Arcadia Village Motel

Recent Reviews: 329

• User:MarkL4188

  Trip type: Friends getaway

  **Steer clear if you value basic hospitality.**

  13 Dec 2025

  **Steer clear if you value basic hospitality.**Decided to head over to Magnetic Island on Friday evening and thought we’d try to stay at this establishment again, having had no issues in the past. First challenge: attempting to contact them. Apparently answering the phone requires Olympic-level effort, so after multiple failed attempts we booked online… which also failed. Off to a great start.Upon arrival, instead of a welcome, we were treated to a lecture by the owner/manager/whatever title he prefers. He made it very clear that this is a *family business* and that answering phones outside business hours is simply beneath them. The attitude alone was enough to make us feel like we’d committed a crime by trying to give them money.After that warm reception, he graciously allowed us a room key so we could drop our bags and go for a swim. When we entered the room, we were greeted by an unmistakable stench. Thinking fresh air might help, we opened the doors and left for the beach.Shockingly, the smell was still there when we returned. We mentioned it to a cleaner nearby, who passed the message on. About half an hour later, the manager knocked, announced he couldn’t smell anything, and informed us that if we could be out in 20 minutes, he “wouldn’t charge us.” How generous.All four of us apparently imagined the smell, because according to him, if he can’t smell it, it doesn’t exist. No attempt to fix the issue, no apology—just the door shutting behind him.We’ve stayed here before without issue, which makes this experience even more disappointing. Thankfully, we found alternate accommodation where we were actually welcomed like paying guests.Would not recommend this place to anyone—unless you enjoy poor standards, hostile management, and being treated like an inconvenience rather than a customer.---

  Read more

• User:Rotiman1

  Trip type: Couples

  Perfect spot for lunch between Nellie and Hirseshoe Bays

  05 Oct 2025

  Visited twice and really enjoyed this delightful pub. Lovely outdoor undercover seating area. It is easily accessible by the bus service and even offers the opportunity to use the obsite pool. Food was very good. Really enjoyed the mango, avo and macadamia salad. The calamari was also really good with a nice aoili for dipping. As expected from a pub beer was perfectly chilled as were wines. All staff were very friendly.

  Read more

• User:Dreamer670661

  Trip type: Family

  Disgustingly awful rooms

  22 Sept 2025

  Terrible experience. The property was filthy, and the management was rude and unhelpful. At one point, they even pretended to be another guest and later stopped answering my calls altogether. Completely unprofessional.

• User:Carol N

  Trip type:

  Dated , dirty and overpriced

  08 Aug 2025

  3 star is very very generous 25 years overdue a makeover Everything dated and wornBedding threadbare, we had a window fall out , unable to check in for 2 hours as reception was closed with no notification Only positive is location

• User:John E

  Trip type: Couples

  THE PROPRIETOR SHOULD NOT BE IN THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY

  26 Dec 2024

  We are both in our eighties and before we retired we owned/operated hosted & cottage accommodation on the Atherton Tablelands where in the early eighties we we won two FNQ Tourism Association (1990's) Awards. We then operated Motels & Apartments from Port Douglas to Tully as relief managers for many years.We have on many occasions stayed at the Arcadia Motel on many occasions with the previous managers with pleasant memories. This recent occasion was a stay from hell...It all went OK when we checked in at 1pm Monday...we were given an envelope with the room key and a letter with the motel phone number & to text a mobile number if urgent.We went for a short walk mid afternoon (Mon) & on returning I relised we were locked out as I picked up my car key instead of the room key & I also left my mobile in the room....the office was locked so I was snookered. Another guest phoned both numbers with no response so as a last resort I went to the hotel next door where the barman showed me where the skelton key was hidden. On entering our room I found the A/C not working as such a very restless night.The following are the texts I sent as on all occasions no one was at the office.2.04pm Mon: Please text internet code word. Thanks 2.05pm Mon: Very quick response from Adam with the code number.3.22pm Mon: Are we able to have an option for the 4th day. NO RESPONSE 3.31pm Mon: Hi again, going to the pool....do you have pool towels. NO RESPONSE8.54am Tues: Hi, A/C not working...could be batteries. Pls advise NO RESPONSE9.10am Tues: phoned the office number & the recording said it opens at 9am.9.20am went to the office...still locked but the manger (ADAM) was in the store room and when I mentioned that he was hard to get hold of he abused me & told me to book in elsewhere. 10.23am Tues: Hi, A/C now OK...I replaced the batteries. No immediate RESPONSE11.19am Tues: An apology text from Adam saying he should be more understanding.ADAM: I'm sorry mate, your not cut out to be involved in the hospitality industry. (maybe your more suited to your previous occupation in the trucking industry).TIP: Adam, the formula to operate a successfull motel is simply: BE THERE (or contactable).

  Read more