We have stayed at Oceanside before and went back earlier this month (September). We didn't recognise the place when we went to check-in. What an amazing difference! A lot of hard work, and we understand months of renovations, have created a totally modern motel which not only looks completely different from the outside but also inside.

We noticed that management had changed between the times we had stayed. We found the new owners to be very approachable, friendly, and dedicated to make our stay the best possible. They suggested activities that were appropriate for our children's ages and were helpful throughout our stay.

Oceanside has a reputation for having the best location (across the road from the beach, walking distance to town, the best views). Now it has the best location and is beautifully refurbished and modernised. Can't wait to go back!

We had a family suite. It was on the ground level with a deck opening onto a grass area with a view to Mercury Bay across the road. The setting is therefore the key feature of this motel. The room it self was adequate. Tidy and fresh but rather dated. The amenities were adequate with a well equipped kitchen. However for 4 people (the rooms are promoted as suitable for up to 5) the loung/dining area is rather user unfriendly. Two single beds also act as seating areas but there are only two lounge chairs all "squashed on one side of the room with the dining table.

The seperate bedroom is good - one double and one single bed - no traffic noise

The bathroom was adequate except the grossly inadequate shower. Nice large shower is a plus but the water supply is POOR!!!!

All in all there is not too much to complain about until you consider the $270 a night price tag.

I definitely think the Oceanside is overpriced for what is on offer!! Certainly needs to address these shortcomings and give it a refit to entertain these sorts of prices

I think you can do better

Stayed for one night in March in a first floor studio unit overlooking Mercury Bay with the most magnificent views. Whitianga is a small town in a wonderful setting and a pleasure to visit. Unit was of very good size for a studio, spotless, with a separate kitchen, accommodation for four, living area and a large balcony. Weather was excellent and we had our meals on the balcony taking in the setting with a glass of great NZ wine.

Not cheap but worth the money and would have no hesitation in staying there again.

I stayed at the Oceanside for one night (NYE 2009/10) with my parents, husband and 5 month old daughter in a deluxe family suite.

You absolutely couldn't beat the views... straight out the front and across the road was the ocean.

Not being from NZ, we didn't realise that one of NZ's biggest NYE parties/concerts is held in Whitianga, however it was far enough away that we didn't get any noise at night... just a lot of drunken youths walking past in the afternoon to get there, but no problems with them coming back in the early hours.

Bill (the owner) was very friendly and extremely helpful in every aspect of the booking process and happily supplied a port-a-cot for my daughter (pre-booked).

The rooms were clean and well maintained, but a bit tired. Probably not worth the price, however I would happily pay it again if I were to return to this area for the view and service alone.