Calling motel home has many advantages | Rotorua News | Local News in Rotorua

For Viv Needham, setting up home at a motel has proved the perfect alternative to an "overpriced" rental property.

The Rotorua grandmother returned from the UK 18 months ago, short of cash and needing a place to live.

Discouraged by high up-front rental costs, an ad for units at Parawai Lakeside Resort in Ngongotaha caught her eye.

"The big draw was that there was no bond to pay - after travelling I came back poor," she said.

There were other advantages as well.

"It was fully furnished, convenient and the price included power," she said.

"There were no grounds to look after and there's no hassle with landlords."

Ms Needham lived at the motel for 10 months initially and enjoyed it so much that after a short stint away she returned. She now lives there with her 7-year-old grandson.

She said she could not afford to rent a property in Rotorua city now, even if she wanted to.

"I would need to find something for $160 a week rent to match this and the places I have seen for that I wouldn't put my dog," she said.

"Landlords can be greedy."

Unlike other city motels that have been converted to flats, Parawai Lakeside Resort remains a fully operational motel. Owner Lloyd Dalton said just four of their nine units were rented out long-term, giving them a steady income especially in the slower winter months.

Ms Needham has no plans to leave her home and neighbours she has grown to love.

"It is just so neat. I love the environment, it's really homely," she said.

"If I left here I would really miss them."