Central Motel

Thanks to Lisa and Andrew, I felt safe here. The room's only window is on the wrong side, which some people may complain about, but for a few days I could live with that because the staff were so personable. The location is very central, opposite the post office, council office and tourist information centre, and only 200 metres from the police station, Greyhound bus stop and shops. They're expanding, so hopefully the new motel rooms will have windows!

I paid $400 for a room booked for 19th-21st May, and after testing positive for COVID, I called the motel to explain. Reception told me there'd be no refund because I hadn't given four weeks' notice. I pleaded for even a partial refund, but all I got was, "we empathise with you." They don't seem to know what empathy means. That money went straight into their pockets, and I doubt they lost anything, since they could probably book the room again. The Australian governments should crack down on this kind of practice. I'm not the only one this has happened to. This business has taken my money and the money I would have spent in Longreach. Maybe they should take a good look at themselves and show empathy for the people who've missed out. I've waited years and saved on a disability pension to visit Longreach. It felt like the right time to support the towns and businesses that have been struggling. I booked and paid the full price early that morning in good faith. Later that day I felt a bit off and took a COVID test. Getting that result was what I'd feared.

At $155 a night, this room felt like a complete rip-off. The floors were filthy, one bedsheet was stained, and there was no shampoo or anything like it in the bathroom. The big showerhead was so clogged that hardly any water came out. Beer at the bar cost $1.30 more than at the pub across the road. Disappointing all around.

The apartment didn't look very clean, and there were empty shampoo bottles in the shower. Our bed rolled around with every movement, so we tried wedging shoes under it, but that barely helped. Upstairs, a very loud fire alarm kept beeping, which was especially irritating after arriving late when we had to get up early to drive home. To start the stay, the woman at the front bar was yelling and swearing across it to her friends. Wouldn't recommend it. We should've just slept in the car like we planned.