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Overall is reasonable, cheap accommodation solution.
The building is very old and smells like it too - even with the window open all afternoon and ceiling fan on it was impossible to escape the mustiness. The floors are super creaky and the ‘sound proofing’ isn’t really sound-proof - being on top of a pub and next to train crossing - but does the job enough. I didn’t realise the bathroom (& kitchenette) were shared spaces and that it’s literally on top of a pub that has live music - so that was a reminder to read the fine print. The facilities were very clean (other than the car park which could do with a mow and a tidy up) and for accommodation on a budget it did the job. Large comfy bed, large screen tv, wifi, etc. Shower pressure not great nor did the hot water last long so be ready for a speedy one!
Melanie
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023
Response from Manager on 17 Dec 2023
Hi Melanie, thanks for your feedback, and yes we agree, perhaps you should have paid heed to the fine print and then you would have been aware of what you were booking. We do take on board fair comments, and we are in the process of mowing the back yard today, however your hot water comment is untrue! The hot water service at the hotel is a continuous hot flow so there is no way knowing that the hot water runs out! Perhaps the user didn't have the taps set properly, seems you had the cold tap going harder than the hot tap.we have since checked and there are no issues with the hot water whatsoever! We have workers staying with us on a weekly basis requiring long hot showers, without ever any complaints ever!! In fact they are rapt with the amount of hot water they get every shower! Ciao!
6/10 Okay
Ben
Business traveller
20 Nov 2023
Good location.. however $82 for the night was a bit much.. $65 is where I think it should be priced
Ben
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023
Response from Management on 20 Nov 2023
Hi Ben, the room you booked is actually 75 on the hotel website, and if you had any sense you could have saved yourself some dosh, but in saying that you won't get any cheaper at that price mate. Not even a powered site at a caravan park. The hotel also has basic rooms at the ratecof 60, however you obviously missed out on it as they are the most popular. The queen rooms are extremely popular at the 82.50 (75) rate, if you don't like paying that rate, try seeing if you can get anywhere cheaper, I bet you can't! Ciao
Loved the atmosphere and bands, its nice and quiet in the accommodation area though if you want to get your head down.
Disliked the lack of menu choices, however there are numerous eating spots within easy walking distance from the hotel..
It was clean wasn't informed untill check in it was on third floor and no lift. I walk with a stick. Sharing toilets and showers only received a towel. Didn't see anyone at check-in just code to get into each floor.
Daphny
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2023
Response from Manager on 13 Mar 2023
Daphne, the hotel is ilon the first floor not third floor? It is clearly noted on every single website including the one you booked from that the hotel is on the first floor? Sharing bathrooms is also outlined on the website, one towel per person is all you need for one night, we are trying to save the environment? Perhaps next time read and understand the hotel's policies before you book then to expect something different when you arrive. Ciao!
Absolutely worth the money!! I just changed my accommodation from mount Helen therefore I don’t have a place to stay, that’s when I searched this place which attracts my eyes straight away. This is a place to offer you a place that feels more like home than a hotel. I lived from Monday to Wednesday night , therefore the bar downstairs didn’t bother me too much. I really like the environment here as it’s hygienic, everything is in order and the bed linens and sheets are perfect clean. Although the bathroom is sharing, it doesn’t bother me too much as other guests are very polite and didn’t make anything that makes me feel uncomfortable. I would definitely recommend if you are trying to find somewhere just staying for couple of nights and feels like home!
Kate
Response from Manager on 2 Mar 2023
Thank you so much Kate! We are extremely happy to hear that you had a good stay with us! We have a cleaner who attends the premises on a daily basis to keep everything neat and clean. She will be chuffed to read your message. Cheers!
This Hotel, Does NOT Have an On-svuite For Each Room,,, NO TV, Room Very Small Only A BED AND Small Wardrobe, Very Noisy Saturday Nite with Bannd Playing Music ,,, We Left Did Not Stay the Night as we Couln't Sleep,
jOSEPH
Response from Manager on 29 Nov 2022
Hi Joseph & Mary, perhaps you should go back to your agent who booked the room for you and ask him if he's been to SpecSavers lately? Everything you have mentioned is CLEARLY written on the website. Shared Bathrooms - nowhere does it mention ensuites, a double room is a double bed, A live music venue, means music every weekend, what so you expect on a Saturday night, a quiet night before 12am? Man, you and Mary need to read and understand what you booked before you let the agent book for you perhaps? Next time spend an extra 200 and stay elsewhere...Ciao...
6/10 Okay
Edwina Entwisle
Travelled with group
19 Oct 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
This place is for the young at heart!
This place is for the young at heart. Check in is contact free. Parking was available. Room was clean. This place is a music venue and the band does not stop until 12.15pm.
Some guests then returned to their rooms to play even more music. My hardcore gig days are behind me sadly, so this place was too noisy for me. The beer garden was directly below my window and there is someone out there with a really annoying laugh!
Edwina Entwisle
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2022
Response from Manager on 19 Oct 2022
Hi Edwina, thanks for your review and we clearly advertise on all our listing's that the hotel is above a pub which is a live music venue, its no secret at all! Perhaps you need read and understand what you booked! Cheers!
The property itself had character and it was really nice , the inside was so old and outdated . The only good thing about it was the electric blanket on the bed and the heater in the rooms .
Jade
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2022
Response from Manager on 19 Sept 2022
Hi Jade, thanks for your review. The building is 160 years old and we have done everything possible ti keep it updated with modern amenities. I'm sure you used more than the heaters and electric blankets? Did you not use the free wifi, tea coffee,?? Hmmmm
I travel to Ballarat for work and have found the Eastern Hotel very affordable and convenient for my needs.
I hope to continue to stay here whilst working in Ballarat.
No word can prescribed how rude they are when deal with customer. First and last. No more!
Verified traveller
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2021
Response from Manager on 7 July 2021
Rude is bringing 3 children into the hotel without paying for them. Rude is disrupting all the guests at the hotel. Rude is leaving a pig sty behind in the room. Rude is complaining about things that don't exist. Rude is just you.
Could not access my code
Could not enter the facility
Had to pay for secondary accommodation
Refused refund
No timely internet support
Could not access building
Was stranded on the dark street
Verified traveller
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2021
Response from Manager on 1 May 2021
Are you honestly being SERIOUS!?!
EVERY single guest, is emailed an access code (via the booking agent) for entry to the hotel!! Did you NOT think to ring, text or email? We did not hear anything at all from you whoever you are (Anonymous obviously for a reason to hide your identity)! You only have yourself to blame for your utter stupidity this is NOTHING to do with our hotel at all, only complete and utter ignorance on your behalf, be gone with you!
The rooms are above a live music venue, which was fine for me. Other people might prefer to stay mid-week when things are quieter.
I got to listen (through the floorboards) to a Metal band on Friday night, blues on Saturday and hip-hop on Sunday night.
Bands (and venue) close at 11pm, so you still get to sleep.
Excellent facillities - 2 bathrooms, shared kitchen with fridge, microwave, stove/grill, wifi and limited on-site parking. Clean, smells nice and safe.
Excellent value for the price (provided you are OK with the noise). Also great view of the railway and the occasional steam train passing by. Close to town and bike tracks. I would go there again.
Verified traveller
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2021
Response from Manager on 30 Apr 2021
Thanks for your honest review, and you are spot on! We appreciate the feedback and glad that you enjoyed your stay and would be more than happy to host you again in the future!
8/10 Good
Verified traveller
Business traveller
24 Apr 2021
Sufficient, met our needs for overnight stay.
Verified traveller
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2021
Response from Manager on 4 May 2021
Thanks for taking time out to review, it is much appreciated.
Do not book unless you’re desperate for somewhere to stay, I ended up walking out within half an hour due to safety and hygiene concerns only to be called a liar. I booked accomodation last minute at the Gisborne motel instead and for the same cost and was presented with much better amenities and extremely friendly staff in what is considered a much more high class and expensive town.
Verified traveller
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2020
Response from Lm on 31 Dec 2020
You are a cheap skate mate and nothing but a whinging nut job. Ballarat doesn't not need the likes of you coming into our beautiful town causing grief to small family businesses trying their best to survive after Covid. Go back to the hole you crawled out of you filthy drongo!
I got a great price and was happy with what I got for my price. I slept like a baby with no noise concern. My body found the bed comfortable.
Not too far from a main Ballarat street to walk too. Building is security, showers clean and great temp and toilet rooms or good.
Dean
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2020
Response from LM on 30 Dec 2020
Cheers Dean thank you for your honest feedback!
6/10 Okay
Ian
26 June 2020
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Its a bit out of town, but there are eateries and a pub close by. They were redoing the pub downstairs. The only hassle was no hot water in the shower (I think due to the renovation?)