Waterfront Lodge Motel

Australia , Tasmania - TAS
Hobart, 153 Risdon Road, Newtown Bay Hobart Tasmania
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100 reviews shown

8/10

Excellent

06 Apr 2026

Deepak

good

Friends

2/10

Poor

05 Apr 2026

Paul

The heritage cottage 2 , the part we stayed in The mould was so thick on window sills and dirty water damaged quite a while ago , very dangerous for people with asthma, not fit for habitation , I still have trouble with my breathing

4/10

Poor

02 Apr 2026

Lisa

The toilet was not clean. Very disappointed.

10/10

Exceptional

25 Mar 2026

Andrew

great

6/10

Pleasant

24 Mar 2026

John

Laundry service fine.
Room clean & tidy but smaller than anticipated.
Good choice of TV channels

Family

8/10

Excellent

22 Mar 2026

Doug

The room was clean, quite spacious. There was plenty of tea/coffee etc. an

6/10

Pleasant

21 Mar 2026

Beth

Clean but old needed some maintenance done

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

20 Mar 2026

Helen

There was a washing machine on the property which was very convenient. The air conditioning was amazing. The room was good and the staff was very helpful.

6/10

Pleasant

18 Mar 2026

Claude

Room was clean.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

13 Mar 2026

MARGUERITE

First impressions of this place were average. The gentleman at reception quite happily ignored me and left me waiting to check in while he argued with other guests about the facilities. This place was tired.

8/10

Excellent

06 Mar 2026

Gary

Room was nice and spacious plenty of amenities.
Down side small none smart tv that had three black lines on the left side of the picture and no dishwashing sponge. Hall lights are on all night better if they were motion sensor activated

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

02 Mar 2026

Bruce

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

01 Mar 2026

Richard

Friendly and helpful staff & clean room

Family

10/10

Exceptional

19 Feb 2026

Palitha

Clean room and great staff

4/10

Poor

15 Feb 2026

Susannah

The crockery (specifically the mugs and glasses) were dirty and had obviously not been properly washed since the last occupant. There were shaving whiskers on the bathroom counter and all the bathroom soap dispensers etc were filthy. Had to shower with hot water only which was barely warm enough - would be a chilly shower in the colder weathr. The pool was dirty so no swim on a warm evening.

Really gone downhill since my last stay a few years ago. The main entrance door lock is damaged and it is very difficult to remove the key once you open it. Also no room servicing as I discovered on my return the first evening. Disappointed.

Business Self

4/10

Poor

11 Feb 2026

krystal

Dirty, dirty room.

8/10

Excellent

10 Feb 2026

TREVOR

a bit outdated, but very clean thank you.

2/10

Poor

08 Feb 2026

Dermot

Tried to phone motel for an hour no answer
Corridor and rooms stank of Indian spices when my wife had a shower there was a rank smell of sewerage came up through the sink in the room. Were unable to find alternative accommodation for the first night elsewhere. My wife had a damp facecloth over her face all night, left first thing in the morning even before reception opened at 9am tried to ring at 9:30 but still didn’t answer the phone
Suggest you do not recommend this place to anyone until issues are fixed and a review of the property for habitation is completed. I am a retired front if house manager for Travelodge so I know what is required of motels thus no way fits the bill absolutely disgusting

Leisure

2/10

Poor

31 Jan 2026

David

I didn't get to stay as reception was already closed at the time of booking.
So couldn't arrange to get key.

10/10

Exceptional

30 Jan 2026

Glenys

Clean room, good amenities, friendly staff, quiet.

Business Self

4/10

Poor

28 Jan 2026

Elizabeth

the contact phone number to advise of my late arrival did not respond; the expedia number similarly. I travelled for 2 hours uncertain whether I would have access to a room. the manager greeted me and gave me my key and made light of my concern. the room smelled musty and dirty. the kitchen drawers had crumbs and was grotty. The bathroom grouting was grotty. It was an old house-charming floors. the bed was really comfortable, clean sheets. I would not stay again.

Business Self

4/10

Poor

14 Jan 2026

Natalie

Cutlery and plates were dirty, toilet seat had what appeared to be burn marls on it, supposed to be on-site parking - had to park 3 blocks up a side road, pool was green and yard not maimtained

Leisure Family

6/10

Pleasant

08 Jan 2026

Paul

Too many stairs to \"Room with a View\"???!! Three flights...too much for this couple in their 70s. But.... wouldn't like to stay in lesser type rooms. Appears management is trying hard to upgrade the establishment... good luck.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

30 Dec 2025

Tracy

Small but cosy and comfortable, perfect for my requirements. Would stay again

Business Self

10/10

Exceptional

09 Dec 2025

Colette

Great

Leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

05 Dec 2025

ava

nice view

Business_and_leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

03 Dec 2025

Frances

Good finds close to hobart. I’d go again

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

22 Nov 2025

Heather

Great location, well set up room, staff friendly.

Friends_and_family Family

6/10

Pleasant

20 Nov 2025

Geoffrey

Had difficulties in contacting about late check-in. Problem may be phone number 61+ 03 appeared to work.
Room clean with all facilities.
The air-conditioning did not heat 27 was still cold.
Location not near any shops.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

17 Nov 2025

Michael

Very well presented accommodation. Quiet location, cooperative staff.

8/10

Excellent

13 Nov 2025

steffen

Feel compelled to leave a positive review for this place as it is so much better than some reviews suggest. I was reluctant about booking after reading some reviews but was more than pleasantly surprised. It’s cheap and cheerful but perfect bargain accommodation. The owner was lovely and could not have been more helpful. Highly recommend.

Family

6/10

Pleasant

09 Nov 2025

Rachel

Rooms ok. Location good.

Leisure Family

4/10

Poor

02 Nov 2025

Karen

We was disappointed in the conditions of the room so dirty . When we returned in the evening no parking stops available . We will not be staying here again.

8/10

Excellent

25 Oct 2025

Sharon

Leisure Family

4/10

Poor

23 Sep 2025

Greg

There were no towels in the room

Self

4/10

Poor

22 Sep 2025

Keith

Unless you have a good reason to be in the area please don't do it to yourself. The main highlight was the helpful receptionist. The room was very tired, in desperate need of paint and modernising. The price was appealing, but the location is not very handy, the nearest restaurant about 1500m away. The pool looked rather unappealing to say the least. We had to ask for a re-clean on the bathroom to remove the hair on the shower walls.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

22 Sep 2025

Arthur

Very good inside room was great

Self

10/10

Exceptional

20 Sep 2025

Geoff

It suited my needs very well. Great value for the money. Reception was very helpful and courteous. If i am to be totally honest i couldnt find a fault with my stay at all.

Leisure Self

6/10

Pleasant

13 Sep 2025

Jayne

The room amenities were good (Microwave, fridge, tv, hair dryer, air-conditioning, free parking and laundry) however the makeup of the room wasn't great. Showers had a dirty floor and weren't draining properly (like standing in an inch of water before I cleaned it out myself due to safety), dirty tea towel was left in the room, quite dusty, dirt and grime in the corners of the bathroom.

The beds were made up of a loose sheet as the \"fitted sheet\", as well as 2 loose sheets to make a \"doona cover\". In one of the rooms, there was a pee stain on the sheets being used. In each of the rooms there was only 1 glass, which was a problem for the 2 people staying in one of the rooms. We waited for over 30 minutes to be attended to because the staff at the front counter was on the phone.

I understand that it is a cheaper accommodation option, and I'm willing to some extent overlook things when price is lower, but when I've paid less for better service and accommodation at back-packers, it is a little sad that basic cleanliness has been overlooked.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

11 Sep 2025

Daralee

Check in was efficient and quick, the room exactly what was needed. Have stayed here before, and will probably again. Thankyou

8/10

Excellent

02 Sep 2025

Li Rong

Great Value with Beautiful River Views

The reception and courtyard are very neat and clean, and the view of the Derwent River is beautiful. Although the rooms are small, they are well-equipped with everything you need, including a TV, microwave, fridge, toaster, dishes, and kettle, which is very convenient. The parking area is spacious with easy access, and the Wi-Fi is fast. Overall, it’s great value for money and in a good location.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

29 Aug 2025

Li Rong

Compact Rooms but Everything You Need

Review for Waterfront Lodge Motel

The rooms at Waterfront Lodge Motel are a bit small, but they are well equipped with everything you need — plates, cutlery, a fridge, and a microwave. There is also a shared kitchen available, which is convenient. The motel is located right in front of the beautiful Derwent River, offering a lovely view.
However, during our check in we had difficulty reaching staff during their stated service hours. We even found ourselves locked outside in the cold, and when we called, we were told it was their break time. If staff could be more available during the posted service hours, the experience would be much more welcoming.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

19 Aug 2025

Neville

Beds need an upgrade

Leisure Family

4/10

Poor

16 Aug 2025

Katrina

Dirty noisy smells comes through bathroom
Water leak from spa bath which I payed to use spa and couldn’t use it.

Business_and_leisure Family_with_children

4/10

Poor

15 Aug 2025

Tamara

We were giving 2 tea bags 2 coffee sachets, 3 sugars, and 1 milk for 2 of us. No tea towel even though it states you must wash your own dishes up before leaving.

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

10 Aug 2025

Michelle

The bed was comfortable so was the couch.
I would stay again.

Leisure Self

6/10

Pleasant

10 Aug 2025

Verified traveler

Bad smell

The room smelled really bad, like mold. There was a kettle, but there was no coffee or tea bags.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

25 Jul 2025

Reece

Area is nice and quite, shops are pretty close, staff is very kind and friendly, would recommend.

Business Self

2/10

Poor

24 Jul 2025

Michelle

Extremely rude staff.
No one at reception during open open hours.

Self

8/10

Excellent

24 Jul 2025

Roland

Handy to major roads for ease of travel

8/10

Excellent

12 Jul 2025

Jacqui

Was just what we needed.

Business_and_leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

06 Jul 2025

Stephen

Okay

Leisure Family

6/10

Pleasant

27 Jun 2025

Rhianna

Disappointed this time around

Had great experiences here in the past but this time wasn’t so great - we found hair in the floor, there was barely a quarter of a roll of toilet paper and no spare, the shower wasn’t properly cleaned around the drain and we found a wad of hair in the stopper when we cleaned it ourselves. The communal kitchen, while not necessarily of use, was one of the stickiest places I’ve ever been and the smell in the fridge was very unpleasant.
At least our bedding and towels were clean, and the heater worked very well. Wi-fi is a little spotty though.

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

25 Jun 2025

Wendy

Good over nighter

Suitable and cheap for an over night stay.

Friends_and_family Friends

8/10

Excellent

23 Jun 2025

Graham

There was nothing to complain about i have used this venue several times which speaks for itself. Will use again when I travel to Hobart

Leisure Self

2/10

Poor

22 Jun 2025

Michael

We were put in the Heritage cottage and I wouldn't let my dog stay there, pretty bad 😔

Leisure Partner

4/10

Poor

15 Jun 2025

Nicole

Location is great, staff was friendly. Unfortunately the room was seemingly not properly cleaned. The toilet bowl was filthy and the fridge had the previous tenants food leftovers in there still.

Partner

2/10

Poor

12 Jun 2025

Hannah

The room was filthy!! Not enough linen for beds, no doona covers, not enough towels for booked guests! Our bathroom sink would not drain water and it was clogged with hair black slime etc and was revolting!! Would definitely NOT recommend this so called accommodation and never return!!

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

06 Jun 2025

Suzanne

Great position near to Hobart. The large in room spa was a real treat and worked brilliantly. Very comfortable king size bed and all we could want for a comfortable stay. The kitchenette was very handy as well. All in all we had a very enjoyable time, thanks you.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

29 May 2025

Jacqueline

It's a great stay over clean cosy and complete. Staff are vibrant and helpful. Loved it stay again. Tho still waiting for my $$ overnight bond to come back. Like last month. But it be sorted out.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

25 May 2025

glen

Easy to access city

2/10

Poor

19 May 2025

Verified traveler

Disappointed

We were disappointed with our stay. There was no room service provided, and only one room key was given for two guests, which was very inconvenient. Despite repeated requests, the owner was unresponsive. Additionally, we were not given fresh towels for three days. Overall, the service and hospitality were lacking.

Business

8/10

Excellent

19 May 2025

Ron

Close to the city

Partner

8/10

Excellent

19 May 2025

peter neil

Would stay here again .

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

17 May 2025

Sai Deepak

Nice one but quite old and very small room.

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

14 May 2025

Ken

Wifi’s nearly non existent.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

11 May 2025

Aaron Lance

The guy who runs the place is super friendly & has amazing customer service 😊 Top bloke 😁 my only complaint is religion & being an atheist 😳 outside of that, room was somewhat clean, relatively quiet & honestly, his customer service skills far exceeded my expectations 😊😁

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

08 May 2025

Karly

Over all I had a good time, good service, comfy bed, just could use a little update and cleanliness! Would stay again :) thx for having us

8/10

Excellent

07 May 2025

Aaron Lance

Well run place & great customer service 😄

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

27 Apr 2025

Norbert

Everything was fine.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

26 Apr 2025

Jackie

C & S \"comfort & style\"

Great stay in deluxe spa. Kitchenettes great! BYO cook up.Trendy clean and spacious. Top Value with Style.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

22 Apr 2025

Des

Overall average

Waterfront hotel is a budget hotel, but our room was very small with an enormous bathroom suitable for the disabled. Over the 4 nights we stayed there, our room was not serviced and we had to request fresh towels daily. The fridge, microwave, tv and kettle were all plugged into one power board hanging from the ceiling, and if all appliances were being used at once, the power would cut out

Partner

8/10

Excellent

17 Apr 2025

John

Very comfortable bed slept well

Business Self

6/10

Pleasant

15 Apr 2025

Fiona

The manager of the hotel was polite and showed me around before showing me the room. The location of the hotel was good. It was close to everything. The room was clean but smelled of cigarette smoke.

Leisure

8/10

Excellent

11 Apr 2025

Brian

Convenient for what we needed

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

11 Apr 2025

Melinda

Beautiful waterside motel. A great location to visit Hobart with a car, felt close to everything. Rooms were simple but well kitted. Communal kitchen was helpful and has nice sun in the mornings

Leisure Self

6/10

Pleasant

09 Apr 2025

pauline

Rooms were clean but a bit tired .

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

08 Apr 2025

Sharon

Quite a retro feel so enjoyed the vibe. Clean and convenient to a good shopping centre at Moonah. 6 minute drive to selection of places to eat. Appropriate cost for the decor. Would stay again.

Leisure Self

4/10

Poor

05 Apr 2025

Merlene

Room was not ventilated enough, spa and shower had not been cleaned properly. Bedding had stains on it. Positive was kitchen was available for use. Did not enjoy our stay and won’t return.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

05 Apr 2025

Simon

Excellent value

Convenient distance from Hobart. Comfortable, clean, nice aspect on the water.

Self

4/10

Poor

05 Apr 2025

Christine

Basic

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

02 Apr 2025

Garry

It was hard to find and while the bed was comfortable it is an older motel. The curtains aren't able to keep all the lighting out of the room when the night lights are on and I need a cool dark room to sleep, so had a disturbed night. Even clean and although it had cutlery, it had no plates or bowls and 2 tiny capsules of milk for an overnight budget stay.

Business Partner

8/10

Excellent

31 Mar 2025

Michael

My stay was fine. The hotel is located in a quiet area close to shops etc. The room was small but clean with a comfortable bed. Perfectly satisfactory for me. The host was excellent. There is limited parking when the hotel is busy.

Business Self

6/10

Pleasant

28 Mar 2025

Pauline

Couldn't find any parking aftrr attending a show , people need to park properly

8/10

Excellent

27 Mar 2025

Robyn

Ok for locality, value for cost, but older and in need of revamp. Manager went out of his way to assist, which was appreciated

10/10

Exceptional

25 Mar 2025

Doreen

The property was great and staff were friendly, the only issue was that the rooms had very limited storage space, perfect if only staying a few days but we were there for almost a week and basically had to live out of our suitcases. Overall we had a great time.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

19 Mar 2025

Katrina

Very friendly and professional staff

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

19 Mar 2025

Simon

Brilliant

Business Self

8/10

Excellent

15 Mar 2025

Jamie

Good friendly staff and comfortable accommodation

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

14 Mar 2025

Kendall

No bins in bathroom. Pool could do with clean. Toiletries in bathroom needed checking.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

12 Mar 2025

Neil

parking is a problem

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Mar 2025

Gaybrielle

Nice little place.

Business

8/10

Excellent

10 Mar 2025

Jodie

Lovely motel

This motel is lovely. Although a little out of the way (we had a car so everything was easy) it’s a beautiful spot overlooking the water. The motel itself is refurbished with hints of retro (love the orange accents) Our room had everything we needed to self cater, and a short drive to some fantastic dining options!

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

09 Mar 2025

Ashlee

The property was in a quiet and good location. Beds were clean.
Shower was filthy.

Family

6/10

Pleasant

09 Mar 2025

Beverley

Thw windows,mirror,floor and luggae rack area were very dirty everything else was ok

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

07 Mar 2025

Harry

This is a well run property by people who help wherever they can.

Leisure Self

4/10

Poor

06 Mar 2025

Nicole

Clean your rooms or clean up yous cleaning staff

Disgusting to say the least

Friends_and_family Family

2/10

Poor

06 Mar 2025

Tash

I stayed here twice 2-3 years ago and it was all very good and clean.
Not so anymore.
In the upstairs room 5 of the heritage cottage I found the following:
Light switches were so grimy I had to clean them.
Bench was dirty and sticky, I cleaned that too.
Bedside table had something white spilled all over the front of the drawers, I cleaned that too.
Cupboard wall next to bin and walls next to kitchen area were all dirty with things that had been splashed/spilt.
Window does not fully close.
Pedestal fan was very broken and literally fell apart when I picked it up, it was then a balancing act up against the wall to use it, along with the wooden floor that is bowing and uneven. It was at least 30 celsius in the room on this day/evening, there is no aircon.
There was hair on the toilet and the toilet paper on the holder had no cardboard centre, looked like it had been wrapped around the holder.
Shower glass was filthy.
The cups and glasses were dirty and there wasn't a single fork.
But the best part?
As another reviewer also stated, I too found drugs in the cutlery drawer, indicating that this room had not been cleaned properly if at all, in some time.
I put my own towels over the bed and pillow, had a nap and left just before midnight.
It seems there has been a change of ownership and this particular building out the back is clearly not being well maintained.
The pool has several green, slimy looking patches.
Disgusting, will not stay ever again.

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

05 Mar 2025

Rodney

Reasonable price, close to city.

8/10

Excellent

05 Mar 2025

Nicole

Hair TONIGHT. Be gone tomorrow

To be honest. I don’t even want to stay here but had already paid and can’t deal with staff. Trying to come up with excuses as to why this is an okay standard. Second room over two night both pretty much the same.
Cheap yes. But cleanliness should be priority
Hair in beds and bathroom. And small Kitchener covered in coffee and other guests food. Is not okay regardless off price.
Won’t stay again after this reservation

Friends_and_family Family