Short Stay Accommodation vs Long Stay Accommodation Goondiwindi – Which One is Right for You?
Planning a trip to Goondiwindi? I love this little country town so much!
Gundy is located right on the beautiful Macintyre River and has a charm that gets to you straight away. It has great local pubs, beautiful botanical gardens and super friendly locals. You will feel right at home from the minute you arrive.
But where will you lay your head? That’s the big question.
The right place to stay can be the difference between a great trip and a ruined one. There are two main options to consider. You can choose a short stay. Or you can choose a long stay.
Both options offer a completely different experience. So how do you choose?
Let’s look at the pros and cons, the differences between short and long stay accommodation in Goondiwindi! Grab your coffee and let’s see what works best for your upcoming trip.
What is Short Term Accommodation?
For direct answers to your search, short stay accommodation usually ranges from a single night to a couple of weeks.
Think motels, hotels, bed and breakfasts or a quick weekend Airbnb. There are tons of these options all along the main drag in Goondiwindi. They are very much geared towards tourists, weekend warriors and people passing through on the Newell Highway.
Just passing through town for the famous Goondiwindi show? You need a brief stay.
Benefits of Short Stays
There are a lot of great perks that come with short stays!
- Total Convenience: Book a room with just a few taps on your phone. You arrive, collect your key and leave your bags. It’s ridiculously easy!
- Great Locations: Most motels in Gundy are located right in the centre of town. The Victoria Hotel is a short walk away for a chicken schnitzel.
- No Chores: Who wants to be cleaning on holidays? Short stays means fresh towels, beds made, no vacuuming. You just get to chill out.
- Great Amenities : Lots of motels have nice little swimming pools. After a hot summer day exploring the regional bushland a quick dip is absolute heaven!
Downsides of Short Stays
Of course, short stays aren’t for everyone.
- Higher Costs: You pay a nightly rate and this gets very expensive. If you stay longer than a week, it will definitely hit your pocket.
- Limited Space: You usually only get a single bedroom and small bathroom. After a few days you may feel a little boxed in.
- Eating Out Adds Up : Most short term stays only have a kettle and bar fridge. You will need to purchase breakfast, lunch and dinner in local cafes and pubs.
What is Long Stay Housing?
Long stay accommodation is for guests who are staying for weeks or months.
This includes serviced apartments, fully self contained cabins in caravan parks or short term residential leases. Goondiwindi is a very large centre for seasonal agriculture. This means there are plenty of good long stay options for workers, contractors and slow travelling grey nomads in town.
The first time I went to Gundy, I rented a little motel room for a period of three weeks. Big mistake! I spent a shit load of money on takeaways. I learned very quickly the incredible value of a good kitchen.
Advantages of long stays
Long stays are great if you are staying in the area.
- MASSIVE SAVINGS: The longer you stay the cheaper the nightly rate. Providers love guaranteed occupancy so they pass the savings on to you.
- Home Cooked Meals: A full kitchen is usually included in longer stays. You could go to the local Coles, pick up some groceries and make a proper roast dinner.
- Space to Breathe: Separate living areas, large bedrooms, and sometimes a private courtyard. It really feels like a home away from home.
- Laundry Facilities: Wash your own stuff and save a ton of cash. You won’t have to go search for a public laundromat.
Drawbacks of Long Stays
There are some trade-offs to be aware of.
- Less Flexibility: Generally you need to commit to a time frame in advance. If you break a long term booking agreement, you may be charged a cancellation fee.
- DIY Cleaning: For the most part, you’re on your own to keep the place clean. Nobody comes in every day to make your bed or empty your bins.
- Location Variations: Some of the bigger long stay parks are a little more out of town. You may need a car to get to the main street.
Important Differences to Note
Feeling a bit stuck still? Let’s break down the main differences so that your choice is super easy.
Nightly rates have a premium for short stays. Pricing Structure Weekly or monthly rates discounted for long stays.
Space and Layout: Studio-style rooms tend to be used for short stays. Long stays offer separate living, dining & sleeping areas.
Self-Sufficiency: Short stays depend on local hospitality for food and laundry. With long stays you get the tools to do it all by yourself.
How to Pick the Best Option for Your Gundy Trip
The right accommodation really depends on your specific needs. Here are some practical pointers to help you decide.
Just come in and go out?
If you are driving the Newell Highway and need a quick break get a short stay motel. You will appreciate the fast check in and the hot shower.
Are you travelling to work this season ?
If you are coming to Gundy for the cotton harvest a long stay is a must. And you’ll save money, sleep better, and have a full-sized fridge for your work lunches.
Are you traveling with a large family?
Kids need room to run around! A long stay cabin or apartment will have several bedrooms. And if you have a kitchen, you can whip up some scrambled eggs for picky eaters in the morning.
Going to a wedding this weekend?
Book a boutique short stay in the centre of town. You want to be right in the middle of the action. You don’t want to be stressed about cooking or cleaning while you are celebrating!
Final Verdict
Goondiwindi is such a friendly town, no matter how long you intend to stay.
Your best bet for maximum convenience, little work and a central spot for a quick trip is a short stay. It is perfect for weekend getaways and quick stopovers.
If you’re planning to stay longer than seven days, then a long stay accommodation option is the way to go. It is worth it just for the money savings! You have the space, kitchen and relaxing vibes of a true home away from home.
Take a look at your schedule for a moment. Consider your budget, how you like to travel and how much you enjoy cooking on the holidays. Whatever you choose, I know you will have a totally brilliant time in Gundy! Travel safe!