After a rather disasterous experience with the Comfort Inn hotel group (Choice Hotels) voucher scheme we came to the Comfort Inn Paraparaumu as a fifth choice. What a gem - we nearly forgave having to re-arrange our holiday.

The service was great, superb information booklet in the room of everything there was in the area, and the owner gave us all the information about going to Wellington on the train and how to do it cheaply (really helps to let you know what you are doing when you go to buy your ticket).

He brought breakfast to our room every morning, and offered the free use of a laptop if we wanted to check on our mail. Rooms were clean, cheerful and well stocked. There was a reasonable shopping centre and supermarket minutes away.

We also ate at the Retro Bar (steakhouse) just down the road, and had the best meal of the holiday. Great steak (says the husband) and I had a delicious chicken breast stuffed with brie and apricot. We also joined in the (free) pop quiz one night coming a respectable last !! The staff almost apologised for our lack of knowledge of the NZ music scene.

For those who want to see the sights of Wellington, but not to actually stay there this is a friendly, relaxed option. Not the most well known destination in NZ, but the proximity to Wellington, the hotel staff and the Retro Bar made it one of the highlights of the tour.

The motel is situated on a busy main road, but the rooms are set well back so there was no noise. The room was spacious and clean. The facilities provided were good - big TV, small sofa, fridge, jacuzzi bath and a decent work/eating place. The people running it were very helpful.

If forced to find a downside I would say that it isn't terribly exciting. It is a couple of miles from the beach so there was not an interesting view from the window. Being part of a chain it lacked the character of small, privately-owned places.

On the whole I would recommend the Comfort Inn, particularly for those passing through the area who are looking for a comfortable place to stay for a couple of nights. If you were looking to base a longer holiday in the area you will be well-provided for here, but might want to choose somewhere more scenic.