Best Western Plus Hotel Lord Forrest

The extra AUD 8.12 taken from my deposit refund was the point that changed how I felt about the stay. I had straightened the room a bit before leaving, gathered the rubbish, and never touched the minibar, but got no email or invoice explaining the fee. The hotel’s policies felt unclear, with too much left undisclosed, and I wouldn’t stay there again if I return to Bunbury. I’d booked a double room through Booking.com for 26/12 to 28/12. The building seemed dated, but for a last-minute Christmas break in Bunbury, and at a lower price than other hotels, that seemed fair. I was surprised at check-in to learn of a AUD 200 security deposit, refundable a few days after checkout, since the Booking.com page hadn’t mentioned it. Still, I could understand wanting cover for possible furniture damage. The first night was restful and the neighbors were mostly quiet. Apart from a bathtub that needed a better clean, there wasn’t much to complain about. I noticed the minibar items were charged, but I had brought my own food and drinks and didn’t use it. The next night was different. Nearby bars were open, and the poor soundproofing let in music and noise from nearby rooms. I think the building’s age may be behind that. I left early the following morning before reception opened. Up to that point, I’d still have given the hotel three stars.

We barely slept because the air conditioner kept making loud banging noises. When we showed reception a video the next morning, the response was, “sorry but if it’s not doing it right now there’s nothing we can do”. We asked to switch rooms and were told the hotel was fully booked, even though hardly anyone seemed to be around the pool, dining area or hotel, and an online search showed several rooms available. There were other problems too: dirty towels, a bathroom light and fan that didn’t work properly, no working wifi, and walls so thin we could hear people talking in their rooms. The room was a letdown for what we paid, the same as the Perth Crown. I’d stayed here as a kid and came back with my husband, but it wasn’t what it used to be. At checkout nobody asked how the stay had gone. I called later to complain, and was only offered a deal if we came back. Why would we? The service was shocking. I strongly recommend staying somewhere else.

The atmosphere was the biggest concern. During our visit there were guests openly partying, several who seemed to be under the influence of drugs, and a shirtless man on the top floor yelling at people passing by. It felt unsafe and unsuitable for a family. I contacted the Department of Health because drug use, including smoking substances in rooms, could pose a serious health risk to future guests. I won’t stay here again anytime soon, and especially wouldn’t recommend it for families. The food at the restaurant was genuinely amazing, though the service didn’t match it. Check-in took ages because the systems weren’t working; technical issues happen, but the staff member was rude and unhelpful, as if the problem were ours instead of offering an apology or help. The rooms were basic, old and outdated, though usable. More troubling, the hot water ran yellow, like rust, and the system clearly needs attention.

Raj at reception made us feel welcome and comfortable from the start. My wife and I stayed two nights at The Lord Forrest Hotel in Bunbury and had a wonderful time. Breakfast was fresh and delicious both mornings, and Collin, serving in the Atrium, was friendly, professional and impressively efficient on his own. We didn’t catch the chef’s name, but wanted to acknowledge his cooking too. Great stay and service, highly recommended.