Brought to you by the masterminds behind the Hotel Ernest in Bendigo, Hotel Vera has finally opened its doors after four years of development. Just like its older regional sibling, the focus here is on offering a small number of luxe rooms – seven in total – and a highly curated experience that blends the historic with the modern.
The seven rooms are housed in a revitalised 19th-century medical building in the heart of Ballarat's CBD, and great care has been taken to preserve the heritage elements. Each room is named and coloured after a charming Goldfields township; think the green-hued Kingston, after the famed potato-growing region, or the dark pink Tourello, inspired by the rich volcanic soils of the locality. These spaces are far removed from cookie-cutter chain hotel rooms, with each decked out in furnishings, artwork and décor that matches its distinct colour scheme.
No matter which room you choose, a few things are guaranteed: plush king beds made up with linen bedclothes, a mini bar offering special treats like bespoke chocolate bars, spicy Spanish almonds and sweet slices by Springhill Farm and, perhaps most importantly, a freestanding bathtub housed in a large ensuite stocked with Salus products. Encircled by curtains for an extra touch of privacy, the tubs are long, wide and deep enough for two guests to spread out comfortably.
Hotel Vera is also the new home of Underbar, a fine dining experience by Michelin-trained chef Derek Boath that was previously located on Doveton Street – that space is now occupied by Boath's Pencilmark Wine Room. There are just 14 seats, and diners will be served a chef's tasting menu celebrating fresh, seasonal and local ingredients. Boath has also boldly proclaimed that you won't see any repetition of produce on the menu, adding that "if peas are on course one, you won't see it again."
Everything you need for some R&R is housed within Hotel Vera's walls, but if you feel like exploring Ballarat, you're just a short walk or drive from eateries like Mr Jones Dining and Ragazonne. When you're keen on some fresh air, mosey on over to the Ballarat Botanical Gardens or enjoy a stroll around Lake Wendouree.
Time Out tip: The freestanding bathtubs are one of the main drawcards of the rooms, so make sure to come equipped with everything you need for a luxe soak. Pack your favourite bath bombs, face masks and bath salts and bring along that book you've been meaning to read.
