Malanda Lodge Motel

We stayed for just one night, thankfully, and I’m sharing this because I find the lodge’s response unacceptable. Staff were very nice and accommodating, but bugs poured into our room all night. Hundreds, big and small, came through gaps around the front door, which wasn’t sealed. They crawled on the walls and ceiling, flew around, and even fell into the bed. It was a nightmare for me. Around 10pm I nearly left to find somewhere else to stay. My husband killed and cleaned up as many as he could, while I wrapped myself in a sheet until we could leave early in the morning. We never opened the screened back door. The front door was opened only twice, once to go for dinner and once when we returned. Even after that, bugs crawled underneath it easily. We tried putting towels down to block them and left just one lamp on in a corner away from the beds, hoping the light would draw them away from us. I wish I’d taken a video of them coming through the cracks. The next morning I saw piles of bugs all around the lodge. I don’t know whether they’d been there when we checked in and I missed them, or whether they’re cleaned up every day. The reply said the rooms are fully sealed, have air-conditioning, and have fly screens at the rear for fresh air. It also said that insects are part of travelling in the country, and that this was a rare event over two nights: flying ants in plague proportions across Malanda and Yungaburra. They’re attracted to light and die by morning, the reply said, adding that the mess is the price of living in tropical North Queensland. It ended with an apology for the stress. I know how to deal with swarms outside, but I don’t appreciate the mildly condescending remark. Even if there are lots of bugs in the area, the rooms need to be sealed properly at the very least. I expect not to have to fight them off inside my hotel room. I can’t stress enough what a nightmare this was.

We had a lovely stay in a peaceful, pretty location. The room was lovely too, and the service was friendly and helpful. It was a perfect base for exploring the region. Thanks.

Eunice at reception was so helpful and accommodating, and we loved the little touches in our room, a bag of sweets and two small bottles of Prosecco to celebrate the happy couple. We spent a glorious weekend at Malanda Lodge for our daughter’s wedding reception. The grounds are beautiful, and the location is stunning. Our room was clean and tastefully decorated, and we’ll definitely return for a longer stay. One thing to improve: getting in and out of the beautiful pool is difficult for anyone with mobility issues. A grab rail by the stairs would help.

We came up from Cairns for a short holiday and loved our stay. The room was clean, spacious, quiet, and comfortable, and breakfast was fresh and generous. The property is absolutely beautiful, and Toni at reception was super welcoming and helpful. We’ll be back, and would definitely recommend it. Thanks, team!