I was sent to The Junction for a business trip. My employers had booked me a room for a 2 night…read morestay at The Junction Hotel. My first reaction after hearing the arrangement they had made was "You've got to be kidding me! They booked a room for me at the top of a pub?" (thinking that The Junction Hotel would be another one of those filthy pubs with a bunch of drunkards). Colleagues who stayed at this hotel tried hard to convince me that The Junction Hotel is no ordinary pub - but I still had to see it to believe it (you wouldn't blame me for being cynical too if you saw most of the pubs within the area I live in). But to my surprise...it was a nice hotel! 1. My hotel room was clean. 2. Modern. 3. Complete with necessities (like most commercial hotels): * Towels and hand towels * Shampoo - conditioner - body wash gel * Complimentary bottles of mineral water (and chocolates!) inside the refrigerator * Hair dryer * Iron and ironing board * Lots of toilet paper and tissues (no need for the housekeeper to stack them up on a daily basis * Coat hangers 4. There is a bar and a nice restaurant right downstairs: there's no need to get out of the building just to get food and drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic). Their menu was great and has quiet a variety of things to choose from. The meal prices (depending on what you order) can be a bit costly. But the quality of the food served at the hotel are well worth it. You just need to taste it and refer to the food presentation! 5. The restaurant and bar staff would be willing to bring food and drinks to your room (although you will have to order by the bar downstairs due to the fact that there are no telephones inside the rooms). But hey...it's a few walks down the stairs and you're there. Unless you are ridiculously lazy... 6. Less expensive than other hotels (I forgot the exact price but it was definitely less than $150 per night). 7. Oh! Did I mention how super comfortable the bed was? I definitely wouldn't bother paying to stay at the Crown Plaza Hotel (not far away) when I could get myself a hotel room that is equally decent - and that cost less. The guests - mostly locals - were also nice. I felt that I was able to just randomly start conversations with strangers.

Great pub food. Really enjoyed my Cajun Barramundi . It was surprisingly moist. But the highlight…read morewas the wait staff. Attentive friendly but not intrusive to a sole diner here for business.

We booked our fly cruise holiday with NATALIE REVELL when she was based in Mackay about a year ago…read more she was very professional and knowledgeable advising us of things we hadn't even thought of and covering every detail. ie visas, transfers, accommodation, customs ect. she kept us updated with any flight changes ect. Our trip didn't go to plan due to a medical incident when we were in Honolulu and we were unable to board our cruise ship. Natalie went over and above her duties to help us arrange alternative flights and accommodation to get us back home. she also contacted the cruise company to cancel our trip and arrange some credits. she did so much of this after hours and in her own time. We will be forever grateful for her help and would highly recommend Natalie if you are considering any type of travel.

Unfortunately, I never got to see Newcastle before they decided to rip up the railway leading into…read morethe centre of town. Then again, it did have the problem of cutting the town in two, so with this the foreshore has been opened up somewhat. So, this is the new station, and it certainly looks quite new, and rather fancy. Still, it is pretty much a regional station, though trains to Sydney are rather regular.

I didn't find that this place was really all that inspiring. In fact, it seemed to be just your…read moretypical suburban pub. I would probably say no frills, but then again sometimes no frills can be pretty good. This place was, well, bland. In fact, they had a really limited number of beers on tap as well, and none of them particularly thrilled me either. As such I doubt I'd come back, though I must admit that the service was pretty good.

Great pub lunch. 3 of us had the John Dory with salad and chips - yum. The 4th person had battered…read moreflathead which was good but by comparison it was a very small portion. Desserts looked good but overly sweet. Overall a tasty pub lunch but over $100 with a soft drink

Accomodation spotless, comfortable bed clean tidy bathroom. Staff were friendly and helpful. Had…read moredinner at the restaurant and it was exceptional. Seriously could not fault this hotel for the price and presentation it is one of the best.

Came in for lunch. Had the special Crispy Pig Burger. It was in the top ten of my burger eats of…read moreall time. Outstanding.the venue is modern and clean, staff friendly and beer cold.

I had thought with our airport becoming an international hub it would be well prepared and an…read moreupgrade. While it's great being able to international now, it didn't seem to be thought out at all. International departures had no ability to refill water bottles and I was told to fill from the taps in the toilets. It might be fresh enough to use, but really, how hygienic is it to this this since crap floats around at every flush. Wasn't impressed. On arrival back into the country, many of us did not have a pen to fill in the arrivals form. There were two small desks for the arrival of a plane load of people, and no pens to be seen. When we were given 3 pens to share, we all had to lay on the floor to fill out our forms. I'd like to know who the people are running this show. Have they been out of the country?? I could offer a few tips on travelling. Our airport does have good things going for it and I love that we have this available. I don't think it has been thought out well enough though. We will have more international flights arriving and it could barely cope with one. I can see some big problems and delays about to occur. Let's hope for continued improvement and safe flights to great destinations.

Not the flashiest or largest of the domestic airports to grace Australia and there are almost no…read moreshops once you get in through security. It's get in check in and wait in the one main lounge for you gate to open. You can't get lost there is only one section with 3 gates. It is quite cool looking across the airfield to the RAAF base though, we got to see a Hercules Helicopter today!

I only stayed for a night but found a pretty good late deal online and confirmed with them. I was…read morejust popping into the Bay to visit my brother who lives nearby. My journey to the Bay from Sydney was twice as long because of trains breaking down and buses taking forever. I phoned to let them know I was still coming and the lovely reception stayed back half an hour to ensure I was checked in and able to get to my room. The room itself was I guess what I'd call a triple; a double and two single beds - a bit much for just little old me but a really decent sized room. Although it was dark, there was a view of the pool - not being used this time of year but I thought about what it might be like IF I used it! It was clean, beds were well made. The bathroom had a bath and shower (separate) and a really good dispenser system in both the shower and basin. I don't see this in a lot of hotels. I didn't use it but there was a fridge, microwave and TV. You also get a free Wi-Fi code which is good, not sure how many MB's, I only used it for a little bit. After I checked out and was on my way back to Sydney, I realised I had left behind my book and umbrella and they kindly agreed to take it to my brother - it's the Bay attitude, generally very friendly and helpful. I'm 5+ months pregnant and the only pain in the backside thing I can really mention is that getting into the resort from the bottom of Magnus street is annoying because it's uphill. Down, not so bad. The bus stopped right on Magnus outside. Decor is a little old-school but I wasn't in town for a posh, fancy holiday. This would suit a family trip for the weekend or outgoing couples not fussed about staying in an elitist property; you're in to sleep and out to play. Breakfast down at Baroque and a walk along the Marina was a nice way to end my stay. I'd book at Marina Resort again.

Martys is a great little hotel. It is at a great price and great location. It is only a 2 minute…read morewalk to Little Beach and a 15 minute walk to Shoal Bay. The pool is small but offers balls and floating items to entertain children. The rooms are quaint but nice.