Is parking available at the property?

Yes, complimentary on-site parking is available at the motel. However, parking is limited.

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is available from 14:00 until 20:00, and check-out is required by 10:00. Early or late check-in/check-out options are not specified.

Where is the motel located in relation to key landmarks?

The motel is situated in Belmont, Newcastle, close to Lake Macquarie and Belmont Golf Course. Nearby attractions include Newcastle Beach and Hunter Ice Skating Stadium.

What are the policies for guests staying with children?

Children are allowed at the property, but the minimum age for children to stay for free is not specified.

Squid's Ink Motel in Belmont

Average nightly price at Squid's Ink Motel by month, last 12 months (USD)
Month	Average price
January	$109
February	$102
March	$86
April	$89
May	$90
June	$82
July	$75
August	$79
September	$82
October	$93
November	$85
December	$99

What guests think

Across many reviews, Squid's Ink Motel is praised for its stunning lakefront setting and friendly staff, while feedback commonly notes small, basic rooms with a mix of renovated and dated areas, limited onsite parking, and some noise from the highway.

Cleanliness is generally reported as good, though some guests mention inconsistent servicing, occasional mould or insects, and maintenance issues in bathrooms and fixtures. The adjoining Tinta restaurant and bar receive frequent praise for tasty meals, coffee and breakfasts with lake views, though a few note higher prices. Best suited to travellers prioritising views and value over modern finishes.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Facilities are basic with pleasant lakefront outdoor areas, but onsite parking is limited and upper-level stairs feel old or unsafe in places. An adjoining bar and restaurant are available.

Related guest reviews

4

Roma

Sep 22, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Reserved parking for the Motel must be added.

8

Marianne

Dec 8, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Rooms need some work doing to them. Stairs need repairs done. Parking is a problem .. Otherwise it was a nice stay beautiful view

10

Kerry

Jan 13, 2026

·

Stayed 7 nights

The check in was amazing and hotel staff are lovely. Room was very clean, we stayed for a week. Would have liked the room to be cleaned once during our stay which didn't happen, room was small and the carpet become dirty. The view was amazing from outside our room. The stairs to get to our room were problematic as they were aged, and felt unsafe. Loved the location, very close to local shops where you coukd drive or walk, and the local park. Most days we had swans and ducks visting which was amazing. We will be back again as we both loved our time at Squid Ink

6

Elizabeth

Feb 14, 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

We loved it was right on the lake. We had room upstairs and they were steep and old.

8

Sinead

Jul 4, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Room was nice and tidy, very limited parking.

8

John

Jun 5, 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

very little on site parking, had to park in the street / highway 2 out of the 3 nights we stayed

8

Ashley

May 7, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Tables & chairs outside rooms are nice but entire area should be non smoking & not a place people to use late in the evening when others trying o sleep.

8

ANDY

Oct 9, 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

Love the location, parking can be tricky as quite small spot.

6

Jessica

Jan 6, 2026

·

Stayed 2 nights

The view from the back of the hotel was great. The parking is limited, best in best dress. The place has had some updates but looks like they haven’t done anymore since doing them last time we stayed there which was over 5 years ago. The steps to get to the back top rooms need fixing, felt unsafe and rusted. The hotel room doesn’t look like it gets clean, old and used shampoo bottles left, dirty dishes .

8

Robyn

Oct 15, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Great position. Room clean but quite small. Bbq and laundry available. Great place to sit outside. Bar and restaurant attached.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Cleanliness

Many guests found rooms clean, but reviews also cite inconsistent housekeeping and issues like mould, insects, and poorly maintained bathrooms or fixtures.

Related guest reviews

2

Toni

Apr 17, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The property did not have hot water for 24 hours (not the owners fault) but by 7.35pm that night with plumbers still drilling and making noise I requested that they stop. The next day I could not get any response from reception when I rang 4 times to check if the hot water was back on. I then sent an email which is still not responded to - we checked out a day later. There were no basics in the room like hand soap and shower gel and no one made the room up or re-supplied tea/coffee on the 2nd night’s stay. The location is great and the restaurant good however everything else was not great and I would not stay there again.

10

Tim

Jan 22, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Super clean & comfortable.

8

David

Feb 14, 2026

·

Stayed 1 night

Room was clean, Staff friendly. Tinta Restaurant had good food in elegant style with perfect lake views, seafood and excellent coffee. Location was perfect at water's edge, where many black swans congregated in the lake. Overall feeling was of peaceful serenity.

6

Roxanne

Apr 8, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Room was not very clean, curtains would not close properly and had a flickering light outside. Neighbours noisy and people downstairs talking around 5.30am. Bathroom had the soap dispenser loose and toilet seat was not on secure. Would not stay here again but the view overlooking the lake was beautiful.

10

Kerry

Jan 13, 2026

·

Stayed 7 nights

The check in was amazing and hotel staff are lovely. Room was very clean, we stayed for a week. Would have liked the room to be cleaned once during our stay which didn't happen, room was small and the carpet become dirty. The view was amazing from outside our room. The stairs to get to our room were problematic as they were aged, and felt unsafe. Loved the location, very close to local shops where you coukd drive or walk, and the local park. Most days we had swans and ducks visting which was amazing. We will be back again as we both loved our time at Squid Ink

10

damien

Feb 25, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Really clean. Small room but catered to our needs.

10

nimal

Apr 13, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Very clean and quiet

4

Matt

Jun 25, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Location is great. Rooms are very small a bit rundown. Bathroom wasn’t very clean

6

Tonie

Aug 29, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The motel was close to where i needed to be. Shower curtain had mould all on the bottom and in showered. The door to the room did not look very secure. Also i was charged double what other family members were who had a larger group. Very loud in the morning with people- kids running upstairs

6

Jessica

Jan 6, 2026

·

Stayed 2 nights

The view from the back of the hotel was great. The parking is limited, best in best dress. The place has had some updates but looks like they haven’t done anymore since doing them last time we stayed there which was over 5 years ago. The steps to get to the back top rooms need fixing, felt unsafe and rusted. The hotel room doesn’t look like it gets clean, old and used shampoo bottles left, dirty dishes .

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Rooms

Rooms are small and basic, with a mix of dated and newly renovated units; beds range from comfortable to hard or lumpy. Highway and inter-room noise can be noticeable, while lakeside rooms offer standout views.

Related guest reviews

8

sharon

Sep 7, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

It was a nice stay , it was reasonably close to the Fernleigh track which was nice but not so close to walking track on the lake . It was very noisy with road noise we were on the 1 st floor but I guess you can’t help that

6

Garry

Jul 4, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

extremely noisy due to adjoining door and poor soundproofing,

6

Jason

Feb 9, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Fantastic Location Rooms are rudimentary, small and a bit rundown. The bed was OK as were the pillows. Did have a bit of a damp smell. The bathroom was very basic The restaurant next door Tinta was excellent and well appointed.

10

Kerry

Jan 13, 2026

·

Stayed 7 nights

The check in was amazing and hotel staff are lovely. Room was very clean, we stayed for a week. Would have liked the room to be cleaned once during our stay which didn't happen, room was small and the carpet become dirty. The view was amazing from outside our room. The stairs to get to our room were problematic as they were aged, and felt unsafe. Loved the location, very close to local shops where you coukd drive or walk, and the local park. Most days we had swans and ducks visting which was amazing. We will be back again as we both loved our time at Squid Ink

8

South Gippsland Bread

Aug 11, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Great location very comfy bed. Room A bit small but we survived!

8

Alexandra

Nov 17, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Beautiful view and outlook from our lake side room. The room was a bit dated, needs a refresh. Comfy bed and great aircon. Overall a good place to stay, close by to shops (10min walk or 2min drive). Staff were so lovely, checked in with us multiple times. Would stay again :)

6

Antonius

Aug 1, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Overpriced based on property condition, broken table, broken toilet seat, lumpy bed, paint peeling on walls, entry door is frayed, cold air under door, mould on bathroom door, nowhere to place items in shower. Property is very tired and rundown.

8

Dennis

Apr 16, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

The room itself was quite comfortable but being on the Pacific Highway made the noise levels very high outside the room, Very convenient to dining faciities.

6

Mazharul

Aug 15, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Although nice lake view from the room along with nice location, easy car parking; yet the property facilities are very dated, that need immediate attention. There is no exhaust fan in the bathroom. Bathroom vanity, mirror and shower area are not user friendly. Also, the fridge, bench top areas and storage spaces are very limited. Possibly, these facilities of the property need urgent renovation for better satisfaction of its customers.

8

Leo

Oct 20, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The location and layout of the 2 bedroom accommodation is very convenient and there is an excellent restaurant adjoining the motel. The fittings and beds in the room were very dated and at a minimum the mattresses could be replaced to provide a more pleasant rest.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Service

Staff are frequently described as friendly and helpful, with smooth check-ins and considerate touches. A few guests experienced communication lapses or booking mishaps.

Related guest reviews

8

Liz

Apr 16, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Dumpster at the end of the unit smelled bad. The front desk staff brought me decaff coffee upon request; that was appreciated.

2

Toni

Apr 17, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The property did not have hot water for 24 hours (not the owners fault) but by 7.35pm that night with plumbers still drilling and making noise I requested that they stop. The next day I could not get any response from reception when I rang 4 times to check if the hot water was back on. I then sent an email which is still not responded to - we checked out a day later. There were no basics in the room like hand soap and shower gel and no one made the room up or re-supplied tea/coffee on the 2nd night’s stay. The location is great and the restaurant good however everything else was not great and I would not stay there again.

10

Lailah

Oct 7, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Very friendly and helpful staff

10

Kerry

Jan 13, 2026

·

Stayed 7 nights

The check in was amazing and hotel staff are lovely. Room was very clean, we stayed for a week. Would have liked the room to be cleaned once during our stay which didn't happen, room was small and the carpet become dirty. The view was amazing from outside our room. The stairs to get to our room were problematic as they were aged, and felt unsafe. Loved the location, very close to local shops where you coukd drive or walk, and the local park. Most days we had swans and ducks visting which was amazing. We will be back again as we both loved our time at Squid Ink

8

KAI-PING

Dec 5, 2022

·

Stayed 1 night

The manager mistakenly gave away our family room to others, resulting us to stay in two smaller rooms, slightly inconvenient but acceptable. Nice waterview around, but parking could be depending on luck.

6

Deborah

Feb 12, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

I didn’t like the noise of the highway and people coming and going. The staff lack customer service and security doors didn’t even lock

10

Donna

Aug 3, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Staff were friendly, room had been warmed up/aircon turned on prior to our arrival which was a thoughtful touch. Room has all you need for a comfortable stsy

8

Chris

Oct 12, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

the proprietors could not do enough to ensure our stay was enjoyable _ Kevin is number 1

10

Renae

Sep 29, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Beautiful location. Room is large and comfortable. Staff very helpful.

10

Sarron

Oct 13, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Lovely location right on the water. Staff were great, I had a late check in and they communicated with me for late check in options. Restaurant next door, Tinta had great breakfast.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Location

Scenic lakefront setting close to shops and local venues like Belmont and the Yacht Club. Some road noise is reported due to the Pacific Highway.

Related guest reviews

10

James

Apr 6, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

We loved the Squid's Ink. We stayed in the new section and it was wonderful. The room was small but suited us perfectly. The bathroom was fantastic, the bed comfortable and the room relatively quiet considering we were on the highway. We took our stand up paddle board and went paddle boarding from the back of the motel. It's also an easy walk into Belmont for coffee and dinner.

8

David

Feb 14, 2026

·

Stayed 1 night

Room was clean, Staff friendly. Tinta Restaurant had good food in elegant style with perfect lake views, seafood and excellent coffee. Location was perfect at water's edge, where many black swans congregated in the lake. Overall feeling was of peaceful serenity.

8

Mel

Jan 6, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The location is amazing, beautiful views

10

Shannon

Sep 6, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Beautiful, right on the lake.

8

Melody

Jul 17, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Beautiful location for enjoying the lake.

10

Dominic

Nov 24, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Lovely spot with a beautiful outlook over the lake. Friendly & helpful staff

8

ANDY

Oct 9, 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

Love the location, parking can be tricky as quite small spot.

8

Jarrod

Aug 17, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

It was close to golf course where we had a corporate event

8

Gabrielle

Dec 7, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Received great assistance when contacting the motel. Suited my circumstances well for a one night stay being conveniently situated for a family gathering at the Lake Macquarie Yacht Club.

8

Janice

Aug 16, 2023

·

Stayed 4 nights

Wonderful view on the lake side of the hotel. Surprisingly quiet although on a busy road. Great location for lake and beaches.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Dining

The onsite Tinta restaurant and bar earn consistent praise for tasty meals, coffee and breakfasts with lake views, though a few mention higher prices or limited breakfast options.

Related guest reviews

10

Debbie

Apr 23, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Beautiful location by the lake. Rooms & restaurant newly renovated. Helpful staff.

8

David

Feb 14, 2026

·

Stayed 1 night

Room was clean, Staff friendly. Tinta Restaurant had good food in elegant style with perfect lake views, seafood and excellent coffee. Location was perfect at water's edge, where many black swans congregated in the lake. Overall feeling was of peaceful serenity.

6

Jason

Feb 9, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Fantastic Location Rooms are rudimentary, small and a bit rundown. The bed was OK as were the pillows. Did have a bit of a damp smell. The bathroom was very basic The restaurant next door Tinta was excellent and well appointed.

8

David

Nov 20, 2023

·

Stayed 4 nights

Wish they did Brekky menu

8

Steve

Feb 17, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

It’s my third time here. The owners are taking an interest and slowly renovating to an acceptable standard. They have built a new restaurant with beer garden that goes till late. Quite simply it’s the best in s 10km radius. I have tried lots of hotels in the area!!!

8

Damien

Jan 31, 2023

·

Fantastic location, ask for a lake view room. Nothing too flash but a location to remember. Great bar and restaurant attached, although pricey the savings by staying in house counter that in full.

8

Gina

Jun 16, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The view and restaurant was amazing.

6

Denise

Dec 30, 2022

·

Stayed 19,352 nights

The location on Lake Macquarie is beautiful. The attached restaurant/cafe is lovely. The staff were all so helpful - the manager made us the most delicious toastie for breakfast on Boxing Day as nothing was open. The motel is undergoing a much needed renovation as the rooms are tired. After this is done it will make a big difference.

10

Sarron

Oct 13, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Lovely location right on the water. Staff were great, I had a late check in and they communicated with me for late check in options. Restaurant next door, Tinta had great breakfast.

8

Linda

Nov 15, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

The Staff were very good, the bed was comfortable, and it had an amazing veiw of the lake and that makes up for the basic furniture. We were happy with oir 2 night stay. Great restaurant next door with a very cool vibe. We could see such potential for this hotel and you can see that the owners are slowly doing the place up. We were very happy with the car parking that was available both nights. Neat and tidy rooms, but the outside seating a little run down, but the veiws of the lake and magnificent sunset both nights made up for that. We would stay again. 😀

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
1	2	3	4	5	6 $98	7
8 $68	9 $65	10 $67	11 $74	12 $76	13 $95	14 $112
15 $67	16 $69	17 $68	18 $68	19 $67	20 $92	21
22 $69	23 $68	24 $69	25 $70	26 $68	27 $87	28 $134
29 $68	30 $68

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1 $69	2 $69	3 $64	4 $68	5
6 $68	7 $68	8 $69	9 $68	10 $68	11 $86	12 $96
13 $68	14 $68	15 $68	16 $68	17 $68	18 $87	19 $68
20 $68	21 $68	22 $68	23 $104	24 $104	25 $120	26 $104
27 $120	28 $104	29 $104	30 $119	31 $170

Squid's Ink Motel

Prices for Squid's Ink Motel

Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Double Room with Lake View

Standard Triple Room

Basic Triple Room

Deluxe Two-Bedroom Suite

Standard Queen Room

Standard Quadruple Room

Guest reviews of Squid's Ink Motel

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property Policies

Check-in instructions

Good to know

FAQs about Squid's Ink Motel

Prices for upcoming dates