Room check: Buller Court Motel

The location isn't as pretty as other places we've stayed at on the coast, but otherwise it's hard to fault. Photo / iStock

Bronwyn Sell gets comfortable at Buller Court Motel.

Location: Westport, on the West Coast.

Getting there: We drove into town and were about to look up the address when, bingo, there it was. Main street, small town, 'nuff said.

Check-in experience? Quick, easy, friendly.

Room? A north-facing two-bedroom unit with kitchenette, dining, and outdoor eating area. Sky and free wi-fi.

Price? $175 for two people, $20 per extra person.

Who owns it? Diana and Ray Job.

What's so good about this place? Hands down the nicest motel unit I've stayed in - comfy and stylish. They even offer pick-your-own herbs.

And the bad? The location isn't as pretty as other places we've stayed at on the coast, but otherwise it's hard to fault.

What's in the neighbourhood? Cape Foulwind lighthouse and seal colony, the Coaltown Museum, and the historic Denniston mines. Westport is one of the few places on the West Coast with supermarkets and a petrol station that is open 24 hours.

The beds? A king, a double and a single, all stylishly dressed and comfy.

A room with a view? There's a wee patch of grass outside with a picnic table, otherwise nothing inspiring.

The bathroom? Goes above and beyond the call of nature. Huge and shiny, with shower, heat lamp and heated towel rail.

Toiletries? Koha Spa in big pump bottles. Make-up remover wipes included, which is a nice touch.

Noise? We were set right back from the road, so the noise was all BYO.

Perfect for? A base for exploring the upper West Coast.

Contact: bullercourtmotel.co.nz.

Would I return? Yep. The decor and comfort more than compensated for the lack of outdoor ambience.