The Pole House

I've stayed here several times, and this time, two years after my last visit, I found all new furniture. The view is second to none, and I can't fault the place. It's easily the best accommodation option in Victoria, worth every dollar and more. I can't believe the ridiculous negative reviews, though I guess those people are just upset about the price. Some reviewers say there's nowhere for toiletries, but the obvious cabinet opens from the bathroom wall. Great spot. I can't get enough of that view.

The view is panoramic, and the sound of the waves just below was hypnotic. The bed and pillows, maybe memory foam, were heaven. The staff were friendly and easy to reach whenever we needed them. The owners were gracious enough to accommodate a third person because of special circumstances. An unforgettable experience.

After passing the Pole House on the Great Ocean Road for 20 years, I saw it on TV a few years ago when a couple of Australian chefs were staying there. I thought it would be lovely to stay, and my daughter surprised me with a visit. What a special piece of architecture. It was beautiful to be 40m above the ground in a "Room with a Wonderful View". The inside was lovely too, and the house was well cared for. The towels were soft, the bed was good, everything was fantastic. Thank you for letting me stay in your beautiful home. Ilse.

The sea view is mind-blowing, with a full panorama and no buildings in the way. If you're here for the view and the experience, I'd definitely recommend it. I rated it 3.5 out of 5, though, because there are several things to think about if you're staying more than one night and want to cook and settle in. The bathroom has nowhere to put toiletries, and I wish it had been designed better. There were lots of little hotel-style bottles of soap, shower gel and conditioner, but no shampoo, so I had to use soap since I hadn't brought any. The dining table had rust, as other reviews mentioned. The hair dryer was tucked in a corner drawer and hard to find. Its controls didn't work, and it only blew weak, cold air. The bed and pillows were alright for one night, but I doubt they'd be comfortable for longer. One window or door lock was broken, and the wardrobe and drawers were full of things that weren't clearly marked as usable or not. The kitchen utensils and appliances didn't seem in the best shape, like other reviews said, and there wasn't enough variety for proper cooking. I'd recommend checking before you arrive. It's an amazing place and a real experience, but for the price, there's a lot of room for improvement.