Dubbo Budget Stay

It’s like a high-end backpackers, with a comfortable room and bed and an ensuite, so we were happy. The room was very clean and quiet and good value, though bedside tables and enough power points would have been nice. We’d stay again if we’re in Dubbo on a budget.

Budget Stay Hotel is in a perfect location, and the room was clean and affordable, though quite small. The internet was a bit weak, but having plenty of restaurants nearby was convenient. Thin walls mean you hear doors slamming and other noise. It was fine for one night.

We were advised at reception to keep our phones with us because police are called there often. The staff said it warmly, as if passing along useful local information. That pretty much told us what to expect. We found the room, exchanged a long look, and checked out almost straight away. No refund was offered, so we treated the lost money as a lesson and stayed elsewhere. Sure, it’s cheap. But this goes beyond “no-frills”; it had us suddenly on edge. I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone, whether they’re backpackers or the sort of optimist who says, “How bad can it be?” We found out. Most of the online reviews seem to be written by bots or people who haven’t actually been there. Either way, the reality hits fast.

The room was filthy and the toilet didn’t work. The bald man at the counter, who wouldn’t give me his name, was disgusting to deal with. I’m a pregnant truck driver, and my chihuahua was sleeping in my truck. I took the dog out for a toilet break in the car park, and the manager abused me, then called the police after I said the dog would go back in the truck. I asked for a refund, his name and his boss’s details, but got nowhere. The manager was rude and argumentative. Absolutely horrible place. I don’t recommend it.