Ramada Resort Ballarat

We can't speak highly enough of this special place, and we'll certainly return. Our room was gorgeous and beautifully restored. The property has seven acres of parkland with a lake, canoes, and walking and biking tracks. There's plenty to do, including a large heated indoor pool, gym, spa, sauna, library, and pool table. The property is fascinating, with a history as an orphanage for boys and a maternity home for unmarried mothers. Manager Phillip gave us a tour and explained its history, and even showed us how to ride the penny-farthing. We found everyone very welcoming, and nothing was a problem.

The rooms have a traditional feel with modern touches, and the high ceilings and spacious layout made our apartment feel huge. The grounds are glorious, with hundreds of rose bushes, lovely gardens, and a lake with swans and ducks. This is probably the best Wyndham resort we've stayed in so far. We'll come again.

We enjoyed our stay. Our Level 1, two-bedroom apartment was spacious and warm, with electric blankets on all the beds, an open kitchen, and a roomy lounge. It had all the cooking gear, utensils, plates, and glasses, so we only needed to bring food. The master room had a large TV and a safe in the closet; there was another large TV in the kitchen and lounge area. The second bedroom had two comfortable single beds. The separate bathroom was spacious, with a shower and toilet, but there was no ensuite in the master room. There are quiet spots along the hallway where you can read. This is a lovely old mansion, about 7 km from the city centre, with shops around 1.5 km or more away. Staff were friendly and helpful, and check-in came with a glass of wine or another drink. Some rooms have beautiful Manchester furniture for relaxing or reading. There's no elevator to the Level 1 apartments, only stairs. The indoor pool is in a separate building from the spa and small gym. You can use e-bikes and bicycles for free, and there are two kayaks and two pedal boats for the lake. There are large grounds to walk around, and visitors can pick fruit and vegetables from the orchard, though people sometimes pick them before they're ready. Planting is seasonal. The main car park is at the back by the pool building, with a smaller space at the entrance for reception check-in. Reception sells hot pies and some groceries. There's lots to do around Ballarat. Enjoy your stay, we did.

The rooms are spacious and have all the essentials, and the architecture and manicured grounds are lovely. It's a nice way to enjoy a piece of history in a heritage-listed building. On our last day, I noticed how dusty the room was with the fan on, and found a thick layer of dust under the bed.