Merewether Motel

The staff were kind across the board, from reception to housekeeping, and flexible when I needed help. During a difficult time, with a family member in Lingard Private Hospital, this place felt like my home away from home. I stayed for 20 days and am grateful for the caring, professional service. The motel was clean and peaceful. It’s a short walk from the motel to the hospital, and close to the beach for a stress relieving walk. There are several pubs and an Italian takeaway nearby, plus Coles down the road and other shops at The Junction and in Merewether. I could walk around the area and leave the car behind most days. They offer homemade breakfasts, in small or hearty portions, as well as juice and drinks from the fridge at Reception. This Merewether motel is a gem and will be my go to place when I need a safe, secure getaway from our small regional town.

The room air conditioning got wonderfully cold, just what you need in 35-degree heat. It’s close to a main road, but I think it’s good value and well placed for an overnight stop. The hot tub was a nice surprise, and better than the one at an expensive hotel in the Hunter wine region. Don’t overlook this clean, tidy motel.

The kitchenette was great and had everything we needed. There’s a petrol station next door with all sorts of traveller supplies, including breakfast boxes. Although the motel is close to the highway, we didn’t hear much traffic. It’s good value for a quick stopover. The location was handy for driving through Newcastle, and the staff were friendly, helpful and accommodating when we arrived late. Our room was clean and a decent size, with a very comfortable bed. I can’t comment on the pillows because I always bring my own. My only disappointment, just a personal preference, was that the showers had been changed from the photos to all rain shower heads. The toilet and basin combo was interesting.

We checked out of room 7 this morning, very unhappy with our stay. There were hairs and cigarette butts around the room, and one butt was on the floor beside the bed. The bed had shifted to the side, and my three-year-old grandson picked up the cigarette butt and played with it. The bathroom flooded because there’s no drain on the other side of the shower screen, and my grandson slipped. We also had to balance the kettle on the edge of the sink because there was nowhere else to put it, which felt extremely dangerous. For $200 a night, the room was very poorly cleaned and the whole stay was disappointing. When we raised it with reception, they just said, “Oh sorry, it’s an old room.” That isn’t okay.