Most people think of Geelong as a day trip but it is nice to stay there overnight so that you can do some back-to-back touristy things, of which there are
any number.
I must admit to being quite impressed with the new Vue Apartments which, as of July 2013, have only been open for a few months.
Outside of the Vue at night in the edge of the photo is the Ritz see further comments on the Ritz below
Even when I parked the car in the inevitable undergound carpark, I looked up at the ornate ironwork and noticed the pattern of light curling through from the street above. It wasn't as enclosed and dungeon-like as usual hotel carparks and I thought, "This bodes well for the rest of the place." I wasn't mistaken.
Opening the door to the apartment it had the wow factor. Someone had charmingly turned on all the lamps, and down-lights sparkled over a gleaming stainless steel kitchen. It highlighted all the shiny modcons including an all in one electric jug and toaster and an expresso machine.
Sparkling appliances
The glittering ice bucket also looked promising. Unfortunately I had no champagne to put in it.
The lounge room was tastefully decorated in black and white with splashes of yellow from cushion covers and a huge sun-like ceramic plate on the table (perfectly placed for putting keys in).
Lounge area
As someone who treats their internet as an extension of their mind, having free wireless was also a bonus. However don't forget to ask for the password. I forgot and as there is no one on duty after 9pm (this is Geelong), I had to resort to vegging out and watching TV.
Bliss really.
There was a huge mounted 42" TV on the living room wall and another largish one in the bedroom. So the only thinking needed was where to watch it; snug under the woollen throw rug provided on the divan or sprawled out on the king-size bed.
King-size bed
The bathroom had a walk-in shower with a huge showerhead and luscious spa quality soap.
Toiletries
Downstairs there is also a resort style spa that uses and sells
Aveda products. While I didn't use it there were a number of hefty discounts if you were staying there.
I was only on the first floor but still had a pleasant view over the park. There was also a building on one side that intrigued me. It was called the
Ritz Flats. Ironically, given its name, it was a derelict and burnt out shell. Probably a squat of some sort and certainly a reminder of the sort of luxury I found myself in.
Putting on the Ritz
The graffiti says it all
Vue's position is perfect for experiencing central Geelong. Eastern Beach is just down the street with it famous bollards, swimming pool, restaurants and carousel.
[ADVERT]There are extensive walking paths along the foreshore, right up to the Botanical Gardens if you are feeling fit.
It was also only a block away from the extensive Westfield shopping centre (although to my mind, if you have seen one Westfield you have seen them all).
Walking through the
Deakin campus on the foreshore is interesting, as is the
National Wool Museum, which seems to be staffed by a group of knitters. I kid you not.
One of the nice touches is that Vue gives their patrons discount vouchers for the surrounding restaurants and hotels in the area including the Fish Bowl, Lord Nelson and the Customs House (which does a high tea on the third Sunday of the month).
I had steak and cider at the Lord Nelson which was pleasant enough and the 25% off the bill was a bonus on top of a good meal.
Dinner
There is also a little place virtually next door to Vue that is great for breakfast. It has views over the water (once you look across the road) and does scrumptious sweetcorn fritters (with fresh sweetcorn) on a bed of guacamole. The chef also specialises in gluten free produce and there is a small providore if you are after some healthier style snacks to take back to your room.
View over park
Promenade kitchen a bright breakfast beginning
Some reviewers have claimed that this apartment block is noisy. I can only say that I didn't find it so. No one seems to drive in this neck of Geelong after 10pm at night. They leave it all to the tourists.
While you are welcome to pay full price for this place you may prefer to shop around for deals on
Wotif and
Booking.com The savings are considerable. I was lucky enough to get in on one of their opening specials.
*Please note that my review is of the one bedroom apartments and not of the studio apartments which I assume would be smaller.
