So first impressions, they count, of the hotel aren't great, it's an "airport hotel" with a shuttle that you need to pre-book! (slight improvement over months ago when they tried to charge 3AUDpp). And as my flight landed an hour early the shuttle on the perfect twenty minute slot for me only went to the domestic terminal, so we had a further 30 minute wait, despite calling the hotel, who couldn't change the route. Not fun with two kids under three, they don't care.

Checkin, perhaps unlucky, we had a new staff member who really did take a while to get us sorted out, and needed help a few times, seems the online checkin confused him. The two, also fairly busy, ladies on the other two desks rescued him. It seemed to be peak time. However, things looked up from then, the hotel and bar was buzzing, we were given 3 free drinks tokens due to my ambassador status, our family room was pristine and my daughter loved the bunks she had in her part of the family room (4 of them!), plus we had a separate king bed for the adults. It is worth noting the family room has one major flaw, the doors don't have a door opener, so they lock behind you... A bit troublesome, we solved with towels. So I'd rate the room, singular, very well with a shower, industrial feel, and perfectly nice for 10 hours sleeping. And I did feel like dinner at the hotel, with the bar, would be a good experience and pretty well priced.

Otherwise, like many we were there without time for breakfast (included in my rate, but apparently ambassadors also get this free along with some bonus points). On leaving, the hotel did run double shuttles at 5am (the first available) but they were badly managed so rather than splitting domestic and international both shuttles went to both areas, and left 10 minutes after 5, whilst they waited for late guests. So it was functional but expensive for what we had. If I'd gone for the cheapest bunk it may be good value and if travelling alone with time, I feel this place would really hit the mark.

As such, the mistake was mine really, as we were doing a 12 hour stopover I prioritised an airport hotel, and paid a substantial amount for the family room (550AUD) and a marriott brand. If we really wanted this hotel next time we'd just take the 4 bunks room. But, ultimately with the hassle of the shuttle it really isn't somewhere I'd be rushing back to. The 40 minutes wasted waiting for the hotel transfer I should have got a taxi into town, as that would have been a better hotel, better value and a better experience.

A few pictures for the curious, though it seems more to prove I really did use the towels to keep the doors open...