Ballarat Colonial Motor Inn & Apartments

From outside, the area in front of our room looked almost abandoned, which made us hesitate. It would have made a much better first impression if it had been tidied before we arrived. Inside, though, there was room for all five of us, with enough beds and a large sofa bed. We also had a proper washing machine and dryer, a big fridge, two TVs and a fully equipped kitchen. There was even a nice bucket for breakfast. The inn is conveniently placed near a fuel station where we could pick up basic essentials. That neglected-looking entrance was the only thing keeping it from five stars.

We spent three nights in a lovely room with a queen bed and a single, for two adults and one child. Everything was tidy, the linen was fresh, and the pillows were good. Bread and spreads for toast, cereal, milk and juice were provided, along with dishes and cutlery. The bathroom was nice, but the shower head sits so low that all of us, even the child, had to bend down to rinse our hair. Apart from that, we had a lovely stay, and the staff were very friendly.

The receptionist was helpful and nice, but the room itself looked a bit run down for what we paid. We couldn’t get the wifi to connect, and the curtains didn’t block enough sunlight. We could also hear people talking outside from inside the room. It was okay, just expected a little more.

I’d avoid the colonial. My kids and I came to Ballarat for a break between hospital stays back in our own town, hoping for a treat. I mixed up the dates on Booking.com by mistake, and reception was somewhat accommodating. I’d paid 132 online, but they said only one room was left, even though heaps seemed available through the night. I paid $179 in the end, making up the rest in cash. The room was filthy and unhygienic, and I’m very worried about what my sick child breathed in. There were bugs in the bed and a huge number inside the light covering. The bathroom toilet area had no room to sit, and the shower had a steep dip that made it hard to keep your balance. A broken bathroom light switch looked dangerous, and I feared I could be electrocuted if I touched it with wet fingers. The floors along the skirting boards hadn’t been vacuumed. There were blood stains on the blinds and grime across the walls, cupboards and floors. In the morning, I saw the buildup of dirt and dust on the doors. I wiped one with a wet wipe, and the photos show what came off. I sat in tears telling the kids not to touch the walls, doors or light switches. The stay left us seriously anxious and unsettled. By the time we got back to the room the first night, reception was closed, so I spoke to them in the morning. My mum runs motels in Grampians and had to call them herself to get my refund. When I spoke with reception, it felt like they blamed the date mix-up and said they hadn’t had time to double-check the room. As I told them, this looked like years of built-up filth. The trip to Ballarat cost me a fortune, as did trying to keep the children entertained away from the room. We felt so sickened by the dirt that we left as early as we could. They eventually refunded me after being told we’d take things further, but there was no compensation for the stress, the sickness we felt, or the excitement my children lost. This is unacceptable. Professionals have directed me to look into other avenues because I believe this place is a serious hazard. We lost a weekend, we’re untested, and we’re due back at st children's hospital soon. As a single mum, I can’t seem to make this up to my disappointed kids. Most motels would at least try to make things right, but I feel this lot are in it for quick money, assuming health inspectors won’t bother with them. Reports will be made this week. :(