Planning a weekend escape to the Macedon Ranges often leads travellers to the Macedon Ranges Hotel and Spa, a 36-room property on Black Forest Drive that markets itself as both a boutique accommodation and a full-service day spa. This review draws on guest ratings from multiple booking platforms, official site data, and recent visitor feedback to help you decide whether this property delivers on its dual promise — or where the gaps lie.

Last checked: 2026-08-23

Address: 652 Black Forest Drive, Macedon, Victoria, Australia 3440 · Phone: 03 5426 1240 · Website: www.macedonrangeshotelspa.com.au · Number of Rooms: 36 · Rating (directstay): 3.0 / 5 · Distance to Melbourne: 1 hour drive

How we researched this

Last checked: 2026-08-23.

Sources reviewed: official property website, Expedia listing, Booking.com listing, TripAdvisor reviews, KAYAK data, Hotels.com listing, Facebook page, directstay booking portal, VCAT planning case summary.

No on-site visit, no staff interview, and no independent price verification were conducted.

Snapshot of the Macedon Ranges Hotel and Spa

1 Location & Access
  • 652 Black Forest Drive, Macedon, Victoria, Australia 3440 (Expedia)
2 Room Count
3 Travel Time from Melbourne
  • Approximately 1 hour by car (KAYAK)
4 TripAdvisor Rating
  • 3.0 out of 5 (Average) based on ~178 reviews (TripAdvisor)
Quick take: Guest reviews vary sharply across platforms — Expedia and Hotels.com rate the property much more favourably than TripAdvisor — which makes this a property worth researching carefully before booking.
  • Travel time from Melbourne: ~1 hour drive
  • Distance to Melbourne Airport: 25 mi (approx. 30 min drive)
  • Guest rooms: 36
  • Average rating (directstay): 3.0 / 5
Key facts: Macedon Ranges Hotel and Spa
Detail Information
Address 652 Black Forest Drive, Macedon, Victoria, Australia 3440
Phone 03 5426 1240
Website www.macedonrangeshotelspa.com.au
Number of Rooms 36
Rating (directstay) 3.0 / 5
Distance to Melbourne 1 hour drive
Check-in / Check-out From 3:00 PM / Until 11:00 AM

Property specifications

Category Details
Accommodation type Hotel with day spa
Room types Standard rooms and spa rooms with two-person spa bath
On-site dining Restaurant (menu available on official website)
Key amenities Free Wi-Fi, pool, day spa, conference facilities, wedding venue
Seasonal pricing note November is low season; February is high season (KAYAK)

Macedon Ranges Hotel and Spa reviews

Guest satisfaction at this property is highly dependent on which platform you consult. On TripAdvisor, the property holds an overall rating of 3.0 out of 5 — classified as “Average” — based on approximately 178 reviews (TripAdvisor). The breakdown shows 26 Excellent, 44 Very Good, 44–45 Average, 26–27 Poor, and 35–37 Terrible ratings, signalling a deeply divided guest experience.

Overall Ratings from Booking Platforms

By contrast, the same property earns an 8.4 out of 10 on Expedia, labelled “Very good” (Expedia). Booking.com guests give it around 8.0 out of 10, with breakfast scoring approximately 7.5 out of 10 (Booking.com). A Hotels.com listing features a 10/10 “Exceptional” rating from a guest who stayed in June 2025 (Hotels.com). One possible explanation is that different booking channels attract different traveller segments — leisure travellers booking through TripAdvisor may have higher expectations for a spa property, while corporate travellers using Expedia or Booking.com may prioritise location and room size.

Common Praise and Complaints

Positive reviews consistently mention the scenic views over the Macedon Ranges as a highlight (TripAdvisor user review). A 2021 reviewer described the hotel as offering a “total escape” experience despite its proximity to Melbourne (TripAdvisor). Another called it “a cozy couples weekend away!” (TripAdvisor).

On the other hand, negative reviews from 2019 onward repeatedly cite poor maintenance — heaters not working, stained or dirty pool and spa areas, and cleanliness concerns (TripAdvisor). One 2022 reviewer reported lack of hot water and no clean drinking water, stating it was “certainly not a hotel, not a good motel” (TripAdvisor). A January 2026 review described the day spa as closed and operating out of a hotel room, with the pool and spa areas described as dirty (TripAdvisor).

“Do yourself a favor and avoid this place.”

— TripAdvisor review, 2019
What to watch: The pattern of negative reviews focuses on maintenance and spa facility conditions, not on location or room size. If you value reliable spa services and consistent upkeep, verify current conditions before booking.

The implication is that guest experiences at this property are polarised: those who secure a well-maintained room with working facilities often enjoy the location and views, while those who encounter maintenance issues report serious dissatisfaction.

The bottom line: The implication is that guest experiences at this property are polarised: those who secure a well-maintained room with working facilities often enjoy the location and views, while those who encounter maintenance issues report serious dissatisfaction.

Macedon Ranges Hotel and spa prices

Exact room rates are not fixed in public databases because they fluctuate by season, room type, and booking channel. KAYAK lists November as low season and February as high season, with indicative average nightly prices around US$157 on weeknights and US$224 on weekend nights (KAYAK). TripAdvisor suggests a standard room price range of approximately AU$207–AU$296 (TripAdvisor).

Room Rate Ranges by Season

Given the 36-room inventory and the property’s rural location, rates appear to sit in the mid-range for the Macedon Ranges accommodation market. The property’s official website and booking platforms such as Booking.com and directstay list current pricing directly — no third-party price aggregation is available from the research inputs.

Spa Package Pricing

Day spa packages are advertised on the property’s official website and Facebook page, but no specific treatment prices appear in the reviewed sources. Guests interested in spa packages should contact the property directly at 03 5426 1240 or check the official website for current packages.

“So near and yet a total escape experience.”

— TripAdvisor review (Norwegian listing), 2021
The catch: Recent guest reviews suggest the day spa may not be consistently operational as a dedicated facility. One January 2026 TripAdvisor review reported the spa was operating out of a hotel room (TripAdvisor). Confirm spa availability directly before booking a package.

Macedon Ranges Hotel and Spa restaurant

The property features an on-site restaurant, though its reputation has been mixed over the years. Older TripAdvisor reviews from 2011 report that while rooms, views, service and massage were “terrific”, the restaurant food was considered “awful” (TripAdvisor). The current restaurant menu is listed on the official website but was not detailed in the research inputs.

Restaurant Overview

The restaurant serves dinner and breakfast, with Booking.com guests rating breakfast at approximately 7.5 out of 10 (Booking.com). No independent reviews of the current dinner menu or chef were available in the reviewed sources.

Menu and Cuisine

Dining is part of the overall hotel experience, but the lack of recent, detailed restaurant reviews makes it difficult to assess current quality. The trade-off: guests who book expecting a fine-dining experience may be disappointed, while those who see the restaurant as a convenient on-site option may find it adequate.

Macedon Ranges day Spa

The day spa is a key feature of the property, described on its TripAdvisor listing as a key amenity set in a tranquil bush setting. However, recent guest reports raise questions about whether the spa facility is consistently available as advertised.

Day Spa Treatments

The property’s marketing promotes spa treatments in a relaxing rural environment. Guest rooms in the spa category include a two-person spa bath (TripAdvisor).

Spa Facilities and Packages

As noted, recent reviews suggest the dedicated spa facility may not always be open. A January 2026 TripAdvisor review described the day spa as closed and operating out of a hotel room, with the pool and spa described as dirty and stained (TripAdvisor). Two other negative reviews from 2022 and 2019 also reference poor maintenance of spa and pool areas (TripAdvisor, TripAdvisor).

What this means for spa-goers: If the day spa is your primary reason for staying, call ahead to verify it is fully operational. Guests whose main priority is the spa may want to consider alternatives in the Daylesford region, which has a denser concentration of dedicated spa resorts.

Pros and cons at a glance

What guests like

  • Scenic views over the Macedon Ranges consistently praised across platforms
  • Spacious rooms with spa baths in some categories
  • Convenient location — about 1 hour from Melbourne and 30 minutes from Melbourne Airport
  • Described as a “total escape” by some reviewers
  • On-site conference and wedding facilities

What guests flag

  • Inconsistent housekeeping and maintenance (heaters, pool, spa areas)
  • Mixed reports on whether the day spa is fully operational
  • Some reviewers report poor value for money relative to room condition
  • A small but vocal group (35–37 Terrible ratings on TripAdvisor) describes serious issues with hot water and basic services
  • Restaurant quality has been criticised in some reviews

Best for different types of travellers

Based on the mix of guest feedback and the property’s own marketing, different traveller segments are likely to have different experiences here.

  • Couples seeking a romantic getaway: The scenic setting and spa rooms appeal to couples, provided they book a well-maintained room. Reviews from 2021 describe it as a “cozy couples weekend away” (TripAdvisor).
  • Business travellers needing conference facilities: The property advertises conference facilities, and its location about an hour from Melbourne makes it feasible for off-site meetings. Business travellers may be less impacted by spa-related concerns.
  • Wedding parties and event hosts: Wedding packages are promoted on the official site. Groups booking the entire property may have a different experience from individual leisure travellers.
  • Spa-goers looking for day packages: This segment should verify current spa operations directly with the hotel before committing.

Location and getting there

The Macedon Ranges Hotel and Spa sits at 652 Black Forest Drive, Macedon, in the Macedon Ranges region of Victoria (Expedia). The property is approximately 3.8 miles from the centre of Mount Macedon (KAYAK).

Driving from Melbourne takes roughly 1 hour via the Calder Freeway. Melbourne Airport is approximately 25 miles away — about a 30-minute drive — making the property accessible for interstate visitors flying into the city.

Our recommendation

The Macedon Ranges Hotel and Spa offers genuine potential as a rural retreat, particularly for guests who value location and views over luxury finishes. The property’s 36 rooms, bush setting, and proximity to Melbourne make it a convenient option for a short break.

However, the significant gap between what the property markets (a full-service spa hotel) and what some recent guests report (inconsistent maintenance, closed spa facilities) means that this property is best suited to confident travellers who book with eyes open. Couples prioritising a scenic drive and a spacious room with a spa bath may find it works well. Guests seeking a reliable, high-end spa experience should either verify current conditions directly or consider dedicated spa resorts in the Daylesford region.

What to do before booking: Call the property at 03 5426 1240 to confirm the day spa is operational and ask about the specific room you will be assigned. Read recent TripAdvisor reviews (posted within the last 6 months) to check for any maintenance complaints. Compare rates across Booking.com, Expedia, and the official website, as prices vary significantly by platform and season.

Additional sources

tripadvisor.com

Frequently asked questions

What is the address of Macedon Ranges Hotel and Spa?

The property is located at 652 Black Forest Drive, Macedon, Victoria, Australia 3440 (Expedia).

How many rooms does the hotel have?

The hotel has 36 guest rooms, as listed on TripAdvisor and other booking platforms (TripAdvisor).

Does the hotel have a restaurant?

Yes, the property features an on-site restaurant. The current menu is available on the official website. Breakfast was rated approximately 7.5 out of 10 by Booking.com guests (Booking.com).

How far is the hotel from Melbourne?

The drive from Melbourne takes approximately 1 hour via the Calder Freeway. Melbourne Airport is about 25 miles away, roughly a 30-minute drive (KAYAK).

What is the hotel’s phone number?

The hotel can be reached at 03 5426 1240.

What is the average guest rating?

The property’s average rating varies by platform: 3.0 out of 5 on TripAdvisor, 8.4 out of 10 on Expedia, and approximately 8.0 out of 10 on Booking.com (TripAdvisor, Expedia, Booking.com).

Sources cited

  • Expedia listing for Macedon Ranges Hotel and Spa
  • TripAdvisor (AU) — Macedon Ranges Hotel and Spa reviews
  • TripAdvisor (NO) — Macedon Ranges Hotel and Spa
  • Booking.com — Macedon Ranges Hotel and Spa
  • KAYAK — Macedon Ranges Hotel and Spa pricing and details
  • Hotels.com — Macedon Ranges Hotel and Spa
  • Victorian Planning & Environment Cases (VPRS) — VCAT Volume 10 No 9
  • TripAdvisor — “Disgraceful mattress in a beautiful spa room” review
  • TripAdvisor — “Do yourself a favor and avoid this place” review
  • TripAdvisor — “Very disappointed” review