Rayville Boat Houses

Rayville was just right for our weekend getaway. The clean, tidy villa had comfy beds, and the setting is great, between two beaches with the golf course at the end of the street. Golf clubs, Surfboards, and kayaks are available to use. The staff were helpful and quick to respond throughout our stay.

The biggest letdown was how different the place seemed from its photos and description. Despite the strong suggestion of an ocean view, there wasn’t one, and the spa, which was a main reason we booked, wasn’t working. We stayed at Raysville Boathouse Apollo while travelling the Great Ocean Road. The accommodation felt basic, cheaply furnished and made, and tired rather than special. The beds squeaked and were uncomfortable, and the linen didn’t seem fresh or properly cleaned. Parking was extremely limited and difficult, not what we expected at a premium price. It wasn’t terrible, but it didn’t justify what we paid. If it had been described honestly as simple, budget-style cabin accommodation, we could have set our expectations accordingly. As it was, it felt misleading and overpriced. We expected far better for the cost.

The boathouses have one good thing going for them, the location. The carpets were filthy, and the cutlery and crockery were dirty too, so we didn’t use them. There was no blind in the kitchen, and the sun was pouring in when we arrived. Upstairs was extremely hot and stuffy. We got the ancient aircon going, but it wasn’t nearly enough. Rooms: 0 stars Service: 0 stars

We stayed just one night in this little cottage on our way to the next part of our journey, and I was happy with it. It’s small but doesn’t feel cramped, and the high living room ceilings make the space seem bigger. We rented a two bedroom place, with both bedrooms upstairs. It feels like a home I wouldn’t mind living in. The cottage is probably more than 10 years old, and there are signs of wear and tear, plus things I’d improve if it were my house. Still, it was clean and tidy, and it feels homey.