MainStay Suites Townsville

Level 8 suited my remote-work needs much better: it overlooked the marina, was quiet, dark enough to sleep, passably clean and had good phone reception and very fast WiFi. The welcome was thoughtful too. Since I was staying more than seven nights, the fridge had full-size butter, milk, cheese, bacon, juice and fruit, plus a welcome card and full-size detergent and laundry detergent. I appreciated it, even though bacon and cheese weren’t enough to make a meal. They said it was to help get a meal started before having to shop, and I thought that was a kind idea. The place is dated, so I’d recommend it for work or relocating, as it was for me, but not really for a holiday unless you’ll be out most of the time and just need somewhere to sleep. The location is fantastic, with pubs and restaurants right outside and a short walk into the city. There’s gated parking, and I got a text with codes for the front gate and key box. During reception hours you can press the intercom button to enter, then use your key once checked in. I work remotely and had been told by phone weeks earlier that they’d put me up high because it’s quieter. Instead, my first night was in room 111 on level 1. It smelled, the curtains were stained, there was hair in the bed, and the sheets were on with the doona folded on a shelf. Sometimes it’s better not to see a bare doona with all those stains. The accessible bathroom sprayed water everywhere and soaked everything. Brewery bottles being emptied next door and people talking woke me through the night, and a car park light shone straight into the bedroom. The receptionist said she couldn’t move me and told me to come back the next day. I suspect she couldn’t be bothered, especially since she’d put my keys in the after-hours box even though I arrived an hour before reception closed. A different receptionist moved me the next day and said there were plenty of rooms. She was very helpful and made sure I got a room that worked for remote work.

It’s centrally located near restaurants and other amenities, and the after-hours security staff were friendly and accommodating. They don’t handle routine service, though. The rooms are old and tired, and cleanliness was average at best. We were supposed to get full housekeeping once a week on fiesta, but it never happened, even after we confirmed it with the front desk. Our rubbish wasn’t collected for about a week, which was unhygienic and very disappointing. I’d pick somewhere else for an extended stay or work trip.

The balcony was useful and the air-con worked well. There’s a sink, microwave, small fridge and kettle, and the bathroom was reasonably okay, with a window onto a corridor. But the rooms are small, the mattress is old and has no topper, and the bed is uncomfortable. There are two tables side by side for no reason, and little room to hang clothes in the cabinet. The doors and carpets show major wear. About 300 per day for two rooms feels like a rip-off compared with Oaks hotel and resort, which is far better accommodation.

I stayed for work and had a really great time. The service was 100/10, with a huge shoutout to Sandy, who was absolutely amazing to deal with. The room was clean and comfortable, and the balcony views were a bonus. Definitely recommend staying here.