Family-friendly Hotels in Port Campbell

This accommodation has the best location - directly opposite Port Campbell bay - with its beautiful beach and jetty. And the shops and restaurants are all a short stroll away. The accommodation has been recently renovated and is spacious, clean and really comfortable. And for a change I could even access Freeview to stream something I actually wanted to watch. The manager is friendly and incredibly helpful. I had trouble with the heater (my fault) and called the manager (afterhours) and he turned up within a few minutes, smiling and doing all he could to help.

Motel 168, often seen in American movies A row of small bungalows, free parking Booked a loft, three single beds on the second floor There is a double bed on the first floor. The conditions are really difficult. A super five-star price for one night, a hardship summer camp I only have a room because I booked in advance during the Spring Festival. If you move slower, it looks like there are no rooms at all. Although the room is small, it's quite comfortable to sleep in The security is also good, quite reassuring Check-in and check-out are all self-service

So we arrived at accommodations after driving from Melbourne around 1.30pm. Found accommodation easily but not a soul around anywhere. Buzzed reception and spoke to a woman & explained we had just arrived (acknowledged that we were perhaps slightly early). The response was immediate that we were indeed too early. We offered to go and get some lunch but were told to wait and someone would meet us. That was it!! We were indeed met by a lovely young girl clearly servicing the rooms who said we were in Unit 6, it was ready. That was appreciated. On entering initially we were happy with the size of the unit which indeed for only 2, were inundated with beds, which would be great for families or larger parties. Washer/dryer was a definite positive as we travel light & getting washing done & dry really helped. However reading the ‘guest information’ T & C sheet left us feeling, like another reviewer opinion about an almost ‘angry’ tone and lots of yellow highlights about what NOT to do!! A check of shower room left us feeling that maybe this isn’t as good as we thought….functional but definitely in need of at very least some TLC if not a bit more. Shampoo, body wash & conditioner but no hand wash/soap? Also under no illusions once used you ain’t getting anymore as highlighted in T & C’s!! There was, again like other reviews, a ‘damp’ feel to the bedding…..it wasn’t and was difficult to put a finger on but wasn’t a welcoming feeling when trying to get some kip! Outside decking nothing like photos on line, very weathered and perhaps indicative of the property overall. We have toured Australia for about a month now, one memory will be the friendliness of everyone, the willingness to communicate with guests and a pride in providing information on the area! None of this was evident Southern Ocean Villas’s, indeed I’m wondering why there is a ‘reception’ building as we never saw it being occupied by anyone ! Surely guests should expect a level of communication more than, there’s your room, get on with it ! Might suit some but not for us ! Really felt like, right you’ve paid your room rate, your room is over there, read the T & C’s & move on ! Expecting more ……but maybe that’s just us? Could/should be so much better and wouldn’t take very much ! To top it all, our travel agent at every stop on our trip has very kindly arranged for wine or chocolates on our arrival! We took a call just as we were getting ready to leave from host asking if we’d be about for another 15 mins……to deliver chocolates as she was unable to have them for our arrival……not a massive issue but just again indicative of the culture at the property !

We had booked a one-bedroom apartment with a bay view. On arrival we found a ground floor apartment which was dark, dated, and depressing. Totally overpriced for 313 Euro! You cannot really call a bathtub from the 80ies with a whirlpool function a ”spa bath”. Since there was no other upper floor apartment left, we upgraded to a 2 bedroom apartment that was actually very nice. However, we had to pay substantially more. Beware of the ground floor apartments!

The double room unit was spacious and well-appointed. It was spotlessly clean. The bed was comfortable and there were two lounge chairs as well as a small table for dining. The bathroom was luxurious with heat lamps and an adjustable flow shower head. The kitchenette had no sink but a plastic bowl was supplied for washing dishes. There was a laundry available with a small charge - $4 per wash/dry. There was a nice garden view and outdoor seating. Very good free Wifi connection. A small swimming pool was available for guests. There was ample, easily accessible parking. The staff at reception were very helpful and friendly.

Likes: * Heater + fan provided in rooms * Rooms are spacious with plenty of room for bags etc. * Pillow protectors + bedding are clean, soft and comfy * Free (1) beer if you stay 2+ nights * Close to lots of local attractions * Parking on site * Powder room to get ready * The guy who runs the brewery / pizza is super nice and chatty Dislikes: * House rules are quite strict - want us out the hostel during the day (there is lots to do locally, but we just thought this was strange) also can only shower at certain times etc. * There are fridges for you to store cold food but no where specific to store dry foods Improvements: * Wifi downstairs sucks and no wifi upstairs in bedrooms - there are notices around the hostel saying this will happen eventually, but we were shocked it wasn’t already a thing

This place is beautiful. The cottages are well kitted out, stylish, spacious and have fantastic views from the private verandahs. Our cottage was lovely and clean with us wanting for nothing. The hosts are so lovely and we’re happy to accommodate us and our three dogs. The flowers in the kitchen and bathrooms, homemade fudge and dog tennis ball were lovely additions and made it nice and homely. Being 2km north of Port Campbell is great as it is far enough away from the town but close enough to enjoy all it has to offer. It was a brilliant base for us to explore the Great Ocean Road. Would recommend a stay here to anyone. Loved it!