You’re looking for a clear, data-backed read on Dog Rock Motel — the 80-room property on Middleton Road in Albany, Western Australia, set opposite a natural granite landmark. This article draws on the motel’s own room inventory, aggregated guest reviews from multiple booking platforms, and third-party pricing data to give you an unvarnished look at what this mid-range stay actually delivers, from its award-winning Lime 303 restaurant to the walkability of the surrounding Mount Clarence neighbourhood. We’ve cross-checked facts across the official site, Booking.com, KAYAK, TripAdvisor, and more — no editorial fluff, just verifiable detail.
Last checked: 2026-06-17
Compare the lowest rates and guest reviews. Many options with free cancellation.Check rates
Bundle flight + hotel and compare deals and rewards in one place.Check ratesThis link contains affiliate advertising. Prices and availability may change on the destination site.
Address: 303 Middleton Road, Mount Clarence, WA 6330 · Phone: +61 898 457 200 · Website: dogrockmotel.com.au · Number of Rooms: 80 air-conditioned · Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, free in-house movies, business center, award-winning restaurant and bar · Landmark: Adjacent to the natural granite Dog Rock
How we researched this
Last checked 2026-06-17.
Sources reviewed: official property website, Booking.com listing, KAYAK meta-search, TripAdvisor reviews, Expedia listing, Hotels.com listing, HotelsOne listing, Trivago price trends, HotelsCombined comparison.
No on-site visit or staff interview was conducted; no independent price verification beyond the listed rates on each platform; breakfast and restaurant details are based on published guest feedback and the official site.
Dog Rock Motel at a glance
- 303 Middleton Road, Mount Clarence, Albany WA 6330 — directly opposite the natural granite Dog Rock (Dog Rock Motel official site)
- 8.4 / 10 from 1,349 reviews on Booking.com (Booking.com) and 8.3 / 10 from 2,082 reviews on KAYAK (KAYAK)
- 80 air-conditioned rooms across 11 categories — from Standard Queen to Executive King and Heritage self-contained apartments (Dog Rock Motel – Rooms)
- Lime 303 – guests rate breakfast 7.7 / 10; free buffet breakfast when booking direct via the official site (Dog Rock Motel – Rooms)
Key facts: Dog Rock Motel
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Address | 303 Middleton Road, Mount Clarence, WA 6330, Australia |
| Phone | +61 898 457 200 |
| Website | dogrockmotel.com.au |
| Number of rooms | 80 air-conditioned |
| Check-in / check-out | From 14:00 / until 10:00 |
| Amenities | Free Wi‑Fi, satellite TV, free in‑house movies, business centre, award‑winning restaurant and bar, free parking, laundry services |
| Landmark | Adjacent to the natural granite Dog Rock |
| Distance to Albany city centre | Approx. 0.6 miles — 8‑minute walk to Town Hall |
| Distance to Albany Airport | Approx. 6.7 miles (10–15 minutes by car) |
Dog Rock Motel location
Address and directions
The motel sits at 303 Middleton Road in the Mount Clarence neighbourhood of Albany, Western Australia — a roughly 8‑minute walk from the Town Hall and about 0.6 miles from the city centre, measured as a straight line on Booking.com. KAYAK reports a 6.7‑mile drive from Albany Airport, typically 10–15 minutes depending on traffic (KAYAK).
Nearby landmarks and walkability
The property’s most distinctive neighbour is the natural granite formation known locally as Dog Rock, directly across Middleton Road. KAYAK also identifies Patrick Taylor Cottage as the closest historic landmark. The motel sits within the Great Southern Wine Region, making it a practical base for visiting nearby wineries (KAYAK).
Location insight: Albany’s central attractions — the historic port precinct, the Museum of the Great Southern, and the waterfront — are within a short drive or 15‑minute walk. The motel’s Middleton Road address places guests on the main route toward Middleton Beach.
The bottom line: Dog Rock Motel offers genuine walkability to Albany’s town centre (under 10 minutes on foot) and immediate access to a natural landmark, though a car is helpful for exploring the wider region’s wineries and coastline.
Dog Rock Motel reviews
What guests love about the stay
Across the major booking platforms, the motel consistently earns high marks for cleanliness, comfort, and staff service. On Booking.com, subscores include 9.0 for location, 8.8 for cleanliness, 9.1 for staff, and 8.9 for comfort — each based on 1,349 guest reviews. The overall rating of 8.4/10 places the property in the “Very good” category, a band KAYAK’s aggregation of 2,082 reviews echoes with an 8.3/10 score (KAYAK).
“Large, clean and comfortable rooms — beds are excellent, and the property is very quiet.”
— Aggregated guest feedback on TripAdvisor Australia
Multiple independent reviewers on Expedia and Hotels.com describe the property as “absolutely fantastic,” highlighting the spacious bathrooms and the convenience of the on‑site restaurant. On TripAdvisor, recurring themes include “good honest country accommodation,” with particular praise for the refurbished rooms and the efficient laundry facilities.
Awards and recognition
The official website claims an “award‑winning” restaurant and bar (Lime 303), though specific award names or years are not listed on the rooms page (Dog Rock Motel – Rooms). The property is classified as 4‑star on some OTAs such as Trip.com, despite its “motel” branding.
Watch for: The most common critique across platforms is the dated exterior and some older non‑refurbished rooms, which create a two‑tier perception — guests who book higher-category rooms (Deluxe, Executive, Heritage) report a modern and comfortable experience, while standard‑room guests occasionally mention tired fittings. Check the room category before booking.
The pattern: Generalised guest sentiment across 3,400+ reviews is strongly positive on cleanliness, comfort, and service, but value‑for‑money ratings (7.9/10 on Booking.com) suggest that room category selection directly affects the perceived deal.
Dog Rock Motel prices
Room rate overview
Rates vary significantly by room category and booking channel. On the official website, entry-level Standard Queen rooms start from approximately AU$217 per night, while a Heritage self-contained twin apartment starts from around AU$315 (Dog Rock Motel – Rooms). Executive King rooms begin at AU$322, and the Superior Suite is listed from AU$405 per night.
Third‑party meta-search platforms often show lower or dynamic rates. KAYAK reports an average weeknight price of about US$153 and an average weekend night price of roughly US$163, with Friday typically the most expensive night. In the two weeks preceding KAYAK’s latest snapshot, the cheapest room booked was US$138 and the most expensive US$163 (KAYAK).
Trivago’s price trend for mid‑June dates shows nightly rates between AU$298 and AU$329, indicating that dynamic pricing can push rates well above the official “from” figures during higher‑demand periods (Trivago Australia).
Value for money considerations
Guests who book directly through the official site receive complimentary buffet breakfast — a benefit not automatically included with OTA bookings. Independent pricing from HotelsCombined has shown Standard‑class rooms at AU$148–158 on certain dates, suggesting OTA deals can undercut the official “from” rates by 30% or more.
Savings tip: Meta-search platforms (KAYAK, Trivago, HotelsCombined) currently show a narrower band of price variation than the official site’s category range — but only direct bookings guarantee the free breakfast. If the breakfast is worth AU$12–18 per person, the direct‑booking premium may be a wash.
The trade-off: The motel’s diversity of room types means you can pay anywhere from AU$148 to AU$708 per night. The value equation depends heavily on whether you prioritise a modern, high‑category room or a budget standard stay — and whether the free breakfast offsets a possible OTA saving.
Dog Rock Motel room categories and pricing
| Room category | Official “from” rate (AU$ per night) | Typical guest feedback |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Queen | AU$217 | Clean and functional; some guests note dated furnishings |
| Standard Twin | AU$245 | Good value for solo or budget couples |
| Standard Family | AU$277 | Adequate space for small families |
| Heritage Queen | AU$239 | Charm and character; slightly older style |
| Deluxe Queen | AU$263 | Modern refurbishment; very comfortable |
| Deluxe Twin | AU$294 | Spacious and quiet; highly rated |
| Deluxe Family | AU$379 | Large; ideal for families |
| Executive King | AU$322 | Best in class; excellent comfort and amenities |
| Executive Twin | AU$349 | Roomier alternative to Deluxe Twin |
| Superior Suite | AU$405 | Luxury feel; noted as worth the premium |
| Heritage Self-Contained Twin | AU$315 | Apartment‑style; ideal for longer stays |
| Heritage Self-Contained 2-Bed / 2-Bath | AU$708 | Large groups or extended families |
Pricing sourced from Dog Rock Motel – Rooms, July 2025. Actual rates vary by season, occupancy, and booking channel.
Dog Rock Motel: what works and what doesn’t
Balanced against aggregated guest feedback from Booking.com, KAYAK, TripAdvisor, Expedia, and Hotels.com (2023–2025), here are the most frequently cited strengths and weaknesses.
Pros
- Cleanliness — consistently rated 8.8/10 or higher across major platforms
- Staff friendliness — 9.1/10 on Booking.com; multiple reviewers single out helpful front‑desk personnel
- Quiet rooms — despite its location on a main road, guest feedback frequently notes the peacefulness
- On‑site dining — Lime 303 restaurant is widely praised, with breakfast rated 7.7/10
- Free parking — a practical advantage in central Albany
- Direct‑booking breakfast — complimentary buffet when booking via the official site
Cons
- Dated exteriors and some rooms — the motel’s age is visible, particularly in standard categories
- Value for money inconsistency — lower‑category rooms score 7.9/10 for value; higher categories better
- Check‑out at 10:00 — earlier than many hotels; may feel rushed for leisure travellers
- Breakfast not universally included — only guaranteed when booking directly through dogrockmotel.com.au
- Limited on‑site activities — no pool, gym, or spa
What to watch: The quality gap between standard and premium room categories is the single most important factor for a good stay — book Deluxe or above if a modern finish matters to you; Standard is fine for a one‑night stopover.
Price band guide
Based on official site rates and OTA meta-search data, here is a broad indicative price bracket for Dog Rock Motel across its room categories:
| Price band | Approximate per‑night range (AU$) | Typical room categories |
|---|---|---|
| Budget / Low season | AU$148 – AU$217 | Standard Queen, Standard Twin (via OTA deals) |
| Mid‑range | AU$217 – AU$294 | Standard Queen, Heritage Queen, Deluxe Queen, Deluxe Twin |
| Premium | AU$294 – AU$405 | Executive King, Executive Twin, Superior Suite |
| Top tier / Apartments | AU$405 – AU$708 | Heritage self‑contained apartments |
Drawn from Dog Rock Motel – Rooms (official from‑rates) and HotelsCombined OTA price examples. Actual rates vary.
Getting there and getting around
By car: From Albany Airport, follow Albany Highway toward the city centre, then turn onto Middleton Road. The drive is approximately 6.7 miles, typically 10–15 minutes (KAYAK). Free on‑site parking is available for all guests.
By foot: The Albany Town Hall is an 8‑minute walk. The historic port precinct and Albany waterfront are roughly 15–20 minutes on foot.
Public transport: Local bus services on Middleton Road connect to the city centre and major attractions. The motel’s central location makes rideshare or taxi a convenient option for exploring further afield.
Neighbourhood note: Mount Clarence is a quiet residential area, but Middleton Road itself is a direct route to Middleton Beach (approx. 2.5 km). The path to the beach is walkable but involves a steady incline on the return—something to consider if arriving without a car.
Alternatives to Dog Rock Motel in Albany
If Dog Rock Motel doesn’t meet your needs, here are two other Albany properties that appear on the same booking platforms and serve a similar mid‑range bracket:
The Beach House at Bayside
A smaller, self‑contained apartment property on Marine Parade, closer to Middleton Beach and the waterfront. On Booking.com, it typically scores 8.6–8.8 / 10, with strong marks for location and cleanliness. A measured alternative for guests who prefer a more residential, apartment‑style setup.
Best Western Albany Motel & Apartments
Located on Middleton Beach’s main strip, this 3.5‑star chain property offers a pool and tennis court — amenities Dog Rock Motel lacks. Guest reviews on KAYAK give it an 8.0–8.2 / 10, with particular praise for the sea views. A practical fallback if on‑site recreation matters more than a landmark address.
The catch: Neither alternative offers the historic landmark novelty of sleeping opposite a natural granite outcrop — a non‑negotiable for some travellers drawn to Dog Rock Motel’s unique positioning.
Our pick: who it works for
Based on the data across 3,400+ reviews, five verified pricing sources, and the property’s unique location, Dog Rock Motel emerges as a sensible choice for couples, business travellers, and solo travellers on a medium budget — provided they book a Deluxe‑category or Executive‑category room. The standard rooms offer honest value but come with a visible age trade‑off.
Best for: Couples looking for a quiet, clean base with an excellent on‑site restaurant; business travellers who prioritise free Wi‑Fi, free parking, and a dedicated business centre; solo travellers who want walkable access to town and a welcoming front‑desk team.
Skip if: You need a pool, gym, or spa; you prefer ultra‑modern interiors across all room categories; you want breakfast included without reading the fine print on direct‑vs‑OTA booking.
Frequently asked questions about Dog Rock Motel
Does Dog Rock Motel offer free Wi‑Fi?
Yes — free Wi‑Fi is listed as a standard amenity across the official website and all major booking platforms (KAYAK, Booking.com). Guest ratings for Wi‑Fi quality average 8.5/10 on Booking.com.
Is parking available on-site?
Yes — free on‑site parking is provided for all guests, as confirmed by KAYAK and the official website.
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check‑in is from 2:00 PM; check‑out is until 10:00 AM. Both Booking.com and KAYAK list these exact times.
Does the motel have a restaurant for dinner?
Yes — Lime 303 is the on‑site restaurant and bar, open for dinner and breakfast. Booking.com notes it as the sole on‑site dining option, and guest reviews rate the breakfast at 7.7/10.
Is breakfast included in the room rate?
Only if you book directly through the official website at dogrockmotel.com.au. OTA bookings (Booking.com, Expedia, etc.) do not automatically include breakfast.
How far is the motel from Albany city centre?
Approximately 0.6 miles (straight‑line measure) — an 8‑minute walk to the Town Hall, according to Booking.com and KAYAK.
Are pets allowed despite the name “Dog Rock”?
No — despite the name and the adjacent Dog Rock landmark, the motel’s official website and booking platforms do not list pet‑friendly policies. Standard check‑in rules apply. The name refers to the natural granite formation, not to a dog‑friendly policy.
Key numbers at a glance
- 8‑minute walk from Albany Town Hall — the motel’s central location supports a genuinely walkable stay
- From AU$217 per night for a Standard Queen (official rack rate) — dynamic pricing on OTAs can drop this below AU$150
- 80 air‑conditioned rooms — one of the larger Albany properties, with 11 distinct room categories
- 8.4 / 10 overall guest rating on Booking.com (1,349 reviews) — consistent “Very good” across platforms