The Whale Inn

It is great that the Whale allows dogs in some rooms, but that is about it. The room smelt terribly of overpowering disinfectant when we moved in. Nobody at reception, phone not answered, email not answered. Left both doors open for several hours and it became barely tolerable. Then we tried to watch TV, SBS only, aerial no good for any other stations. Hard to see how a motel that gives no way for a guest to contact them can stay in business.

A terrible experience.The website shows views of the ocean etc.We had views of the carpark. The hotel has not had a decent renovation since the 1970’s. The lack of maintenance and repair was evident as soon as you enter the front door. It is dark with not even a fan in the bedroom. We had an ‘executive spa suite’. I looked at leaving but all accommodation was taken. The worst accommodation I have stayed in 30 years

The Whale Inn Narooma website reads well, and based on the web site and a comment from a friend my partner and I decided to stay there for two nights, Saturday and Sunday of a public holiday weekend to celebrate our wedding anniversary. Booking Dot Com gives the Inn 4 Stars, the question is does it deserve them? Our suite was on the ground floor and easily accessed, we had a glimpse of the bay and out to sea. The living room has, strangely a single bed against one wall it looks out of place in a suite. A table and four chairs and a kitchenette area, tea, coffee and coffee pods are provided. But the coffee etc were insufficient for two days and two nights. A small refrigerator is overfilled with alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks making fitting anything a guest might want to put in difficult, unless the fridge is unloaded. The suites furniture and the decoration, pictures curtains etc are of of poor quality, certainly not what I associate with a suite in a hotel/motel. The bed room and bed were comfortable and the linen clean, a small wardrobe with iron, ironing board are provided as are pool towels. A second TV is wall mounted in the bedroom but it was difficult to watch as the picture was less than perfect. The bathroom is spacious but in need of a renovation, handrails are in the shower and around the toilet. The coat of paint covering the original tiles is starting to peel and appearances do matter, The shower has had half the 1970's shower screen removed sorry but it doesn't pass as a modern shower. The Whale Inn does has a restaurant of which it is proud. However it is only open during the evening and it only serves Cantonese food, booking I was told are essential as it is open to non residents prices are while not expensive by Sydney or Canberra CBD standards might come as a bit of a shock to families and holiday makers. Not only is breakfast not included in the price it is not available; not even a light breakfast pack for the room can be purchased. On arrival I was told that a cafe is open just up the road or an alternative was a twenty minute walk away. Unfortunately the first cafe like almost everything else in Narooma closed on the Sunday. it had been open the previous afternoon. This left us with the cafe within walking distance. It should be noted that it is only within walking distance for the fit and healthy as the climb back up the hill to the Motel, it is a motel, not a hotel, would be impossible for anyone with mobility problems. Also closed on Sunday is the Motel reception so we were unable to get coffee, tea, milk and sugar replaced. Despite claiming four stars the Motel does not provide a turndown service or room cleaning and bed making at least not while we were there. In many ways our weekend was not that different from a weekend at home although we provide breakfast and unlimited tea and quality coffee. We left before the reception opened on Monday morning as there seemed to be no po

Because of the Merivale name I was expecting something special. The unit was clean and had the usual motel facilities. Overall though it resembled dozens of very ordinary motels I have stayed in. Im sure there is better in the. area.

We took our little dog with us on a 4 night stay at The Whale Inn. The staff were friendly and helpful. Our suite was spacious and everything was clean. There is a lovely swimming pool set in a well maintained lawn area with a gas BBQ and seating, and there was a great view out to sea from our room. The property is well situated in easy walking distance to cafes, clubs, shops and the water front. The Whale also has an excellent restaurant. We would definitely stay at the Whale Inn again.

At opening the door we were amazed at the set up of this room. The first room had two single beds, a table and chair with a TV and light on it, and a picture on wall with an overhead light. Next room was where the bathroom was separated from the shower, and a small luggage stand, mirror on wall and a built in wardrobe. The main room consisted of the kitchen area with everything that is needed, a very comfy queen bed, TV and lounge seating. This room also has access to the swimming pool, BBQ area and a view towards the ocean. Thoroughly recommend this motel for the cleanliness and room set up.