General News
25 May, 2022
New owners to modernise Dalvue Motel
THE new owners of the Dalvue Motel will look to increasing the motel’s digital presence to attract new visitors to Terang and increase the flowthrough of guests.
THE new owners of the Dalvue Motel will look to increasing the motel’s digital presence to attract new visitors to Terang and increase the flowthrough of guests.
New owners Michael and Mitch Patel (no relation) were in town over the weekend to prepare for operation with a modern edge.
Michael currently operates another hotel in Ararat and Mitch comes from an IT background in Melbourne.
While the two will not stay in Terang for day-to-day operations, Warrnambool’s Carole and Lloyd Smith have been tasked with the smooth running of the Dalvue Motel.
Michael said he felt it was time to expand and approached Mitch, a business associate, with the offer of a 50 per cent ownership stake and a fresh start in Terang.
“It’s a good little town on the highway to Warrnambool,” he said.
“Close to the Great Ocean Road, so we expect there is a mix of clients here from corporate workers and tourists.
“We had a look at the property, which Robyn and Murray (Perrett) had operated for 35-years and it was really well kept.
“We thought the Dalvue Motel had a lot of potential for new owners to both do it justice and keep it going.”
Mitch said the potential to grow the businesses through modernisation was an immediate drawcard.
“Robyn and Murray were more like an old-style running motel which was paper-based, so one of the main things we want to do is take it online and maintain an online presence,” he said.
“I think this will help to streamline for the corporate bookers and travel agencies as well, which will be very pleasing.
“This will make it easier for everyone.”
Michael said part of the modernisation was to utilise online booking search options, making it easier for potential guests to find their way to the Dalvue Motel.
“We have a new website online with the booking engine so people can make a booking online,” he said.
“What was missing on top of the website was the use of third-party booking channels like booking.com and Expedia, so we’ve applied and should have a listing up any minute.
“We want to take advantage of all online-booking platforms, our website and e-mail system.
“It was previously just a phone booking but now we take it all, which is becoming a norm these days. If you look at other motels, even in town, everyone is online.”
Michael said location was everything, and his first impression of the motel was that it was in a prime location in a “beautiful” town.
“It’s very nice driving in to the town with the tree lines along the main street,” he said.
“The town is very well kept and doesn’t look like an old town."
“We had good, positive vibes when we first came to Terang and we thought it seemed like a nice little town, and a good community."
“The location for the motel was excellent with the police station, pubs and the IGA close by and Crawley’s Milkbar right next door.”