Dartmouth Motor Inn

After three days camping over Easter with our dog, we had a good two day stay. The room was clean and looked just like the photos on the website. There’s a big, beautiful park across the road that Miss 8 enjoyed. The pub opposite had no meals because they didn’t have a cook on staff. Mitta Mitta is a 15 minute drive away, with a pub serving nice food and a general store that closes at 4pm.

I booked the apartment for two nights in late March 2025, arranging it directly with the motel in mid-December 2024 for an event. Since I was asked to pay in full, I checked the cancellation policy with Deb Ormond. She told me I’d get a refund if I cancelled with enough time for the room to be rebooked. I cancelled in late January 2025, and was told it wouldn’t be a problem and to send my bank details, which I did. The room was rebooked almost straight away, and my booking was cancelled. The refund never arrived. When I called again, I was asked to send my bank details again and told the money would be returned, but after a few days there was still nothing. I called again and Chris said Deb was busy and would call me back. She didn’t. I rang the next day, and the manager tried to misdirect me about the room and dates. After I explained the situation again, I was promised a refund, but nothing came through. Then I was told I’d been confused with another Jamie, and later that they only got payment from booking.com at the end of the month and would refund me then. I gave them an ultimatum that the refund had to be completed that day. Late in the day, they called and said they’d sort it the next day because they’d been busy. I contacted Victorian Consumer Affairs and gave the managers the case number. They assured me again that the refund would be finalised that day, then sent a receipt from their accounting system showing a refund to me. It listed a Queensland address, which seemed to make sense since the operators are in South Australia and the motel is in Victoria. Still, the next day there was no money. When I followed up, they said it was being refunded to my credit card and sent me a link to a portal I had no login for. It’s been spin, deflection, and complete garbage. I’m still owed $560. I believe I’ve run into unscrupulous operators who can’t be trusted and have taken me for a wood-duck. I’ve been polite and acted in good faith, but I’m determined to see this through. This is the first negative Google review I’ve written, and I’ve raised the matter with Victorian Consumer Affairs.

It’s a beautiful location for work, but I spent seven weeks there and my room was only allowed to be cleaned once. The cleaner and her partner are awesome and do the best they can with what they’re allowed to do. The property is falling apart around them, with little or no maintenance. Paint was peeling off the walls in my room, there was no WiFi, and an awful smell came up through the shower. Grass was growing in the gutters, which overflowed in the rain and turned the car park into a lake. I won’t recommend it to my family or friends.

We arrived on motorbikes and found heaps of parking, including space for boats and trailers. It’s a great base for exploring twisty country roads, lovely creeks, fishing spots and other beautiful places nearby. The motel is close to lovely spots to visit, and the rooms were spacious, comfortable and really clean. The pool was refreshing in the beautiful weather, and the staff were friendly and accommodating. Debbie was fantastic to deal with, so easygoing. We’ll be back, and highly recommend it. Thank you!