Victoria House Motor Inn

Victoria House Motor Inn sits on the Maroondah Highway in Croydon, in Melbourne's outer east, and is a motel with old-world Victorian styling rather than the usual highway box. Reviewers talk about spacious rooms with a homely, period feel, some with balconies, and friendly owners. It takes dogs, but case by case, so a stay here starts with a phone call rather than a booking form.

Dogs at the Victoria House

Dog approval is per booking, not automatic. The policy generally permits one small dog, up to about 10kg, in specific rooms only, supervised at all times. Expect a fee of about AUD 50 per pet per night plus a refundable deposit of around AUD 299 per stay. Only dogs are accepted, no cats. Contact the motel directly before booking to confirm a pet room is available for your dates and get the fees confirmed, because the pet-friendly stock is small and third-party sites do not always show it.

Max: approval is per-booking here. Get the pet room, the nightly fee and the deposit confirmed in writing when you call, not at the front desk on arrival.

The vibe

The rooms are the draw: comfortably appointed with an old-fashioned charm that stands out among the strip of newer highway motels, and guests consistently praise the owners' hospitality. It suits a stopover on the way to the Yarra Valley or Dandenongs as much as a base for visiting family in the eastern suburbs.

Getting there and parking

The motel fronts the Maroondah Highway in central Croydon, about 30 minutes east of the Melbourne CBD outside peak hour, with free off-street parking at the door. Croydon station is close by if you would rather leave the car and take the train in.

Close by with the dogs

Eastfield Fenced Dog Park is the standout local option, with double-gated entrances and a separate zone for quieter dogs, and Bede Spillane Reserve Fenced Dog Park gives a second fenced run nearby. For coffee, Blackwork is in the Croydon town strip.

More options are on the Victoria pet friendly stays guide and the Croydon destination page.