The Victoria Hotel

At the Victoria Hotel, you get a clean, cheap roof near one of South Australia's most picturesque fishing villages, but the shared bathrooms badly need attention. Expect heritage pub accommodation, not a modern hotel or motel. The property has been around since 1863. Although the bistro and beer garden have had investment, the rest feels dated, especially as you climb the stairs and enter the accommodation corridor. It's clearly a two-star place, whatever a listing that rounds it up to three might say. The rooms are modest and practical, with a flat-screen TV, tea and coffee facilities, desk, chair, heater and fan. The carpet is worn and furnishings are utilitarian. The floor has a faint institutional feel, like a 1980s country boarding house. The beds are serviceable, though not especially comfortable, which isn't surprising at this price. There are no ensuites at all. Everyone shares the separate men's and women's bathrooms and a unisex shower, all on the same floor. The guest-to-facility ratio isn't generous, so you may have to wait at busy times. The cracked grout, old fittings and tired tiles make the bathrooms the weakest part of the property, and cleaning can't hide how overdue they are for refurbishment. Still, the place is clean, and the staff are clearly trying. It's primitive rather than dirty. A shared kitchen with complimentary tea and coffee is a welcome extra. Rates are $70 for a single, $90 for a double and $160 for a large family room. In a coastal town with precious little other accommodation, the pricing is honest and it's hard to be too harsh. Just be prepared for basic pub rooms and bathrooms that haven't yet had the attention they need.

I rode over from Adelaide and got to Port McDonnell just before lunch. The staff at the Victoria hotel were friendly, and it's a nice pub. Their steak roll, with chips, was the best steak sandwich or roll I've had in years. Thanks! I made it home ahead of the rain, with a little help from prayer.

They got the medium rare steak just right, and the beer was ice cold too. The bar and bistro staff were chatty and lovely, and the place felt clean and family orientated. What more could you want? Six out of five, you blokes!

We had a full family meal in the bistro. Everything was absolutely fresh and delicious. I'd highly recommend giving it a try.