540 on Great South Motel

The rooms looked around 30% smaller and darker than the website photos, which seem to use wide-angle shots. The smell was noticeable as soon as I opened the reception door. It was strong enough that management appeared to be covering it with a very heavy perfume that smelled like chemicals. The reception ladies were rude and showed no empathy. I was lectured over handing in my keys at 10:04 when checkout was 10:00. After I posted my review, the manager called at 7:30 in the morning to question the logic of it. He came across as arrogant. To me, that self-centred attitude seemed to run through the staff, and they hardly seemed to care about customers. It’s a cheap hotel, and you get what you pay for. I’d rather spend a few more dollars elsewhere than risk spoiling a special trip. I won’t make that mistake again.

The manager was really nice and helpful, and the location is convenient, with lots of food options nearby, even if the area isn’t posh. The value is okay, but the place needs a lot of maintenance. There’s no ventilation in the rooms or bathrooms, and you should expect some broken things. I’d also be prepared for bed bugs.

We booked two nights and regretted not leaving after the first. The room was dirty, and the strange air in it had us coughing through the night. The bathroom extractor fan didn’t work, the shower holder was broken, and the fold-out couch cushions had stains. The walls are so thin we could hear neighbours coughing. We’re still waiting for our bond back. They said our bank is causing the delay, yeah right.

The room was quite large and the bed was very comfortable. It’s an okay motel, though the view from outside isn’t luxurious.