Hotel Tamar River Villas (Launceston, Australia)

Some may feel that the facilities are quite basic but, at least rooms are clean and tidy; priorities wherever you stay! Studios aren't cramped. They're spacious and the kitchen is well equipped and fitted out.

Everyone is friendly and welcoming. Check in is quick and drama-free.

The on-site restaurant is a high point of the visit, with an excellent menu and quality dishes well served. This is the perfect solution if the gloss has gone off the self-catering concept or if you just can't be bothered to go out. Retiring to your room and if you're lucky enough to have one with a river view, the ultimate reward could well be watching the seals play in the water.

You can't escape the road noise, coming from the two busy roads on either side of the motel. The situation isn't helped by the thin interior walls and the lack of soundproofing.

The exterior is dated and uninviting. A re-vamp would make the world of difference for the arriving guest. Inside, the kitchen is not just dated, but broken doors haven't been repaired. This should be part of the day to day maintenance programme. There is, though, a general need for upgrading as the bathroom, too, is very dated. The word is, though, that upgraded accommodation is much better.

The reality doesn't match up to the publicity - although the prices might be a bit of a giveaway. This is budget accommodation. Good value for the price but basic. It's OK to lay your head at the end of a long day, but those in search of anything approaching a luxury break should … keep looking.