The Edgewater Motel owners were surprised to be in the running for the 2009 AA Supreme Host of the Year Award and even more surprised to win, Mr Tauris said.
They had no idea their customers had sent in comment forms relating to their welcoming service until two weeks ago.
They also had no idea that when the earthquake struck on Wednesday, July 15, they also had a Qualmark mystery shopper visiting the motels as a final check before winning the award.
The award was presented to their daughter Danica Tauris, who helps with the family-owned business, at the Motel Association of New Zealand conference on Saturday night.
The award focuses on levels of hospitality, and finalists are selected through customer-comment cards and Qualmark mystery shopping results.
"It gives you a sense of faith in your customers that they would take the time to send off these cards," Mr Tauris said.
Motel Association of New Zealand chief executive Michael Baines said the motel deserved the award.
"The hospitality of the Edgewater Motel staff was truly outstanding," he said.
"What was even more remarkable was the mystery shopping was carried out during the time of the major earthquake event, and still staff were able to impress the Qualmark mystery shoppers."
