New image for Mt View

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 10, Issue 467, 21 December 1992, Page 8

New image for Mt

View

Ohakune's Mountain View Motel now offers a standard of accommodation to match any in town, according to owners Jane and Wayne Haggart.

"Since we took over the motel about two years ago, we've been working to upgrade the accommodation/' said Jane. "We've now shaken off the rundown, neglected image

that has stuck with the motels for so long." She says their luxury units are now top of the range in Ohakune, and all their budget units and cabins are also of a

respectable standard. "It's been a lot of hard work, but soon the whole refurbishment will be complete." The latest revamp is to the block fronting

onto Moore Street, ... which was a dowdy budget unit catering for six people. The building has been stripped completely back to its shell, rewired, replumbed,. insulated, relined, repainted, recarpeted, redraped, and rekitted out in furniture. "We've 're' everythinged!" said Jane. The block now contains three budget double or twin units with their own bathroom facilities and tea and coffee making facilities. While many of the units do have self-contained kitchens, the new ones are suited to visitors who like to dine out while visiting Ohakune. "Lots of coupleS' these days don't want to cook while on holiday, especially in the ski season." However the complex does have a central kitchen available for budget unit guests as well as cabin and bunk house guests. Part of the upgrade includes sprucing up the exterior of the motels.

"Lots of people haven't been aware of the quality of the accommodation on the inside because the outside hasn't changed, so its been just as important to us in lifting the image by doing up the outside," explained Jane. "Mountain View Motels used to give Ohakune a bad name - I've heard people say they were really put off Ohakune after staying here. Now, those days are over. We're glad to say we are now creating a good impression." The Haggarts have found that it is important for the locals to be aware that their motel is no longer at the bottom of the list in quality, because many locals refer people to motels. "We'd like the locals to know we've got accommodation of all kinds, for reunions, weddings and other family gatherings." She said people can feel free to come and discuss their accommodation requirements if they are organising an event or gathering.