The Racecourse Hotel & Motorlodge

The hotel's most notable feature is its convenient on-site restaurant and bar, providing guests with easy access to dining and entertainment without needing to leave the premises. This makes it particularly appealing for travelers seeking a hassle-free stay after a long journey, as well as for those attending local events at the nearby racecourse. Guests consistently highlight the hotel's overall value for money, praising the cleanliness of the rooms and the generally friendly staff. It is well-suited for business travelers due to its central location for various appointments, and for event attendees given its direct proximity to the racecourse and Sunday market. Families and couples on short stays also find it a practical choice for its straightforward accommodation. To enhance your stay, guests advise being aware of potential noise levels on busy event nights and suggest requesting a ground floor room for easier access, especially if traveling with heavy luggage.

Facilities & Amenities
Many guests appreciate the presence of kitchenettes in the rooms, equipped with appliances, bowls, and cutlery, which adds convenience for preparing simple meals. However, a recurring point of feedback is the notable absence of a dedicated kitchen sink, requiring guests to use the bathroom basin for dishwashing, which some found inconvenient. Rooms are generally well-equipped with a TV, often featuring Sky TV and Sky Sport with recording options, though some guests noted a lack of access to standard television channels. While some rooms include a bath for relaxation, others mentioned the preference for a full shower setup. The provision of a heater is common, but some guests expressed a desire for a heat pump or air conditioning, especially during warmer periods. Other amenities mentioned include adjoining rooms for larger groups and the occasional presence of a washing machine, though one guest reported issues with its functionality. Some minor details like the lack of a dining table or a hand towel hanger were also noted.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be clean and spacious, providing ample room for relaxation. The beds are frequently praised for being comfortable and ensuring a restful night's sleep, with many appreciating the provision of warm rooms and good pillows. The showers are often highlighted for their fantastic pressure, though some are situated over a bath. Despite overall positive feedback on cleanliness, some guests reported specific issues such as dirty carpets, crumbs and rubbish left behind from previous occupants, and dirt under the bed. Odors were occasionally noted, including a smell of ash tray or a general bleach/air freshener scent. Some bathrooms showed signs of wear, with mentions of leaking taps, dirty shower controls, lino bubbles, and a need for a refresh. Noise levels received mixed feedback; while some found the rooms quiet, others experienced disturbances from noisy neighbors or external events, particularly on busy nights. Minor concerns included firm beds, lumpy mattresses, poor lighting, or the absence of a spare blanket.

Dining & Food Quality
The on-site restaurant and bar are significant draws, with many guests praising the great food and generous servings of typical pub food. The breakfast receives positive mentions for being hearty and offering sensational coffee. For dinner, popular choices include ribs, roasts, and various other dishes, often described as well-priced. However, feedback on food quality is mixed; some guests reported issues with hot meals being served lukewarm, or dishes like chicken and roast pork being dry or tasteless. Specific complaints included greasy fish, cold vegetables, and poor presentation for certain items like the seafood basket. Service in the restaurant also received varied comments, with instances of forgotten orders and feeling rushed during closing times. Despite these inconsistencies, many guests found the dining experience to be a convenient and satisfying aspect of their stay, appreciating the overall value and atmosphere, especially during lively event nights.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is frequently highlighted for its convenience, particularly its proximity to the airport, making it an ideal choice for travelers with early flights or late arrivals. It is also highly favored for its direct access to the racecourse and the Sunday market across the road, proving very handy for event attendees. While some guests describe it as a central location for their needs within the city, others note it is somewhat "back of town" and a bit far from main attractions, requiring transport to reach the city center. The hotel offers ample parking, with many guests appreciating the huge car park and easy access for vehicles, including larger ones like trucks. However, some truck drivers found the parking lot a little challenging to navigate. Its position near a State Highway also contributes to its accessibility for those traveling through.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise for being friendly, helpful, and accommodating. Many guests commend their willingness to assist with requests, including early check-in, and appreciate their overall pleasant demeanor. The cleaners are also noted for their excellent work in maintaining the rooms. However, feedback on service is not uniformly positive. Some guests reported instances of forgotten orders in the restaurant and feeling rushed by staff during closing hours. There were also isolated comments about specific bar staff being perceived as rude or unhospitable, which negatively impacted some guests' experience. The check-in process generally runs smoothly, though one guest mentioned difficulty reaching staff for after-hours check-in instructions. Despite these occasional lapses, the majority of reviews emphasize the positive interactions with the team, highlighting their dedication to providing a welcoming environment.

Additional Information
Guests frequently mention the hotel's value for money, making it a budget-friendly option for many. A significant recurring theme is the issue of noise, with guests reporting disturbances from noisy neighbors, car clubs, and general revelry, especially on event nights or weekends. Some reviews describe the environment as very loud and disruptive, leading to discomfort for some guests. Conversely, some guests found the hotel to be quiet and peaceful. A practical suggestion from guests is the need for security latches on windows to allow for ventilation while maintaining safety. While some reviews mention a pet-friendly policy, at least one guest reported being unable to bring their dog inside, indicating potential inconsistencies or specific restrictions. There were also isolated reports of guests being double charged for their stay, which required resolution.