Gladstone CBD Motel

The smell of previous smokers is so noticeable nowadays. The room initially had a "cleaning" smell but that soon became obvious as smoke in the curtains, pillows, blankets and room generally. The room was dirty and tired. The only redeeming feature was the offer that included a complimentary dinner dish from the attached restaurant. The location was handy to walk to a local shopping precinct.

Gladstone CBD Motel – 3.5/5 We stayed here for two nights in two different rooms—both clean, modern, and surprisingly comfortable. The beds were excellent, and I felt safe and relaxed throughout our stay. The motel has clearly been refurbished, although if you’re an interior designer or a tiler, the finish might catch your eye. That said, the location is ideal—walking distance to Woolworths, dinner options, and there’s even a restaurant attached. Reception was accommodating for a late arrival and has an easy key drop system for early departures. I’d happily stay again.

Central location walk to shops and restaurants, the room is basic but it is clean. Good aircon and on-site parking. There is a lot of permanents living there so can be quite noisy. We didn’t like people smoking right out front of doors there should be a designated smoking area as there was a lot of cigarette butts laying around. The management was polite on checking in and during our stay. It is okay for a one or two night stay but probably not for a holiday.

We booked a room for a family of 4 in Dec 2021, on our way to a Heron Island dive holiday. Although the room was very small for four people, it was adequate, and good value considering it was only $90 for the night. The room was unlocked when we arrived and a txt told us the key would be inside. We saw no motel staff at all during our stay. We left the room the next morning unlocked with the key inside, as we usually do. After our holiday we noticed the charge on our bank statement was $130 rather than $90 as quoted?? I emailed the motel enquiring why and an email sent from someone’s phone read (in verbatim): “During the clean there was missing pillows out of the rooms so there has been a surcharge, Regaurds management”. I replied via email, stating that we didn’t take any pillows, and that our bags were already fully packed with not only clothes but dive equipment and Christmas presents. Also, being without a car we would have had to carry any stolen pillows in the taxi and on the ferry to Heron Island and back. If indeed any pillows were actually missing from the room they may well have been taken prior to us arriving, since the room was left unlocked for us. I informed them that I find it very unprofessional for a business to charge above the quoted price without firstly seeking an explanation regarding the need for the extra charge, and it being unscrupulous for them not informing us of the extra charge. I took offence to the presumption of theft and of their dishonest practices and requested a full refund, else I would post up on TripAdvisor. I received no reply from the motel, nor to my follow-up email a week later. I would recommend if you have to stay at Rusty’s pay in cash as they cannot be trusted with your credit card details.