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It’s out with the old and in with the new at Walton Park Motor Lodge, with new owners Ashwan and Shalin Datt bringing a fresh approach and look to the landmark Warkworth motel.
Since taking over at Christmas, their focus has been on cleaning up, carrying out core maintenance and generally sprucing up the 26-room property.
Ashwan hails from West Auckland and is a civil engineer and registered project manager specialising in asset and project management by trade.
He and Shalin and their two young daughters have lived in Australia for the last 12 years, but decided to move back and buy a motel business to be close to their Auckland family.
Ashwan says his background in asset and project management is proving useful in establishing admin strategies and installing new systems, while Shalin is looking after the housekeeping side.
“We have excellent housekeeping staff who always work hard to provide a nice and clean rooms to meet the expectation of guests,” he says.
Future plans may include the introduction of a breakfast menu and a residents’ bar lounge.
Ashwan says they have been overwhelmed by the warm welcome they have received from the Warkworth community.
“We have had enormous support from local businesses, the community and our neighbours,” he says.
“They have been so welcoming and encouraging, thanking us for taking over the motel.”
