Geelong's Hidden Gem: Rose Garden Motel's Unexpected Paradise
Geelong's Rose Garden Motel: The Unexpected Paradise You Actually Need (and Not Just Because of the Free Wi-Fi) – A Real Review
Okay, so you're looking for a place to crash in Geelong, eh? Let's be real, sometimes the options feel like a race to the bottom of the generic-hotel barrel. But HOLD UP. Before you resign yourself to beige carpets and instant coffee, let me tell you about the Rose Garden Motel. This place? It's… well, it’s something. And in a good way. Forget cookie-cutter; this motel has character, even if it's a little… quirky. (And trust me, I loved it.)
Let's get down to the nitty-gritty, because let's face it, we're all about that… right?
Accessibility & Safety – Because, Well, We All Need to Breathe Easy:
- Wheelchair accessible? Yep, they've got it.
- Cleanliness: Let's rewind here for a second. I am a cleanliness FREAK. Like, germophobe-level. (Don't judge! Covid has changed us all). So, the Anti-viral cleaning products claim had me intrigued. And honestly? The Rose Garden Motel delivered. The room felt fresh, and the constant reminders of their hygiene protocols made me feel safer. The room sanitization opt-out available is a cool touch, too. They showed their care for their guests.
- Safety features: CCTV everywhere (inside and out - a little paranoia never hurt anyone, eh?), fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and a 24-hour front desk? Check, check, and check. Feeling secure is a big plus when you're travelling.
- The big one: COVID-19 safety The Professional-grade sanitizing services and the fact they do daily disinfection in common areas is a big plus. They had Hand sanitizer everywhere, which is always appreciated, The sterilizing equipment put my mind at ease, that's for sure. AND, they had Individually-wrapped food options and safe dining setups at their restaurant and physical distancing inside. I was impressed. And the staff? Trained in safety protocol like pros.
The "Rooms" – My Sanctuary for the Weekend
Okay, confession time: I'm a sucker for a good room. The Rose Garden Motel's rooms? Let's call them "authentically comfortable." (I mean, they weren’t perfect, but they were perfectly… mine for a few days.)
- Free Wi-Fi. Yes, please! It actually works in all rooms! A minor miracle!
- Air conditioning: Essential, especially in the Geelong summer. The Blackout curtains earned a gold star, saving me a lot of hassle.
- Comforts: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Hair dryer, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Mini bar, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens, Daily housekeeping all get mentioned. The little things, they add up!
- The bed: The bed? Comfort rating: 7.5/10. The Extra long bed was nice.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Fueling the Adventure (or the Napping)
Okay, let’s talk food. I’m a sucker for a good breakfast, and I am a sucker for the Breakfast in the room. The Breakfast service was good. They had A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Breakfast [buffet], Coffee/tea in restaurant, Restaurants, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant. And, the poolside bar… yes please.
Things to Do (and Ways to Bliss Out):
Okay, the Rose Garden Motel isn't just a place to sleep. They've actually put some thought into making your stay a little… luxurious. (Again, this is where the quirks start to shine.)
- Pool with view: The pool? It's charming. Not Olympic-sized, but perfect for a dip… especially when the Geelong sun is doing its thing.
- Spa/Sauna: Their Spa is worth checking out. I had a massage. It was… exactly what I needed. The Body wrap was amazing, and the body scrub was heavenly.
- Gym/fitness, Fitness center, Steamroom, plus all that stuff: I didn't use the Fitness center, because, hey, vacation!
- The Terrace, that was nice too.
Services and Conveniences – They Thought of Nearly Everything:
- Easy Check-in/out made things so much easier.
- Concierge: Always helpful, even with my weird questions.
- Food Delivery: Excellent for those nights when you just want to stay in your room and order a pizza.
- Facilities for disabled guests: Awesome!
- Car park [free of charge]: BIG win!
- Laundry service: Because let's be real, nobody actually wants to do laundry on vacation.
- Meeting/banquet facilities
For the Kids:
- Babysitting service They're Family/child friendly, with some Kids facilities and kids meal. Yay!
The "Quirks" – What Makes the Rose Garden Motel, Well, the Rose Garden Motel
Look, no place is perfect. And that’s what I like about the Rose Garden Motel, it's not trying to be some soulless chain. It's got heart, and it's got personality.
Would I Stay Again?
Absolutely. The Rose Garden Motel is a hidden gem. For the price, the location, the genuine friendliness of the staff, and the unexpected perks? It's a winner. It’s not about perfection; it's about creating a comfortable (and, yes, sometimes quirky) experience. The Rose Garden Motel is absolutely an unexpected paradise.
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- Convenient Location: Explore Geelong's best attractions with ease.
- Great Food Great breakfast, restaurant, and a poolside bar.
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Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Studio in Vendeuil, France!
Okay, buckle up buttercups. We're going to Geelong. To the ROSE GARDEN MOTEL. I have a feeling this is going to be…an experience. Let’s see if I can wrangle this into anything resembling a travel itinerary, or at least a frantic scribble of my sanity.
ROSE GARDEN MOTEL - Geelong, Victoria. (My Mental Breakdown in 72 Hours)
Day 1: Arrival & "Charming" Geelong (Yeah, Right)
- 1:00 PM - Arrival at Melbourne Airport: Okay, first hurdle. Getting out of Tullamarine without losing my mind (or my luggage). I swear, the conveyor belt is designed to taunt you. Where's my bag? IS IT STILL IN DUBAI?! Eventually, SUCCESS. Grabbed that suitcase - its a small victory.
- 1:30 PM - Car Rental Fiasco: My car rental…it’s a tiny, beige box on wheels. Seriously? They ran out of everything else? Well, time to embrace the beige life. Pray for my driving skills… and the other drivers of Victoria. I'm officially terrified of the roundabout.
- 3:00 PM - The Drive to Geelong: Thank GOD for GPS. And for whoever invented the "avoid toll roads" option. Though, if I take the wrong turn…well, I guess that's how the interesting stories begin.
- 4:30 PM - Check-in at Rose Garden Motel: Deep breath. Okay, walking into the Rose Garden Motel. Let's see… sniffing the air. Hmmm… definitely smells of… well, let's just say "vintage". The reception? Bless her heart, the owner is giving off major Grandma vibes. She’s got a beehive hairdo that could house a small family of birds, and she is adamant that I sign the guest book. “Welcome, dearie! Geelong is a delight, you’ll see!” I really hope she’s right.
- 5:00 PM - Room Inspection: The Good, the Bad, and the Slightly Terrifying. The room… hmm. Clutching pearls. The rose motif is definitely present. And the carpet is…well, let's just call it "experienced." The bedspread? A glorious tapestry of faded floral prints that could probably tell some stories. There's a mini-fridge, which is essential. Plus, there's a TV that looks like it’s been around since black and white television was a thing. And the bathroom? Let's just say, it could use a deep clean. But hey, it has hot water! And a surprisingly firm mattress, hooray!
- 6:00 PM - Geelong's Waterfront: Time to explore! Heading downtown, I find that the waterfront is sort of pretty. The sculptures are interesting… if you squint. Had a fish and chips dinner - slightly oily but still hitting the spot. Walking along the pier, I see a couple of seagulls just staring at me. Is it some type of evil omen?
- 8:00 PM - Back to the Motel: The Evening Ritual. Back in the "Rose Garden Oasis." Watching TV. There is only one channel with decent programs. Can't sleep… the walls are thin. I think I can hear someone snoring three doors down.
- 9:00 PM - Final Thought. "This place is already growing on me, in a weird way"
Day 2: Arts, Antiques, and Anxiety
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast: A Culinary Mystery. Breakfast at the motel: "Continental." I’m really hoping that doesn’t mean "stale," but it does mean "a single, sad-looking muffin." But the coffee is hot! Small blessings.
- 9:00 AM - Geelong Art Gallery: The Art Gallery. It's nice. A much needed escape from the… "charm"… of the motel. I actually enjoyed the artwork, which is a win! Some of the exhibits were thought-provoking, others were baffling. Overall, a good experience!
- 11:00 AM - Antique Shopping Spree (and Near-Bankruptcy): Oh. My. God. Geelong has a serious antique scene. And I have a serious weakness for old stuff. Buying things I definitely can't afford. I find a vintage teapot. It’s chipped. It's cracked. I love it. My wallet is weeping.
- 1:00 PM - Lunch at a Cozy Cafe: Found a little cafe tucked away. Great coffee, even better sandwiches. Humanity restored.
- 2:30 PM - Exploring the Eastern Beach: Ah, the Eastern Beach. A carousel! Bright colours, people. It's all very jolly.
- 4:00 PM - The "Great Ocean Road" Temptation (And Why I Said No.): Okay, I really want to drive the Great Ocean Road. But I know myself. I have a fear of the road. Plus, I'm in…that beige box. I take a deep breath and decide to save that adventure for another trip when I'm feeling brave.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner is a Flop: Tonight. I tried that restaurant. It's rated well, had decent reviews… but. Sigh. The food was bland. The service was slow. I was hungry. I'm eating fast food for sustenance; let's just call this a culinary failure.
- 8:00 PM - Night at the Motel, Again: More TV. The walls are still thin. I find myself listening to my neighbour's muffled conversations. I think they could make a really interesting drama. At this point, I'm starting to feel strangely at peace with the imperfection. Maybe I'm going native.
Day 3: Goodbyes, Gas, and Gaining Back A Sanity
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast: The Muffin Saga Continues. Another muffin. I have decided there is a very small animal living in the room with me. I can hear it. I'm not scared. Actually feeling quite attached.
- 9:00 AM - Last Walk & Final Observations: One last stroll around the waterfront. The morning light makes everything look a little better. The seagulls are still judging.
- 10:00 AM - Check-Out: Saying Goodbye to the Rose Garden (and its Quirks): Checking out. "Hope you had a lovely stay deary!" Says the Grandma at the desk as she smiles and waves
- 10:30 AM - The Road to Melbourne: Back in that beige box. The drive is uneventful. I manage to avoid the roundabouts.
- 12:00 PM - Airport and Departure: I somehow made it out of Geelong without my car malfunctioning or any major meltdowns. And now… home. A shower! Ahhhh. The Rose Garden Motel was not a fancy hotel, or even an efficient one, but in its own strange way, it had a charm. It was kind of wonderful. I may have to revisit it someday.
Final Thoughts: Geelong? Unexpected. The Rose Garden Motel? An experience. But, you know what? I'd do it again. Maybe.
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Rose Garden Motel: More Than Just a Room, It's a *Vibe* (And Sometimes a Disaster) - FAQ!
Okay, spill the tea! What *actually* makes the Rose Garden Motel a "hidden gem"? Is it just some marketing fluff?
Alright, buckle up, buttercups. "Hidden gem" is thrown around like confetti, I get it. But with the Rose Garden Motel? It's... complicated. It's not the gleaming, perfectly curated Instagram-bait you'd expect. It’s more like, "charming in a slightly faded, grandma's-spare-room sort of way." The 'gem' part is the *vibe*. Think: a lush, slightly overgrown garden (the 'Rose Garden' part, obviously!), the faint scent of chlorine from the pool that's probably seen better days, and a general feeling of, "Hey, nobody’s judging your questionable life choices here.”
My own experience? Let me tell you about the time I booked a room *specifically* for a solo writing retreat. Thinking, "Oh, tranquil garden, literary inspiration!" I arrive, and the air conditioning sounds like a dying walrus. Turns out, the "garden view" was partially obstructed by a rogue bush that clearly had a personal vendetta against being trimmed. My literary inspiration was less "Shakespeare" and more, "Why is this walrus suffering so dramatically?"
But. And this is a big BUT (pun intended, because let's be real, the breakfast buffet... we'll get to that later). Despite the walrus and the bush, there's a…peace. A weird, slightly dusty, definitely-not-perfect peace. That’s the gem. It’s a haven from the polished perfection of the modern world.
What about the rooms? Are they… habitable?
"Habitable" is a strong word. Let's say, they haven't actively tried to kill anyone recently. The decor is…vintage. Think floral bedspreads that have definitely seen a few decades, possibly a suspicious stain or two, and a TV that probably predates the internet. My advice? Pack your own sanitizing wipes. And maybe a small hazmat suit, just in case… kidding! (Mostly.)
But! Okay, okay, I’m being intentionally dramatic. They're clean *enough*. The beds are comfy, the shower usually works (cold showers in summer are, surprisingly, a vibe), and hey, you’re not paying for luxury. You’re paying for… an experience. And trust me, you’ll get one.
The Pool! Is it as dreamy as it looks in the (very old) pictures?
Oh, the pool. The *mythical* pool. The pictures… bless their hearts. They were probably taken in the late 80s, when chlorine and shoulder pads were the height of fashion.
It *is* there. It *is* blue-ish. It *can* be refreshing on a scorching Geelong day… if you manage to ignore the slight earthy scent and the occasional leaf. My personal pool-based anecdote? Let's just say I once witnessed a small child successfully catching a frog in the pool. He then proceeded to try and baptize it. It sums up the Rose Garden experience perfectly. Rustic, a little bit weird, definitely memorable. Let’s just say I'm not sure the water sanitation levels are top-tier quality.
The lounge chairs, mind you, are… well, they’re there. And I wouldn’t test their structural integrity.
Breakfast. The rumors are… strong. What’s the deal?
Ah, the breakfast. This could be an entire novella. This is where the Rose Garden truly reveals its soul. It's a buffet. A buffet that runs on… well, let's just say it's an experience.
Firstly, the timing. Breakfast is served at a time that seems designed to punish late risers. Seriously, grab your coffee at 7.30am or risk missing out on the elusive… (wait for it) … *warm bacon*.
The food? Think: pre-packaged cereals that haven't seen a new cereal box design in, potentially, decades. Scrambled eggs that defy all known laws of nature (are they eggs? Are they…something else? The world may never know). Toast that gets rock-hard within thirty seconds. Coffee that, let's just say, has a personality.
But the *atmosphere*! This is where it shines. You'll find a motley crew of other guests – families on road trips, weary business travelers, and people who clearly booked the cheapest room available and are now wondering where they messed up in life. It's a bonding experience, fuelled by stale pastries and a shared sense of bewilderment.
My breakfast confession? I once ate an entire plate of those questionable scrambled eggs. And I *kinda* enjoyed it. Don't judge me. I was sleep deprived.
Is it family-friendly?
Sure. In the sense that kids can run around the garden and possibly find a frog in the pool. The rooms are big enough, and the vibe is generally relaxed. But if your kids are used to five-star luxury, they *will* stage a revolt. The Wi-Fi is shaky, so prepare for a digital detox. The breakfast… well, your kids might actually *love* the sugar overload. Depends how you look at it.
What about the staff? Are they friendly?
The staff? They're… unique. They're not the polished, overly-enthusiastic type you find in those fancy hotels. Think: friendly, a bit frazzled (possibly due to the constant chaos), and incredibly patient. They’ve seen it all, from rogue frogs in the pool to guests trying to smuggle entire breakfast buffets back to their rooms.
They're the real gems of the place. They’re warm, they'll try their best to help you, and they're probably secretly judging the state of your luggage. And sometimes, and *only* sometimes, they might be a bit understaffed. So, try not to lose it on them.
Okay, so, final verdict? Is the Rose Garden Motel worth it?
Look, if you're expecting perfect? Run. Run far, far away. If you want a sterile, cookie-cutter hotel experience? This is not the place.
But… if you're looking for something different, something with character, something that'll give you a story or two to tell when you get home? If you appreciate a little bit of genuine, slightly-faded charm? If you don’t mind a dodgy breakfast in exchange for a good time then… yeah. The Rose Garden Motel is worth it. Prepare for chaos. Embrace the weirdness. And definitely pack the sanitizing wipes.
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