Mt. Gambier Residency

It turned out to be a decent place in a very good location, near the famous Sinkhole. If you go early, around 8am, it's very peaceful. The room was clean enough and had some new amenities, including a kettle, toaster, and hairdryer. The TV didn't work, and after two nights we had to ask for fresh towels on the second day, though they did provide them. I expected daily cleaning and towel changes for $189 a night. Maybe the high price was because we booked close to the date during peak holiday season in Dec/Jan. For that rate, those services should be included. It's decent enough if there's nowhere else available. At first I wasn't sure the place even existed, but booking through booking.com reassured me. I called twice before arriving, and a friendly woman answered all my questions. It had only opened on Dec 23 under new management. I suspect the rooms were part of the Jubilee motel next door and a section was sold to the new owners.

The room was cheap, and I guess you get what you pay for, but I wouldn't stay again. There was no Wi-Fi, and reception wasn't open before 3pm even though the door said 8:30am. The room itself was dirty: thick dust on the bedside table, mould in the shower grout, a sink that needs resurfacing, cobwebs on the windows, and an unpainted wall where a smaller toilet cistern had replaced the old one. The little long-life milk portions were over a year out of date.

The staff were excellent and friendly, and I'll always remember their hospitality. The cozy rooms were clean and tidy, with nearly everything needed for a short stay and comfortable bedding. It's also close to the tourist sites, McDonald, and the petrol station with the cheapest fuel in town. Definitely recommended. Hope to see you guys again!

The amenities were brand new and really impressed us, including toiletries from Enriched, a brand available in 5 Stars. Even though it's a budget motel, it's clear the owners care about service and chose those details deliberately. The building itself is quite old, but the staff are still renovating at a good pace. Five stars to the motel guys.