The Portsea Hotel has the best beer garden! The bay views are magnificent. The staff are happy to help and the meals appear from the kitchen very quickly. They are hugely popular over Summer and to get a table outside in the garden you have to be quick. We dined upstairs and in the bistro and both were great. I stayed here overnight many years ago and it was very basic with shared bathrooms - I don't know if it has changed though. I think the staff make this place - they are very accommodating.

Approximate cost: $20-25

Having had my wedding here, several years ago, I always return to the Portsea Hotel with fond memories.

For our wedding, they were unbelievably well-priced; especially considering the location! The hotel wedding coordinator was always reliable and available. She made the process smooth and easy for us. The wedding went by fabulously and the service, meals and decoration were spectacular. A top notch effort by everyone.

However, the last time we went in to have a meal, the experience was a little disappointing. Having ordered a burger, my meal came with a stale bread roll and a dirty plate. Our table was sticky and our cutlery had been used, so we went to get some more by the counter. When we did so, the waitress remarked 'have you got enough cutlery now?'. I explained that the ones on our table were used, so she removed them very abruptly and appeared to scoff at my suggestion.

Oh well!

We will go back again, and put this simply down to a one-off bad experience, as every other time the place has been fabulous! Just make sure you can stand being surrounded by all that money and people who know they have it, and LOVE to show it.

Best meal: seafood linguini!

Approximate cost: $25+

I love the Portsea Hotel whether it be sitting at their outside tables in summer having a few drinks or enjoying a large meal next to the open fires inside over winter time. The hotel overlooks Port Phillip Bay and has some amazing views and sunsets. The food could be considered a little pricey however is served in large quantities and is very tasty. A legendary hotel, in the perfect location which is also a lot of fun come Saturday night. I believe the hotel does wedding packages and conferences as well which would be ideal with the surroundings.

Approximate cost: $20-30