Bridgewater Motel 24 Hour Check In Service

Published on 14 December 2017

Check in any time, day or night: that’s the invitation from the new owners of the Bridgewater Motel after a major reset of its business approach.

Helen and Rod Geri bought the Sea Lake Motel in May 2016, with a vision to set up the “24-Hour Check-in Motels” brand.

They had previously spent 10 years working with off-site check-in systems for Bendigo Holiday Accommodation.

“We were driving from Bendigo to Sea Lake a couple of times a week and noticed the motel on the river next to the bridge,” Helen said.

“We asked the owner if we could buy it, but he wasn’t ready to sell at that time.

“Last June, we heard it was on the market and we took the reins in September, immediately setting about the tasks of cleaning and repainting, updating websites, integrating computer programs, designing room renovations and planning landscaping.

“Now, when guests come into reception they simply follow touch-screen instructions to book a room or check in. They then receive a room key and instructions for our free wifi.

“It’s a fully automated system, but there’s a direct-dial phone for people needing help, four housekeeping and gardening staff on the team and two in administration.”

The motel has 12 units – 10 standard with queen beds and two two-bedroom units – though the owners have work underway to renovate a three-bedroom house and establish two executive motel rooms with views across the river.

“Other plans include renovating all bathrooms, replacing air conditioning, repainting, adding a deck and re-landscaping,” Helen said.

“We’ve also set up a Loddon Valley Tourism Facebook page and begun collaboration with other local businesses.”

To contact the motel, phone 0418 487 188 or go to www.bridgewatermotel.com.au

Loddon businesses can add their details to Council’s website business directory at http://www.loddon.vic.gov.au/Invest/Business-directory .