Sometimes it's easy to overlook the small local salons, but I'm so glad I went in. There's no feeling of being rushed, although they're busy. You feel looked after and treated as an individual not just another head through the door.
My teenage son was the first family member to try this salon on a friend's recommendation and he's been very happy with the haircuts he's had done by 2 salon members. (And teenage guys can be very particular about their hair!)
I really appreciated Laura's thorough consultation before doing my foils to ensure we were both on the same page and that she was clear about what I wanted. Sometimes you think the hairdresser understands your requests but the results show otherwise. Happily there were no communication issues here, the result was exactly what I had in mind.
Laura was happy to chat and although she asked about my family and work it didn't feel like she wanted to know my life story (what's with that? some hairdressers give you the 3rd degree and don't take the hint!)
Bottom line – very friendly, low key salon. Great result, reasonable price and I highly recommend.

We stayed here in October and enjoyed the experience from start to finish. We arrived early at about noon, but were able to check in immediately. The staff were friendly and efficient.

Our room was a recently updated 1 br King suite – spacious, comfortable and tastefully furnished. It was spotlessly clean and well presented.

Thoughtful touches such as dimmer switches (good for mood lighting and not getting blinded going to the bathroom in the middle of the night) and auto sensors so you didn't even have to search for the switch make the Stamford stand out. The kitchenette was well equipped (dishwasher, microwave etc) with cooking gear available if required. Ipod dock clock/radio, 2 TV's and spa make it easy to spend time relaxing in this home away from home.

Although it was next to the lifts, our room was very quiet. The lifts are glass walled which we thought were a bit of fun although some people didn't like the sensation.

Our only slightly negative experience was that the bed was a bit too firm for our preference. A pillow menu is offered, but we were happy with the ones supplied.

I would highly recommend this hotel and it will be our first choice in future.

I was on my way to work when I saw on their blackboard - Special $2.50 scrambled eggs. I was starving having missed breaky and so I called in... I'm so glad I did!

The eggs were delicious - light and fluffy, cooked to perfection. It was a huge serve, which I gave my best shot but sadly was defeated. The friendly owner who served my meal hot, fresh from the pan told me he uses 3 eggs per serve.

The waitress was also friendly and efficient and she makes a great pot of tea. No teabags here, proper leaf tea, served with extra hot water just the way I like it. The whole thing came to $5.00 – amazing value! I appreciated the special, but with usual prices also reasonable and such great service and quality I'll be back.

Had lunch at Yuriya last weekend and it was as good as ever. We have been going here for about 7 years and enjoyed it every time. Friendly, fast service and welcoming to families. We like their yummy bento boxes and sushi/sashimi and gyoza. Weekend lunch specials are great value.

Approximate cost: $10-15

This was my second visit to The Basin Hair Studio. The first time was before Christmas, Jac (Jacqueline) did my hair and I was delighted. Jac really listened to what I wanted and asked about what worked for my hair. She made some suggestions, explained what she was doing and checked along the way to make sure I was happy. At the end when my highlights were a bit blonder than expected, she encouraged me to see how it went and come back for a toner if needed. But it worked out fine once I got used to it.
When I rang to book in again I discovered to my disappointment that Jac had left, so I made an appointment with another staff member.
I don't know whether she was just having an off day but she seemed a bit distracted. I asked to have the part-line highlights done and a few around the front. I also said I specifically wanted to leave the layers long – just a trim to tidy up. When I went to pay she was going to charge me for half a head when Jac had done way more highlights (and much more finely when she did half head the first time). She did charge me less when I expressed surprise, but it still makes it awkward to need to question the charge.
Also it seemed the front/sides looked a bit different, but I thought it was just how she'd blow dried it. When I got home and had a better look at it I realized she'd cut new short layers which are now a total pain to try to style myself. Annoying when I'd said I wanted to keep the layers long. It was far from the worst experience I've ever had at a hairdressers, but it was a big letdown after the great first visit.
I wish I knew where Jac is working now!

Cafe Go is always busy and deservedly so because it's consistently good - unfortunately a rarity in Geelong.
Friendly, efficient staff and I get the impression that they enjoy being there which is usually a good sign! Their coffee is reliably good and the food is home made, of high quality and is reasonably priced.
The plush toy table system is quirky and the atmosphere is not your run of the mill shopping mall cafe feel. There's a lovely open fire which is a warm welcome in cool weather.
Always check the specials board for their soups, salads and hot dishes such as curries - it's not just about what's on display. I thoroughly recommend their brekky roll with egg, bacon and aioli - yum!

Approximate cost: $8-15

There are quite a few cafes to choose from in the area. This one looked busy but not too crowded which helped us to make our choice. Glad we did - a very warm welcome, great range of cakes and good coffee. I enjoyed my cake very much - fresh, moist and delicious. Better service than most and although they were getting ready to close, there was no feeling of being rushed to finish. We'll be back.

Gavin steam cleaned our carpet - 3 bedroom house plus lounge and hall for $90 and did a great job again. This is the 3rd time we've used his services and have never been disappointed. I shopped around to check price - I needn't have bothered, he was still as reasonably priced as ever. Not the cheapest but not the most expensive either which was $155! He arrived early and left all the carpets clean and fresh. No frills, just good professional service.

Approximate cost: $90 total

We needed a moving van and discovered we could save a bundle by renting on a Thurs/Fri. compared with weekend rates. And by booking by phone instead of on-line, we received the trolley and moving blankets free of charge. The van was spotless and near new; the service was fast, friendly and efficient. When we rang after realizing we'd left our house key attached to the van key, they had it safely waiting at the desk for us to collect.
Overall we were very pleasantly surprised after some of the car rental company horror stories you hear.

Approximate cost: $250

We've been here several times. The view and setting is great, the food variable. On our most recent visit we had a Seafood Platter which was excellent - grilled, fresh and fried seafood all good quality and a generous serve (not just all deep fried or filled out with salad the way some pubs do). The pumpkin soup was rated as ordinary and overpriced and the Hummingbird cake was disappointing... little slivers of cake and too much bland, heavy filling and icing. Service can be slow, but it's usually friendly

Approximate cost: $25-30