Outback Quarters Motel Hay

In the middle of the outback, this place makes a great stop, with excellent food and service. I had to leave early, and at my request the owner herself cooked me a special Indian stuffed potato parantha at 7 AM. The room was comfortably spacious for a solo traveller, and I had a very pleasant stay.

We hadn’t realised dinner was included, and the butter chicken was delicious. The rooms were very clean, coffee was provided, and Netflix was already set up. From what I read in the reviews, it sounds like the deluxe rooms are worth the extra cost. Great stay, highly recommend.

The main road intersection was quiet at night, despite the motel being on Cobb and Sturt Highways. The bed was comfortable enough, but the room looked dated and shabby, even though the website said rooms had been refurbished. There was also a mechanical hum all night, somewhere between running water and someone’s air conditioning. I ended up connecting my Firestick TV to my phone so we could watch a little TV before bed. After seeing the room, I didn’t feel like trying the restaurant in case the food standards were similar. I’d booked online after travelling a long day from Mannum SA, expecting the room shown on the website to be comfortable, with a bed, TV and some quiet. Instead, the manager was outside when we arrived with our packed car and was quite rude and unwelcoming. Although the booking was for two, he assumed the car meant four people were staying and questioned me about it. After I explained there were only two of us, I paid. He then pointed out that we’d booked the cheapest room and said the TV didn’t work. The channels changed, but there was no picture or sound, though the radio worked. He didn’t offer Wi-Fi, and there was no information in the room about services or local businesses, as I’ve seen at many other motels. The manager made me uncomfortable, so I didn’t ask for help. Google rated the motel 3.7, which seemed adequate for one night, but after this stay I’d give it a 1 or 2. My husband felt it wasn’t worth the $100 we paid, perhaps $50. If you’re visiting Hay, check that the conditions have improved or choose another motel.

Dinner at the Indian restaurant was fantastic, and the staff were lovely and accommodating. I stopped in Hay while travelling west and had a really easy, pleasant stay. The room was exceptionally clean and quiet, just what you want. I’ll definitely stay here again when I pass through.