Pinehaven Motel

We couldn’t manage the two nights we’d booked and left after just one. The mattress was so uncomfortable that my ribs hurt from trying to sleep on it. The room also smelled mouldy, and the sheets had mould on them. It’s very dated, and the busy road nearby made it noisy. There are plenty of nicer motels around, so I’d avoid this one.

We found belongings left behind by previous guests, so the room didn’t seem to have been cleaned properly. There was only one toilet paper roll and nothing extra. The rooms are very old, too. We booked two rooms for four days, and one had a cracked doorknob with a sharp point. A friend cut all four fingers on it. At first we didn’t realise the knob was what had caused it, and even after we worked it out, another friend touched it carefully and was still cut. We told the male staff member before leaving so it could be changed for future guests, but he acted as if we’d made it up and was rude. The staff behaviour was bad.

For the price, the rooms are spacious enough, clean, and have solid fittings. They’re old, and certainly not five-star, but still good value. The walls are double brick, so they aren’t thin like a previous commenter said. It’s close to the pub, information centre, kiosk, and the town’s other shop besides the petrol station next door, which also runs the motel.

We paid $100 for one night. There’s no aircon, just a bar heater or a fan fixed on top of the wardrobe. The fan and TV share a powerpoint, so you can’t use both together, and the TV was too pixelated to watch anyway. My phone had no service and I couldn’t get internet, though the free WiFi worked. We also found biscuit wrappers from previous guests under the table. If you’re staying here, check the petrol station next door or Nelson hotel, where rooms are cheaper. Arrange somewhere to stay before arriving, as internet is very patchy here.