Peter Sinclair: Bonanza for local innkeepers

Opinion

As the Kiwi dollar continues to flounder in company with other waterlogged currencies like the Bulgarian Lev, the Albanian Lek and the Algerian Dinar, I suspect that this holiday season may turn into a bonanza for local innkeepers.

Some friends of mine last week canned their Hawaiian getaway after a few quick currency conversions convinced them they could enjoy twice the luxury at half the price by staying right here.

This is the sort of simple maths many people have figured out this year.

Once you've seen one coral atoll you've seen them all, really, and even the cheapest budget hotel on the Big Island comes in at more than it would cost for a week or two of modest bliss at, say, Waiwera's picturesque Puriri Cottage: "Take 15 acres ... add one cottage with bush walks, abundant native birds and glow-worms, throw in two ponds with ducks, fish and chickens to feed as well, mix in lovely peaceful gardens, huge Puriri trees and spectacular views ..."

With the internet, it's so easy to find these gems tucked away all over the country, compare amenities, assess value, and in many cases book in then and there.

I found Puriri Cottage, for example, in America - at Bed and Breakfast.com, a quite excellent guide to this kind of hideaway all over the world where you're urged to Book It Now!

It was only sheer willpower that kept me from rushing across town to taste the high life in Parnell at the Ascot, another minor idyll at $NZ95 a day for a double. Modestly describing itself as merely "a small hotel," it looks simply stunning and seems to offer a boardroom lifestyle at a lunchroom price - "each guest-room is immaculate and tastefully decorated; all have ... bathroom, hairdryer, direct-dial telephone and internet connection ... a sumptuous breakfast is served in the morning-room overlooking the subtropical garden ... complimentary refreshments are offered throughout the day, served either on the veranda or in the shade of the trees ..."

I mean, with this sort of thing on your doorstep, who needs Honolulu?

And they're everywhere. The InnFinder took me to the glorious old McMahon's Villa Hotel for some more inner-city luxury; Karin's Garden Villa, a Devonport dream with a Germanic twist [its breakfast is described as "nutritious"]; and "Takapuna's Best Kept Secret", the Emerald Inn, which includes a marvellous Cape Cod-style holiday cottage.

Some cottage - three double bedrooms and a huge indoor spa (chef and 19m yacht by arrangement). I decided not to look at the price. Some dreams are best left unshattered.

Dozens of these ravishing local refuges can be found all over the North Island at websites like PlacesToStay, WebNZ, BABS, New Zealand Bed & Breakfast and the B&B Collection. It makes you wonder why the footloose Kiwi ever leaves home.

With a faltering dollar, more of us are turning to holidays at these boutique hotels which have become such a feature of local hospitality. If you're feeling more than usually blitzed by the new century, their unique combination of the historic and the intimate may be just what you need.

Links:

Bulgarian Lev

Albanian Lek

Algerian Dinar

Oanda Currency Converter

Bed and Breakfast.com

Innfinder

McMahon's Villa Hotel

Karen's Garden Villa

Emerald Inn

PlacesToStay

WebNZ

BABS

New Zealand Bed and Breakfast

B&B Collection


E-mail: petersinclair@email.com