We needed to fly to Sydney and stay for one night. Not wanting to spend much money, we decided to choose Formule 1 because it is very reasonably priced, and for the length of our stay we didn't need anything flashy. I liked that it was in walking distance from the airport, and it had three take away restaurants pretty much outside the door. The rooms were small and simple, as would be expected by the price. We had two rooms, and were shocked when we checked the second room, as we found someone had stretched a condom over the coat hooks on the bathroom door. They obviously didn't take much care when cleaning the room, which made me paranoid about how dirty everything else might be. My friend requested they re-clean the room, which they did straight away. After the function we attended we returned to get some sleep before flying back to Victoria in the morning. The walls are paper thin, so the noise from everyone else's rooms is very clear and loud. The beds were not very comfortable, and we requested extra pillows because they are so thin it feels like you don't even have one. There was only one blanket on the bed, and the temperature in the rooms was not regulated very well. It did the job for us though as we were only there for a quick nap really. I wouldn't recommend them for a longer stay. The staff at the desk were friendly when approached, and there was always someone there. You really do get what you pay for.

Beav's is one of the best bars in Geelong due to it's quirky style. I have been to a number of private functions in the separate room, and the staff assigned to the room have always been very friendly. They let you bring in your own food, even ordered in pizza! I have also been to see musicians in the private room. I have been one of few lucky people who scored a chair. There aren't many, and when the music gets mellow the audience end up sitting on the wooden floor. If I went again I would BYO cushion just in case. The gigs in this room have an awesome intimate feel. My fav was Tim Freedman. We got the chance to have a chat with him after the show too. The main bar often has a musician or duo playing. There are also other smaller rooms to sit and chat. Pretty cool venue.

A group of us stopped in at The Ponds for a couple of drinks and we were all impressed with how friendly all the staff were. One of our group hadn't eaten lunch yet, and decided to order fish and chips at the bar while we were there. We were talking for quite a long time and then realized that her meal hadn't turned up. She chased it up at the bar, and there was still a fairly long wait until it came out. I think perhaps the order hadn't been given to the kitchen when she first placed it. We weren't in a hurry, so it wasn't a big issue, but she was very hungry by the time it came out. It was a big serve, so we ended up sharing it. Good value for money meals.

I went to the Ocean Grove RSL for lunch with a friend, and we were impressed with the contemporary design and space. We went exploring to look at the various bars and rooms. Because we arrived quite early we decided to relax and have a drink on the couch in front of the fire. It was so relaxing, I felt I could have stayed there all afternoon. When we went to order we noticed that the menu is quite small, but the options were good enough to pick something I would like. I wouldn't rave about the meals or service, but I did like the atmosphere created by the decor. I would probably go there again.

I had a bit of spare time yesterday, so I decided on impulse to go to the Geelong Art Gallery. It had been years since I was there, and it was like going for the first time. I was surprised that there was no entry fee, just a request for a gold coin donation. The staff were super friendly and helpful with information on the current temporary exhibitions. I saw a print exhibition and a beautiful exhibition of glass sculptures. I mostly enjoyed the various rooms housing the permanent paintings. There was one abstract painting in particular that I fell in love with. There is something for everyone's taste as the collection is so varied. I could have spent hours there. I spent a short time admiring the items in the gift shop too. I am looking forward to visiting again when the next exhibition comes.

I think I may have been unlucky the couple of times I have been to Banjo's because the other reviews are very positive, yet my experiences have not been good. I have found the girls act like they are impatient with me when I get to the counter and want to take some time to look and decide what I want to order. I have only been twice, but it has happened both times. I ordered a pie on one occasion because it sounded nice being looked home made, but it was close to cold, and not very tasty. I also thought it was over priced considering the quality. I wouldn't buy from there again.

I prefer Panache in Waurn Ponds to the Panache in Belmont, although I do think the service is better at the Belmont cafe. The Waurn Ponds Panache is a lot more roomy and comfortable. It is pretty hard to resist popping in for a meal before or after a movie at Readings Cinema. I usually get the creamy chicken crepe, which is delicious. I think the prices are reasonable, and the area is always neat and well presented. I am often cutting it pretty fine before going to a movie, but the staff seem used to this, and the meals come out quite quickly. A good option rather than spending money on the over priced options at the candy bar at Readings.

I discovered Tea Cartel for the first time today. It is a teahouse in the same building as the amazing Coffee Cartel. You can enter from the car park or cut through via Coffee Cartel. It is amazing. There are lots of comfortable spots to sit and enjoy a pot of tea. You can order any tea (even the most expensive) and are still charged the flat rate per pot because they want to encourage people to try what they want from the range. The tea room is decorated with a lovely selection of tea paraphernalia and has a calming relaxed feel. There is also a gift shop with the largest range of teas that I have ever seen, tea pots, other tea items and gift ideas. I purchased the Fitness blend and the Tropical Oolong. Sharyn also gave me a sample of the Pick Me Up blend to try. Sharyn is a Certified Tea Master, and was more than happy to answer all of our questions and to share her knowledge. I can't wait to go back and try some more of the exotic blends.

Guillaume Brahimi is my favorite celebrity chef, so I could not wait to go to Bistro at Crown Casino. I was not disappointed. Everything on the menu sounds so good, I wanted to try it all. I had the smoked salmon with dill cream and brioche entree, and half chicken with paris mash mains. They were both amazing. The waiter was very serious, but we did get a smile out of him by the time we left. I can't wait to go back.

We go to the Belmont Hotel regularly, especially for Monday Parmi Night, because it's my friends' local. The dinning room is decorated nicely, but I find I am usually freezing cold (they usually seat us near the door though) or over heating in there, and if it's busy it gets very noisy. The food is fairly standard, but you do get a big serve on Parmi Night, so it's good value. Not my favorite place to dine, but pleasant enough.