We stayed two nights at the Kondari resort (one before heading to Fraser Island and one after coming back). Rating the hotel is pretty difficult since we did have very low expectations (considering the price and that we read the reviews before booking) but we also had many problems while at the hotel but most of these were solved (some better than others).
Starting with the easy part - location. The hotel is located close to the Urangan marina which is convenient if you are heading over to Fraser but is far from where most restaurants are (sure there are a few in the marina but most are at the other end of the esplanade). The proximity to the marina is not really that important since all tour companies have pick-up from the hotel.
The hotel runs a free shuttle service to/from the airport and buss terminal (book in advance) but it only runs from morning to 3pm on weekdays so it is not that useful.
The first room we were given when we checked in for the first night was already occupied. Small mistake which can easily be forgiven. The next room seemed ok, a bit run-down but still surprisingly roomy. It was a corner room which we first thought was good (less noise) but which later would mean some problems. The room had a queen size bed, one single bed and a bunk bed so it would have been possible to stay five people in the room. There was also a very old TV (poor reception), fridge, hair dryer, iron and kettle so most things were there. The bathroom seemed ok as well with a shower (no tub). Upon returning to the room after grabbing a bite to eat we noticed hundreds of ants on one of the walls. Called reception that simply explained it was nothing to worry about since it always happens when it rains. They asked us to leave the room for a few minutes while they took care of the problem (which meant spraying the ants). Not really an ideal solution but still worked. Checked out the morning after to head to Fraser Island.
Returning from Fraser we were first given a room that had not been cleaned. After a few apologizes we got a new room (same type as first one) and settled in there. At this time it just started pouring down outside. We felt a bit worried that we may get ants (but it is apparently mainly a problem for the corner rooms) but this time we had another problem. When opening the door to the bathroom we realized that there was water on the floor coming from the toilet. Quick walk up to the front desk and the response was that this often happens when it rains a lot. They did however relocate us to a newer fresher room (that did not at all feel as run-down). We were a bit lucky since the problem with the toilets affected all lakeside rooms so we heard other people complaining after us and they were told to wait for the plumber to get there.
The hotel also had a restaurant serving cheap pub grub (nothing fancy but rather filling) and they have a bottle shop.
To summarize the hotel is pretty run-down so do not expect anything new and fancy. The staff is helpful and friendly. Location is not very good so there must be better options. read more
