Motel Bell Tower Inn (Ballarat, Australia)

It's in a very quiet location with some impressive facilities. The indoor pool is open all year and is a real honey trap for families. The overall value for money is excellent.

Breakfast deserves a mention. There's plenty of it and lots of hot and cold choices. From the fresh fruit salad to fresh, crispy bacon; the day gets off to a great start. Later, there are some really good eating options very nearby. Lazy Moe's, for example, is popular with virtually everyone.

Members of staff are simply brilliant and can't do enough to help you enjoy your visit. Every department is just great, including those who clean the rooms and who have been known to leave things to amuse kids that are staying. Very thoughtful. The entire hotel is very family friendly.

If you pay cash, you'll have to pay a further bond to cover any damage you create during the stay. You can see why they need to protect themselves from an irresponsible 10% of guests … but the other 90% find it a difficult pill to swallow.

Although many rooms have seen some refurbishment, old air conditioning units remain in situe. The noise they make detracts from the otherwise quiet and peaceful atmosphere.

Despite publicity to the contrary, it seems that some rooms have no microwave and hardly any crockery and cutlery. They should address these issues urgently - or take everything out and stop pretending to supply a self-catering option.