Mercure Inn Townsville

The main attraction and downfall of the Mercure Inn is its location. It's right on the lake just south of the airport, which during the day is actually quite a picturesque area to go for a walk/jog/bike ride around.

However, at nightfall (and especially during summer months), the mosquito life which is attracted to this lake does not bode well for the poor saps staying in the nearby hotel. Especially since the bathroom window is permanently open, it is a simple welcome mat for the six-legged bastards to come in and feast away during the night. Considering the potential for Ross River Fever and Dengue Fever (the first of which I actually caught, although from this particular hotel I will never know).

Room service is average, but the hotel outdoes itself when it comes to the restaurant. No views from here, but the service and the food is fantastic, and with a pool/spa right next door it is the perfect place to relax; and this is where the hotel shines.

The Mercure Inn is for those who want to just sit back and relax. It is a distance from the city and other more popular areas, yet still close enough that a short car ride will get you anywhere you like. In essence, it's the place I'll be staying in Townsville when I come back to visit after retiring. Not that it's a bad thing - after all, every place needs its particular clientele. Just in this case, I wasn't one of them.

TIP - When you enter through the car park, go ALL the way to the end and then turn right. You will see the restaurant, and opposite that is a reception like desk that at first looks like a place where you get towels for the gym. This is actually the hotel reception. It is not signed, and there are no directions - so just letting you know, because it certainly confused me the first time!