When I'm travelling for motocross events, finding comfortable and conveniently located accommodation is always an important part of the trip.
On a recent visit to Lake Macquarie Motorcycle Club, I had the opportunity to stay at Catalina Motel, Toronto NSW. With several events taking place in the area over the weekend, accommodation availability was limited, and this stay turned out to be a little different from the usual motel experience.
I initially booked through one of the usual accommodation booking platforms. However, due to limited availability, I was offered the opportunity to stay in two different room types over two nights – a Deluxe Triple Room on the first night, followed by a Queen Room on the second.
As it turned out, this provided a great opportunity to experience and compare two of the motel's accommodation options.
Location
- 211 Awaba Road, Toronto NSW
- 5 minutes from the M1 Highway
- 90 minutes north of Sydney
- 30 minutes from Newcastle
First Impressions
On arrival, check-in was straightforward and the staff were very friendly and welcoming.
The motel appears to have recently undergone refurbishment, with the rooms presenting a fresh, clean appearance and freshly painted walls.
One of the first things I noticed was the overall cleanliness and presentation. Both rooms were very clean, well maintained and comfortable.
Deluxe Triple Room
I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of space in the Deluxe Triple Room. Despite accommodating two beds, with what appeared to be a queen and king single configuration, the room felt spacious and provided plenty of room to move around without feeling cramped.
The room had a practical layout, with a kitchenette featuring a microwave, toaster, refrigerator and tea and coffee-making facilities, along with a dining table and television.
Cleanliness is always an important consideration when choosing accommodation, and I was very happy with the standard of presentation. The room was very clean and well presented. It had timber laminate flooring giving the space a luxurious feel.
Another bonus was the full-size bath in the bathroom, in addition to the shower - great for a relaxing unwind after a long day at the track!
Queen Room
For the second night, I moved into a Queen Room.
The room had a very similar overall layout and presentation to the Deluxe Triple Room, with the same fresh, clean appearance and comfortable surroundings.
One difference was the bathroom, which featured a shower rather than the full-size bath available in the Deluxe Triple Room.
Something I particularly appreciated in the Queen Room was the sizeable bench space. This provided plenty of room for setting up my laptop and camera equipment, making it a practical option for anyone who needs a little workspace while travelling.
Like the Deluxe Triple Room, the Queen Room was very clean, comfortable and well presented, and I had another excellent night's sleep.
Additional Guest Facilities
Beyond the comfortable accommodation, Catalina Motel also provides some additional facilities for guests to enjoy.
The outdoor swimming pool offers a welcome opportunity to relax and cool off, particularly during the warmer months.
There is also a covered barbecue area with outdoor seating, providing guests with another option for preparing meals and enjoying some time outside.
These additional facilities are a nice inclusion and add to the overall appeal of the motel.
Comfort and facilities
One thing that stood out during both nights was just how comfortable the beds were.
There was also a selection of additional pillows and blankets available in the wardrobe, which is always a nice touch.
Both bathrooms were modern, clean and in good condition. The showers in both rooms had excellent water pressure.
The air conditioning in both rooms worked effectively and, importantly, was very quiet.
Another positive was the lack of noise from adjoining rooms. Despite staying in two different rooms, I didn't experience any loud guest or television noise from neighbouring rooms.
Getting a good night's sleep when travelling is important, and Catalina Motel certainly delivered in this area.
Location and convenience
Catalina Motel is conveniently located in Toronto, with shops and restaurants within walking distance or a short drive away.
There is clearly marked parking available for guests, making it easy to access your room and come and go during your stay.
For anyone visiting Toronto for an event or simply exploring the Lake Macquarie area, the location is certainly convenient.
Booking and Availability
Booking the motel was easy, and I initially secured my accommodation through one of the popular online booking platforms.
During this particular weekend, the motel was nearly booked out due to multiple events taking place in the area, including motocross and other activities.
As my original room type wasn't available for the full duration of my stay, I was happy to accept the motel's offer to move rooms after the first night.
The motel also encourages guests to book directly for future stays to access its best available rates, which is worth keeping in mind when planning a return visit.
Overall experience and verdict
I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at Catalina Motel.
The combination of friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms, modern bathrooms, excellent showers and a convenient location made for a very enjoyable experience.
Having stayed in both the Deluxe Triple Room and Queen Room, I was impressed with the standard of both.
The accommodation was reasonably priced compared with similar options in the area, and I would have no hesitation in booking here again on a future visit to Toronto.
Would I stay here again? Absolutely.
If you're visiting Toronto or the surrounding Lake Macquarie area and looking for clean, comfortable and conveniently located motel accommodation, Catalina Motel is certainly worth considering.
A note for accommodation Owners
As well as enjoying the opportunity to travel and experience different accommodation, I also appreciate the importance of how a property is presented to prospective guests.
Professional photography can help accommodation providers showcase their rooms, facilities and unique features, giving potential guests a better understanding of what they can expect before making a booking.
Central West Property Media provides professional property and accommodation photography to help businesses make a great first impression online.
Find out more about our professional photography services: