Fun little local pub that we've been to many times over the years. Went most recently for a…read moreSaturday lunch on our wine tour through the area. Service was lovely. The food nice and very reasonably priced. I had the pulled turkey roll with chips. Very nice it was too, although I'd add a few leaves of salad and bump it up a couple of dollars as it seemed too lowly priced. I like it here and will definitely return.

Honestly, the service here was pretty abysmal, but that probably should surprise me all to much…read moreconsidering that this pub is literally located in the middle of the country, in a town that is practically dead. Well, there is a railway station behind it, but that station hasn't be used in I don't know how long, and this pub, located on a rather lonely stretch of road, probably doesn't get all that many people passing through anyway. Yeah, if I ever end up doing down this way again, I'll probably, in fact most likely, just pass straight by. It certainly isn't worth the energy stopping.

The Maroona Hotel has recently been sold, refurbished and reopened and my wife and I were keen to…read moretry it out after hearing many positive reviews. We were not disappointed. Professional staff, indoor and outdoor seating options, fantastic food and a great selection of beers and wines. The renovations and new management have revitalised the hotel and are attracting both locals and people from further afield. Will be a regular date night for us from now on.

Everything you'd expect of a country pub. Sure, if it were located in Melbourne I'd probably on…read moregive 4 stars. But we are in the country my friend. The first thing you'll notice is the very rustic (yet comfortable) building. I'm told it was built as a labour of love by the publican, which adds to the homely feel. The wait and bar staff are what you'd expect from a country pub- friendly and knowledgeable about the venue and surrounding area. The menu is again what you'll find at most country and local pubs. All cooked to perfection, leaving as all full and content. If you're in the area, be sure to drop in for a quiet drink and chat with the locals and some great food.

This pub was actually pretty awesome, but then again since it is across the road from the Stawell…read moreOval, which holds the annual Stawell Gift, a famous foot race, I'm actually not all that surprised. Okay, the beer selection isn't all that great, but I was here during the low season. The staff are quite friendly, and they also have an awesome beer garden out the back. This is definitely the pub to have a beer at if you happen to be in Stawell.

Obviously a hit with locals, all of whom knew each other and mingled freely, but design and decor…read morewise it neither has a modern cool vibe nor have that country pub charm, leaving it somewhere fairly ho-hum in-between. Bar staff were very friendly, and your best bet is to enjoy some sun in the astro-turf work-in-progress beer garden out the back - just try to ignore the barbed wire fence all around making you feel less of a punter and more of an inmate. Otherwise fine, just not very memorable.

So the problem with booking things last minute is that your options run low as most places are…read morealready filled and have no vacancies. This was the case for my spontaneous weekend away. But nonetheless, Stawell happened to be the town in between two places we wanted to go to, Ararat and Halls Gap. Lucky for us, this place was not booked out. They have everything you need. Including a free continental breakfast, it's mainly toast and cereal, but anything is better than starting your day with nothing. It's one less thing to worry about. They also have a indoor spa, a heated pool, a gym. Each room has a mini fridge and microwave and water heater with kitchenware. Oh and shout out to the water pressure in the shower, that was top notch. In the reception are movies to rent. They are fully licensed, and have a restaurant for dinner. It's independent and family run, the couple is so genuine and nice, they easily make you feel welcome and can help with tips on the local area. For a place we were only staying at to sleep, this was a bit dated, but had all the essentials you need for a stay.

Made this place base camp for some time away around halls gap. It's definitely dated (reminds me of…read morea 70s movie) but it was clean and had everything we needed for our stay away. The owners were great. The fact that the spa wasn't functioning was the only downer.