What we expected (and a bit we hadn't).
We had to be at Ringwood and Donvale on Saturday and then Doreen on Sunday so, rather than do the big drive from home both days, we decided to stay overnight near Doreen on the Saturday. This motel seemed to be the closest and offered a 2-bedroom unit so we booked it.
It's off the Plenty Hwy in a courtyard setting and is very quiet. No traffic noise and no noise from the rooms on either side of us. The beds were good and the pillows were okay so we both had a good sleep. That is, until 6am when the first lot of travellers left. What is it with people who leave early that they feel the need to talk at the top of their voices and slam room and car doors ? Just ignorant, I guess. Then, at 6.30, three people felt the need to move their car about 2 metres back from where they had parked earlier (and were still supposed to be parked). This complex operation apparently demanded that, for 15 minutes, the two guys had to yell instructions at the woman driving and that she yell back at them. Given that they were parked next to my car, the sound of metal crunching got my attention. Fortunately, she'd driven forward !! into a metal pole supporting the covered walkway of the motel rather than into my car. By then, I was wide awake. Thankfully, rather than experiment any further with their stupidity, they abandoned the car, retired to their room and were silent for the rest of the morning.
This is a pretty basic motel. The unit was chilly when we arrived but the heating soon sorted that out. The sofa in the main room was intensely uncomfortable. However, our unit was spotlessly clean and it suited our requirements. It was appropriately priced at $170 and was close to our Sunday destination. The staff were friendly and helpful.
The Italian restaurant, Four Doors, which was recommended in an earlier review of the motel, was only 200 metres away and we had a great dinner there. Nextdoor to it is a Lebanese restaurant which was also very busy.
Oddly, despite everything, we'd happily stay at the motel again if we need to be over that way in the future. less