Branxton House Motel, Hunter Valley

The place was overpriced, old, and run down, with holes in the carpet and mould in the bathroom. The manager or owner was rude. Most rooms seem to be used by shift workers, so don’t sit outside talking on the verandah or you’ll be told off. I won’t stay here again.

The smell from the bed was awful. I couldn’t wait to get up and leave the room, and even six hours later it was still lingering in my senses. The pillows smelled just as disgusting. They’d put two single mattresses together, with what looked like a board on top to level them, then a blanket for cushioning. There were holes in the carpet, scratched furniture, and graffiti scratched into the bathroom glazing. I was travelling for work and wanted a cheap room. I was first quoted $150, then paid $165 for the night. I wasn’t expecting anything fancy, but this was a huge disappointment. I don’t know what the people who left good reviews experienced. If I’d known what I was paying for, I’d have slept in the car.

The reception staff were lovely, and the room had a really homely feel. The beds were comfortable, the bathroom was large, and the shower was good. Honestly, it’s one of the nicest rooms I’ve stayed in for quite a while. I’d happily come back.

On the long weekend, I had to find somewhere else to stay in the Hunter Valley, and the closest alternative was over a 40-minute drive away. The manager had already apparently given my room to someone else. I got a voicemail from the manager at 2:24pm saying my credit card had been declined, which never happens to me. Booking.com texted at 3:04pm to say I could update the card details within two hours. I called the manager at 2:29pm and asked if I could use another card. He flatly refused, was very rude, and offered no other options. Stay away from this place, the manager is so rude.