General News
1 November, 2024
Little motel makes a big impression
A little motel in Horsham is making a big impression - being named as a 2024 Gold List achiever in the Victoria Tourism Awards.
Comfort Inn May Park owners Peter and Liz Dahlenburg were "chuffed" to be notified of their achievement in the Victoria - Motel section.
The Gold List is exclusive to 'Star Rated' properties and recognises those properties that have achieved the highest Travellers’ Rating using Review Pro’s guest intelligence solution.
By making it to the Gold List, businesses need to demonstrate their commitment to consistently exceeding guest expectations.
"We have never won this award before and it's based on guest reviews, we don't solicit them, it's guest putting in reviews through the Accommodation Association of Australia," Mrs Dahlenburg said.
Mr and Mrs Dahlenburg have owned and run the business for 11 years, celebrating their anniversary on October 1.
"My husband and I owned the free hold and the people who held the leasehold wanted to sell," Mrs Dahlenburg explained.
"Pete said to me, I was looking for a change after doing something else at the time, how about we buy the business?
"My first job was a housekeeper when I was 16, but I didn't think I would be running this business in my 50's and 60's."
Mrs Dahlenburg said she has "absolutely loved" being in the accommodating industry, although the first few months were hard, because the couple knew nothing.
"We have grown with the business and our guests needs and requirements," she said.
"We've built the business in what was going to be a five-year plan, but it's now 11, and we haven't finished."
The biggest challenge over the past decade has been COVID - but although admitting they never want to experience such times again in the future, the business survived, and importantly, avoided the loss of staff.
"We stayed open for the emergency travellers, and the other thing is, we kept everyone employed because we all had to have a reason to get up in the morning," she said, explaining they employ nine staff at any given time.
"We did get the ADF, the police, the people who could travel, we got our fair share."
As to the secret of achieving a Gold Listing - Mrs Dahlenburg said it's all about providing guests with what they not only need - but what they deserve.
"We provide more than what guests expect - our property is super clean, it's maintained super well, we are located well and we do everything I would want when staying somewhere; from the other side of the counter, to maintenance through to housekeeping and reception services," she said.