Gladstone CBD Motel

Room had stained carpet and room had bad odour. We checked in and left within 5 mins. Reception was messy and not welcoming when checked in. When I went back 5 mins later the reception was closed so could not discuss with any staff. Sign said reception open until 6pm and this was well before. Was a waste of money. Only booked for a cheap night sleep when travelling and wasn’t expecting much for the price but could not bring myself to stay in this place.

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.

I booked this motel as I thought it was pet friendly and comments online said it was a $10 pet fee. On arrival the owners mother said it wasn’t pet friendly so I said no problem we will go elsewhere which she said that’s ok cause you’re card hasn’t been charged. As I left they apologised and nothing was mentioned about charging me. After I left the owner took it upon herself to charge my card anyway and after I spoke to her today says bad luck she won’t be refunding me. It’s FRAUD charging for services not provided and I will be taking this further.