The hype
Travelers are consistently shocked by how huge and clean the rooms are for the price.
Best Western Colonial Village Motel
$100-150 / night
Book this if You want a spacious, apartment-style base in Warrnambool that feels more like a private cottage than a motel box.
Why People Love It
- Unexpectedly large rooms with cathedral ceilings
- Quiet location set back from the main road
- The 'Suite 3' spa experience under a glass ceiling
Quick Take: A solid, clean 1980s throwback that over-delivers on space but makes you drive for dinner.
Reviewed by @Lena.b.elizabeth: I wasn't expecting much from a roadside stop, but this spa suite totally blew me away. The tub is huge! It’s clean, quiet, and having the kitchenette saved me money on food. Perfect spot to recharge.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The decor is undeniably dated—think brown brick and 80s vibes—but almost everyone forgives it because it's spotless.
- You need a kitchen or kitchenette to save money on meals
- You travel with a trailer or larger vehicle (parking is easy)
- You prefer a 'cottage' feel over a multi-story hotel block
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.8
- Housekeeping: Daily service is consistent. Reviews frequently use the word 'spotless' even for the older rooms.
- Bathroom hygiene: Grout is scrubbed, no mold issues reported. Spa baths in suites are kept pristine.
- Maintenance: Older fittings (taps, handles) are well-maintained but show age. Everything works, but it might squeak.
- Linens & towels: Crisp, white, and professional. Electric blankets are a huge plus in winter.
- Odors & scents: Neutral. No heavy chemical masking scents, just fresh air.
Sleepability™
8.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Rain noise on metal roofs during storms
- Occasional road hum in front-most units
Before you book
Good to know
- Breakfast is cooked-to-order but often served as room service; there is no buffet hall.
- The 'tennis court' is real, but bring your own gear just in case reception loaners are worn.
- Wi-Fi is free and generally reliable, but can slow down when the motel is full.
What to pack
- Car charger/multi-port (outlets can be scarce in older rooms)
- Tennis racket (to use the on-site court)
- Slippers (tile floors in kitchenettes can be cold)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Suite 3 (Spa Suite) — The 'unicorn' room with a spa bath under a glass ceiling and updated bathroom.
- Two-Bedroom Family Suites — Massive, often split-level, perfect for keeping kids separate.
Rooms to avoid
- Standard Rooms near the front if you are a light sleeper (road proximity).
- Any room where you haven't confirmed a refurbishment if you hate 80s decor.
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I'm looking to book a stay and heard wonderful things about 'Suite 3' with the glass ceiling spa. Is that specific unit available? If not, I'd love one of the refurbished units set furthest back from Mortlake Road.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a pool?
No. There is absolutely no pool on-site. The nearby 'AquaZone' is a public aquatic center 600m away.
Is it walkable to the beach?
Not really. It's about a 30-40 minute walk to the main beach. You'll want to drive (5-10 mins).
Do the rooms have kitchens?
Most have at least a kitchenette (microwave, toaster, kettle). The Apartments and Family Suites often have full kitchens with ovens.
Is there EV charging?
No dedicated EV stations on-site. You'll need to use public chargers in Warrnambool or ask nicely for a standard wall outlet (slow charge).
Can I bring my dog?
No, this property is strictly no pets allowed.
What is the parking situation?
Free, easy, and right in front of your unit—a major perk of the motel layout.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Gallo Bakery' just down the road (84 Mortlake Rd) does excellent Vietnamese banh mi and pies—perfect for a cheap lunch.
- ✨
Ask for a room with a 'cathedral ceiling' for a much airier, larger feel than the standard flat-ceiling rooms.
- ✨
If you arrive after 8pm, call ahead. The reception is not 24/7 and you'll need the key safe code.
5 things to know before you go
💡The water pressure in the showers is often cited as 'fire hose' level strong—a rare find.
💡The 'garden view' is genuinely nice, not just a patch of grass; it's 3 acres of well-tended grounds.
💡The metal roofs mean you will hear the rain loudly—some find it soothing, others annoying.
💡There is a guest laundry, but it requires coins, so bring change.
💡The heating is powerful (reverse cycle), which is crucial for chilly Victorian winters.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Best Western Colonial Village Motel is located and what's nearby.