kitchen, laundry, etc. See more motels like this in the 15 Best Family Accommodations in Dunedin.

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20. Sahara Guesthouse & Motel – Affordable Motel in Dunedin North

Providing a guesthouse, motel units and deluxe studio units, there’s something for every type of budget traveller at the Sahara Guesthouse & Motel. For those seeking motels in Dunedin, your best accommodation at Sahara includes the motel units with a separate bedroom and open-plan living area. Each unit also has a kitchen. There are also the deluxe studio units, which are modern additions to an otherwise historic guesthouse. These units are more suited to business travellers, solo travellers and couples and include all of the motel fixings with the addition of air-conditioning and double-glazing.

Check Sahara Guesthouse & Motel out:

More About Motels in Dunedin

That’s it for our list of the best motels in Dunedin. For more handy guides to plan your trip to the architectural and wildlife capital, check out these:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Complete Travel Guide to Dunedin.

Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])

Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

Laura S.

This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.

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