2 Ferguson St, Williamstown, Hobsons Bay, Victoria 3016 Australia
E-mail hotel
Hotel direct offer!Gift Vouchers Available!
Get rewarded with One Key
Get rewarded with One Key
Orbitz.com
Priceline
Travelocity
View all 12 deals
Payments made by partners impact the order of prices displayed. Room types may vary.
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
Full view
View all photos (178)178
Room & Suite (62)
Dining (20)
About
#1 of 4 B&Bs in Williamstown
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
GreenLeaders Silver level
Offering Rooms, Suites, Apartments & Cottages (many with water views).
Captains Retreat Apartments and Cottages offers a variety of delightful, boutique-style accommodation options in Williamstown. Most of the accommodation options are just a few minutes walk from the Waterfront, busy Nelson Place restaurant area and the shops on Ferguson Street and Douglas Parade. Half of the options have water views.
You can choose from:
1) Rooms or Suites in the large heritage Victorian style house.
2) Apartments and Cottages (also in Williamstown - either directly opposite or a 2-5 minute drive).
Captains Retreat Apartments & Cottages is an excellent choice for travellers visiting Williamstown, offering a romantic getaway environment alongside many helpful amenities designed to enhance your stay. For those interested in checking out popular landmarks while visiting Williamstown, Captains Retreat is located a short distance from Holy Trinity Anglican Church Williamstown (0.1 mi) and Williamstown Uniting Church (0.2 mi). Rooms at Captains Retreat offer a flat screen TV and air conditioning providing exceptional comfort and convenience, and guests can go online with Free WiFi. Express check-in and check-out, baggage storage, a communal room for our guests to access tea, coffee, short-bread biscuits or a complimentary glass of Muscat in the Brittanica Room are some of the conveniences offered at this Boutique Accommodation. If you are driving to Captains Retreat, free parking is available. During your visit, be sure to check out one of Williamstown's popular fish and chips restaurants such as The Strand Restaurant, Pelicans Landing, and Off the Pier - Fish and Chippery, all a short distance from Captains Retreat. Should time allow, Williamstown Botanic Gardens and Commonwealth Reserve Williamstown are some popular attractions that are within walking distance. Enjoy your stay in Williamstown!
Read more
Suggest edits to improve what we show.Improve this listing
Property amenities
Free parking
Parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Wifi
Baggage storage
Non-smoking hotel
Express check-in / check-out
Private check-in / check-out
Sun terrace
Show more
Room features
Allergy-free room
Air conditioning
Flatscreen TV
Electric blanket
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Languages Spoken
English
Location
82Good for walkers
Grade: 82 out of 100
70Restaurantswithin 0.5 km
13Attractionswithin 0.5 km
2 Ferguson St, Williamstown, Hobsons Bay, Victoria 3016 Australia
E-mail hotel
Getting there
Rental CarsSee all Williamstown car hire
208Reviews1Q+A67Room tips
ReviewsWe perform checks on reviews.Tripadvisor’s approach to reviewsBefore posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
Traveller rating
- 178
- 22
- 4
- 1
- 3
Time of year
Traveller type
Language
Selected filters
- Filter
- English
Popular mentions
Sort by:
Most Recent
Have stayed with captain retreat 3 times now and loved every stay. I have stayed at 3 different appartments. All of the accommodation is clean and the staff are extremely friendly. Would highly recommend staying with them and will definitely stay with them again. The breakfast basket is a perfect addition.
Read more
Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from , Owner at Captains Retreat Apartments & Cottages
Responded 23 July 2023
So pleased you enjoyed your stay with us again Tanya! We look forward to welcoming you back again soon.
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This was one of the best boutique accommodation we’ve stayed in. Comfortable, warm, well equipped, quiet even though it’s on a Main Street. Car parking excellent. Very friendly host. Location couldn’t be better if you are looking for somewhere outside of Melbourne cbd. We would definitely stay there again.
Read more
Date of stay: February 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Top shelf accommodation and service. Fabulous location. This accommodation is well appointed, extremely clean, and the staff are very friendly and helpful. If I could rate it higher than 5 stars, I most certainly would.
Read more
Date of stay: November 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Melissa Meek Jacobs, Owner at Captains Retreat Apartments & Cottages
Responded 18 Dec 2022
We are so thrilled you enjoyed your stay!
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I like the old style art deco type buildings and the high ceilings. To have accommodation where you do not feel cramped and you have space and you are not paying any extra for it is lovely. Convenient to all of the shops and sights of the area and yet not noisy. We had the double bedroom apartment which also had the balcony which allowed us to chat to some of the locals.
Read more
Date of stay: March 2020
Value
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
This was the second time we’ve stayed here and this time we had a different room. We were in the room off the patio out the back. The room is gorgeous but very basic amenities and the bed was hard and uncomfortable. The floor also sloped on an angle which was more prominent on the patio itself but could be felt in the bed also making sleeping difficult. We specifically chose to stay here based on the fact the owner the first time showed us all the other rooms and we were hoping to have chosen a better room upstairs but the booking information doesn’t state which room you’re in nor did it have photos of each specific room to make an informed decision. However they were rather accommodating to our needs and as always the breakfast was awesome!
Read more
Date of stay: February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2 Helpful votes
Helpful
Two day mid-week stay on a travel auctions voucher. The retreat is very centrally located and beautifully furnished. We had the Lysander room which is reached externally from the upstairs back patio. Room was very comfortable, clean and well sized. People of larger physiques or those with limited flexibility should consider another room as the bathroom, though adequate, is small and requires some dexterity to use. Breakfast is just great and the staff were extremely pleasant. A great place to stay!
Read more
Date of stay: January 2020
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: See above regarding the bathroom
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Melissa Meek Jacobs, Owner at Captains Retreat Apartments & Cottages
Responded 3 Mar 2020
Thanks RLT, Yes the Lysander does have a small bathroom which is why we charge less for that room. it doesn't stop its popularity though - it is one of the most popular rooms. I think it is the aspect onto the sunny rear deck. For other guests reading this, if you prefer a larger bathroom or spa, please look at the three spa rooms - Corsair , Britannica and Captains Suite. They all have showers that are separate to the spas. Best regards, Melissa
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Finally! A beautiful, quality, friendly stay. We stayed 2 nights. I travel A LOT for work, and this beats so many high end hotels. Mel is a lovely host and cannot do enough for you. She is genuine, fun and passionate. We stayed in the cottage, and it was lovely. Great styling, comfortable, nice little touches of class and quality. There is a beautiful leafy garden and an upstairs veranda to enjoy. We got to see a few others of their rooms in the main house, and they were lovely also. If you want a quality, genuine stay were you are treated as a person, stay here. We will be staying here when we have to stay overnight again.
Read more
Date of stay: December 2019Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from xxx261669, Owner at Captains Retreat Apartments & Cottages
Responded 23 Dec 2019
Oh gosh what a great review. I should get you to write our ads!! Thanks so much. Now I am wondering who Zoinky is??? I put Zoinky into my guests search list and ... no .. Ah ... I think I just guessed. I hope your trip went really well and merry christmas! Melissa
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We have just stayed for 2 nights and it was such a relaxing time in beautiful surroundings. Melissa and Georgie were the perfect hosts, nothing was too much trouble for them. The rooms are beautifully furnished with everything you need. The communal lounge and kitchen was the perfect place to just sit & read and have a coffee. Breakfast was wonderful with plenty of food on offer. We will definitely return, thankyou Melissa!
Read more
Date of stay: November 2019Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Melissa M, Owner at Captains Retreat Apartments & Cottages
Responded 7 Nov 2019
Hi Sue, what a lovely review. Thankyou! I love it when our guests get to spend some time enjoying the space. You are very welcome back! Best wishes, Melissa
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Melissa, the owner and host, has made this B and B special with every corner a beautiful and artistic sight. The Inn is located in a lovely area close to many restaurants. The rooms are comfortable and connect to a common sitting room and dining area. It is worth the upgrade for a larger room if they are available. The garden area and deck are lovely outside sitting spaces with adding to the overall charm of the Inn. The kitchen area has coffee, tea, fruit, and biscuits all day long. The breakfast was prepared individually based on the guest's preferences and was fresh and delicious. Melissa is a lovely and delightful host who goes the extra mile with everything. There is a train station about a 10 minute walk away. Stay there if you have the opportunity. You won't regret it.…
Read more
Date of stay: October 2019
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: Upgrade to a larger room if possible
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Melissa M, Owner at Captains Retreat Apartments & Cottages
Responded 20 Oct 2019
Hi Linda, Thanks so much for your lovely review. And thanks for taking the time to explain a little about the house. It is so nice for us to hear when people really appreciate what we do. Thankyou and best regards, Melissa
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Booked a 1 bedroom apartment for my pregnant wife and I got given keys for the unit, inside the unit was a normal layout with 2 bedrooms. Loungeroom only really has one comfortable lounge to lay on and the heater is only in the lounge also. I moved a single mattress in front of the heater in the lounge for extra comfort for my wife on the second night. On departure I received a call from management accusing us of having a third person stay, I tried explaining the reason for using the single bed, which I was totally ignored and told a $20 further charge would occur due to a third person having stayed. Could not actually believe this conversation and how rude the management was. Would highly suggest you find elsewhere to stay. Room wasn’t even that good for the money you pay anyway. Disgusting treatment.…
Read more
Date of stay: September 2019Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from Melissa M, Owner at Captains Retreat Apartments & Cottages
Responded 30 Sept 2019
I am so upset and gutted by your comments Daniel. You have completely misrepresented what happened. My colleagues and I work so hard to provide lovely accommodation here in Williamstown for our many thousands of guests each year and you go and put a review up like that which is so unfounded. It really hurts. I certainly do not want to have a fight but I cannot let this go without comment. There are fourteen people who work with me who all rely on this business to feed their families. I couldn't believe that you refused to let me explain why there would be an additional $20 charge for using the bed in the second bedroom. You just blasted me and then hung up in my ear!! And NOW you've put up this appalling review with the express intent of damaging my business, the livelihood of my staff and my reputation. Is that how you would like to be treated in your business Daniel? How would you feel if someone got you to do work for them and then refused to pay for the extra wiring that you installed? And what if they then lampooned your name and your reputation around your city? How would you feel about that? (Don't worry I am not gong to mention your surname or your business or city. I am not that nasty). I would never do something like that. If I have a problem with someone I talk to them about it and we resolve it. So ... please excuse me as I clarify the facts. 1) You mentioned on the phone that you have stayed with us about a dozen times. I could only see another 5 times but we only have records back as far as when we went computerised. But I note that each of those 5 previous stays has either been in the apartment above the one you booked this time or directly across the road in either the B&B house or the stone cottage . You obviously know the area and always choose the best location. As you know, each of those venues are walking distance to all the restaurants, shops and yacht clubs and the apartments have views out to the water, yachts and city. I therefore challenge your comment about value for money. You've not complained in all the previous visits. And the prices have been the same for four years. I think the key point here is that you prefer the apartment above that you stayed in last time (we talked about that when you checked in) and yes the layout is different in the downstairs one. I also prefer the upstairs one but .... they are very popular apartments and its a case of first in best dressed. We should charge more for the upstairs one but we don't. I love it when people walk in and say 'Wow!'. That apartment you stayed in this time is probably worth about $800,000. Thankfully the owner bought it years ago and does not have to pay a current day mortgage on it and that is why our guests are lucky that they can stay in this classic art deco apartment in such a lovely location for the rate of $245 (which includes a breakfast basket and discounts to my favorite 8 restaurants). 2) The lounge room does have the comfortable couch that you mentioned. Thank you. IT ALSO HAS TWO OTHER REALLY LARGE, VERY COMFORTABLE, NEWLY UPHOLSTERED 'MORAN' ARMCHAIRS. I mention these since you have implied that the room is not comfortable. This is so not the case. It's a lovely room with gas fire, polished boards, soft light lamp and a big rug. Not to mention the balcony off that with water views. In fact tonight there are 4 men staying in that apartment again (for the third time in 6 weeks). Because it is four men and the configuration is a Queen and two singles, one asked if he could bring a swag and sleep on the floor and I said that this was fine. No problem. I am very relaxed about how people use the apartments provided they do not smoke or damage them and are respectful of noise and neighbours. 2) You said that there is only a heater in the lounge. This is not true. There are portable oil and blow heaters in other rooms that can be moved to whichever room you wish. Maybe you did not look in the dining room. 3) You said that I called you and 'ACCUSED' you of having a third person to stay. This is not what happened. I called you and explained that the housekeepers had told me that the mattress from the second bedroom had been put on the lounge room floor and I 'ASKED' you if you had had a third person there. Your wife explained that she was pregnant and it was moved for her comfort. I did not not have a problem with that. I believe you are unreasonable however in thinking that you should not have to pay the extra $20 for using the extra bed - and particularly when you moved the mattress as well and did not return it. The mattress had to be carried back, the housekeeper had to run back to the main B&B house to get fresh linen and then they had to clean the second bedroom room as well as the one you slept in. The linen from that second bedroom then also had to be washed, dried, ironed, folded and stored. Actually $20 does not even cover the cost... Would you go to a restaurant and then demand that you don't have to pay for dessert at the end? Daniel you told me that I should have locked off the second room. I know lots of other accommodation providers do this but I don't because I want to provide the best experience for our guests. I don't want it to look like I don't trust my guests and also because we often have genuine cases (like yours) where people do end up wanting to use the second bedroom - snoring, pregnancy, restless sleep, restless legs syndrome, arguments etc. etc. But the difference is that other guests either call first or let us know the next day and this way the housekeepers can prepare correct supplies and calculate timing when they go to do the clean. No-one in twelve years of me running this business has ever said they thought they should pay a one bedroom price when they have used two bedrooms! In fact, we often get the comment that by only charging an extra $20 per extra bed or person, it makes it a very reasonably priced stay for three or four or (in the case of the apartment above) five people. And even when it is two people, if they choose to use the second room, they are usually so appreciative of having the option of a second room in order to help them with a better night's sleep, that they happily pay the $20. So ... Daniel. I really hope you understand where I am coming from.This is not a fight. And if you view it that way, then please don't keep going. You've won. You've damaged me and my business. I just hope that the damage has not been too great that it affects my staff. Sincerely, Melissa PS. I left a message on your phone the day you left regarding the earring that your wife left in the bathroom. Please let me know what you want me to do with it.
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
PRICE RANGE
USD 132 - USD 166 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
AustraliaVictoriaGreater MelbourneHobsons BayWilliamstown
NUMBER OF ROOMS
10
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim Your ListingCAPTAINS RETREAT APARTMENTS & COTTAGES (AU$201): 2023 Prices & Reviews (Williamstown) - Photos of B&B - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about Captains Retreat Apartments & Cottages
Which popular attractions are close to Captains Retreat Apartments & Cottages?
Nearby attractions include HMAS Castlemaine (0.4 km), Holy Trinity Anglican Church Williamstown (0.1 km), and Williamstown Craft Market (0.4 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Captains Retreat Apartments & Cottages?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free parking, and baggage storage.
Is parking available at Captains Retreat Apartments & Cottages?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Captains Retreat Apartments & Cottages?
Conveniently located restaurants include Ticktok, The Strand Restaurant, and Monzarella Italian Restaurant.
Is Captains Retreat Apartments & Cottages located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.3 km away from the centre of Williamstown.
Are there any historical sites close to Captains Retreat Apartments & Cottages?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Old Melbourne Gaol (8.0 km), St Paul's Cathedral (7.4 km), and Melbourne Town Hall (7.5 km).