The Dawson Motel

The Dawson Motel is a purpose-built motel on the corner of Dawson and Young Streets, in the New Plymouth CBD. It opened in January 2011 and is run by hosts Barb and Lloyd, who position the property for both corporate and leisure travellers.

There are 23 suites — a mix of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units, with interconnecting units available on request. Selected units have full kitchen facilities, which makes them workable for extended stays. The motel is smoke-free, free Wi-Fi is provided in all room types, and parking is free on site. Courtesy bikes are available to guests, and guest laundry facilities are on site.

The motel has no dedicated meeting or conference rooms and no restaurant, so its role in a MICE programme is accommodation rather than venue hire. It is, however, one of the better-placed New Plymouth motels for delegates who want to walk to things: cafés, bars and restaurants are minutes away, the Coastal Walkway is about 150 metres from the door, and Puke Ariki, the TSB Showplace, the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery and Len Lye Centre, the Todd Energy Aquatic Centre, Southern Cross Hospital, Pukekura Park and Rugby Park are all close by.

The interconnecting units are the feature most useful to organisers, giving flexibility when rooming a small group, or when a delegate travels with family. Combined with the central location and on-site parking, that makes the Dawson a practical base for individual business travellers and small groups attending events at New Plymouth's CBD venues.