Hotel Vera Ballarat — Hotel in Grampians

I was visiting a friend in Ballarat for a few days in late Auguste, and can't believe my luck in landing at the Hotel Vera. I've stayed in luxury properties all over the world, and the Vera not only matches the physical quality of these properties, but manages to excel where they can't: It feels deeply personal, incredibly culturally rich, and has a sense of generous warmth.

Upon entering the property and gushing over the front door fixtures and tiling at the entry, the staffer that checked me in gave me my first introduction to country hospitality by offering to show me some of the things at the hotel she thought I'd like the most. I eagerly trailed behind her as she filled me in on the history of the building and family, a primer of the gorgeous and carefully-selected art works, how they managed to marry mid-century pieces in a 19th century house, the gorgeous dining room and kitchen (a beautiful mix of woods and stones in a space that feels expansive and intimate at the same time), and the reception room (fireplace crackling, wall to wall shelving filled with a mass of hefty art tomes I could easily spend weeks curled up on the plush couches enjoying). It was so kind of her to take the time to indulge a guest that was enamoured upon stepping inside, but it immediately let me know that I had landed in a very special place.

The rooms feature different formations and features, but all of them are tranquil, well-appointed, luxurious spaces. The attention to detail was so impressive - From the textiles to the tea (I really need to know what brand that tea was!), the bathroom fixtures and accessories, to the bed, the lighting, and the art frame TV. Even the window treatments! Everything was so carefully curated and constructed, that it made me sad I had only booked a few days in Ballarat, and that I would mostly be out and about instead of enjoying the room and the hotel. If you're looking for somewhere to rest and recharge, this is absolutely the place.

I only found out that the on-site restaurant, Babae, delivers a seasonal degustation menu after I'd arrived but, along with booking a room with a soaking tub and extending my stay for a few more days, this is absolutely going to be on my to-do list when I visit again next year! I'd recommend this property for singles or couples looking for a luxurious, low-key getaway (There's no flashing lights or thumping bass here, just a quiet, extremely-gorgeously-appointed property where everything has been thought of), but if you also have a group of adults looking for a quiet weekend away where everyone can retire under one beautiful roof at the end of each night, I can't think of a property better suited.

Practicality-wise, the hotel is perfectly positioned in town, with a range of historical sites, coffee shops, restaurants, pubs, bars and amenities within a very short, few-minute walking distance, but not so close that your rest is impeded by noise at night - Perfect!

I happened to run into one of the creators/owners of the hotel upon check-out and tried to express to him through travel weariness what I've tried to communicate here: He and everyone involved in the hotel have created something very special and should be immensely proud. A luxury property that feels like a truly bespoke experience - This isn't luxury you can just BUY. You can feel the decades of knowledge, consideration, and inspiration that has gone into creating a place that is at once incredibly modern, but rooted in the very best of country tradition. I described my stay at the hotel to a friend, and she responded that it actually sounded like the hotel had cast a spell on me. I'm not ashamed to say that this hotel of quiet magic absolutely bewitched me, and I cannot wait...

Hotel Vera is stunning and as the reviews say - it is the epitome of true luxury and the owners Martin Shew and David Cook-Doulton are welcoming from the moment you first make contact. Hotel Vera is stunning in every sense, the art works are fabulous and David is very knowledgeable and is happy to share in detail about the art works and the artists. We travelled with our dog and enjoyed the pet friendly The Lonarch Suite with its own secure enclosed outdoor area with an outdoor setting so our dog could be with us whilst we sipped our morning coffees. Martin offered us everything one might need when travelling with a pooch, bedding, bowls and there was even an area in the huge double marble lined shower for us to bathe our pup if we chose, absolutely nothing was an issue and our dog was allowed inside the hotel common areas on a lead. The pet friendly room was part of the original building and partly a new addition and everything flowed seamlessly and again the artwork in the room was fab. We had a coffee making area with a selection of fab local wines, local artisan wares such as hand crafted muesli - to die for by the way, cookies and more wow…just wow. The details like the Dyson hairdryer, bath robes, art on the Samsung TV and more. The decor and design of the The Lonarch Suite and the hotel has been finely crafted by these two designers and it is just fabulous. We had breakfast each morning in the stunning 1-Hat Restaurant which was delicious, the coffee, the pasties and the artisan muesli - yum. If you are a traveller with a pup in tow you will know that there aren’t many accomodation offerings that you come away raving about but Hotel Vera is definitely an A++++ Boutique Hotel. It is centrally located in Ballarat and within walking distance to a number of well recommended restaurants and close to other fab tourist areas. And lastly, not forgetting our pups needs, there are a number of green spaces just outside the hotel to walk your dog for tinkles. I cannot recommend Hotel Vera enough and I know if you are a pup owner and have a discerning eye when it comes to your accommodation, you are going to love this experience. We didn’t want to leave and in fact when we left Hotel Vera Ballarat we drove to their sister Hotel Ernest in Bendigo, another fab experience. These two guys know how to make an experience one to remember. Loved it and can’t wait to...

We had a fantastic overnight stay at the gorgeously impressive Hotel Vera. My wife and I had just spent 3 fabulous nights at the magnificent Hotel Ernest in Bendigo (also owned by David and Martin) and the calibre certainly continued here. The atmosphere and aesthetic of both these hotels - so tasteful and well balanced - outstanding! Upon our arrival at Vera, we were greeted by two lovely ladies who welcomed us and gave us all the information we needed about Ballarat, as well as a tour of the hotel, with insights into the original artwork and the history of the building. Our room was luxurious, stylish and bristling with state-of-the-art hi-tech amenities. I grew up in Ballarat during the late 60s and 70s, and this certainly felt like coming home! And yet, the Hotel Vera experience also helped me to see Ballarat in a “groovy” new light. I intend to go “home” more often, and when I do, it will be at Hotel Vera. Beautiful! The highlight of our evening was an incomparable gastronomic experience at Underbar, the word-class restaurant located downstairs. Mind-blowing - very special! We were fortunate enough to receive front-row seats, sitting at the bar facing the space-age “Starship Enterprise” kitchen, right in front of the maestro himself, Derek, who was busy being a world-class chef, whilst effortlessly finding time for a little friendly chat as well. Fascinating culinary structures, surprising textures, and incredible flavours. The next morning we went downstairs (Underbar by night, breakfast bar by day!) and enjoyed the most spectacular complimentary breakfast you could imagine. What a restaurant!...