Motels and Motorhomes

Owning a motel is more than a business venture; it’s a chance to build a lifestyle, connect with your community and create a long-term, sustainable asset. For many, motel management offers the ideal mix of independence, financial security and personal fulfilment.

This blog series answers real questions about motel life. We interview owners and managers to share practical insights, advice and lived experiences so you can understand what motel ownership truly looks like day to day.

Meet Graham & Shar

From Engineering and Pharmacy to Motels and Motorhomes

This month we introduce Graham and Shar, a couple who swapped technical plans and pharmacy counters for something completely different: motel management.

• Graham spent 35 years as an electrical engineer

• Shar managed pharmacies and was used to fast-paced, customer-focused environments

Together, they were ready for a new chapter, one that offered:

• Semi-retirement

• Freedom from the 9–5

• More autonomy

• More time together

And, of course, more time exploring NZ in their beloved motorhome.

Trying Before Buying: Their Start in Relief Management

Before committing fully, Graham and Shar dipped their toes into relief management.

This gave them the chance to:

• Test the industry

• Experience different property types

• Learn what they enjoyed

• Decide whether the lifestyle truly fit them

It didn’t take long for them to say: Yes, this is us.

After two years relief management, they secured a contract that allowed four weeks on, four weeks off.

A perfect rhythm for balancing hard work and motorhome life.

Life at an Airport Motel: Two Very Different Customer Types

Their motel sat next to a busy international airport, meaning their days were filled with:

• 40 percent excited holiday travellers

• 60 percent corporates who knew exactly what they wanted

And what did these corporate guests want most?

Familiarity, friendliness and consistency.

As Graham likes to say: “Make them feel welcome, and they’ll stay for life.”

Learning the Language of Motels

Before they started, Graham and Shar had never heard many of the industry’s favourite acronyms:

ADR, LOS, RN, OTAs, RevPAR… the list goes on.

They joked that it felt like learning a whole new language. But with time, practice and patience, they became fluent and found the lifestyle incredibly rewarding.

Memorable Moments: The Guest Who Tried to Do a Runner

It wouldn’t be motel life without a few unforgettable stories.

One of Graham’s favourites: the guest who attempted to sneak off without paying… only to be spotted an hour later sitting in the local park enjoying the sunshine.

• Police were called

• The guest was apprehended

• A stolen knife and facecloth were returned

• And, most importantly, the bill was finally paid

All in a good day’s work!

Graham & Shar’s Advice for Aspiring Motel Managers

Whether you’re dreaming, planning or actively scouting opportunities, Graham and Shar have plenty of wisdom to share:

• Divide and conquer as a couple

Talk openly about who’s responsible for what. But make sure you can cover each other in an emergency.

• Train your staff properly

They’re the face of your business. Good training = more freedom for you.

• Don’t forget to order the linen

(There’s definitely a bigger story here. We’ll save that gem for another day.)

• Keep on top of rosters and payroll

Future-you will thank you.

• Talk to your customers

Collect emails and phone numbers. Repeat guests are gold. New guests are expensive.

• Record personal details in guest profiles

Birthdays, anniversaries, promotions: acknowledge them and you’ll create lifelong loyalty.

A handwritten card can be more powerful than any marketing campaign.

Where Are They Now?

Graham has now fully retired and is happily travelling around New Zealand in his motorhome while Shar works part-time in a role adjacent to the industry.

Together, they’ve achieved exactly what they set out to find: a balanced, flexible lifestyle with plenty of autonomy.

As we wrap up this month’s story, it is clear that the motel life is far more than a business model. It’s a pathway to independence, personal growth and the kind of resilience only hands-on entrepreneurship can build. Every operator’s journey is different, but the message is the same: this industry is full of opportunity for those willing to step in.

For more guidance, tools and support, visit the RevenYou website where you’ll find practical resources designed to help motel owners and operators build confidence and long-term success.