Bluestone Motor Inn

After years of stays at Bluestone Motor Inn without a problem, this one was a huge letdown. We won't be back. We'd been on the road for a long time when we arrived around 5:30pm, and the room felt about 50 degrees. We switched on the aircon and waited outside, but half an hour later it was still like a sauna. It was clearly broken. My wife asked reception for help, and they gave us a key to another room. That room had a different problem. The pipes in its only sink were fully clogged, so we couldn't drain the water after rinsing our Yettis. Reception said maintenance would be down in five minutes, but the reception lady had to come herself because the maintenance guy wasn't available. She tried with cleaner and a plunger, wearing blue gloves, but couldn't clear it. She left the plunger with us so we'd have to use it each time we used the sink. By then it was 7pm, and we'd spent well over an hour switching rooms and trying to sort things out. We bought dinner from the restaurant and it was lovely, but nobody offered even a small goodwill gesture or compensation, not even on the meal. At the prices they charge, being messed around for almost two hours and getting nothing for it just wasn't good enough. If you haven't stayed in Tennant Creek before, try Threeways, a little town 15 minutes towards Darwin. Do yourself a favour and stay there.

The room was clean and comfortable, though I woke at 2am thinking it was daylight. The light by the door stayed bright all night, and the curtain didn't block it out. The bathroom was a bit of a challenge too. There was no soap, and when I went to the office to ask, they didn't have any. I know it's a small thing, but you need soap to wash your hands and shower. We didn't try the food or coffee, though I hear they're good.

The bed was clean and comfortable, but the fridge was frozen shut and most of its seals had come away. The carpets were dirty and could have used a vacuum. Tennant Creek is remote, so I suppose you can't expect too much. I was desperate at the time, but I wouldn't stay there again.

I needed a late check-in, and they offered one. Great service and a great location. The room was quiet, clean and comfortable. I'd definitely stay again.