At $110 per night for an ensuite room I was expecting a lot more. The room was like a small cell and the ensuite was disgusting. The carpet was filthy, there were ants everywhere and I don't believe the room had been cleaned from the last guests as I found drink spills on the bench and a few dollars. In the ensuite the hand basin was so small you couldn't even fit your hand in it, the shower curtain was mouldy and there were stains on everything. I do a lot of travelling and this was the worst I have stayed in for this price.

I agree with the previous reviewer about the noise at Ningaloo Reef Club. I also thought the place a bit pricey at $85/night for a small double room with two beds, two lockers and a fan. If you wanted a blanket you had to leave a $10 deposit. Otherwise there isn't much wrong with the Club, it offers internet access (which can be slow), tour bookings, Happy Hour on some days, a cheap Burger Night and a kitchen to cook your own meals. This aside, there aren't many accommodation options in Coral Bay, although a new hotel is just being built. A word about the whalesharks, one of the main reasons why people go out of their way to visit Ningaloo Reef. Be prepared for a big disappointment, at least if you think you are going to swim or snorkel with them on one of the organised tours. If you are lucky you might share the water with one of the whalesharks for a minute or two. But it won't be a peaceful and out-of-this-world experience, because it's a constant "quick, quick, quick" and "hurry, hurry, hurry" from the boat crew. Your guides have to rush you along, because there are only ever 10 people allowed in the water at a time and there might be up to 52 people from three boats wanting to get a look at the wahleshark, and this whaleshark is not going to hang around waiting for everyone to swim up to him at their own leisure. In my view, at an average of $360 per person, the whaleshark encounter is one of the greatest scams in tourism, and you should try and find out as much as you can about what to expect before parting with this much money.

The hostel is set around a central courtyard and bar which makes the rooms on the inside of the courtyard very noisy. The rules request no noise after 11pm however the bar is open later and one night we were there the party continued until after 3am. If you can request a room on the outside I imagine your stay would be more enjoyable. Staff were relatively helpful however a muck up with our booking meant our first impressions were not very favourable.