Karaka Tree Motel

The location was good, close to town and the lake, but the state of the place was awful for what I paid. We booked two mineral suites at $223 each for one night. One room smelled musty, had a dirty cup put back on the shelf and a filthy pan in the cupboard. The TV didn't work. I told reception, and the man said he would ask his manager about compensation, I think he mentioned $20. The room looked like someone had been living in it permanently, with just a sheet thrown over the beds and no valance. It looked nothing like the online pictures. On arrival at 2pm, one room still wasn't ready and was being cleaned. There were no towels in the room either. The man shrugged it off as a busy few days. The reception area was messy and smelled as soon as we walked in. He was nice enough, but kept making excuses. At 1:30am, people in the next room woke us up. The walls are so thin. Outside my son's room there was a broken table with a corner sticking out, which could have been moved. Rainwater had collected on the walkway, and they could perhaps have put up signs or blocked it off. Apparently there are new owners. With some care and attention it could be a comfortable, reasonably priced place, but I was disgusted by its condition. Don't book based on the photos online, it's not even close.

The guy did eventually turn up to check us in, though at first nobody was there even though they'd let us book, and we thought we'd been hosed. The hot tub was stained and dirty, but at least it was a hot tub. The room was so-so, though manageable for someone used to camping and sleeping in a van. It had a fridge, microwave, toaster, hot plate and coffee maker. The outside needs cleaning and the rooms need remodeling.

We had everything we needed, and the rooms were comfortable. Kiran was especially helpful throughout our stay. We loved that the motel welcomes pets, and our little Yorkie pup was treated warmly. The private mineral spa pool in our room was a lovely extra. I'd highly recommend staying here, especially if you're bringing a dog.

For one night when you really need somewhere, it's okay, as long as you don't expect much. The sheets were clean and the room tidy, with an electric blanket. Staff were nice, and the location and parking were good. But cockroaches were everywhere, even though the room had just been cleaned before we arrived. There were no bedside tables, and the few furniture pieces felt random. No air con or fan either. It definitely needs renovating and pest control.