The Manhattan

I knew it was a budget place, but it cost more than some nicer hotels I stayed at on my road trip. The room was tidy apart from an unbearable sewage smell as soon as I opened the door. I bought disinfectant and sprayed the bathroom and surfaces, and opened the windows while I could, but flies were a problem. I messaged the accommodation manager and never heard back.

Melba Bakehouse next door is a bonus, with what I think is the best coffee in Wagga. The rooms are modern, clean and quiet, the beds are comfortable, and management is attentive. It’s good value, well located and easy to check in. I’ve stayed here recently and once before, and was happy to return. Great for one night or several. I’ll be back.

We needed budget accommodation with a late check-in and were pleasantly surprised after seeing some of the negative reviews. It was clean, the bed was comfortable, and it was very quiet in an excellent location. Everything we required was available at a very reasonable price. The promised extras were there, and shutting the bathroom door kept the light and fan noise from being an issue. The working lift was a bonus, as was Melba’s downstairs, with good coffee and cheerful service. We’d happily recommend it to budget-conscious travellers. Thanks to the operators for providing what we needed. It saddens me how aggressively negative some people are in their feedback.

The room smelled old, and my four-year-old daughter spotted something in the bathroom. It was a huge cockroach. I had to pick it up, which was disgusting. The shower had an ugly stain and barely any water came from the showerhead. The chairs were stained, discoloured and very wobbly. The parking spaces were so small I needed a ten-point turn to get my ute out. There was no sign for the lift, so I didn’t even know one existed until checkout. You get what you pay for.