ibis Styles Geraldton — Hotel in Tarcoola Beach

The door handles are apparently fused shut for security reasons. It was so difficult to get into the room which involves pulling the closed door hard towards you, then tapping you entry key and then throwing your weight simultaneously down on the handle whilst throwing yourself against the door to get in. Having arthritis in my hands made this very difficult. In order to get in to, or out of the room, I had to call for assistance from Reception. The hotel was full so no other rooms were available but the Receptionists said that all of the rooms were like this - and that it was for "security reasons". It was only when I checked out the following day that the Receptionist said it just occurred to her that it could be a fire hazard if I was stuck in the room. Do not stay in Room 51 under any circumstances.

I made the mistake of eating in the restaurant. Dinner had very undercooked vegetables. Frankly they tasted as if they had been taken off the supermarket shelf and put straight on the plate with no cooking in between. No cutlery was brought out with the meal - I had to go and collect it from the bar.

Breakfast was just as bad. They had a bowl of mixed fruit available - with no bowls to put it in. It was not worth the money.

I would not recommend staying here unless you have no other options. However, if you have a car, you have another option. Awful place. ...

Summary of my stay, It's ok. Travelling for business with a friend, having booked two rooms. Credit card fees (fixed) apply to each bill and they couldn't facilitate paying for both rooms in one transaction which was weird. The only alternative for payment is cash or voucher. Just hide the fee in the costs, don't pretend the credit card companies are the bad guys for providing a service. There is a breakfast but at $30/person, it's a pretty outrageous price. We didn't eat there at all.

The rooms are mostly clean although there were sticky stains all over the bedside table and the whole design is just tired and old, bare walls. We lost hot water one morning and they suffer from the cold rush when other rooms flush their toilets.

Be aware that although the front door closes, it will not lock, so double check on the way out.

It's adjacent to the main highway, so you'll hear it, as the walls are paper thin, except for the draft at the front door, that comes in unimpeded. It is quite a distance from Geraldton and food options are all a drive away.

It's very average especially for the price they charge. I did detect Ibis Wifi, but it wasn't offered or advertised to us. There is also a sign in the lobby that says they accept no liability for items stolen that are not stored in the safe, but the rooms don't come...

The basic facilities are pretty disappointing, especially given the price ($314 for a queen and single bed). TV continuously drops out, toilet struggles to stop flushing, and the bins are only lined with a piece of paper towel and no bag at all. There are also no eating implements beyond a mug and teaspoon, which is very frustrating and makes having a fridge in the room essentially pointless (I can store food but can't eat it? Who does this??). Beds and bathroom seem generally clean, so I guess it's not all bad. Haven't checked yet if the aircon/heater, kettle or shower work, but wish me luck...

Update: aircon, kettle and shower all work. However, the curtains do not fully cover the window and leave a small gap that falls rather uncomfortable in the evening. Beds are on wheels that do not lock, so a movement as simple as sitting on the bed or rolling over too fast can cause them to roll. There is also no hand-soap at all, although if you wish to wash yourself head-to-toe in the bathroom sink they do provide ample body wash.

Sorry, but this is really disappointing for a well-known chain that can usually be relied on. Thank God we only needed it...