History

History


The construction of McLaren Vale Motel started in January 1981 and was finished by August 1981. The motel was officially opened by the Minister of Tourism the Hon. Jennifer Adamson M.P. on the 16th of October 1981.
When opened the motel had 5: 1x2 room units and 10 standard doubles including 1 disabled room and conference room holding 18 people.


The motel was built by the Vandeleur family on land originally used for farming cereal crops and sheep. The motel is still run and owned by the family today.


In the summer of 1982 the salt-water swimming pool was constructed. By the start of 1984 it was realised that more rooms were needed and by January 1985 ten more rooms were finished - 4 family rooms, 4 executive suites and 2 honeymoon suites. Seven of these new rooms have spas and twin showers.


The owners are constantly upgrading the facilities including removable ramps for the disabled, microwave ovens in the family rooms, video recorders in rooms, internet data access points in all rooms, an E-Desk in reception for Internet access, playground and a large undercover pergola by the pool for sun protection all year round.


At the start of 2001 Palm Court was completed where you can sit comfortable amongst the palm lined garden under the sails while drinking cappuccinos. In the evenings this is a magnificent spot to watch the beautiful sunsets.
In 2002 the swimming pool was renovated with new tiles and fibre optical lighting making the pool change colour 6 times a minute, Also a new sola heating system has been installed.


At the End of 2003 the start of construction for 12 new studio apartments. On the first of October 2004 the studio apartments saw the first guest arrive. With luxurious King beds, stylish modern kitchen with glass splash back, stove, dishwasher, and large fridge. In the bathroom / laundry you will find a washing machine & dryer, frame less glass shower, separate toilet, power adaptor and a large oval spa with 18 jets, surrounded by fibre optical lighting the whole bathroom changes colour 6 times a minute.


Going Green: recycling of bottles & paper products, installing halogen lighting in rooms, First of our duel flush toilet installed. Rain water collection from Studio Apartment roof catchment to 187,100 litre tank for garden use.
The Start of 2006 we refurbished our Conference room, with new tables, chairs, carpet and blinds and added under floor power and installed hard wired and wireless broadband.


The Winter of 2006 we started refurbishment of our Family & Executive rooms, with a new modern appearance, painted feature walls, cupboards and hard wired broadband and mini kitchenette’s installed in family rooms.
October 2006 at the Golden Chain Annual Conference the Motel was awarded “Best Golden Chain Motel in South Australia 2006” and then “Best Golden Chain Motel in Australia 2006”.


2007 work started on our refurbishment of our 1x2 bedroom units. New carpets, cupboards, bench tops, bed heads, tables, chairs, duel flush toilets installed & split system air conditioners. Installed 95,500 litre rain water tank from family room and 1x2 bedroom unit roof catchment area for use in laundry. “Best Golden Chain Motel in South Australia 2007”.
2008 new drainage installed. Two new 275,800 litre rain water tanks from Standard rooms and Executive units roof catchment area. This now brings our total water storage to 858,100 litres of rain water. Duel flush toilets installed in standard rooms. “Best Golden Chain Motel in South Australia 2008”.
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2009 Refurbishment started on our Standard rooms. With the rooms totally gutted, new tilling, wiring, carpet, plastered walls and new colour schemes. Installation of new 42" LCD HD flat panel TV's in all rooms. Installation of Quantum Eco Hot Water system slashing traditional hot water bills by 50-75%, saving energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

2012
We received a TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence award. The accolade, which honours hospitality excellence, is given only to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveller reviews on TripAdvisor, and is extended to qualifying businesses worldwide. Approximately 10 percent of accommodations listed on TripAdvisor receive this prestigious award.
To qualify for the Certificate of Excellence, businesses must maintain an overall rating of four or higher, out of a possible five, as reviewed by travellers on TripAdvisor. Additional criteria include the volume of reviews received within the last 12 months.
“TripAdvisor is pleased to honor exceptional businesses for consistent excellence, as reviewed by travellers on the site,” said Christine Petersen, president of TripAdvisor for Business. “The Certificate of Excellence award gives highly rated establishments around the world the recognition they deserve. From exceptional accommodations in Beijing to remarkable restaurants in Boston, we want to applaud these businesses for offering TripAdvisor travellers a great customer experience.”