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Summary of reviewsBallarat Colonial Motor Inn offers a comfortable and convenient stay for travelers, especially those on road trips heading to Melbourne or Adelaide. Located on the main highway, it provides easy access to major attractions like Kryal Castle, Sovereign Hill and the Ballarat Wildlife Park. Despite occasional road noise, guests appreciate the quieter atmosphere outside the busy city center and the proximity to restaurants, cafes and a Coles Express.
Guests value the complimentary continental breakfast, which includes items like cereal, bread, toast and juice, although some suggest improvements in variety and freshness. The on-site Ballarat Providore restaurant and nearby dining options are also highly praised for their quality and convenience with wood-fired pizzas being a particular highlight.
Rooms at the inn are spacious, comfortable and well-equipped, featuring amenities such as washing machines and dishwashers. However, some guests note that updating and better maintenance could enhance their experience. Cleanliness receives mixed reviews; while many found the rooms tidy upon arrival, there were reports of specific areas needing better attention and upkeep.
The staff at Ballarat Colonial Motor Inn are frequently commended for their friendliness, helpfulness and exceptional customer service, significantly enhancing the guest experience. The WiFi is generally reliable and appreciated by guests, contributing to a comfortable stay.
The indoor heated pool is a standout feature, especially enjoyed by families for its warmth and cleanliness. Though some minor maintenance concerns are mentioned, the pool remains a positive aspect of the inn's amenities.
Parking is convenient and ample with many guests able to park right outside their rooms. The beds receive mixed reviews with most finding them comfortable and clean, though preferences for bed firmness vary among guests.
The inn provides accessible facilities for guests with disabilities, though there is room for improvement in bathroom accessibility and updates to better cater to elders.
Overall, Ballarat Colonial Motor Inn is a practical and convenient option for travelers seeking a comfortable, family-friendly stay with essential amenities and excellent customer service. Show more
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Categories
Motel with Parking
Ballarat Colonial Motor Inn features ample free parking space available to all guests. The property offers a car park free of charge and includes accessible parking facilities.
Motel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
Motel with Swimming Pool
Heated Pool Indoor Pool
Cheap Motel
Accessible Motel
Motel with Tennis Courts
Motel with Indoor Pool
Motel with Heated Pool
Room Types
Queen RoomThis spacious suite features an en suite bathroom and sofa lounge.
Enjoy a complimentary breakfast basket on the first morning of your stay.
Family RoomThis spacious family suite has a seating area, sofa lounge and en suite bathroom.
Enjoy a complimentary breakfast basket on the first morning of your stay.
One-Bedroom ApartmentThis spacious apartment has a kitchen, a dining area and a separate lounge area. There is an en suite bathroom and laundry facilities.
Enjoy a complimentary breakfast basket on the first morning of your stay.
Two-Bedroom ApartmentSpacious apartment with lounge area, dining area, 2 bathrooms, and a washing machine with clothes dryer.
Enjoy a complimentary breakfast basket on the first morning of your stay.
Triple RoomThis triple room has a dining area, seating area and air conditioning.
Enjoy a complimentary breakfast basket on the first morning of your stay.
Three-Bedroom VillaThis villa has a dishwasher, microwave and air conditioning.
Enjoy a complimentary breakfast basket on the first morning of your stay.
Triple Room with BathFeaturing free toiletries, this triple room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. The air-conditioned triple room features a flat-screen TV, a private entrance, a tea and coffee maker, a seating area as well as garden views. The unit has 2 beds.
Guest Reviews
7.5
Good
Location
The Ballarat Colonial Motor Inn offers a mixed yet overall favorable location for travelers. Positioned on the main highway, it is easily accessible and ideal for those making a road trip stopover, especially en route to Melbourne or Adelaide. The motel provides quick access to key attractions like Kryal Castle, Sovereign Hill and the Wildlife Park, all within a short drive. Guests appreciate its proximity to restaurants, cafes and a Coles Express, which add to its convenience. The location, slightly out of Ballarat's central area, ensures a quieter atmosphere while still being close enough for easy access to the city's amenities.
However, while the highway location is convenient, it does come with a downside—road noise from traffic can be disruptive, particularly at night. Despite this, many find the motel's location suitable for short stays and appreciate its peaceful surroundings just outside the busy city center.
In summary, the Ballarat Colonial Motor Inn is well-suited for travelers seeking convenience and proximity to major attractions, though light sleepers might be affected by the highway noise.
Breakfast
Guests at the Ballarat Colonial Motor Inn widely appreciated the complimentary breakfast, often describing it as a thoughtful and welcome addition. Many found the breakfast basket, which typically includes items like cereal, bread, toast and juice, a convenient and generous touch. The continental breakfast, left in the rooms, is particularly valued for its ease, allowing early risers to start their day without delay.
While several reviews mentioned the simplicity and basic nature of the breakfast, it was frequently noted as sufficient and filling. The inclusion of breakfast in the room price was repeatedly highlighted as a good bonus that added value to their stay. Families, in particular, found the consistent daily supply beneficial with the breakfast basket making mornings simpler and more manageable.
However, some guests felt that the breakfast offerings could be improved, mentioning the lack of fresh milk, limited cereal options and occasional issues with stale bread. Despite these minor critiques, the general consensus was positive with the provided breakfast greatly appreciated by most guests.
In summary, the Ballarat Colonial Motor Inn provides a reliable and appreciated continental breakfast that adds convenience and value to the guest experience with room for slight improvements in variety and freshness.
Dinner
Guests of the Ballarat Colonial Motor Inn consistently highlight the convenience and quality of dining options available at and around the hotel. The restaurant next door, frequently mentioned, stands out for its exceptional wood-fired pizzas and a variety of delicious meals and snacks. Visitors appreciate the on-site restaurant, the Ballarat Providore, for its yummy food, professional staff and overall excellent dining experience. Many reviews commend the restaurant's ability to deliver meals directly to rooms, providing an added layer of convenience. Whether enjoying a meal in the dining area or ordering room service, guests find the menus reasonably priced and filled with good quality food. The localization of the cafe and restaurant makes dining both simple and enjoyable without the need to venture far.
Rooms
The Ballarat Colonial Motor Inn offers a mix of spacious, comfortable and well-equipped rooms that are noted for their cleanliness and practicality. Many guests appreciated the ample space, comfortable beds and fully equipped kitchens, which included amenities like washing machines and dishwashers. The rooms generally provided good value for money and were suitable for family stays, being both comfy and cozy. The indoor pool and provisions for a simple breakfast were praised as additional conveniences.
Despite the positive comments, numerous reviews highlighted that the rooms could benefit from updates and better maintenance. Common issues included dated decor, dim lighting, signs of wear and tear and occasional cleanliness lapses. Some guests experienced road noise and found the rooms to be smaller than expected. Basic amenities were often adequate but not luxurious with a few complaints about old furniture and limited power points.
Overall, the Ballarat Colonial Motor Inn seems to cater well to those looking for functional and spacious accommodations with essential facilities, though improvements in modernizing the rooms and upkeep could enhance the guest experience.
Beds
Visitors to the Ballarat Colonial Motor Inn have shared mixed experiences regarding the comfort of the beds. While many guests found the beds comfortable, warm and even provided with convenient electric blankets, others noted that the beds were excessively hard and uncomfortable. Cleanliness wasn't an issue, as numerous reviews highlighted spotless sheets and towels, contributing to a sense of overall hygiene and comfort.
A significant number of guests praised the firmness of the beds, describing them as super comfy, cozy and conducive to good sleep. The addition of good linen and well-functioning electric blankets was appreciated, contributing to the overall comfort. However, some guests found the beds too firm, even comparing them to sleeping on a concrete floor, leading to some discomfort during their stay.
There were also mentions of variability in bed comfort, ranging from extremely hard mattresses to soft and cozy beds. Occasional issues like flat pillows, old and scratchy extra blankets and occasionally unpleasant odors were noted, but these seemed to be exceptions rather than the rule.
Overall, guests generally found the beds at Ballarat Colonial Motor Inn to be clean and comfortable, though preferences for bed firmness varied widely among individual guests.
Cleanliness
The Ballarat Colonial Motor Inn receives mixed reviews regarding cleanliness from its guests. Many visitors appreciated the clean and tidy rooms, noting that they were comfortable with clean sheets and towels. Several reviews highlight daily cleaning services and spotless areas, making the rooms pleasant upon arrival.
However, numerous concerns were raised about specific areas needing better attention. Guests reported cobwebs, dust on surfaces and unclean bathrooms, including mould and grime in some instances. Recurring issues were noted with dirty windows, stained curtains and general lack of maintenance, suggesting a need for more thorough and consistent cleaning practices.
The condition of the facilities also drew criticism. Some guests experienced unwashed crockery and cutlery, dirty laundry and rubbish under beds. The swimming pool, although praised by children, was frequently described as dirty and in need of updates. Additionally, the overall decor was deemed outdated with cracked walls, peeling baths and fixtures showing signs of wear and tear.
Guests acknowledged the owners' apparent efforts to improve the property, but some basic housekeeping failures, like not moving furniture to clean underneath, were apparent. Overall, while the inn has the potential to offer a comfortable stay, enhanced cleanliness and attention to detail in upkeep are essential to meet guest expectations fully.
Staff
The Ballarat Colonial Motor Inn has garnered positive feedback, particularly for its exceptional staff. Guests frequently highlight the friendly, welcoming nature of the team with numerous mentions of their helpfulness and accommodating attitudes. Iverson at the front desk receives repeated praise for his politeness, smile and exceptional customer service. The manager and owner also leave strong positive impressions with their attentiveness and informative communication. Guests appreciate the clear and organized check-in process and the proactive communication, including pre-arrival texts with helpful information.
Several reviews mention the staff going above and beyond to cater to guest needs, removing allergens on request and preparing rooms to ensure comfort upon arrival. The team is described as brilliant with excellent customer service, making the guests feel well looked after. The reception staff, in particular, are noted for being pleasant, attentive and providing clear and detailed information about the facilities and local area.
Overall, the combination of professional, friendly and accommodating staff significantly enhances the experience at the Ballarat Colonial Motor Inn, leaving guests with a lasting positive impression.
Wi-Fi
Travelers staying at the Ballarat Colonial Motor Inn generally found the WiFi experience to be quite positive. Many guests appreciated the good and stable internet connection with several noting that the WiFi was quick, high-speed and easy to connect to. The free WiFi service was highlighted as a valuable amenity, contributing to a comfortable stay. However, there were occasional reports of the WiFi being slow or unreliable. Despite these isolated issues, the overall sentiment from guests leans towards a satisfactory and effective internet service during their stay at the inn.
Pool
The pool at the Ballarat Colonial Motor Inn is often described as an excellent and enjoyable amenity by guests. It stands out for being warm, which is particularly appreciated on colder days. The indoor setting adds a special touch, making it usable year-round and offering a pleasant escape regardless of weather conditions. Families and children especially enjoy the pool with many reviews highlighting how kids had great fun and spent a significant amount of time swimming.
Guests mention that the pool is clean and well-maintained, contributing to a pleasant and hygienic swimming experience. The heated pool has garnered praise for being at a good temperature, making it inviting for both kids and adults. The comfortable warmth of the pool is a frequently noted highlight that enhances the overall stay for many visitors.
Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, there are occasional mentions of areas needing improvement, such as better lighting, maintenance concerns and instances of murky water. However, the positive aspects generally outweigh the negatives with many guests finding the pool to be a lovely and enjoyable part of their visit.
In summary, the pool at Ballarat Colonial Motor Inn offers a warm, clean and family-friendly swimming experience that many guests find to be a significant bonus to their stay.
Parking
The parking situation at Ballarat Colonial Motor Inn receives positive feedback from guests, consistently highlighting the convenience and ease of access. Many reviews emphasize the ample parking available and its proximity to rooms, allowing guests to park right outside their doors. The motor inn offers free, on-site parking, which adds to the convenience. Its location on a main road also assures easy access, making it simple for visitors to find a spot close to their accommodation. While a few guests mentioned that some parking spaces are tight and not all rooms have parking directly in front, overall, the parking is deemed good, reasonable and supportive for various events and stays.
Accessible
The Ballarat Colonial Motor Inn offers a generally positive experience for guests with disabilities with several features tailored for accessibility. The property boasts accessible and disabled-friendly facilities, ensuring that wheelchair users and persons with disabilities can navigate through the premises without significant difficulty. Many guests found the rooms easy to access and parking facilities were described as fine.
The rooms themselves are adequately equipped and accessible with bathrooms offering facilities such as a disabled shower. However, there were some issues with the height of the shower head and the accessibility of the bathroom, particularly for wheelchair users. Some guests also noted the need for bathroom upgrades to better cater to elders and resolve ventilation problems caused by the lack of a fan.
Despite these drawbacks, the straightforward location of the hotel was praised, making it easy for travelers to find and access various routes via the nearby freeway. The rooms included the necessary basic amenities and the inn was appreciated for being well-appointed and offering good value for money. Overall, while some areas require improvements, the Ballarat Colonial Motor Inn generally provides a comfortable stay for guests with access needs.
Heated Pool
The heated pool at Ballarat Colonial Motor Inn has garnered positive feedback from guests. Many appreciated its warmth, likening it to a giant bathtub and noting its cleanliness. It was frequently described as a great amenity, especially after a long day of travel. The indoor heated pool proved to be a hit with families with both kids and adults enjoying the comfortable temperature. While some mentioned it was quite basic, the general sentiment was that it was a very handy feature and an excellent way to unwind. Overall, the heated pool stood out as a significant highlight for guests, contributing positively to their stay.
Indoor Pool
The indoor pool at the Ballarat Colonial Motor Inn stands out in guest reviews for its warm, clean environment, often described as a hit with the kids. Though usage varied, the indoor heated pool consistently receives positive remarks, highlighting its suitability for families, especially during colder months. Guests appreciate the comforting warmth and cleanliness, making it an attractive amenity for young guests and their parents alike. Despite an occasional mention of the pool being a little cold, overall satisfaction remains high with multiple mentions of kids loving the pool experience.
Yes, Ballarat Colonial Motor Inn has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Heated Pool, Indoor Pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Ballarat Colonial Motor Inn.
No, Ballarat Colonial Motor Inn doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Ballarat Colonial Motor Inn.
No, Ballarat Colonial Motor Inn doesn't have a gym.