Hotel Central (Lakes Entrance, Australia)

The rates here are very affordable and the stay is one that gives a clean and comfortable sleep. The units have modern amenities and the views across the street to the lake are really quite stunning.

The hotel is in a great location for checking out the nearby area. It's just off the main strip, but still an easy walk or drive to restaurants and entertainment. The surrounding area has several charting companies for those wishing to explore the water.

The staff here is quite helpful and friendly and will work to accommodate special needs and requests.

The hotel feels like a highlight with local fisherman and many of the rooms, especially in the refrigerators, smell fishy and unpleasant. Many areas also smell of smoke around the exterior. The beds tend to be quite hard and you'll feel more like you're roughing it than staying in a restful room.

The heating and air conditioning is old and can be problematic. The room doors may not securely lock and toilets frequently overflow. The rooms don't have shampoo and there isn't any Wi-Fi. Some rooms are also hard to get to as you'll have to skirt the pool and fencing with your luggage.

While there is free parking, don't expect to park close to your room. There are only a few spaces near the hotel and it's by the swimming pool. Other guests will have to park and walk a distance, leaving the security of the vehicle questionable.