I recommend Hotel Provincial and would stay there again. My room did not have a proper window -- just some shaded glass, which let some light through. Normally, that would be a deal breaker for me but the bed and bedding were so high quality and comfortable and the shower so powerful that it was a really nice one-night stay. (For a longer stay I might opt for a more expensive room type, which probably has actual windows). As I was there just overnight, I never saw anyone associated with the hotel. Check-in was done quickly and easily via a phone call and a lock box. (It would have been helpful if they had included the "area code" 03 on the sign at reception, which I needed to dial from my US phone). The main building is historical and attractive. I wish I had been there when the restaurant was open. It looked nice. The location is great. Right next to the train station and a short walk from the main historical center. Parking overnight is easy on the streets outside, though those spaces are metered during the day. The hotel itself has a parking lot, but it was unclear to me how to open the gate or whether there was a charge. Ballarat itself is also nice and interesting and worth a longer visit than I had time for. I hope to be back.
Çevir