Hotel Value Inn (Darwin, Australia)

When compared with local competitors, the motel's prices can't be criticised. If you're looking for ‘cheap' - your search is over.

A major ‘+' here is that everything is on the doorstep. You can walk to restaurants, shops etc; so what at first glance appeared to be a good financial deal, becomes even more so as you avoid all those expensive taxi and public transport costs.

Members of staff-particularly those on reception - really go out of their way to ensure that you are happy with your stay.

The intense smell of chlorine and bleach is an ‘in your eye' clue to the fact that they are (unsuccessfully) trying to cover up some serious problems here. Stained and dirty sheets, blankets and walls are in evidence. The bathroom is attractive only to the cockroaches that congregate there. Some rooms can be very small and cramped.

They've been instructed by Darwin Police Department to photocopy and retain your identification detail. Worrying - but obviously, there must be a good reason for this procedure. The reception area is dimly lit during the later hours and as night draws on, it doesn't feel safe at all.

Over a long period of time, the lack of ventilation in the bathroom area manifests itself in extensive areas of mould (on tiles) and condensation (everywhere). There is an extrusion fan but it's clapped out and is unable to offer anything of a solution to the ever increasing march of the mould.