After reading some of the recent reviews on Tripadvisor, we were pleasantly surprised. We were welcomed by a friendly receptionist (Stephanie) and we were very pleased with the room we were given on the 4th floor. There was a good view over the marina and the carpet, mattress and furnishings appeared to have been recently renewed. We had a spa suite for only 2 days so we didn't get to use all the appliances but the ones we did use worked OK. The flat screen TVs seemed to be quite new and we had no trouble getting a park in the secure area.

It seems that the people who complained about their rooms here were usually booked into hotel type rooms and the manager seems to have had some problem getting the owners to upgrade the furnishings. Presumably those rooms that haven't been upgraded don't get allocated to paying guests except in peak times.

We particularly appreciated the free internet in the foyer but with only 2 computers, it would probably be difficult to get a turn in peak season. During our recent trip to Europe, it was common for hotels to offer free WiFi in hotel rooms which would certainly overcome and problem with access to the computers.

We met another couple while we were staying there and they mentioned that they were initially allocated a room with no view except a billboard. Fortunately they were able to change the room for one with the advertised view over the marina but we were surprised that these kind of rooms were not offered at a reduced tariff.

We only had two minor gripes. Our room wasn't ready when we arrived at 2.00 pm and given that another recent reviewer indicated that there was a strict $10 fee levied on guests who didn't vacate their room by 10.00 am, no mention was made of any discount offered to guests who weren't able to access their room by 2.00 pm - presumably we could have extended our check out by the amount of time past 2.00 pm that our room was unavailable. We didn't do that but it's worth noting that these type of issues should cut both ways.

Our other gripe was that we were required to sign a pre-sale on our credit card for $100. When we asked what we could possibly charge to our room account for $100 we were told by Michael that it was a surety against room damage. We have only been asked to do this twice before - both times in Australia and both previous places had restaurants so there was probably some justification for covering any restaurant charges that may have been left unpaid. While we don't doubt that there are occasions when certain types of guests cause some property damage, levying every room with the $100 is a bit over the top and have to assume that there is some other reason for levying this amount. We do concede that the $100 was refunded promptly on our return home.

The Mantra has a unique position so close to the marina for whale watching and travel to Fraser Island. It is a pity that the shopping area around there has fallen on tough times but there are still a couple of good eating places as well as the Club nearby without having to drive somewhere else to eat.

We would stay here again and we hope that future guests can look forward to a room of similar quality to the one we were allocated.

We were basically looking for a two night stay in a comfortable, not 'over the top' priced hotel with the convenience of a central location in Hervey Bay and what we found was all of the above and more! So close to the airport but didn't once notice any loud aircraft flying over, the ground floor room was spacious, clean, comfortable, light filled, a sliding door invited you out to an outdoor table and chairs in which to view the beautifully positioned pool and spa, of which access could be obtained by security gates. The long rectangular pool was clean and inviting, with a heated area and a separate spa. Banana lounges, tables and umbrellas line either side of the pool area and provide you with a not overcrowded area for sunbaking and relaxing.The optional buffet breakfast was ok. Nothing exceptional. The position of the hotel was perfect. A walk directly down the road out front took you past a quaint caravan park to the Marina - the Surf Club is great for a meal and to sit out on the balcony with a beverage and take in the fresh sea air and the sights of assorted boats, yachts, catamarans and plenty of dreaming of only if... kills half a day or night. The motel provides bikes for hire ( full day $10). Its the best way to get around to the shops and follow the bike paths along the waters edge, travel along the longest pier in Aus or check out the locals if you don't have a car.
Fishing is great fun. If you have a rod, take it down to the rocks and throw in a line. There are plenty of fish to be seen, even local dolphins if you are lucky...we were. thoroughly enjoyed the two night stay and would not hesitate to stay again.

We stayed 2 nights at this hotel (17th, 18th Oct) in order to do the Fraser Island tour. We only booked the hotel the Saturday before and got it for a very resonable price, we were even more delighted when we arrived and told we had got one of the swim up rooms (bonus!)

The room was clean and bathroom had jacuzzi bath which again was great for the price we paid. The pool was lovely and warm and a pleasure to get into (some other hotel pools are so cold its a big effort to get in)

Staff at reception were friendly and helpful.

Both nights we ate at the boat club which was right beside the hotel. The food was lovely and resonably priced, as was the drink.

We had got the Greyhound up from Brisbane, it stopped at Stockland in Hervey Bay so we had to catch one of the local buses (Route 16) that brought us to the Marina (about 20 mins on bus)