Motel Marengo

This accommodation offers a practical stay for travelers, often highlighted for its spacious rooms that frequently include kitchenette facilities, providing a degree of self-sufficiency. While some guests find the overall property to be clean and well-maintained, others express significant disappointment with its dated appearance and perceived lack of upkeep. The location is generally considered convenient, appealing to road trippers seeking a stop along the Great Ocean Road, and families looking for a base to explore nearby attractions like Apollo Bay and the 12 Apostles. Couples also find it suitable for short breaks. To enhance your stay, it is advisable to inspect your room upon arrival for any maintenance issues and consider bringing your own pillows for improved comfort, as bed firmness is a common point of mixed feedback.

Facilities & Amenities
The property features a range of amenities, though guest experiences are notably mixed. Many appreciate the convenience of kitchenettes within the rooms, which are often described as well-equipped with essentials like a fridge, microwave, toaster, and kettle, making self-catering feasible. Parking is consistently praised for its ease and direct access to rooms. The swimming pool and spa receive highly varied feedback; while some guests enjoy them, many report the pool as uninviting, dirty, or not resembling promotional photos, and the spa as cold or poorly maintained. The BBQ area is seen as a useful addition by some, while others find it rustic or in need of repair. Wi-Fi connectivity is inconsistent, with some finding it good and others experiencing slow or unreliable service. Air conditioning and electric blankets are generally effective in ensuring room comfort.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is highly polarized. Many reviews commend the rooms for being clean and tidy, with some specifically mentioning super clean beds and fresh linen. However, a significant number of guests report issues such as mold in bathrooms, stains on bedding, spider webs, and a pervasive musty smell or smell of mold. The overall room condition is frequently described as old, rundown, and in need of updating, with observations of peeling paint and worn fixtures. Bed comfort is a recurring concern, with many finding beds uncomfortable or hard, and pillows often described as flat or insufficient. Noise levels are also mixed; while some appreciate the quiet surroundings, others report significant noise transfer from neighboring rooms or the nearby road. Bathrooms are a particular point of contention, often cited as very small, outdated, having leaking showers, or being unhygienic, with worn towels also being a common complaint.

Location & Accessibility
The property's location is a key aspect of guest feedback, generally considered convenient for exploring the region. It is situated a short drive, typically 5-7 kilometers, from Apollo Bay, offering access to its shops, cafes, and restaurants, though it is not within easy walking distance for most. Its proximity to the beach is a significant positive, with many guests enjoying the convenience of a short walk to the local Marengo beach. The motel serves as a practical base for those traveling along the Great Ocean Road and visiting attractions such as the Otways and the 12 Apostles. While some guests appreciate the quiet surroundings, others note that the property is located on a busy road, which can lead to some road noise.

Staff & Service
The staff generally receive positive remarks for their friendliness and helpfulness. Guests frequently highlight the staff's accommodating nature, including their willingness to assist with requests such as relocating rooms due to noisy neighbors. The check-in and check-out process receives mixed reviews; some guests praise it as quick and seamless, while others report instances of unattended reception, requiring keys to be found under doormats, which can lead to a less welcoming initial impression. Despite these inconsistencies, the overall sentiment regarding staff interaction is largely positive, with many appreciating the personal touch from the management.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the website photos of the property, particularly those depicting the pool and outdoor areas, are often described as misleading and not reflective of the current condition. The perceived value for money is a contentious point, with many guests feeling the accommodation is overpriced for its condition, while others find it to be good value for a basic stay. Some guests have reported unexpected surcharges upon booking or issues with payment processing not going through the expected channels. The property maintains a pet-friendly policy, which is a notable advantage for travelers with animals. A unique and often appreciated feature is the presence of parrots that gather near the premises, adding to the natural ambiance.