Clare and Richard Gallagher: Argent Motor Lodge putting the heart back into Waikato hospitality

It’s not often a motel makes you feel like you’re there as a friend, rather than a guest. Often enough, a motel is simply a place to sleep when you’re visiting an area; a place of convenience as opposed to somewhere you actually want to stay. Argent Motor Lodge is one of those places and it’s all thanks to the warm and open attitude of owners, Clare and Richard Gallagher.
 

Both Claire and Richard were born and raised in South Waikato, with Clare calling Taumaranui home and Richard hailing from Te Ahu. Richard works in the forestry industry and is now a qualified arborist, while Clare worked in private banking as an authorised financial advisor.  

Owning a motel may seem like a bit of a stretch from what they’re used to, but these two have actually been indirectly involved with the hospitality/tourism industry for over 15 years. Richard’s parents have a small number of small holiday parks, while Clare’s parents were restaurant owners and her brother is part of the successful Lawrenson Group in Hamilton.

Clare says Argent Motor Lodge was an opportunity that presented itself to them and they decided to give it a go. As a result, they now boast a motel that has never once been empty – a feat very impressive for a new motel only a few years old.

Clare believes their open and inviting attitude, coupled with their exceedingly high standards, is what has given Argent Motor Lodge the glowing reputation it has today.

“‘Ok’ is simply not good enough, ‘average’ is not acceptable,” says Clare. “It has to be outstanding or it’s not the Argent way.”

Set only minutes away from the CBD, hospital and lake, Argent Motor Lodge possess a quiet serenity and personalised atmosphere that has their guests leaving with nothing but praise.

Clare and Richard’s mentality is for guests to “arrive as strangers and leave as friends” – a motto that sees them go above and beyond to make their guests feel at home.

“We want people to feel special when they stay here and feel like they belong,” Clare says.

For a couple from small rural towns, Clare and Richard have done well – they started from scratch and have definitely achieved something to be proud of. Don’t go thinking they’re going to start taking it easy though – they have big plans for Argent Motor Lodge.

“We want to resonate with excellence, says Clare. “We want to be to be first choice and we want to be the place you recommend to your loved ones.”

So for anyone with friends or family coming to stay, or those who simply want a weekend away – the door to Clare and Richard Gallagher’s Argent Motor Lodge is always open.