Otway Junction Motor Inn

We'd seen the reviews and weren't expecting much, but the spot worked so well for our road trip that we booked it. I was pleasantly surprised: the bedrooms were fine, very clean, and the heater worked great. The woman was nearly closing the restaurant but still made us dinner. The food was pretty good, and she was lovely to us the whole time. We can't complain. I think some people expect more than they're paying for.

The dining room's casual and nothing much to look at, but I wouldn't dismiss it on appearances. The service was a 10 out of 10, and the friendly woman who greeted us served us quickly. We had dinner there tonight, with a fire going in the fireplace when my son and I arrived. My chicken schnitzel was cooked perfectly, with wedges and salad, and the generous serving came on a big oval plate. I also loved the thin, crisp garlic bread with plenty of butter and garlic, though it was too garlicky for my son. He enjoyed the kids' nuggets and chips so much that he ordered more nuggets. Thanks for a memorable meal. I'd be a regular if I lived nearby.

If I could give less than one star, I would. We stopped at the restaurant for food because we were very hungry, and the elderly woman taking our order was cold and never smiled at us. She seemed warm and cheerful when serving local diners, so as people of a different nationality we felt she might have been treating us differently. At first we tried to ignore it, but then she brought our food in a takeaway bag, dropped it on the counter without telling us it was ours, and went to serve other locals. When I asked if it was our order, she rolled her eyes and said yes. It felt insulting, and the whole experience left me really disappointed by the attitude we encountered.

For a one to four night stay, this place does the job and then some. A motel is somewhere to eat and sleep, and the food here is very good, especially the eggs and bacon. Portions are substantial and good value. The rooms are clean, everything works, and they have the amenities you'd expect, including TV, AC/heating, crockery, coffee and sugar. They're nothing fancy, with bathrooms that feel like a throwback to the '70s, but I reckon that's part of the charm. Who needs luxury? The woman is nice, though she can be a bit abrupt. If you're a normal person who doesn't waffle or speak in riddles, you'll be fine, just like with anyone else.