Geelong's BEST Kept Secret: Parkwood Motel & Apartments!
Geelong's Best Kept Secret…or Just a Really Solid Motel? My Honest Take on Parkwood Motel & Apartments
Okay, so I've been tasked with reviewing the Parkwood Motel & Apartments in Geelong. "Best Kept Secret," huh? Let's see if it lives up to the hype. Honestly, the pressure's on. I’m supposed to be detailed and insightful, but let’s be real, sometimes I just want a clean bed and a decent cup of coffee.
First Impressions & Accessibility - The Good, The…Well, The Not Perfect.
Right off the bat, getting there was easy. Free car parking (yay!) is a HUGE plus, especially when you’re lugging suitcases and your sanity. Access to the motel itself seemed pretty straightforward for those with mobility issues. Accessibility is a box they ticked (or at least, aimed to tick). The elevator is key, of course! They had the facilities for disabled guests, which is genuinely thoughtful. I didn't personally need them but I know how crucial it is, so thumbs up for that.
Now, the "secret" part, maybe it is good. I’m seeing an exterior corridor, which is fine, it’s a classic motel thing. The front desk staff was friendly enough, and the check-in/out [express] option is a lifesaver when you're wrecked from travelling. I saw no complaints there.
Rooms: Clean, Functional, and…Slightly Bland (but sometimes that's what you NEED).
My room? Decent. Clean certainly. Cleanliness and safety is a big deal these days, and I felt pretty safe. They were very on their anti-viral cleaning products game, which, again, a massive sigh of relief. Rooms sanitized between stays? Yes please. I appreciate the hard work here.
The room… well, it’s not winning any design awards. Think functional, not fabulous. But hey, I’m not here to host a photoshoot. Air conditioning worked perfectly. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! YES! Essential. (Although, I did have to wrangle the signal a bit, the Internet access – wireless kept dropping.) They nailed the necessities: a comfy bed, a desk to work (if you're that kind of person, I'm not), and a fairly decent bathroom. The slippers were a nice touch. I guess it's a solid non-smoking room, so no complaints.
There was an alarm clock (do people still use those?), a hair dryer (thank God!), and a coffee/tea maker. They even have complimentary tea. In real life, I can't drink the tea because I'm a coffee addict, but it's the principle. Plus, it had all the basics. The mini bar was stocked, of course. And the satellite/cable channels, which were okay. Oh, and the window that opens? Glorious. Fresh air is a luxury. My room felt…adequate. Not amazing, not terrible, but perfectly acceptable for a night or two, especially if you need to recharge.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking. The "Secret" Starts to Slip a Bit.
Okay, here’s where things get a little…murkier. The Restaurants on-site? Yep, they have them. Asian cuisine in restaurant? Yup. Western cuisine in restaurant? Double Yup. BUT…I didn’t actually see a restaurant open for dinner during my stay. This is a MAJOR letdown, especially since they have a bar! A poolside bar is listed. The Happy hour…non-existent. The Coffee shop? Closed! My inner foodie wept quietly.
Breakfast, though! They offer it in a couple of ways. Breakfast [buffet] is the most likely option, and I saw evidence of this but I’m not a morning person, and I didn't test it. They also have Breakfast in room and Breakfast takeaway service, which is awesome for a quick bite. The essential condiments are probably available. I didn't actually visit any dining facility. Room service [24-hour] is a nice option, if it is as advertised.
The Snack bar sounded good, but I think it ran parallel to the dining facility, so I can't report on this.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Dreams vs. Motel Reality.
Alright, here's where the "best Kept Secret" starts to crumble a little.
The Spa and Spa/sauna options were listed and they sound amazing. Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage… dreamy! But…again, I saw no actual spa facilities during my stay! Am I missing something?? The steamroom, sauna, even a pool with view? I might not have caught the best angle. The Swimming pool [outdoor] itself looked nice, but it's Geelong. It was freezing! I didn't want to get in. The Gym/fitness options were listed, but, the facilities were closed.
Services and Conveniences: Useful Stuff…If You Can Find Them.
The basics are there. Daily housekeeping, always welcome. Laundry service, a huge plus. Dry cleaning, for those of us who actually pack nice clothes. Luggage storage, essential. They had a Concierge, again I didn't use this, but it's there! Cash withdrawal. Currency exchange is also available. Even a gift/souvenir shop, which is excellent for last-minute gifts. No complaints there.
The business facilities seems a bit dated. Meetings? Seminars? They can host them, and the audio-visual equipment for special events is listed. The Xerox/fax in business center is still…a thing? Shows you how many people use the Motel. There's an indoor venue for special events, a terrace too! I'm starting to get a little overwhelmed here
For The Kids: A Family-Friendly Mirage?
Babysitting service? Kids facilities? Kids meal options? It says they exist. But I didn’t see any of it in action. Again, maybe I just missed the memo.
Cleanliness and Safety: Reassuringly Tidy.
This is where Parkwood truly shines. They're taking cleanliness seriously. They have Hygiene certification! Daily disinfection in common areas! Hand sanitizer everywhere! Physical distancing of at least 1 meter is apparently being observed, and the Safe dining setup is a win. Rooms sanitized between stays! Staff trained in safety protocol, and the Safety/security feature! That's what I like to hear. The place is really clean, and that's a HUGE comfort.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy.
Airport transfer? Yes, they offer it. Car park [free of charge]? Definitely. Taxi service? Yes, available. Even the car power charging station is there.
In Conclusion: Is it a Secret Worth Keeping?
Look, the Parkwood Motel & Apartments isn't the sexiest place in Geelong. It's not a luxurious spa resort. But it’s SAFE, CLEAN, convenient, and perfectly functional for a short stay. The staff are friendly. The rooms are adequate. The location is decent.
If you're looking for a place to crash while you explore Geelong, or if you want a reliable base of operations, then absolutely give it a shot. Just don't go expecting Michelin-star dining or a world-class spa experience. Lower your expectations in the "amenities" zone, and you'll be pleasantly surprised. And hey, maybe the secret is safe because it's really just a solid, dependable motel. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to find a decent coffee.
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because planning a trip to Geelong, especially with the Parkwood Motel & Apartments as your base? It’s less a perfectly polished travel brochure and more… well, ME trying NOT to lose my mind, and likely failing spectacularly. Consider yourself warned. And grab a cuppa. You’ll need it.
Geelong, Here We (Probably) Come: A Totally Unrealistic Itinerary (with a side of existential dread)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Geelong Orientation… Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love The Roundabouts
Morning (like, whenever I manage to drag myself out of bed): Flight from (who cares, it's a secret - let's pretend it's from somewhere glamorous, like…Des Moines? Okay, fine, it's probably a domestic flight). Touch down in Melbourne. Ugh, Melbourne Airport. It's always a chaotic ballet of luggage, stressed parents, and the vague smell of stale coffee. Survive the transfer to Geelong. This is where I instantly regret not booking a private car. Public transport? Pray for me. I'm navigating this with the grace of a newborn giraffe.
Mid-Morning/Lunch (whenever hunger finally claws its way out): The First Encounter of the Parkwood Kind! Check into the Parkwood Motel & Apartments. Hopefully, the apartment is actually an apartment and not a glorified hotel room. I'm secretly hoping for a view. Bonus points if there's a balcony. Double bonus points if there's a balcony with a decent view and a comfortable chair. I will judge thoroughly. Seriously, I'm a professional judge (of comfort). After settling in, the real fun begins - finding lunch (or, rather, finding a place that isn't over-priced and serves food that doesn't require me to consult a dictionary).
Afternoon: Geelong Orientation & the Pursuit of Coffee Glory: Okay, orientation. Let's be real, I'm not exactly going to be mapping out the city like a seasoned explorer. More like… wandering aimlessly, occasionally consulting Google Maps, and praying I don't get hopelessly lost. First mission: Coffee. I've heard there are some decent cafes in Geelong. The mission: Find a café that can turn my mood around. Expecting high standards. Geelong, don’t let me down.
Evening: Wandering the Waterfront and Questioning My Life Choices: Walk (hurtle) along the Geelong Waterfront. This is where I anticipate the first "Oh my God, it's beautiful!" moment. Or, at the very least, a "Huh, that's… nice." moment. Might treat myself to dinner at a restaurant on the waterfront. Assuming I don't accidentally end up at a dodgy pub. The goal is to not die of boredom – or, you know, that feeling.
- Anecdote Alert: I'm anticipating a moment of existential dread. I have a feeling the waterfront is a "contemplation" kind of place. I'm also hoping, with the power of all my willpower, that it's not going to be freezing cold. The wind gets me every time. I'm a wimp.
Night: Netflix & Chill (literally): Back to the Apartment. Binge-watching something trashy on Netflix. A good book? Maybe. But probably something trashy. That would be the perfect end of the day.
Day 2: Geelong's Gems & The Great Ocean Road (Attempt)
- Morning: Sleep in. Possibly. Because, hello, vacation. And then the big decision: The Great Ocean Road. Everyone raves about it. But it's a drive. And I'm… not the greatest car driver. So, here's the plan: Hire a car… Or, maybe a guided tour? Let's be real, I'm leaning towards the guided tour because anxiety.
- Mid-Morning: The Great Ocean Road Debacle (or, the Great Ocean Road - Attempted): Okay, this depends on my commitment to driving (or not driving). If I, against all better judgment, did the driving: I'm envisioning a scenic drive punctuated by panicky stops, frantic GPS checks, and the constant fear of accidentally driving off a cliff. If I did the guided tour, I'm hoping for an informative and comfortable trip. No guarantees. Expect some complaining about the tour operator and the length of the itinerary.
- Afternoon: If the Great Ocean Road trip was great (pun intended), I'll try not to hate humanity. If not, I might hide in the apartment with snacks.
- Evening: Dinner at a restaurant in town. Somewhere with good reviews. Because I deserve it. Maybe a cinema trip? Actually, that sounds good. I'm in the mood for an action movie and a big tub of popcorn.
- Night: This time, the night is mine! I'm thinking of spending the night at the restaurant, after tasting a large amount of wine.
Day 3: Geelong's Art, Culture & The Sadness of Departure
- Morning: Visit the Geelong Art Gallery. I'm not a regular art-goer, but I do love a good museum. Fingers crossed it's not all "abstract expressionism" – I'm more of a "I know what I like when I see it" kind of person. Afterwards, perhaps a wander through the shops. I won't buy anything. I swear.
- Mid-Morning: Focus on the Geelong Waterfront (because, you know, it's pretty). Maybe a picnic lunch? I have no concept of what that entails (I’m more of an "order takeaway" kinda person), but I feel like this is something I should be doing. Maybe attempt a sketch of something. I'm artistically challenged, so this could be comedy gold.
- Afternoon: The Sad Reality of Departure: The Final Farewell to Parkwood - It's time to pack up and check out. Say a tearful goodbye to my chosen apartment. Or, you know, just check out. The airport transfer. I'll try to get one of those airport taxis. Or, hope public transport doesn't break down.
- Evening: The Return, & The inevitable post-trip depression the flight. Back home. The end.
- Night: The inevitable post-trip depression sets in. I start planning my next escape. And dream of Geelong, and its roundabouts.
Overall Vibe: A chaotic mix of genuine excitement, crippling anxiety (mostly about the driving), and a healthy dose of self-deprecating humour. Don't expect Michelin-star dining or meticulously planned daily schedules. Expect a slightly neurotic human trying to have a good time, failing occasionally, and documenting the whole glorious mess.
P.S. I reserve the right to change this itinerary on a whim. Things happen. Spontaneity is the spice of life, right? (Or, you know, I just got distracted by a cat video. Possible.)
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So, what *is* this Parkwood Motel everyone's whispering about? And why is it Geelong's "best kept secret"? Honestly, I'm skeptical.
Right, skepticism is healthy! I used to be the same. "Best kept secret"? Sounds like marketing BS, right? But the Parkwood… it’s different. It’s a motel, yes, but it's got this… *vibe*. Seriously, it’s a time warp in the best way. Think clean(ish) rooms, friendly faces, and prices that won't make you weep into your instant noodles. The "secret" part? Probably the consistent quality with a price that belies reality, plus: it’s a little *unassuming*. The kind of place you stumble upon and think, "Huh. This is actually… pretty good." Not fancy, not pretentious, just… solid and trustworthy. Bonus points for being close to everything in Geelong, but still feeling somehow, quietly, *away* from it all.
Okay, "solid and trustworthy"…but what are the *rooms* actually like? Are we talking roach motels? My standards are… low.
Okay, let's be honest. I am also NOT a fan of roaches. The rooms at the Parkwood are… *functional*. Honestly, I’ve stayed in fancier hotels that were less clean. They’re basic, yes, but clean. The beds are surprisingly comfy (important!), the showers have good water pressure (also important!), and the aircon actually WORKS (VERY important in Geelong summers!). Don't expect luxury. Think "retro charm" meets "surprisingly well-maintained." I mean, you might find a slightly wonky lampshade or a teeny bit of fluff under the bed, but honestly, the cleanliness is way above average for a motel. My only gripe? The lighting can be a bit… *dim*. Pack a bright reading light. Trust me. My last stay, I spent an hour trying to find a lost earring under the bed with just my phone's flashlight LOL. That was a real low point.
What's the deal with the apartments? Are they better? I need space!
The apartments are GOLD, my friend. Absolute GOLD. If you need space, do yourself a HUGE favor and book one. They have separate bedrooms, living areas, and kitchens. So, if you're traveling with kids (Godspeed!), or just want to spread out and feel like you're not living in a shoebox, it's a winner. My partner and I stayed in one for almost a week while we were sorting out a house purchase. It saved our sanity. Having a full kitchen meant we could do our own breakfasts and a few dinners, saving a fortune on eating out. Plus, there's an actual washing machine! Huge win for any prolonged stay. Honestly, I'd choose an apartment over a hotel room any day, if it's in my budget. Worth considering when you are weighing up options.
Is there parking? Because I'm not wrestling a car around Geelong.
YES! Free parking, and it's *easy*. Seriously, you just pull up and park right outside your room or apartment. No faffing about with tiny parking garages or having to walk a mile with your luggage. This is a HUGE selling point for me, especially when I'm lugging a suitcase and a million shopping bags (guilty!).
What about breakfast? Is it included? Or do I have to wander out in my sleep-deprived state?
Breakfast *isn't* automatically included. However, the apartments have kitchens, so you can stock up at the local shops. They also offer a continental breakfast delivered to your room (for an extra charge), which is handy if you’re feeling lazy. But hear me out: The Parkwood is close enough to all the good cafes in Geelong, so I strongly encourage you to *venture out* and sample the local flavours. Trust me, a decent Geelong coffee and breakfast are worth the effort.
Alright, spill the tea! Any bad experiences? What did you *hate*?
Okay, okay, honesty time. There was *one* time… I was in a rush, had a wedding to go to, and the iron in my room… it just… *died* on me. Didn't heat up, nothing. Disaster. I called reception, and they were super apologetic and brought up a replacement immediately. But the momentary panic… the feeling of "ugh, I’m going to be late and look a crumpled mess!"… Yeah, that wasn't great. And the lighting, honestly, still a problem. Bring a torch everyone! Apart from those minor things, nothing truly *bad*.
Are there any hidden gems or local perks? Like, is there a killer fish and chip shop nearby?
YES! The Parkwood is perfectly located. There's a fantastic Thai place a short drive away. And yes, there is a decent fish and chip shop not too far. But honestly, the real ‘hidden gem’ vibe comes from its proximity to the attractions. Geelong itself has so much to offer. From the waterfront to the art galleries… you can take that into a whole other world.
Would you actually recommend this place? Be honest!
YES! Absolutely, unequivocally YES. Look, it’s not The Ritz. It's not going to blow your mind with luxury. But for the price, the location, the cleanliness, and the general *vibe*? Seriously, it’s a solid, reliable, and often-overlooked option. It’s become my go-to when I need a place to stay in Geelong. It's consistently good, consistently affordable, and the staff are always lovely. It’s that comforting, familiar space. Honestly, I feel a pang of loyalty to the Parkwood. It just *works*, and in a world of overpriced, over-hyped hotels, that’s a rare and wonderful thing. Just book it!
