Top 10 Lakelands Hotels

I booked the Novotel Geelong superior King room at $545, thinking that it would be a nice treat for my son and I, on a weekend away. The hotel is tired, and lobby is very ordinary. That however was the best part of the hotel. The room was a massive disappointment, looked onto a carpark, level 3 and terribly maintained, with filthy stained carpet. Marks on the walls, and a hole in the wall, the aircon duct was a health hazard covered in dust. They charge $40 a day parking, which on top of the price seems outrageous. Our aircon was not working, it was 27 degrees and outside a very mild 21. This wasn’t rectified, despite asking. No evidence of management overseeing running of the hotel. The staff seem overwhelmed and undertrained. The restaurant is well under standard. Decor was old and desperately in need of an upgrade. Like a run down office block. The service was terrible, staff asked twice for my room number. Ordered coffees on arrival, asked again if they were coming, then asked for take away, and they still didn’t arrive in the half in a hour we were there. I gave up waiting. Honestly the worst hotel experience I have had. For the price expectations were high. Extremely disappointing, and no idea how this place is still trading, just the location must save it.

The restaurant was not open on the night I was there but I had room service which was nice and the cost very reasonable. The room was a bit dusty but this was understandable as there are renovations happening in the hotel. This was not enough to complain about though.

Where to start with this one? I booked a twin room (1x queen and 1x single) here through Wotif.com. $181. I was flat out making the 9pm cut off for check in. The women on the reception gave me a check in form and on that I stated 3 people would be staying in the room. She said id only booked for 2 people and would have to get ”the girls” to sort that out tomorrow. We left and went on the rest of our trip and stupidly I booked it again for the way home. It was after this I noticed I had been charged $55 extra for the previous night for the extra person. On check in the 2nd time I marked 2 people staying (myself and my 6yo) as my partner had intended heading off that evening but wasn't sure as it was getting late. Thats where things went south pretty quick, the manager, probably the most abhorrent human I have ever encountered, started yelling at me from the ground whilst I was entering the 1st floor room asking how many was staying. I chose to go and have a conversation in the office instead of yelling. She said she saw on the cameras there were 3 people in the car when we got out and we had enough luggage for 3 people. Well yes, we had been on a 4 day trip. 3 of us. I informed her the 2 person thing was a Wotif default search. I simply put the dates and the town in and then choose an appropriate room for my needs. In this case it was the twin room that sleeps 3, as per the advertisement. She charged me another $55 dollars, refused a refund as per the very convenient ”no refund”. She informed me that this always happens (im not surprised). She accused me of stealing by not indicating how many people were staying there. She was abusive and basically just downright obnoxious. You cannot speak to this person, seriously, she just speaks over you at every chance. I honestly booked a room to accommodate our needs. in all my time booking hundreds of Hotels I have never encountered anything like it. Seriously guys, stay away from this place. I feel stupid falling into the same trap twice but i'd already booked it prior to looking at my credit card transaction. DO NOT STAY AT THIS PLACE, THEY DO NOT DESERVE YOUR BUSINESS!!! I feel sillier after getting home and reading the reviews, seems to be a common theme at this place. I though given the twin share room that sleeps 3 was more expensive than a queen room that i was already paying for a 3rd person. For heaven's sake just go somewhere else, this place is just disgraceful!

The facilities are very good, some are good and easy to use, the beds are large and comfortable. The car is parked at the door of the room, very convenient. There is an outdoor pool and children’s rides.

Great hotel. Our room was upstairs. Clean, comfortable and spacious room. Excellent friendly staff. The location is perfect for a stroll down to the bay to walk along or into town to the many restaurants or shopping.

Arranged on the third floor, there is no elevator, it is difficult to move boxes. Convenient location. It is a good supply station to start the Great Ocean Road trip. Power off the kitchen wall as soon as the dishwasher starts

The motel is just up the road from the waterfront and big wheel, and close to restaurants, cafes and shops. It took about 20 minutes to walk from the railway station. The room was light and spacious, the curtains kept the early morning light out and the windows could be opened for fresh air. The staff were helpful and friendly and let me leave my suitcase when I arrived before check in and again next day after check out. The bed was comfortable and the cleaners had done a great job. It was not as expensive as many Geelong accommodation places and I'd definitely stay again.

The boss is very enthusiastic, and I try my best to help us solve the problem. I am so touched. The location is very good. I can park it and there is a supermarket next to it!