Colac Central Hotel-Motel

I have been meaning to do this for weeks, all this doing nothing in iso has really kept me busy! I stayed at the Central after the first lockdown and before the second. Some history for you all, I am researching the history of Hotels in Australia, and the Central Hotel forms a pretty important part of the transition from boarding houses to fancy hotels in the 1960’s. The Central was one of the first Commodore Motels - the chain the revolutionized accommodation in Australia. Enough of history and now today. Ok so reception and parts of the restaurant are a little daggy and a victim of low level neglect over the years, nothing major, just a bit like Aunty Cheryl decided to become an interior designer and for Christmas gave you a consultation. BUT, Cheryl didn’t get to the rooms, they are well appointed, nice size and very very clean. Good weefee and big internet televisions in the rooms,’solid in room dining and great hosts. Having stayed at all the hotels in Colac, the Central is streets ahead, as an overall Package. The others may have bigger rooms but they are dated, nice reception but rude owners, a swimming pool but freezing water etc etc etc. There tag line is the best one I have heard and makes a lot of sense “3 stars we are proud of” this shines through and for what it’s worth the Central ticks the boxes in a very high 3 star way.

Ok, so when I write this review I am writing this as a person who has stayed in 6-star hotels and .00001 star hotels. When I review a hotel or anything, I review it for what it is, in this case, a country 3-star hotel. I found myself at the Colac Central as accommodation in Lorne was off its head price-wise, so the alternative was to stay in Colac, and travel to the Ocean Road. The 30-minute trip is a beautiful drive and worked out miles cheaper than paying the ridiculous price for not much in Lorne. (I travel 45 minutes in traffic (pre-COVID to work each day). I was a little put off by the Central as some early reviews go to town on it, but I was assured by locals that it had a few owners over the years and the new owners for what they had heard are lovely. I tossed up between a couple of Hotels (imagine if i was making a big decision) and settled on the central. ON first appearance it certainly will not be nominated for any architectural awards, so this is a little off-putting, but that's about my only whinge. The owners are lovely, and I think that is part of the charm when staying in private hotels, that the guest is almost an extension of their family. I can remember the mans name, but Claire is the wife and owner and she was great. In Short here is my Trip Advisor Score - I have a new account because i changed emails so you may have read my stuff on my old account @rodp, 1: Cleanliness - 10 Rooms smelt clean, where clean and even compared to a 6 star hotel you would be happy. 2: Decor - 8 Recently updated rooms, lovely bed coverings, daggy table and chairs, smart tv and modern bathroom 3: Ammenities - 9 Fast Wifi, Solid Food Offering, Comfortable bar, and lounge, great parking 4: Service - 10 Everything and more, room service, loads of smiles 5: Comfort - 7 I have deducted 3 points here because there was some noise coming from the pub, this is inevitable and not bad enough to complain, but you know there is a public bar close by. So The Rod Score is 44/50 which just sneaks in for a 5-star review! Stay here as a top-end 3-star country hotel, and you will be very very happy. I can't say I am planning on a Colac trip anytime soon, but if i was, i would be back.

I stay at the Colac Central 2-3 times per week, and I preface this by saying its not the Ritz Carlton, BUT, the cleanliness of the rooms and the quality of service eats any 5 Star Hotel I have stayed at. They have a great room service menu that is best described as no nonsence solid pub food that is affordable and delivered to your room with a smile. I genuinally enjoy staying their and feel welcome everytime I do! Cannot recommend the Central enough.

Humble, clean, friendly, close to the hospital & had all I needed for the night before an operation at the hospital. It also fit our tight budget. Easy to find & access. Close to the CBD & many eateries only a few blocks away.

In hindsight I should have paid an extra $30 and stayed elsewhere........ Lady at check in was very pleasant and gave us keys, directions to our room and a small carton of milk. Upon entering our very small room I placed the carton on milk in the fridge to find there was already one there that had expired 2 weeks previously........ I’m guessing the fridge and possibly the room doesn’t get cleaned as frequently as it should. Room was very small with a fairly comfortable double bed but the shared bathroom facilities up the hallway were very average. The only upside to this place is that it is very central. I’m glad we only stayed a night though.