The best accommodation in Ballarat

Ballarat may be growing quickly, as people move from Melbourne for cheaper property that’s still close to the capital, yet it still feels like a historic city.

Walk the streets of Ballarat and you’ll be surrounded by history – much of it from the riches that were made during the Gold Rush in the region.

So, when it comes to the best accommodation in Ballarat, you’ll find that many of the options are right amongst this cultural heritage, within the beautiful grand old buildings that define the city.

The city centre of Ballarat is quite large, and the sprawl around it is even larger.

As a regional hub, with hospitals and a university, lots of people visit the city, which means there are lots of places to stay in Ballarat and a good variety of styles and budgets.

If you’re wondering where to stay in Ballarat, there are a few things to consider:

• For first-time visitors who are keen to see the sights, I would recommend staying in the middle of Ballarat where you’ll be surrounded by interesting things to see.
• If you’re just passing through, there are some good motels and larger properties on the main roads coming into the centre.
• And there is also a fair bit of accommodation around Sovereign Hill (particularly for families), so it may be convenient to stay there if that’s the focus of your visit.

I should also add that if you’re here for a longer stay, or want a bit more space, then there are lots of good houses in the residential areas.

The food and drinks scene is excellent in town, so finding accommodation in Ballarat that has restaurants or breakfast doesn’t need to be a priority.

And it’s also easy enough to drive around town to see the main sights, so location isn’t the most important factor if there’s a particular hotel or property you like the look of.

It’s easy enough to spend a couple of days in Ballarat and not get bored, and having nice accommodation always helps.

So, with all that in mind, let’s have a look at some of the best places to stay in Ballarat.

Best overall

I’ve chosen Hotel Vera as my top suggestion for where to stay in Ballarat because of its unique charm and attention to detail.

This small boutique hotel is not the cheapest and probably is not what you’re looking for if you just want somewhere to crash. But to make your stay in Ballarat a special experience, this is one of the most luxurious options and will be a highlight of your time in the city.

I’m not the only one who thinks this is the best accommodation in Ballarat – and with only seven suites, I would recommend booking early if you want to stay here.

Best motel

As a regional centre, Ballarat gets plenty of people passing through on road trips or looking for somewhere simple to stay while they do their errands in town.

This means there are lots of good motels in Ballarat, offering a bit of a range of prices and quality.

Best apartment

If you’re staying for a bit longer or have a larger group, you might find that an apartment is a good option for accommodation in Ballarat.

Whether it’s in the city centre or in the more residential areas, there are lots of good apartments to choose from.

Best boutique

The heritage is a big part of why people visit the city, and you’ll even find it in some of the best Ballarat hotels that are set in historic buildings.

Although most of them have been renovated, with modern touches added, they are also often tributes to the era of the buildings.

Best luxury

And when it comes to luxury, there are a few places to stay in Ballarat that I wanted to mention.

Each of them is a completely different style, so have a think about whether you want designer heritage, a resort-style property on a golf course, or a more modern feel.