River Street Motel

I’d appreciate it if the owner would respond with at least the criteria for being considered local. Apparently, the motel may count even parts of the Gold Coast, about 100 kms away in a different state, as local. Someone in the office seems to check bookings a few days beforehand and cancel them if they meet that threshold. I had paid in full for three nights at the River Street Hotel in Ballina in November through Booking.com. A few days before the stay, I went to the motel office to ask for an extra night. The receptionist was initially cooperative, then asked intrusive questions, including where I was staying and where I was going. She said the owners don’t let locals stay and cancelled my booking. My home is in Lismore, 35 kms away, and in any case it’s rented out until August next year. I asked why they accepted the reservation, and she said Booking .com doesn’t let them state this policy. Booking .com said I’d get a refund within seven to fourteen days. They also said the motel cancelled because it was “unable to find or confirm” my reservation, which is clearly untrue. I found accommodation a few blocks away, but if I hadn’t, it would have been a major inconvenience. How can a motel cancel a fully paid reservation at the last minute for such a flimsy excuse?

The room was huge, with nice furniture, and everything was clean. The balcony was amazing too. Easily the best motel on our trip. We’ll stay again!

If you value your sleep, avoid room number 1. It faces River Street, so there’s lots of traffic noise late into the night and again early in the morning. We’d had the room furthest away before and that was good, but room 1 was dark, gloomy and very, very noisy.

The service was amazing, very friendly, helpful and informative, and easy to deal with. The rooms were sufficient, with artwork showing local towns and attractions. It’s close to the main street, a bit more of a drive than a walk, though still walkable.