Motel Maroondah

Motel Maroondah is a budget, older-style roadside motel at 768 Whitehorse Road in Mont Albert, on Melbourne's eastern edge close to Box Hill. It is a functional overnight stop rather than a destination stay, with kitchenette rooms, a microwave and fridge in each, and free on-site parking, and pets are generally accepted on a confirm-first basis.

Bringing your dog

Pet travel directories list the motel as dog-friendly, with dogs of various sizes typically allowed and an additional pet fee that some sources put at around $30 per pet per night. Cats may also be considered on request. None of this is a fixed published rule, so ring the motel on 03 9899 5555 before you book, confirm the fee, and make sure a pet-friendly room is actually assigned to you. Rooms are basic, so bring your own dog bedding and bowls.

Getting there and parking

The motel sits on Whitehorse Road, a main arterial running through Melbourne's east, which makes it an easy drive-in stop off the Eastern Freeway corridor. Free self-parking is at the door, and tram and train options are close by if you would rather leave the car and head into the city.

Close by with the dogs

R.H.L Sparks Reserve Dog Off Leash Area in Box Hill gives dogs a proper off-lead run a short drive away, and the walkable streets around Mont Albert suit an easy on-lead loop. For coffee, Mason Lane Café is the local option in the village strip. If the motel is full, Quest Mont Albert is the other serviced option in the same suburb worth asking about pets.

This part of Melbourne suits a cheap, short stop with a dog more than a multi-night base. For other options, browse dog-friendly stays in Victoria or plan around Mont Albert.