Lakeside Hotel and Conference Centre

I've stayed here many times since at least 2017, and it used to be one of my go-to motels. The rooms are large and have a couch, parking is free, prices have been reasonable compared with the city, and the lobby has a free self-serve coffee machine. Rooms on the western side look out over grass and a duck pond. It's always been peaceful for me as a light sleeper, with no road noise or thin-wall problems. The main issue is getting around. Parking is at least 140m away and the route is awkward, with pebbles, grass, a slope, and possibly a flight of stairs if you go straight to your room. The other route has three sets of doors and some steps. I've sometimes parked in the reception and arrival cul-de-sac, though others usually have the same idea, and there are still steps there. At least a driver can drop you off. With the stairs to the lower level as well, this motel isn't suitable for people with mobility issues. Room requests like a top-level or quiet room aren't guaranteed since they assign rooms on arrival, so there's no certainty of getting an upper room if you have mobility problems. The rooms often smell musty, especially downstairs, and there's always some cleanliness issue. The bathroom is usually the worst, with grime around the shower, dirty flush buttons and power points. One old kettle was green inside. The smell and cleaning haven't improved over all the years I've been coming. I don't know why management can't give cleaners more time to do a proper clean now and then. I'd rate the motel much higher if they did. The coffee machine is also often out of hot chocolate. If you don't mind walking through the university, it's about 15 minutes to the Metro station or a big shopping centre with lots of places to eat. Driving takes around five minutes, though I managed to lose my car in the car park there. The Metro gets you to Central Station in about 25 minute. With city parking so expensive, that could be a good option. Even with all those downsides, I still like staying here.