Corio Bay Motel

While primarily serving as a convenient overnight stop for travelers utilizing the Spirit of Tasmania ferry, this motel is largely characterized by its severe lack of maintenance and cleanliness. Guests consistently describe the rooms as filthy and in a state of disrepair, often leading to immediate departures or a strong desire to leave. The overwhelming impression is one of a very old and neglected property, with many feeling it should undergo significant renovation or even be closed down due to its poor condition. It is best suited for budget-conscious travelers or transiting individuals who prioritize extreme affordability and direct proximity to the ferry terminal above all else, and who are prepared for very basic and often unhygienic accommodations. To enhance a stay, guests are strongly advised to manage their expectations significantly, as the reality often falls far short of any online images, and to consider bringing their own basic amenities, as the provided ones are frequently lacking or unhygienic.

Facilities & Amenities
Feedback on the motel's facilities and amenities is largely negative, reflecting the property's overall dated condition. Many guests report that the television in their rooms was either not working, lacked a remote control, or had poor reception, making it unusable. Similarly, Wi-Fi access was frequently problematic, with guests unable to connect or finding the signal unreliable, despite it being advertised. The air conditioning units are often described as old, noisy, or completely non-functional, with some even appearing to be in disrepair. While some rooms offer basic kitchenette items like a microwave, kettle, and fridge, guests often found the provided crockery and cutlery to be dirty or mismatched, and essential items like dishwashing liquid were absent. A significant safety concern raised by multiple reviews is the state of smoke alarms, which were frequently found to be disabled, hanging by wires, or lacking batteries, posing a serious risk to guest safety.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The most prevalent and concerning feedback revolves around the motel's cleanliness and room comfort, which are overwhelmingly described as substandard. Guests consistently report rooms as filthy, with dirty carpets that are stained, torn, and appear never to have been vacuumed, making it uncomfortable to walk barefoot. A pervasive issue is the presence of mould, particularly on bathroom ceilings, in showers, and on walls, contributing to unpleasant odours. Bathrooms are frequently criticized for being cramped, lacking a hand basin, having peeling flooring, broken tiles, and non-functional or missing shower screens, leading to water flooding the floor. Many reviews mention a strong, unpleasant smell throughout the rooms, often attributed to cigarettes, dampness, or urine. While some guests found the beds comfortable and the linen clean, others reported old mattresses, stained bedding, or even the presence of bed bugs. Noise is another common complaint, with significant highway noise and loud trucks disrupting sleep.

Dining & Food Quality
Feedback regarding dining and food quality is predominantly negative, with guests expressing significant disappointment. Many reviews highlight issues with the advertised breakfast, which guests were often informed was no longer served, despite being listed as an amenity. When a form of breakfast was provided, it was described as minimal, consisting only of coffee and stale biscuits, falling far short of expectations. The availability and condition of crockery and cutlery in rooms were also a recurring complaint; guests often found items to be dirty, chipped, or mismatched, with essential utensils like teaspoons or forks frequently missing. This lack of proper provisions meant that some guests found it impossible to even make a coffee or eat in their rooms, further detracting from their stay and indicating a general lack of attention to basic guest needs.

Location & Accessibility
The motel's location is consistently cited as its primary, and often sole, positive attribute, particularly for travelers using the Spirit of Tasmania ferry, which is conveniently located just a short drive away. This makes it an ideal stopover point for early departures or late arrivals. The motel is also noted for its easy accessibility and ample parking, including secure options for larger vehicles like camper trailers, which is a significant benefit for many guests. However, the location also presents considerable drawbacks. Situated directly on a busy highway, guests frequently report constant and disruptive road noise, especially from heavy trucks, which can severely impact sleep quality. Some reviews also allude to the surrounding area feeling unsafe or undesirable, though the motel itself is easy to find.

Staff & Service
Guest experiences with staff and service are mixed, though negative feedback is prominent. Many guests report significant difficulties in contacting the motel, with phone calls often going unanswered and messages unreturned, leading to frustration, especially regarding check-in procedures or cancellations. Some guests experienced long waits for staff to appear for check-in, or found the process to be disorganized. While a minority of reviews mention friendly staff who were helpful or apologetic about the room conditions, others describe staff as uncooperative, rude, or lacking warmth. Issues with obtaining refunds for unsatisfactory stays are frequently highlighted, with guests often directed to third-party booking sites and the motel failing to respond to refund requests. This inconsistency in service, coupled with a general lack of responsiveness, significantly impacts the guest experience.

Additional Information
Beyond the specific categories, several other important details emerge from guest reviews. The motel is widely perceived as being in a state of extreme disrepair and lack of maintenance, with many guests questioning its continued operation given the poor conditions. While some reviews mention ongoing renovation efforts in certain rooms, the overall impression is that these are insufficient to address the widespread issues. Guests frequently express concerns about the general safety of the property, citing issues like unsecured doors and windows, and rotting external stairs, which are seen as potential hazards. The perception of value for money is highly contentious; while some guests acknowledge its affordability, many feel the price, even if low, is still too high given the deplorable conditions, arguing that "you get what you pay for" does not justify the lack of basic hygiene and comfort.