The Lodge Motel, Newman

The mattresses were the best we’ve slept on, so comfortable and great for a proper night’s rest. We only stopped for one night while passing through, so I can’t comment on the location. The accommodation was simple but had all we needed, and the bathroom was functional, if not the best. Breakfast started at 5 am and was excellent: barista coffee, delicious bacon, eggs and mushrooms, plus cereal, plenty of fruit and other choices. You could also ask for an omelette made to order. We’d stay again.

The motel has improved over the years, and my room had clearly been made over recently. It’s centrally located, with good food facilities on site and a great buffet breakfast. Lots of FIFOs stay here because Newman is all about mining, but I’ve always found them fairly quiet and respectful. The security gates add to the overall sense of safety. I recommend it if you want a quiet rest with good food available.

I’ve been coming here for work on and off for the past year and a half, and have stayed in plenty of rooms. Looking past the fittings falling apart, power sockets coming out of the walls, other people’s hair in the shower, and some of the most uncomfortable beds known to man, it’s a great motel. The last straw was a broken fridge. They gave me another room with a working one, but only assigned it to me for one night. When I got back after a full day of work, hoping to eat my home cooked meal and have a cold Powerade, all my meals and things had been thrown in the bin. Nobody stopped to think why someone would leave Tupperware and food there, or why the room had only been assigned for less than a day. Wild stuff, only Newman Lodge could come up with it. Do yourself a favour and don’t stay here.

Our bartender Francine was wonderful, the nicest person and so accommodating. She made the atmosphere great. Without her, we would have left hours ago.