Great Lakes Motor Inn
Location: 24 Head Street, Forster, New South Wales, 2428, Forster, AU
Star Rating: 3 Stars
Property Type: Motels
About this Property
Scenic Garden Views
Convenient Amenities
Stay at ease with free self-parking and complimentary wireless internet. The 27 air-conditioned rooms offer comfort with refrigerators, private bathrooms, and more.
Nearby Attractions
Explore nearby Pebbly Beach, Miles Island, and other scenic spots. Enjoy a convenient location just a 10-minute walk from the beach.
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Forster at Great Lakes Motor Inn. Book your stay now for a relaxing getaway!
Important Information
Take in the views from a garden.
Policies
Check-in: 02:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Check-out: 10:00 AM
Instructions: The front desk is open during the following times:
- Monday - Saturday: 9 AM - 6:30 PM
Amenities & Facilities
- Garden
- Smoke-free property
- Free self parking
Rooms Available
-
Standard Room, Non Smoking (Small Room ROR 2)
1 Double Bed
Internet - Free WiFi
Food & Drink - Refrigerator and coffee/tea maker
Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, free toiletries, and a hair dryer
Practical - Iron/ironing board (on request)
Comfort - Air conditioning
Need to Know - No housekeeping
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- TV
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Refrigerator
- Private bathroom
- Ceiling fan
- Free WiFi
- No housekeeping
-
Standard Room, Non Smoking (Twin Share)
1 Double Bed and 1 Twin Bed
Internet - Free WiFi
Food & Drink - Refrigerator and coffee/tea maker
Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, free toiletries, and a hair dryer
Practical - Iron/ironing board (on request)
Comfort - Air conditioning
Need to Know - No housekeeping
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 3 (3 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- TV
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Refrigerator
- Private bathroom
- Ceiling fan
- Free WiFi
- No housekeeping
-
Standard Room, Non Smoking (Double FOR 2)
1 Double Bed
Internet - Free WiFi
Entertainment - Cable channels
Food & Drink - Refrigerator and coffee/tea maker
Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, free toiletries, and a hair dryer
Practical - Iron/ironing board (on request)
Comfort - Air conditioning
Need to Know - No housekeeping
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- TV
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Refrigerator
- Private bathroom
- Ceiling fan
- Free WiFi
- No housekeeping
-
Family Room, Non Smoking (Family Room for 5)
2 Double Beds and 1 Twin Bed
Internet - Free WiFi
Food & Drink - Refrigerator and coffee/tea maker
Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, free toiletries, and a hair dryer
Practical - Iron/ironing board (on request)
Comfort - Air conditioning
Need to Know - No housekeeping
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 5 (5 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- TV
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Refrigerator
- Private bathroom
- Ceiling fan
- Free WiFi
- No housekeeping
-
Family Room, Non Smoking (Family room for 4)
1 Double Bed and 2 Twin Beds
Internet - Free WiFi
Food & Drink - Refrigerator and coffee/tea maker
Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, free toiletries, and a hair dryer
Practical - Iron/ironing board (on request)
Comfort - Air conditioning
Need to Know - No housekeeping
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 4 (4 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- TV
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Refrigerator
- Private bathroom
- Ceiling fan
- Free WiFi
- No housekeeping
-
Standard Room, Non Smoking (Queen)
1 Queen Bed
Internet - Free WiFi
Food & Drink - Refrigerator and coffee/tea maker
Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, free toiletries, and a hair dryer
Practical - Iron/ironing board (on request)
Comfort - Air conditioning
Need to Know - No housekeeping
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- TV
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Refrigerator
- Private bathroom
- Ceiling fan
- Free WiFi
- No housekeeping
-
Standard Room, Non Smoking (Queen Room2)
1 Queen Bed
Internet - Free WiFi
Food & Drink - Refrigerator and coffee/tea maker
Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, free toiletries, and a hair dryer
Practical - Iron/ironing board (on request)
Comfort - Air conditioning
Need to Know - No housekeeping
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- TV
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Refrigerator
- Private bathroom
- Ceiling fan
- Free WiFi
- No housekeeping
-
Standard Room, Non Smoking (SMALLER ROOM FOR 2)
1 Double Bed
Internet - Free WiFi
Food & Drink - Refrigerator and coffee/tea maker
Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, free toiletries, and a hair dryer
Practical - Iron/ironing board (on request)
Comfort - Air conditioning
Need to Know - No housekeeping
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- TV
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Refrigerator
- Private bathroom
- Ceiling fan
- Free WiFi
- No housekeeping
-
Standard Room, Non Smoking (Twin Share FOR 3)
1 Double Bed and 1 Twin Bed
Internet - Free WiFi
Food & Drink - Refrigerator and coffee/tea maker
Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, free toiletries, and a hair dryer
Practical - Iron/ironing board (on request)
Comfort - Air conditioning
Need to Know - No housekeeping
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 3 (3 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- TV
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Refrigerator
- Private bathroom
- Ceiling fan
- Free WiFi
- No housekeeping
Guest Reviews
- cobalt60 (4/5): Older style motel not well maintained - Note: Great Lakes Motor Inn Is now trading as Forster Beach Motel. The later branding was in place at my visit in October 2020. Cons: - Noise: rooms were relatively noisy, both from Head St (which carries a fair bit of traffic) and noise leaking from neighbouring rooms. - Maintenance was a bit lacking: the shower dripped all night, one of the power sockets didn't work, fan was quite noisy, and there was a fair bit of wear and tear that had been roughly patched rather than fixed. - Air flow was limited: it was a cool night (12C overnight) but the room was still stuffy (partly because I couldn't leave the bathroom door open thanks to the dripping shower). - Reception was largely unstaffed, even during the stated opening hours. Pros: - Location: a short walk to the beach and to Forster's restaurant strip - Free wifi: worked well, no speed issues. - Gardens / greenery soften the exterior Best for: - Travellers looking for more private alternative to hostels (who don't mind a rather basic level amenity). Overall: Hard to recommend this -- a cabin in one of the holiday parks would typically be more up-to-date, in better conditions and offer more amenity.
- DianneH864 (8/5): Clean and Tidy - Recently stayed here for two nights, room spacious bathroom spacious with a seperate toilet. There is no pool here but who needs one when the Rockpool and beach are 150m away! Soap was the only ‘toiletries’ provided. The bed was clean and comfy, toaster, kettle tea and coffee all supplied. We were in room 23 around the back so it was away from the road and quiet. Would stay here again.
- leemB5758KH (2/5): TERRIBLE - We have stayed in many places in Forster and i would have to say The great lakes motor in is the worst i have ever stayed in ,there were ants crawling every where, the room had foul smell , this place could do with a much needed up grade . The up side is it has a great location to every thing
- ChristineH139 (6/5): Basic but clean and comfortable - We have just stayed 2 nights at this motel in a queen room. Although an old motel, it has recently been painted and the bathroom was clean and a decent size. It has a very convenient location, being across the road from the beach but it was quiet at night. We were visiting family in the area so it provided a close place for us to sleep. The main downside is that the office seems to be closed a lot of the time and there was some initial confusion about our booking. Forster was completely booked out at this time of the year so we were thankful we could find anything at all that wasn’t outrageously expensive. A good motel for a short stay.
- peteclissg (8/5): Basic but decent motel - The motel is in a very good location, walking distance to town and cafes/beach. We stayed for 1 night and was quite acceptable. The room (Queen) was quite basic but functional. Good size bathroom and shower was very good. For prices offered this motel is quite ok.
- Jac64_22 (2/5): Horrible - Bathroom had a hole in the wall and shower leaked. Room was less than clean and attitude and comments of painter on site appalling. TV worked which was a bonus. Would not recommend that anyone stay here.
- Cosmicmandy (4/5): Cheap - The motel is in an excellent location but that's as good as it gets. Very tired and old although was clean. Air conditioning sounded like an outboard motor. Jug to boil water desperately needs replacing, so off putting that I went without a coffee. Staff not really available outside of business hours. If you plan on arriving late find somewhere else to stay.
- gregk535 (8/5): A clean comfortable room for a one night stay - From the title, I got exactly what I wanted for a great price. This is a higher rating than some, but reflects my view (some people do expect ten stars everywhere they stay) . A comfortable bed, in a vermin fee room, with a decent shower facility, topped off with a great staff.
- johnkB3164AW (6/5): Cheap and Good Location - Stayed in Room 24 at the rear of the Complex.Found the room clean and reasonable in size,the bed was comfortable,the bathroom was medium in size.there was tea /coffee/ toaster/fridge and air conditioner/ceiling fan in the room,a small table/chairs,a wardrobe.The rooms at the rear are on a quiet side road as the rooms at the front are on a main road.the motel is conveniently located one block back from the beach and a short walk to the shops and restaurants .the clubs are a bit far away from the motel to walk but they have courtesy buses so its easy to get there .Overall this motel is not perfect its a bit dated and has been a little neglected ,but you get what you pay for.if you want a 4/5 star hotel look elsewhere .
- jcme41 (4/5): The worst yet most expensive motel of our trip on the East coast of Australia - This old motel is apparently due for demolition very soon, so we were told. And it shows, as little effort nor money has been spent on the maintenance. Apart from the fact that it's close to a beach and 200m from the town centre, the place is run down, especially the bathrooms. The mattresses are old too with springs poking through and the hygiene left a lot to be desired. Luckily the place is reasonably quiet as most of the rooms are located along a side road. We paid $165 for one night (first week in January) with no WiFi, nor breakfast (the kitchenette is well catered), but at this time of the year, a lot of motels were showing full and we had little choice. I wouldn't recommend this establishment unless you have no other choice or at a cheap rate (under $100). No photos as it wasn't worth it.
- missie0 (4/5): NO - Stayed here for one night .paid $75 as was cheapest we could find on short notice. Not fully booked. Now know why. If you went once you wouldn't go again unless desperate. Very noisy air con although effective. Curtains don't cover windows. Said it had Austar but tried following instructions and each time it didn't work. TV had a line down the screen. Room clean but old 1950's style. No soundproofing. hear everything outside. As we and others have said. Only if your desperate!
- 987eugenep (2/5): dont stay - we stayed at the great lakes motor inn on the 16th of September till 18th of September would not recommend this motor inn ,no1 the bed (mattress ) was disgraceful it was old and the springs you could feel it on your back, no2 their was no water tap in the room if you wanted to get water for your coffee jug you would have to go in the bath room and fill it with a cup as the jug would not fit under the tap in the bath room ,no 3 its very old gaps under door !! Cockroaches in the room ,a foul smell in the room , also very noisy from traffic all hours of day or night !!do your self a favour and don't book with this lot pay a little extra and get what you want very poor !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- foodtasterfortripA (2/5): Not good! - Not worth it, I would definitely recommend staying somewhere else, the prices may be cheap but that's for a reason!! Showers barely work, pretty much no hot water, service was bare and the accommodation was dirty! Maybe they should invest in new items for the places and new cleaners!
- Musska (6/5): Blase Customer Service, Cheap Place to Stay - We went to a friends birthday party on 26 September and instead of driving straight home to Newcastle we decided to stay at Great Lakes Motor Inn for the night. On arriving at the motel at around 3.30pm, I had to wait in reception for half hour to check in. There was a sign on reception saying that if the desk was unattended, to lift the receive and let the staff know that you're there. I did this and was told that someone would be there shortly. I waited for half an hour before the woman arrived. It seems she'd woken up from a nap. She was friendly and helpful, so there was no problem there. The tap in the bathroom didn't turn off properly and a lot of force had to be used to stop it from running. The water took awhile to turn hot. When we wanted to check out at 9am, reception was once again unattended. We weren't sure what to do with the keys, but the room next to us were leaving too and they called the bookings number (they tried using the phone at reception to let the staff know they wanted to check out, but nobody picked up) and were advised to leave the key in the mailbox, which we did. I've given them a rating of Average because despite the tap and hot water - and blase staff - it was a cheap place to stay the night, it was clean and comfortable and it saved us from driving back to Newcastle straight after the party. Although if I needed to stay in Forster again, I probably wouldn't go back.
- Topi (2/5): The worst motel I we have ever stayed in. - No reverse cycle air and it was very cold ,we asked for an excellent blanket which never arrived .The room was never cleaned properly ,dust and dirt and cobwebs.
- Verified traveler (4/5): Basic accommodation in a convenient location - Basic accommodation in a convenient location close to beach. No frills but
- 858kaylal (2/5): Absolute disgrace - I HIGHLY recommend people forget about this hotels existence! I paid $400 for 3 nights. When my partner and I had looked at the reviews we were laughing at how one review said (Tap does not turn off) and Karma hit us bad when we tried to use the tap in the bath room and it ran flat out and would not turn off. The room was so ancient it wasnt funny. When we wanted to take a shower there was no hot water what so ever. We found old socks in the room that definitely didnt below to my partner or I. When we called the manager/owner of the building, he came in 10 minutes later and said we would have to put up with the tap running flat out for the night and he'd take a look at it some time tomorrow. He never offered us a new room.. or any compensation. We decided to look for other accommodation, which was hard at the time because it was a long weekend and we couldnt find anything.. we finally found something 30 minutes away and decided we would foot the extra $300.00 for new accommodation, and we left. I called the motor inn the next day and asked for two nights worth of money back and I was told NO! we could have just moved rooms (YET NO ROOM WAS OFFERED TO US!!!) he than hang up on me. I am so disgusted by their service its not funny. I work for a Solicitor and was going to have him write a lovely letter.. however, I believe the comments already made by so many people are enough hurt for them.
- Verified traveler (4/5): - Way too expensive for what it is. It is very noisy when you have the room facing the street. room very dark
- H6200YJkellym (2/5): Absolutely terrible... - Arrived in Forster without booking and was definately prepared for something cheap and cheerful. Was given room key and opened door to find an overpowering smell of cheap air freshener. No ventilation and barely any windows, had to step over the bed to get into bathroom and couldnt get in shower without getting jammed behind the door. Eventually went out because couldnt stay in room due to smell. Came back to get changed for dinner and left again as there was a woman standing on the verandah outside our room having a screaming arguement with someone. Shower didnt have hot water, cockroaches in the room and the list goes on. Absolutely will never stay again. Happy to pay for a cheap clean room but a complete rip off at $100 for a double with the decor (and smell) of a 1970's caravan. Simply appalling.
- 833iainh (4/5): No value for money - Just finished our stay at Great Lakes Motor Inn and don't recommend it at all. They could not supply warm water let alone hot water for the showers even when the motel is only half full, but the reason for writing this is more about their totally poor attitude to this. So do yourself a favor and stay somewhere else it's not like there aren't plenty of other places to stay in Forster
- annakin82 (8/5): Good Value Motel - I stayed here for a few nights whilst travelling with my daughter. The room was spacious, clean and comfortable and they arranged for my check in after hours which was a great help. The staff were very helpful and being walking distance to everything in forster I didn't need my car which was a god send! I will definitely be staying there again.
- hughj952 (6/5): Suitable when passing through - Older style travelling through motel. I stayed here overnight when driving up to Brisbane. It was suitable for my circumstances and walking distance to everything I needed. Only thing was the road outside is quite noisy with passing trucks but it's not the Great Lakes Motor Inn's fault.
- bill (6/5): - Facilities: Basic; Value: Moderate; Service: Amateur; Cleanliness: Tidy;
- Sue-anne (8/5): - Service: Sufficient;
- Alan (10/5): -
- Peter (6/5): - Facilities: Bare minimum; Value: Low-priced; Service: Sufficient; Cleanliness: Room ok grounds so-so; You get what you pay for - use a one night stay
- Kirshly (6/5): - Facilities: Basic; Value: Moderate; Service: Bad; Cleanliness: Lacking;
- Gus (6/5): - Facilities: Shabby, Run-down; Service: Inferior; Customer service was hardly enthusiastic
- Alan (6/5): - Facilities: Tired; Value: Acceptable price; Service: Basic; Cleanliness: Poor;
- Graham (6/5): - Facilities: Run-down; Value: Not value for money; Service: Sloppy; Cleanliness: Unpresentable; This is a development site being milked for what cashflow they can get with zero care and attention to the premises.
- Katherine (10/5): -
- Ben (4/5): - Facilities: Shabby, Run-down, Bare minimum; Value: Over-priced, Could be better; Service: Inferior, Sloppy, Awful; Cleanliness: Dirty, Lacking, Poor;
- Terri (10/5): - Facilities: Nice ; Value: Bargain; Service: Good; Cleanliness: Pleasant;
- Meagan (10/5): -
- 382francesp (8/5): Clean comfortable escape - i recently stayed for two nights during the week. The owner was friendly and pleasant to deal with. Perfect location to the beach and local shops. Rooms clean and comfortable, Would recommend this motel.
- Sara (8/5): - Facilities: Basic; Value: Bargain; Service: Polite; Cleanliness: Pleasant;
- Lisa (8/5): -
- ron (4/5): - Facilities: Run-down; Value: Excessive; Service: Unhelpful; Cleanliness: Grubby; tiny bar fridge , no glass's
- Peter (6/5): - Value: Old and run down;
- Malcolm (8/5): - We just needed a clean room a and a bed for the night, this fitted the budget perfectly !
- Holly (6/5): - Facilities: Tired; Value: Reasonable; Service: Polite; Cleanliness: Neat;
- Rae (8/5): - Facilities: Typical; Value: Great deal; Service: Friendly; Cleanliness: Pleasant; There's a fantastic Mexican restaurant called The Aztec not far from there, I highly recommend it, especially on Samhain and The Day of the Dead.
- Jennifer (4/5): - Facilities: Run-down; Value: Rip-off; Service: Rude; Room terrible, curtains didn't even cover window. excessive noise from party outside our room till 1.30 am
- Jacqueline (10/5): -
- Teri (8/5): -
- Wendy (10/5): - Facilities: Above average; Value: Bargain; Service: Respectful; Friendly felt welcome and relaxed
- Melanie (10/5): -
- sandra (10/5): - Facilities: Good; Value: Great deal; Service: good; Cleanliness: Spotless; in centre of town with easy access to beach and walks.
- Grant (8/5): - Facilities: Basic; Value: Economical; Service: Polite; Cleanliness: Pleasant; Close to beach and town
- Mark (4/5): - Facilities: Horrible; Value: Rip-off; Service: Inferior; Cleanliness: Grubby; worst motel ever
- grant (8/5): - Facilities: Good; Value: Economical; Service: Professional; Cleanliness: Delightful;
- Carolina (8/5): - Close to the beach.
- Shervin (8/5): - Facilities: Basic; Value: Average price; Service: Helpful; Old style INN enjoyed my stay here and feels nostalgic ,
- Lee (6/5): - No one at reception when we arrived; no hot water; kettle full of off milk; untidy surroundingd
- Sharon (8/5): - Quiet, plenty of parking
- Steve (6/5): - Facilities: Tired; Value: Unreasonable; Service: Lacking; Cleanliness: Untidy; Numbers on rooms not visible
- Simone (8/5): - close to beach
- Madii (8/5): - Facilities: Basic, Unpretentious; Value: Affordable; Service: Professional; Cleanliness: Pleasant; Close to beach and nice cafe's/restuarants/
- Debbie (8/5): - Facilities: Typical; Value: Great deal; Service: Polite; Cleanliness: Pleasant;
- Mike (10/5): -
- Aaron (6/5): -
- Stephen (8/5): - Facilities: Basic; Value: Affordable, Economical; Service: Good; Cleanliness: Pleasant, Faultless;
- Ian (10/5): - Fantastic location; short distance to great ocean pool, and to best fish and chips, and to best breakfast place overlooking the beach.
- Julie-Anne (8/5): - Facilities: Modest; Value: Economical; Service: Basic; Cleanliness: Pleasant;
- tim (6/5): - Facilities: Tired; Value: Cheap; Service: Inoffensive; Cleanliness: Dirty, Lacking; I know it was cheap but there was no care in the room.
- Anna (10/5): -
- Margaret (8/5): - Facilities: Modest; Value: Acceptable price; Service: Sufficient; Cleanliness: Tidy;
- Mari (6/5): -
- barry (8/5): - Facilities: Unpretentious, old but ok; Value: Bargain, cheapest in forster; Service: Courteous, arrived before due but ok; Cleanliness: Pristine, old but clean; close to main beach and shops
- William (2/5): - Facilities: Horrible; Service: Sloppy; Cleanliness: Cobb webbson wallsblood;
- rose (6/5): -
- Ann (8/5): - Facilities: disappointed with outside; Value: Economical; Service: Basic; Cleanliness: Pleasant; if the motel looked a little more welcoming and there was a little homely touch inside , i would not hesitate to go back time and again.
- Jessica (6/5): - Facilities: Old; Value: Average price; Service: Sloppy; Cleanliness: Tidy;
- PHILLIP (8/5): - Facilities: Basic; Value: Bargain; Service: Sufficient; Cleanliness: Clean; close to beach
- Mara (8/5): -
- jake (10/5): - Facilities: Outstanding; Value: Fantastic; Service: Remarkable; Cleanliness: Spotless; thanks for the great stay
- Tracey (8/5): - Facilities: Basic; Value: Affordable; Service: Below average; Cleanliness: Pleasant;
- david (6/5): - Value: Acceptable price; Service: Lacking;
- Maddi (8/5): -
- Brooke (10/5): - Facilities: good; Value: Great deal; Service: great; I recommend this motel, just what I was looking for!
- Richard (6/5): -
- Frieda (10/5): -
- Sophia (8/5): - Facilities: Basic; Value: Economical; Service: Basic; Cleanliness: Tidy; Parking ease
- Michelle (4/5): - Facilities: Shabby, Run-down; Value: Over-priced; Service: Inferior; Cleanliness: Filthy, Smelly, Grubby;
- c (8/5): - Facilities: Basic; Value: Could be better;
- James (4/5): - Facilities: Shabby, Run-down, Bare minimum; Value: Rip-off, Unreasonable; Service: Inferior; Cleanliness: Grubby, child trod on broken glas; couldnt wait to get out of there.{never again}
- Jaylee (8/5): - very central but basic motel
- Rachael (6/5): - Facilities: Run-down; Service: Basic; Cleanliness: Grubby;
- Chris (10/5): -
- Ingrid (8/5): -
- Garry (6/5): - No
- Susan (2/5): - Yes don't ever stay there
- Giorgia (6/5): - Facilities: Tired; Value: Costly; Service: Basic; Cleanliness: Dirty, it smelt like toilet ;
- Kristina (10/5): - Facilities: Basic;
- Margaret (6/5): - Facilities: Shabby; Value: Could be better; Cleanliness: Toilet Bowl leaking; Car Parks need to be clearly marked to stop confusion
- Gennady (8/5): - Facilities: Basic; Value: Average price; Service: Basic; Cleanliness: Clean;
- Mickie (6/5): - Facilities: Basic; Value: Acceptable price; Service: Basic; Cleanliness: Clean; a bottle of water should be in each room so that the kettle can be filled up it was difficult trying to get the kettle into the tiny bathroom sink
- Taritia (10/5): - Value: Great deal; Cleanliness: Spotless;
- Daniel (8/5): - Facilities: No hot water in shower!!!; Service: Sufficient; Cleanliness: Pleasant;
- Elizabeth (8/5): - Facilities: Tired;
Photos
