Devonport's Hidden Gem: Barclay Motor Inn - Unbeatable Deals!
Devonport's Hidden Gem: Barclay Motor Inn - Unbeatable Deals!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! Because this isn't your average, dry-as-toast hotel review. We're going deep diving into Devonport's… whispers …Barclay Motor Inn. And trust me, it's an experience. Let's roll!
Devonport's Hidden Gem: Barclay Motor Inn - Unbeatable Deals! - A Review That's Actually Real (and Maybe a Little Crazy)
First things first: Accessibility. This is, like, huge for me. My Aunt Mildred, bless her heart, needs the works. And the Barclay? They nail it. Wheelchair accessible is a big YES. Solid. Also, the elevator is a godsend after lugging suitcases, and the fact that they have facilities for disabled guests? Seriously, A+ right off the bat. It set the tone for the rest of the stay. They get it.
Rooms – My Personal Sanctuary (and Minor Meltdown Zone)
Okay, let's talk rooms. We're talking about the nitty gritty here, friends because this is where things get interesting. Mine had it all: those little touches that somehow manage to be both functional and oddly comforting. Air conditioning – check. Free Wi-Fi – double check, and oh, thank you for it. I'm a digital nomad, and I need my internet. The desk? Perfect to transform my laptop into a workspace. The coffee/tea maker was the hero I needed when the jetlag monster came calling. And the blackout curtains? Absolute lifesaver.
But… and there's always a but, isn't there? My desk was just a tad wobbly. And the mirror in my room had a weird smudge that I kept trying to wipe away. It's those little things, those human imperfections that make you feel like you are actually in the real world - not at the super-sanitized, perfectly-polished and cold hotel. It was endearing, in a way.
Now - a word about the safety/security features. I am always paranoid. I am one of those people who checks under the bed before I go to sleep. And then I run out and check the locks. The in-room safe box made me feel a little bit better, as did the smoke detectors and the fire extinguisher within the room. Seriously, they’ve got CCTV in common areas and even CCTV outside the property.
Internet Access (Because Let's be Honest, We're All Addicted)
Alright, alright, back to the important part - the internet. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! It was surprisingly speedy, too. I mean, I could stream Netflix without buffering, and that, my friends, is a win. They also had Internet [LAN] if you're a wired-up kind of person, but let's be real, who's doing that anymore? They also had Internet services. The Wi-Fi in public areas was pretty decent too – I managed to snag some decent signal strength outside.
On-site Goodies (and Why They Matter)
Now, this is where the Barclay really shines. Here's where the Dining, drinking, and snacking options shine. There's a restaurant offering a mix of Western cuisine and International cuisine. I love A la carte in restaurant, and the Happy hour? Yes. Just yes. I'm a sucker for a good cocktail after a day of exploring, and their bartenders knew their stuff. The bar itself was cozy, friendly, and the perfect place to unwind.
And bless their little hearts because they had Breakfast [buffet]. Seriously, I can never go wrong with a buffet. And it also had Asian breakfast, with a taste of international cuisines. The Coffee shop was a godsend in the mornings (seriously, I need my caffeine). I didn't check out the Poolside bar, but I heard good things. I did end up ordering Room service [24-hour] at 2 AM because I'm a night owl. My partner and I got very drunk one night and decided to order the salad in the restaurant and the soup in the restaurant and even the desserts in the restaurant . Those desserts were amazing.
Things to Do (And Ways to Relax)
Right, what did I miss? The Fitness center was decent – I, of course, didn't use it. And the Swimming pool [outdoor] looked inviting, but I'm more of a "lounge by the pool with a drink" type of person. They oddly enough had a Pool with view. I am not sure whether it really was a pool with a view because i was always there at night.
Cleanliness and Safety (Because We're All a Little Paranoid Now)
Let's talk about the dreaded "C" word: Cleanliness. The Barclay gets a gold star here. They had Anti-viral cleaning products. The rooms had Rooms sanitized between stays and the staff trained in safety protocol. The Daily disinfection in common areas, made me feel safer. I had a little cough the first night, and my partner went running for the Hand sanitizer.
Services and Conveniences (The Little Extras That Make a Difference)
I'm a fan of the little things, and the Barclay had those in spades. Daily housekeeping – thank you, universe. They had an elevator, which was essential after a very long day. The Luggage storage was super handy. Laundry service? Saved my life. They even had Food delivery, which I'm all about when I'm feeling lazy. There was also a Cash withdrawal service, perfect for when you run out of cash at 2 AM!
For the Kids (If You Happen to Have Them)
I don't have kids, but I did notice they were Family/child friendly, which is a huge plus. They have Babysitting service!
Getting Around (Because You Gotta Explore!)
They've got you covered. There's Car park [free of charge] – huge win. They even had a Taxi service if you don't want to drive.
Alright, Let's Just Ramble for a Bit (Because That's How I Roll)
Okay, look, the Barclay isn't perfect. There will be a few dinks here and there. It's old-fashioned, it's not perfect, it's not the Four Seasons. But it's got heart. You can feel it. It's a place where people actually work hard to make your stay comfortable. They make you feel like a human being, not just a room number.
Also, you can get a Bottle of water.
Now, For The Sales Pitch (Because I Gotta Pay the Bills)
ARE YOU READY TO ESCAPE THE ORDINARY? Do you desire a getaway where warm hospitality meets a touch of quirkiness? Do you crave unbeatable deals? Then, my friend, BOOK YOUR STAY AT THE BARCLAY MOTOR INN IN DEVONPORT TODAY!!
Here's Why You Need To Book Right Now:
- Unbeatable Deals: Seriously, the prices are absurdly good. Especially given all the perks.
- Accessibility for Everyone: Aunt Mildred will thank you.
- That Real Feel: It’s not sterile and perfect. It's a real place with real charm.
- Perfect Location: Devonport is beautiful. And the Barclay puts you right in the thick of it.
- Amazing Food: From the buffet to the happy hour cocktails, your taste buds will thank you.
- Cleanliness and Safety: You will be safe from all types of germs.
Ready to Unwind? Ready to explore? Ready for a memorable stay?
Click here to book NOW and treat yourself to a Devonport experience you won't soon forget! Don't delay! These deals won't last forever!!
#DevonportHotel #BarclayMotorInn #TasmaniaTravel #HiddenGem #HotelReview #TravelDeals #AccessibleTravel #FamilyFriendly #FoodieAdventure #MustVisit #ComfortableStay
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Conifer Beach House Awaits in Port Elizabeth!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your sanitized, perfectly-planned travel brochure. This is me, wrestling my way through Devonport, Australia, from the questionable comfort of the Barclay Motor Inn. Here goes… the glorious, messy truth:
Devonport Debrief: A Diary of Digestive Disasters and Unexpected Delights
Day 1: Arrival, Anxiety, and a Bowl of Regret (Barclay Motor Inn Survival Guide - Attempt #1)
- 14:00 - The Arrive-al: Stepped off the ferry, already convinced I smelled of brine and regret. The Barclay Motor Inn. Okay, it's clean-ish. Let's call it “dated charm” and pray the bed doesn’t swallow me whole.
- 14:30 - The Room Reveal: Found my room key, unlocked Room 27. Immediately thought, "Yup, this is the place where I'll write the next great Aussie novel…maybe." But first, the bed…it looks comfy. I lay down on it. It is soft. It is a victory. I’m gonna embrace this mediocre. Embrace the air conditioning that sounds like a dying walrus and the faint scent of…something. Maybe mothballs. It's charming, I tell you!
- 15:00 - A Culinary Catastrophe: Attempted to find a decent lunch. Ended up at a… well, it shall remain nameless. Let's just say the "special" was a deep-fried monstrosity. My stomach and I aren't speaking. Currently trying to decide if I can just live off the biscuit tin in the room.
- 16:00 - Beach Walk Blues: Took a walk along the Mersey Bluff. The wind whipped and howled. Spectacular view, though. The ocean is a brutal beauty. I love it, but I’m also very aware I'm just a small, fragile human. Suddenly felt the urge to scream into the infinite blue. Briefly considered it. Didn't.
- 17:30 - The Great Hunt for Supplies: Needed snacks. Desperately. Walked to the supermarket. Found Tim Tams. Life is good again. Bought some Vegemite, too. Just for the experience. (Fear and loathing are on the cards, I suspect.)
- 19:00 - The Television Trap: Back in the Inn. Watched terrible Australian TV. The best part was a commercial for “Kangaroo-sized” marshmallows. I laughed until I cried. (Blame the deep-fried abomination of a lunch.)
Day 2: The Spirit of Tasmania (and a Very Long Line)
- 08:00- Breakfast Blues: The “complimentary” breakfast at the inn. The toast was lukewarm and the coffee tasted like sadness. I’m starting to think I need to buy my own jar of instant coffee.
- 09:00- Spirit of Tasmania Experience: Alright, the legendary Spirit of Tasmania. They say the journey is the destination. Well, getting to the ferry terminal was the destination today! I got in the wrong line. I ended up in a line that was probably going all the way to the mainland. The wait was so long I started a mental list of all the things I wanted to do when I finally escaped. By the time I got to the terminal, I was so over it, I nearly ate a stranger's passport.
- 12:00- The Ferry Fantasy: The ferry itself was…fine. Crowded. Smelly. But hey, it's part of the experience! The food was a horror show, just a slightly better version of the Barclay’s breakfast.
- 15:00- More Ferries: I gave up trying to figure out what the ferry was doing or where it was going. Maybe I just wanted to curl up in a ball on my own.
- 18:00- Back to Devonport: I went home to a place where the carpet was a little worn. I needed a win.
Day 3: The Cherry on Top (and the Fear of Heights!)
- 09:00 - Breakfast Redemption (Sort Of): Okay, ditched the inn breakfast. Found a little cafe down the street. Proper coffee! Real food! My stomach is cautiously optimistic.
- 10:00 - The Don River Railway: Spent hours watching old trains and remembering I am supposed to be an adult, and a responsible one at that.
- 13:00 - The Waterfront: The best thing about Devonport. The water! Went for a walk, bought a hat - I love my hat, a blue fisherman's hat- and fell deeply in love with a seagull that kept staring me down, that seemed to know it.
- 15:00 - The Mystery of the Inn: I spent the afternoon working on my next article. But I was convinced I heard sounds in the inn. Nothing terrible, just a few scuttles. I told myself I wasn't scared.
- 18:00 - The Cherry on Top: Went down to the water, ate a cherry, watched the sunset, and knew I could leave the next day.
Day 4: Departure & Reflections (Mostly about the Biscuit Tin)
- 09:00 - Final Breakfast & Packing: The Barclay's breakfast - again. The coffee, still bad. I made a solemn promise to myself: I'm ditching the hotel coffee for good. At least, until I'm back in Devonport.
- 10:00 - Goodbye, Devonport: Headed for the airport. I'm not going to lie, I am glad to be leaving.
- 11:00 - Departing: Went through security easily. Saw the last beautiful view of Devonport. I would miss the sea.
- 12:00- On the Plane: I'm on the plane now, thinking about…stuff. The questionable culinary choices, the slightly scary railway, the wind. I had a weird feeling about the Barclay, but I'll admit it, I miss it already.
- 13:00 - The Biscuit Tin: I'll be thinking about that damn biscuit tin for weeks. Next goal: finding a good one.
Final Thoughts:
Devonport wasn't perfect. It was messy. It was loud. It tested my digestive system. But it was real. And sometimes, that's all you need. The Barclay Motor Inn? Well, it's a place. A place to exist, a place to write a novel, a place to watch bad TV, a place to make memories (and to consume copious amounts of Tim Tams). Would I go back? Maybe. But if I do, I'm buying my own coffee. And probably investing in some industrial-strength stomach protection.
Phu Quoc Paradise: Beachfront Bungalow Bliss Awaits!
So, like, what *is* a sourdough starter anyway? And why does everyone make such a big deal about it?
Ugh, okay, so basically, it's just... flour and water. Seriously. That's it. At least, that's how it *starts*. Then, magical, tiny little yeast and bacteria from the air (and, let's be honest, probably my questionable kitchen hygiene) move in and start... well, *living* in it. They eat the flour, burp out CO2 (that's what makes the bread rise!), and produce these tangy, delicious byproducts.
And the big deal? Because, oh boy, sourdough is like a toddler. It's high-maintenance, unpredictable, and can be absolutely *brilliant* one day and completely useless the next. It’s a commitment. A love-hate relationship, really. I remember the first time I tried to make one. It was a... sticky, smelly, slightly moldy disaster I almost abandoned after five days. My first thought? "I'm sure I can buy a better starter on the internet..."
Help! My starter looks… weird. Is it dead?
Look, friend, welcome to the club. Weird is sourdough's middle name. You'll see things. Bubbles. Mold. Strange colors. Smells you wouldn't even *dream* of. The smell is the biggest tell. Does it smell like, a) fresh, slightly sour, almost fruity? Probably good to go. b) Like, vomit, nail polish remover, or something so intensely funky you genuinely fear for your sanity? Possibly dead. Possibly… experimenting. Don't throw it out *immediately*. Give it a good feed (more flour and water) and see what happens. Life… uh, finds a way, even in a jar of fermented goo, right?
I had a starter once – I named him Barnaby – that developed a bright, neon orange tint. I was convinced he was a goner. I even started composing his eulogy (a haiku: "O, Barnaby, you stank/ Now you are orange and gone/ Bread will not be baked.") But I fed him, crossed my fingers, and the orange vanished! He baked the best loaves of bread for a while. So a good tip: if it's got mold on it, I'm sorry friend. But if it's just the color and smell is good, keep trying!
Feeding my starter is SO confusing. Help me understand the ratios!
Argh. The ratios… They're a suggestion, not a commandment! There are a million different opinions. I'll share what worked for *me*, but seriously, experiment. That's part of the fun! (I might be lying to make it sound less stressful.) Generally: You take a certain amount of your starter (let's say, a tablespoon, roughly) and feed it an equal or slightly greater amount of flour AND water. So, one tablespoon starter + one tablespoon flour + one tablespoon water.
Thing is, the *type* of flour matters. Whole wheat is like the protein shake of the starter world - it's all about the *sustain*. All-purpose is like, the easy-to-digest fast food. You get the idea, right? I’ve screwed up ratios more times than I can count. Forgot to add water? Over-flour your starter? It happens. Just try again. Seriously, this thing is resilient. If you can, use the same flour. I'd stick to a good organic all purpose and whole wheat blend. I always measure on a kitchen scale. It's a much more accurate way to do it than just eye-balling it... trust me, I learned.
How often do I have to feed this thing? I'm a busy person!
Okay, reality check: sourdough is *not* low-maintenance. Especially in the beginning! When it's young, it needs attention. Once a day, maybe twice. Once it's established and you've learned its rhythms, you can get a bit more lax. You can put it in the fridge and feed it once a week. But honestly? The more you feed it, the better it gets. It's like a petulant child: consistency is key.
I had a moment last week when I completely forgot. Like, forgot *entirely*. Came home after a long week, opened the fridge, and... gasp. My poor starter, Humphrey, had a layer of what looked suspiciously like tequila-fueled mold on top. My heart sank. I almost cried. But then… I scraped off the top, fed him (with a prayer and a lot of hope), and he bounced back! It just confirmed my thoughts about this whole thing. I'm a terrible sourdough mom.
What's the best way to store my starter? Fridge? Counter? Should I put it in a shoebox with my socks?
Okay, the shoebox is a *terrible* idea (unless your socks are magic and produce the perfect sourdough environment). I store it in a clean glass jar with a lid. Not airtight – you want a little air circulation. I usually keep it in the fridge for long-term storage. It slows down the fermentation process, which is good! You just need to remember to feed it about once a week.
If you're baking regularly, you can keep it at room temperature, but you have to feed it *daily*. Otherwise, it'll get hungry, and that is a grumpy starter. Think of it like a needy, demanding little gnome. Honestly, I've lost count of how many jars I've broken, left half-fed in the back of the fridge, or plain old *forgotten* about. It's a journey, my friend. Don't beat yourself up about it. Just get a new jar of your favourite flour ready for the next round.
My starter is bubbly! It's rising! It's alive! Now what?
YES! You've done it! It's alive! Now, you can start baking! (But don't be too disappointed if your first loaf looks like a brick. Everyone's does.) But first, you need to "activate" it. Or, in other words: you need to feed it again, right before you bake. So go back and review my instructions on ratios. It's also good to let it sit at room temp for a little bit to get extra active.
Then comes the fun part. The recipe. The stretching and folding. The proofing. The *waiting*… It’s a process, and it’s a lot of work. It’s a love language, a therapy session, a test of patience, and sometimes... it’s just another thing to clean up. I once spent a whole day making a sourdough loaf. From feeding the starter to the finally baked bread. I was so proud and was so excited to dig in. I pulled it out of the oven, slicedHospitality Trails
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