The Oriana: Orange, AUSTRALIA

Another motel review from a regional tour earlier this year... and this time, a more upmarket version compared to some of the overnight guesthouses that I normally stay at to just while away the vampire hours!

This time, in Orange, so a fairly major regional town in New South Wales... and actually quite a nice place to visit... just not in winter, when it gets bitterly cold!

On the way into the reception, there were some weirdly interesting wall decorations/art... very much Han-Solo-esc!

It appears that the Oriana also plays host to outdoor functions and gatherings... I arrived quite late in the evening, and so they were just cleaning and tidying up after the previous event... but even in this state, it looks like quite a nice place to have a wedding or a gathering! Especially in these warmer months!

The accommodations are at the back, and the area does look like pretty much like every other motor inn across Australia!

I had upgraded my booking from the single room that the ensemble had provided for me to a larger family room as my family was travelling with me... one the of the dubious perks of being a travelling musician is that your family sometimes travels with you to see the sights whilst you are playing concerts and rehearsing...

... but the interior of the rooms is much nicer than what the outer facade promises! Quite modern and very comfy!

... and the kids are nicely tucked away in the corner!

In a room that also serves as a little lounge and work area... it is quite basic in terms of size, but you aren't likely to be doing much more than sleeping and resting up in this twinned room. So, it is more than adequate for a travelling family!

... and considering that we had arrived quite late, we ordered room service from the kitchen before it closed. I wasn't really in the mood to go out again and sit down at the restaurant... I just wanted to kick off the shoes and relax after a long day of driving!

... and wow, I was pretty impressed by the food on offer! A nice roast chicken on bed of beaded cous-cous with pomegranate seeds and crispy spinach... with a side of nicely crisp roast potatoes! Yum... washed down a with a local apple cider!

.... yes, this was a great way to finish up the day! Can definitely recommend the Oriana as a upscale motor inn! Sometimes, it is just worth paying that little bit more to treat yourself!