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Summary of reviewsThe Mercure Ballarat Hotel & Convention Centre stands out for its strategic location, making it an attractive choice for visitors aiming to explore the nearby Sovereign Hill and Ballarat's city center. The hotel's serene environment, set amidst well-kept grounds and stunning surroundings, offers a relaxing and inviting atmosphere. This positioning is ideal for both leisure travelers and those attending events or conferences in Ballarat.
Breakfast at the hotel receives positive remarks for its variety and quality with many guests using descriptors like "wonderful" and "fantastic," commending the wide selection that caters to different dietary needs. The breakfast service is praised for being attentive and friendly, although there are occasional notes on temperature and value concerns.
The on-site restaurant, Azzuri, impresses diners with excellent food quality and a delightful ambiance. The restaurant's warm and lively atmosphere makes it suitable for both intimate dinners and larger gatherings. Despite some feedback on high prices, the overall dining experience is highly appreciated.
Rooms are noted for their spaciousness and comfort with cozy beds being a common highlight. However, the decor is described as dated and some fixtures show signs of wear, suggesting the need for updates. The cleanliness of rooms generally receives positive feedback, though there are mentions of inconsistencies in detailed cleaning tasks.
Staff at the Mercure Ballarat are frequently commended for their friendliness and helpfulness across various touchpoints, significantly enhancing the guest experience. While the free Wi-Fi service has mixed reviews with some guests finding it unreliable, the proximity to a well-regarded day spa provides a valued amenity for relaxation.
Parking is mostly praised for its convenience and availability, though some find the spaces tight during busy times. Families benefit from spacious accommodations that can comfortably house up to five people with child-friendly amenities adding to a pleasant stay.
The beds are generally praised for their comfort, though there are varying personal preferences affecting individual satisfaction. The hotel's four-star rating reflects its overall value and quality, although some areas, especially room conditions, might benefit from refurbishments. Accessibility receives mixed feedback, suggesting improvements could be made in facilities and designated parking for disabled guests.
Overall, the Mercure Ballarat Hotel & Convention Centre is recommended for its location, dining, comfortable accommodations and friendly service, making it a solid choice for travelers to the Ballarat area. Show more
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Hotel with Parking
Mercure Ballarat Hotel & Convention Centre provides free onsite car parking conveniently located close by the front door of each room. Parking is included with the stay.
4-Star Hotel
This 4-star hotel is set on 3 hectares of manicured gardens alongside an ornamental lake. It features a bistro, bar, and lounge bar, as well as a fitness center and day spa. The rooms are well-appointed and comfortable. Guests appreciate the friendly staff and convenient location.
Hotel with Spa
Family Friendly Hotel
Romantic Hotel
Accessible Hotel
Hotel with Gym
Room Types
Lodge RoomThis room features ground floor garden access and lovely garden and bushland views. There is a LCD TV, minibar and tea/coffee making facilities.
Please note that the price is based on 2 guests. Maximum occupancy is 3 (see Hotel Policies).
King Courtyard RoomLocated on the ground floor, this room features beautiful garden and bushland views. It offers traditional décor and quality furnishings. Parking is available directly in front of your room.
Please note that the price is based on 2 guests. Maximum occupancy is 3 (see Hotel Policies).
Two-Bedroom ApartmentThis apartment features a toaster, stovetop and air conditioning. The apartment is two-story and bedrooms are accessed via stairs
Superior Room with King BedThe double room features air conditioning, a tea and coffee maker, as well as a private bathroom boasting a shower and a hairdryer. The double room offers a wardrobe, a safe deposit box, a carpeted floor, heating and a TV. The unit has 1 bed.
Guest Reviews
7.8
Good
Location
Mercure Ballarat Hotel & Convention Centre is frequently praised for its well-situated location. Visitors appreciate its close proximity to the popular attraction, Sovereign Hill, which is often within walking distance. The hotel is conveniently positioned only a short drive away from the city center of Ballarat, making it accessible for guests attending various events and functions, such as weddings at Willow and Stone winery.
Guests find the location peaceful and quiet, providing a restful environment amidst beautifully kept grounds and stunning surroundings. The setting is noted as relaxing and inviting with many people particularly enjoying the clean and spacious rooms.
The hotel's location is described as ideal for both leisure travelers and those attending conferences or events in Ballarat. It's easily accessible from the main highway and close to essential amenities like food outlets and service stations.
Overall, the Mercure Ballarat is complimented for its prime positioning, making it a convenient and attractive choice for visitors looking to explore the area's attractions and enjoy a tranquil stay.
Breakfast
The breakfast experience at Mercure Ballarat Hotel & Convention Centre is generally well-received by guests. Numerous reviews highlight the buffet breakfast as good, excellent and amazing with commendations on its variety and freshness. Descriptive terms such as wonderful, delicious and fantastic are frequently used, emphasizing the quality and appeal of the offerings. Guests appreciate the extensive selection with the buffet including a wide range of choices that cater to different dietary needs, including gluten-free options. The breakfast service is described as pleasant with staff being attentive and friendly.
However, there are some inconsistencies in experiences. A few guests noted that the breakfast could be cold or not valued enough for its cost. Issues with the quality of coffee and some items like bacon and eggs were occasionally mentioned. Despite these occasional drawbacks, the overall sentiment is positive and the breakfast is generally considered a highlight, often described as well worth the price. The inviting setup and serene atmosphere of the breakfast area add to the enjoyable experience.
Dinner
The Mercure Ballarat Hotel & Convention Centre's on-site restaurant, Azzuri, consistently impresses its guests with excellent food quality and service. Reviews highlight the delicious meals and top-quality dishes, from tender steaks to great salmon dishes, contributing to a wonderful dining experience. The restaurant's ambiance, particularly its cozy fire and option to watch the sunset while dining, adds to the enjoyment.
Guests frequently commend the restaurant for being a significant reason to book their stay. They find the variety and taste of the food at dinner and breakfast to be consistently high. Although some note that the dinner prices can be a bit pricey, the overall sentiment remains positive with descriptions such as fantastic and exceptional being common.
Service in the restaurant is generally perceived as friendly and efficient, despite occasional lapses. Diners appreciate the warm and lively atmosphere, making it a great place for both intimate dinners and larger gatherings.
Overall, the Mercure Ballarat Hotel & Convention Centre’s Azzuri restaurant delivers an enjoyable and memorable dining experience, living up to guests' expectations and contributing significantly to the appeal of the hotel.
Rooms
The rooms at Mercure Ballarat Hotel & Convention Centre are noted for their spaciousness and overall cleanliness. Many guests appreciated the comfort of the beds and pillows, while others enjoyed the large, well-appointed rooms often found in the convention center. Despite the generous size and cleanliness, the rooms are described as dated with some fixtures showing signs of wear and in need of modernization.
A significant number of reviews mention issues with heating, air conditioning and dated interiors. While many found the rooms charming with old-world furniture, others pointed out that the decor felt tired and in need of refreshing. A recurring concern was the lack of amenities such as microwaves and extra blankets, as well as small, insufficient towels in the bathrooms. Additionally, some rooms had problems with noise insulation and lighting with descriptions of dark and stark white interiors.
Guests appreciated the quietness of the surrounding area and the convenience of parking right next to their rooms. Reviews also highlighted the friendliness of the staff and the overall warmth and cleanliness of the accommodations. Because of the hotel's good location, its proximity to attractions such as Sovereign Hill is also praised.
Overall, while the rooms at Mercure Ballarat offer comfort and ample space, they could benefit significantly from updates and renovations to improve the guest experience.
Beds
The beds at Mercure Ballarat Hotel & Convention Centre generally receive high praise for their comfort and coziness with many guests highlighting phrases such as comfortable beds, comfy bed and beds were extremely comfortable. Positive remarks often mention the soft, super comfortable mattresses and the great, nice and soft beds, complemented by the large, king size bed options that add to the luxurious feel.
However, experiences are somewhat mixed, as some guests found the beds to be too soft, hard or even saggy, leading to discomfort. There are mentions of both very comfortable and extremely comfortable beds, but it's clear that bed comfort can vary by room. Some visitors did note issues with the beds, describing them as uncomfortable, giving cramps or needing updates.
Overall, while the majority of guests seem to enjoy a restful sleep on the hotel's beds, prospective visitors should keep in mind that individual comfort preferences might impact their experience.
Cleanliness
Mercure Ballarat Hotel & Convention Centre offers a mixed experience when it comes to cleanliness, although many guests have highlighted positive aspects. Clean, comfy rooms and fresh, clean sheets are frequently praised, giving a sense of well-maintained bedding and linens. Guests often appreciate the clean and spacious rooms, noting a high standard of tidiness. Both the apartment-style accommodations and individual rooms are described as clean and tidy, aligning with the generally positive remarks about the cleanliness of towels and linens.
However, the hotel faces some critical feedback regarding detailed cleaning tasks. Issues such as dusty furniture, dirty bathroom floors and neglected grout are common. Some guests have reported filthy bathrooms and dirty showers, indicating a need for more meticulous attention in these areas. Reports of cobwebs in corners and occasional insects add to the mixed reviews about room upkeep.
The surroundings of the property, including the grounds, are commended for their spotless condition and beautiful presentation, offering a pleasing environment for guests. Despite some areas needing improvement, particularly regarding detailed and thorough cleaning, the hotel's rooms are often described as clean upon arrival, allowing for a comfortable stay overall.
Staff
Visitors to the Mercure Ballarat Hotel & Convention Centre frequently praise the hotel staff for their exceptional friendliness and helpfulness. Across various touchpoints, including the front desk, restaurant and reception, guests consistently note the warm, welcoming demeanor and professionalism of the team. Many reviews highlight the attentiveness and efficiency of the staff, making check-in processes smooth and interaction pleasant. Additionally, the restaurant staff receive commendations for their excellent service and attentiveness. Overall, despite minor exceptions, the staff's friendly and helpful nature significantly enhances the guest experience, making the hotel's customer service noteworthy.
Wi-Fi
The wifi experience at Mercure Ballarat Hotel & Convention Centre seems to be a mixed bag with some guests encountering notable challenges while others had more satisfactory experiences. Positively, some guests found the wifi to be working and appreciated the ability to cast their phone to the TV, highlighting moments of reliable network speed and good connectivity. However, issues with slow internet, patchy connectivity and periods of no wifi service were frequently mentioned. Some guests also pointed out that the TV was small and not a smart TV, limiting their ability to stream content effectively. Overall, while there were sporadic instances of good wifi performance, many guests faced difficulties with internet reliability during their stay.
Spa
The Mercure Ballarat Hotel & Convention Centre offers a conveniently located day spa that has received significant praise from guests with many describing their experiences as amazing and exceeding expectations. The proximity of the spa enhances the stay, making it a real treat to have such relaxing amenities close by. Guests particularly enjoyed the hydrotherapy options available. However, some issues were noted, such as the on-site spa being fully booked at times and certain spa baths in the bathrooms not functioning. Despite these occasional drawbacks, the overall impression of the spa is positive, suggesting it is a popular and well-regarded feature of the hotel.
Parking
The parking experience at Mercure Ballarat Hotel & Convention Centre receives mostly positive feedback from guests. Many found the parking easy and convenient with plenty of spaces available, including undercover and individual bays. Guests appreciated being able to park near their rooms and the carports alongside the villas provided useful cover. There were a few mentions of the car spaces being a bit tight for larger vehicles and during busy times, some found it challenging to park close to their rooms. Despite these minor issues, the general consensus highlights that parking is generally free, spacious and accessible.
Family
The Mercure Ballarat Hotel & Convention Centre offers a conducive environment for families traveling with kids. Guests appreciated the spacious rooms that comfortably accommodate up to five people, making it easy for both relaxation and work. The hotel provides a friendly family atmosphere with rooms that are clean and toddler safety proofed, including features such as a staircase block, ensuring peace of mind for parents with young children.
Families found the surroundings to be inviting and family-oriented. The room upgrades and amenities, such as extra bedding and door service, contributed to a hassle-free stay. Kid-friendly options, such as a range of movies, added to the convenience, although the absence of pay TV channels for children was noted by some.
Children enjoyed the swimming pool, despite occasional cleanliness issues, such as leaves in the water. Nonetheless, the hotel's overall child-friendly vibe and the spacious two-bedroom apartments allowed kids to move around freely, enhancing their stay.
Overall, the Mercure Ballarat Hotel & Convention Centre is highly recommended for families looking for a comfortable and accommodating stay with several activities and amenities geared towards keeping children entertained and safe.
4 Star
The Mercure Ballarat Hotel & Convention Centre boasts a reputation as a major hotel chain with consistent four-star ratings, as evidenced by numerous guest reviews. Many visitors appreciated the value for money and classified the hotel as meeting the four-star standard. Guests found the facilities maintained to a satisfactory level, perfectly aligning with expectations for a hotel of this class.
While the lovely grounds were highlighted positively, some reviews pointed out that certain rooms were in poor condition and required refurbishing to genuinely meet the advertised four-star standard. Despite this, numerous guests would recommend staying here and expressed intentions to return, drawing attention to their overall positive experience.
However, a few critical remarks mentioned that the hotel, while billed and priced as a four-star, occasionally felt more akin to a motel standard. Thus, while the majority of feedback aligns with the four-star classification, some areas might benefit from updates to maintain consistency across all offerings.
Accessible
The Mercure Ballarat Hotel & Convention Centre offers mixed accessibility for guests with disabilities. Positively, the hotel's layout features many rooms on the ground level, facilitating easy access and rooms were noted for their spaciousness. The location is central to key attractions, making it convenient for visitors to explore the area. Check-in and check-out processes are smooth and many facilities within the hotel are easily reachable.
However, there are notable areas for improvement. Some reviews mention a lack of designated parking for disabled guests, making access more challenging. The accessibility of showers was a recurring issue with many finding them difficult to use, particularly for older guests or those with mobility impairments. Problems with shower access included showers being over the bath and involving steps, which some guests found challenging without assistance. Additionally, issues such as low toilet height and doors that did not close properly were highlighted. Some guests also found navigating to their rooms difficult.
In summary, while the Mercure Ballarat Hotel & Convention Centre provides several accessible features and a convenient location, it could improve on specific accessibility aspects to better cater to guests with disabilities.
Romantic
The Mercure Ballarat Hotel & Convention Centre offers a charming and peaceful retreat perfect for couples seeking a romantic getaway. The natural and beautiful gardens, combined with a serene countryside setting, create a quiet and intimate atmosphere ideal for enjoying special moments together. Its proximity to the central area is convenient, yet the hotel's private, couples-friendly ambiance ensures a secluded haven for honeymoons and other romantic holidays. Guests appreciate the warm, cozy fireplace and the lovely views, which enhance the overall romantic feel of the stay. Despite some occasional disappointments, the location, stylish furniture and great breakfast further contribute to a memorable and romantic experience.
No, Mercure Ballarat Hotel & Convention Centre doesn't have any pool.
Yes, a spa is available at Mercure Ballarat Hotel & Convention Centre.
No, Mercure Ballarat Hotel & Convention Centre doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Mercure Ballarat Hotel & Convention Centre.
Yes, Mercure Ballarat Hotel & Convention Centre has a gym.