Hotel Lona is a Pub located at 473 Nepean Hwy, Frankston VIC 3199, Australia. It has received 299 reviews with an average rating of 4.0 stars.
Monday | 12PM-1:30AM |
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Tuesday | 12PM-2AM |
Wednesday | 12PM-3AM |
Thursday | 12PM-3AM |
Friday | 12PM-1:30AM |
Saturday | 12PM-1:30AM |
Sunday | 12PM-1:30AM |
The address of Hotel Lona: 473 Nepean Hwy, Frankston VIC 3199, Australia
Hotel Lona has 4.0 stars from 299 reviews
Pub
"Was so excited to try this place, so devastated because we were served a very raw chicken (see photos)"
"Along with the rest of the Frankston locals wanting to experience one of the new businesses to the area, we did the same"
"A great place with mostly a good vibe"
"We recently celebrated our work Christmas party at Hotel Lona and couldn't fault a thing"
"the older male behind the bar likes to judge young women for the way they dress instantly creating tension"
Was so excited to try this place, so devastated because we were served a very raw chicken (see photos). It initially was soggy at first bite, appeared rushed, but to find that over half of it was raw was super disheartening. The staff seemed very flustered throughout the night and we're unsure what to do by initial reaction once we told them. We asked for money back and it was given in cash. No huge apology, we left promptly. As a bar, drinks were fine - somewhat atmospheric roof top despite heat and issues with music speakers. As a restaurant, it has a long way to go regarding service and quality of food. EDIT: Hi Hotel Lona, I'm not pleased to be asked to remove a review - it is a review for a reason. Undercooked chicken is a serious health concern, and despite years in service, staffing delays, whatever the reason: there simply is no excuse. I could list the other issues with this meal, cold chips and little toppings for value...but instead I'm choosing to go with the biggest concern and not nit pick. Might I refer to the review as well, it was the handling of the situation afterwards that also was concerning. Protocols for how to handle these situations should be priority, having worked in the hospitality industry myself. This review will stay, along with the hundreds of presumed fake reviews from users who only have ever posted one review, rather than google local guides like myself who rate ongoing places. It shouldn't be on the customer to uphold a places reputation, that is on the business. I'm simply posting an experience, but will happily return, as I had already implied 'has a long way to go' - once service and quality has improved, and I'll see this through genuine reviews on this page. Can I ask how this is 'misleading' as you state? It is from your restaurant.... What's more damaging to your reputation is not taking accountability for your actions, rather providing a list of excuses and trying to guilt a customer, asking them to change a review. I respectfully ask you see this review as a means to improve, because this experience should never have happened, ever - serious health concern we are overlooking here. I look forward to seeing you improve, and will be happy to give you another chance. Thanks!
Along with the rest of the Frankston locals wanting to experience one of the new businesses to the area, we did the same. We had a booking at the rooftop bar, first obstacle was to find the staircase. Staff were all busy so couldn’t ask, signage inside the main bar was non existent so we wandered about and found it. Initial impressions of the renovation were fantastic, a lot of work and money have gone into repurposing this building and it looks great. Rooftop bar was pumping and has a logical layout of tables and bar area. Ordering can be done via a QR code on the table or at the bar. The ordering portal was a little slow and unresponsive at times which was a shame however I persevered and processed an order. I noticed that not all the food and drink options on the menu were available via the portal? Not sure if that’s because we were at the rooftop or not, strange to have separate menus however. Food was okay, nothing amazing and very expensive. Staff were run off their feet trying to cope with the demand. Give them a few months to find their feet, another asset to Frankston.
A great place with mostly a good vibe. Unfortunately we had problems with security guards taking a disliking g to two of our male friends and kicking them out. When politely asking why they said they were intoxicated and if they didn’t leave they would use force. One of the males was a designated driver who had only had one drink and the other male had only had three drinks and is and is the most polite loveliest man you could meet. Funnily enough three women in our group were falling down drunk and they said nothing. Once downstairs the other security guards just laughed at them and also had no reasonable explanation. Will never go there again especially when the security guards are threatening to use force which I’m pretty sure is illegal on sober people. Ridiculous and disgusting. Bad form.
Food: 3
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 2
We recently celebrated our work Christmas party at Hotel Lona and couldn't fault a thing. Sophie the sales manager was so attentive and made sure that our event was planned very well, and every detail was taken care of. On the night Alex the manager went above and beyond to make our party the best it could be from making the lights match out colour scheme to catering to everyone's dietary requirements. Alex took away any lingering stress and we couldn't have asked for a better venue. The bar staff were also incredible and worked so hard to make sure we weren't waiting too long for anything. We highly recommend Hotel Lona to anyone looking to book a fun and inviting venue. Thank you so much to the whole team we appreciate everything you did.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
the older male behind the bar likes to judge young women for the way they dress instantly creating tension.. misleading advertisement on all cocktails and food.. most of your cocktails come from the tap and if your lucky enough to actually receive the cocktail youve paid for be prepared for a completely different flavour to what you ordered. food was undercooked and overpriced! I have given you 3 chances hotel Lona you will not get another cent out of me! Also if you have any physical medical issues don't expect them to bring your drinks and food to you like they said! On tap cocktails start at $20 what a rip off how can you claim best cocktails but can't make them fresh! horrible service as well!
Price per person
$100–120
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1
Visited for the first time on Satuday for bottomless cocktails. All i can say is from walking in,up the stairs, to the rooftop, i thought all areas were cute/a vibe. Loved the rooftop, was worried the accoustic music would be a vibe killer but it wasnt depressing, was so good! Bar staff were lovely!! But special shout out to Lee who looked after us majority of the time. The cocktails were on tap but the quality did not suffer they were delicious, didnt taste like syrup you find alot of places use so i was super impressed with that, and alcohol content is what youd expect as apposed to other bottomless brunches where it doesnt taste like theres any alcohol. Only ate chips and wedges so cannot vouch for the food but definitely 10/10 would return!!
The venue has a roof top bar until you realise that without a booking, you can’t use the bar. Would that not make it a roof top dining space? Any hoo, back at ground level navigating the table top QR ordering, which for the same drinks bought at the bar was cheaper, I found the system confusing because my drinks went to a different table. How? Croquettes were like warm and bland. The porter house steak was actually scotch fillet. Suppose that’s better. The chicken on the saddest ever Caesar salad (bowl of lettuce, shave Parmesan at the bottom) was six thin slices of crusty chicken that I thought was a crouton. Can’t hear yourself speak in this place. Won’t return
Food: 1
Service: 2
Atmosphere: 1
We were not advised when booking that we will be kicked off the table at 9:30pm for the DJ to set up. In fact we were told at 9:27pm we had 3 more mins on our table. Totally killed the vibe and we all went downstairs and left. However would have happily sat there drinking for longer. Then as we left, the large security guard yelled out something at us, basically told us shut the f up to f.off. We turned around to him so confused, and he stood there swaying and glaring, and said nothing else. We were the only people on the street, so he was talking to us. We did absolutely nothing wrong, and it was totally uncalled for and gross.
Food: 4
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 3
Was excited to try this place. I think there are food quality issues here, I got sick after eating there. ☹️ I had Thai Chicken Salad. Others ordered chicken wings which had to be sent back they were so dry & overcooked - seemed like maybe they had been sitting all day then just reheated? Not sure. All food was just very basic & no imagination or quality (pizza was same as Dominos or somewhere). We ate on ground floor, room was extremely noisy (bad acoustics), but decor is nice. Staff were friendly.
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 1
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 2
Nothing worse than being told to have a water and no alcohol for 25 minutes, and had only 5 drinks in 4 hours. I waited 45 minutes. As I approached the bar, a security guard came up to me and said ‘this is not my decision, but I’ve been told that you are cut off from drinking’! The security guard told me that he totally disagreed with the decision and said they have made a mistake. I was insulted. There were people getting drinks at the bar that were obviously intoxicated. So much for having a good night!!
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 3
A really nice place particularly when the weather is warm, good vibes with friends having a drink on the rooftop. Such a gorgeous venue! Was disappointed in paying $20 for a cocktail from the tap that tasted like soft drink though, would be great to pay less for a tap cocktail or have a properly made margarita! Other drinks were reasonably priced though and the food was sooo yummy. I had chicken tacos and chicken bao buns! All in all good place to go!
Price per person
$80–100
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4
Came in last night. Ordered a beer at the bar and was served 2, politely informed the young, blonde waitress behind the bar and was greeted with a harsh stare followed by some grunts as she unsuccessfully tried to refund my account. In the end I said it’s ok I’ll just have 2, but perhaps you could at least smile about it, I was promptly flicked the middle finger. Unbelievable behaviour, terrible customer service and just an all round bad experience for my first visit here. Will not be back.
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 2
Bottomless dranch is a rip off. It says it's 89 online and there are no T's and Cs listed but came to be 112 instead of what was listed online. When arriving, we had to go up and order drinks everytime we wanted one and it had to be one at a time. There was one single taco that came with the meal. It was not up to standard for me. This could do with better ways of serving considering how expensive it is. Not worth it in my opinion and I most definitely will not be back.
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1
Few occasions been there, as local, I’d say I like this place, nice ambience, great foods, however tried their cocktails which cost around $20, for TAP cocktails, I’m definitely NO big fan of it. Full sugary taste, I’m happy to wait for GOOD cocktails! Never again have their cocktails. Such as shame, their bar look awesome though I will still come back, for their service and foods :) This pinacolona was serve no garnish at all :(
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
From the onset you are greeted by friendly professional staff our waiter was Michael. My steak was amazing cooked to perfection. I will be back and recommend to my family and friends
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Chicken Parmigiana
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot, Paid parking lot, Free street parking, Paid street parking
Parking
Great very close too venue
Decided to treat my daughter and I to lunch out today at Lona (and I wanted to check it out). Did not disappoint! The staff were friendly and only to happy to help. The food was delicious, we have the pulled pork sliders and fish tacos We also got wedges, which were good, however will will definitely be back for the truffles fries when the potatoes famine is over! The décor is so fresh and fun, and I’m excited to visit the rooftop bar for its live music one night soon!
We had lunch and drinks on the rooftop on a beautiful sunny day, and it was delightful. Our food was lukewarm when it arrived to our table - which wasn't great, but it was still so delicious that we didn't really mind. The service was great, and the ambience on the rooftop was really lovely. We're already making plans to go back!
Price per person
$80–100
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4
Recommended dishes
Prawn Sliders
Food was awful & took an extremely long time. Came out in a really strange order the food and we had to cancel one of the items we ordered as it took that long. Also drinks were average - paying $20 for cocktails that are on tap which taste like cordial and taste nothing like they should. The place itself looks great but I think they need to put more energy into their food and drinks. Unfortunately won’t be racing back anytime soon
Fantastic new hotel in Frankston its fresh, modern, beautifully styled and the staff were super friendly, plenty of icy cold tap beers there's multiple places to chill out including this superb rooftop bar area (see photos) its definitely become literally overnight my favourite spot to catch up with my daughter, my friends and band mates, well done to the owners‼️I'm giving it a big thumbs up and 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ its super impressive ❤
Michael is amazing, 10/10 service! Very kind and welcoming, felt very looked after from Michael himself and really looked after us for the day/night! Will be coming again due to his exceptional service! Thanks again Michael
Price per person
$120–140
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Eggplant Parmigiana, Chicken Bao, Cheese Board, Cheesy Garlic Bread, Chips, Croquettes
Well my first visit ☺️, I will say everything I expect from a good pub, . I had a family dinner with my grandson - felt totally welcome. The feeling was modern, plenty of well balanced fluro. I felt it vived as a upmarket Burger joint. It does change at about 8.30 - more of a club. I wish I was 20 years younger, figure I would hang and enjoy the energy .
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Lona has a buzzing atmosphere whilst maintaining that relaxed energy that you look for near the foreshore. Great live music, and brilliant service all across the board. Bartenders knew exactly what they were doing on the rooftop, providing suggestions and consistency with drinks. Interested to see what this venue will implement when the weather gets colder as it’s definitely proven to be a warm-weather hotspot!
My first Google review was in 2021, to compliment an automotive services company in regional Victoria. This is my second Google review, and I warn that the atmosphere created here by the bar staff is mostly unpleasant, ranging to outright rude. If, like me, you imagine a bar to be a relaxed, refined, friendly place to spend some down-time, this is not it. Give it a miss.
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1
This place is a joke. We came in for my partners birthday for drunch, was told we could do it, got seated. Went up to the bar to order to be greated by hostile, unprofessional staff who had changed their mind. Instead of approaching us and talking to us in a professional way they decided to whisper about it to eachother behind the bar and we ended up walking out. The most unprofessional place I've been to.
Good food in a nice atmosphere. Had the parma and was impressed but unfortunately didnt get to properly enjoy it. Would have been nice to be notified upon booking that it was comedy night as I was there to catch up with friends and we were seated in front of the microphone so we were unable to chat (and the comedy was genuinely bad). Will come back again, just maybe not on a Wednesday night upstairs.
OMG! The worst place I have been to eat and drink in Frankston.We were so happy to hear about a new venue in Frankston,but sooo disappointed.Cheesy Garlic Bread with no garlic, on supermarket sandwich slices of bread,chicken wings served in a cardboard box and when we requested some salt for our tasteless fries,the waitress brought over some salt that she grinded into a small dipping dish.
Came to Hotel Lona with a group of friends. A few friend waited at the bar and TONNES of people were served before them. Service staff looked them in the eye and ignored them. We felt as though they were ignored based on their race/ethnicity and treated unfairly as a result. Extremely unhappy with the service and would not recommend to anyone who is not a “regular” customer.
Service: 1
sorry for the bad review but please work on your cocktail recipes. tried three different cocktails and they were all bad, one of them even came from a tap the chicken parma was very nice but the nachos were flavourless and weren’t cooked in the middle. the young male bartender was very nice.
Price per person
$80–100
Food: 2
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 3
Drink service was a bit slow, and food wasn't warm but everything was absolutely delicious, the staff were a delight and the atmosphere was exactly what we were looking for. The menus also looks amazing and we're definitely going to be going back and working our way through the food and drinks list
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5
Good good, very nice staff, awesome atmosphere and great venue - someone needs to stop the comedy though, I have never felt so awkward in my life listening to some of the jokes and zero laughter from the crowd. Highly recommend maybe changing to a trivia night instead.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Been a few times now for lunch and drinks. The staff, food and atmosphere are always great. Today the staff went above and beyond, that sort of service sticks with you, and makes you always happy to return and recommend to others. 10⭐️
Price per person
$60–80
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
We had an event on a section of the rooftop with 60 people. The staff were so accommodating, food was ample and delicious with such a good variety, (lamb bao buns were incredible). Cocktails on arrival and nothing was too much of a hassle. Love music was also such a great vibe! Can’t wait to have another event here!
This was a great choice to take the family out to dinner. The service was great, the food was delicious and the price was reasonable. We will definitely be coming back.
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4
Vegetarian options
A good selection of vegan options
Service and atmosphere was good up on rooftop. But the chicken parma I ordered tasted old and now I’m in bed all day with suspected food poisoning (and usually I have a cast iron stomach). I do not recommend the Parma at all.
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 1
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 4
Oldest building in Frankston beautifully renovated with exposed brick and great decor . The food was delicious and the service spot on too .
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free street parking
The chef is allergic to vegetables, the chicken was not seared as described and no vegetarian as described The cocktails were all premix... cheap RUBBISH!
Price per person
$60–80
Food: 1
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 3
Dietary restrictions
Do nor cater , even though say they do
Hotel Lona in Frankston offers a fresh vibrant space for great drinks and food. Their rooftop provides an amazing outdoor space (especially in summer) and there's plenty of break out spots for large groups. Probably now takes the cake as the number one go to spot for food and friends in Frankston.
It’s such a warm, inviting space! The upstairs deck is so lovely, it feels like you’re on a holiday somewhere Also the food is great but the cocktails are AMAZING
Price per person
$60–80
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Cheese Board
I recently attended Hotel Lona for my surprise bridesmaids proposal. The staff went above and beyond, from letting me access the table early, timing our cocktail arrival to perfection and storing the gift boxes while we ate. Special shout-out to Georgia for her incredible hospitality!
Nice environment.Great food and great drinks.Highly reccomend! Love it here! The vegan popcorn cauliflour with chilli sauce is to die for and the vegetarian eggplant parma is great! The pizza is also fantastic here.Definately try!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Partner had a birthday lunch, the service that all staff whom we were in contact (staff from day shift and afternoon shift) was OUSTANDING. Management, were so accommodating. Great atmosphere great service overall customer service was first class. Keep up the good work...........
A big shout out to the amazing staff at Hotel Lona. I lost my wallet Fri night, 4th Aug, went back two hours later and the amazing staff, and honest person who found or passed in my wallet. A very big thank you ! Amazing people…….Thank you…
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Loved the atmosphere - Great spot for some drinks! The charcuterie board was delicious but price was a bit steep in my opinion. Ended up staying for a comedy night too which was pretty fun!!
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 3
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4
Amazing food, drinks and atmosphere. Hotel Lona is the new place to be! We had pizzas and sliders, both which were delicious. The cocktails on tap meant we were able to get them quickly and they still tasted just as good. Highly recommend giving this new hot spot a try!
Great food had by all of us. No exceptions. This place makes such good use of natural light and quality upgrade from what it was. Management and staff super friendly and organised. Thank you Lona.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Friendly staff, great food recommend a visit. Pleasantly surprised. Could be a bit noisy
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 3
Recommended dishes
Cheesy Garlic Bread, Fish, Chips, Croquettes
Staff was so lovely and offered us complimentary drinks when my friends meal was undercooked. They were so lovely about it. Imogen was especially caring and helped us out heaps , big ups to her for looking after our table ❤️❤️❤️ …
My partner and I were looking forward to go here, but the service was pretty disappointing. Hoping it can just put it down to teething issues as we’d like to go here again. We were overcharged by almost $10 for 2 drinks, when querying this
Tried this place out for the first time yesterday in the 32 degree heat. We hadn’t booked so were sat at a table right in the sun however the staff were awesome at trying to provide shade. Ordered a bottle of rose to share which was lovely
Very disapointing, you pay $9 for g bread and its just sliced bread with toppings, something you could make at home, beers were hot and parmas are tiny Only good thing was the dipping aoli sause because they didnt have to do any of the work
Such a Wonderful Venue, Couldn’t be happier with our night at Hotel Lona. We all had a fantastic night for my birthday. The food was delicious, from the share menu & tasty wood fired pizzas. The service was quick, efficient and all the
Fantastic experience at this place. The ambiance is charming, the staff is friendly. The live music added a perfect touch to the evening. Overall, a delightful place to unwind and enjoy great food and drinks. Highly recommended!" More
Went he for my grandma’s 95th birthday. We were greeted with friendly staff. Live music was fantastic. Lovely service. Amazing food. Great cocktails. Shoutout to the bartenders
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Great atmosphere on the rooftop for Friday night drinks. Staff are very friendly and accommodating. Sam the manager went out of his way to find us a table even though they were fully booked. Thanks for the great cocktails!
Got a steak with pepercorn sauce, wasn't great. Chips and salad good. Waitress with pink fringe covered the floor herself and was lovely.
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 1
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
The venue is beautiful and staff were friendly. Food was extremely average, no flavour. Would be also good if the non-alcoholic beverages were labelled they were out of a can, I was expecting a margarita mocktail.
Waitresses went out of their way, truly impressive. Food was outstanding. Great atmosphere. Faultless experience - thank you! Loving vegan section !
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Fabulous atmosphere, service and food! Cocktails were delicious! 21 year anniversary dinner did not disappoint! Will definitely be back!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Fish was nice. Place was a little boaring/ bland. No atmosphere. We were in a group and put on 2 tables. I hate that.
Price per person
$40–60
Recommended dishes
Fish
The ambience is great and the staff were helpful and friendly. The food was nice but it's a bit expensive for Franga. Server forgot my cider, brought it over after being reminded.
I had a great time here. The food and staff are fantastic and the atmosphere is perfect.
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Really good Parma!! The pink gin spritz was a delight, and definitely had alcohol in it.
Price per person
$40–60
Recommended dishes
Chicken Parmigiana
The loveliest staff, food is amazing and great live music....oh and don't even get me started on the rooftop, such a vibe! Will definitely come back again x …
Top shelf place for a good meal and event
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Cheesy Garlic Bread, Chips, Croquettes
The food we all ate was amazing!! The service was quick and the staff were very friendly. We will definitely be back! Would highly recommend Hotel Lona! More
Fantastic, friendly staff. High quality service. The barramundi is Michelin star quality. The cocktails are delicious and delightful. Thank you Alex
Great alternate food menu, have a great range of vegetarian dishes as well Very well done restoration of the old building
Michael made our night extra special. Thanks Michael Great food and drinks, great prices …
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Great place and awesome food. The pulled pork Reuben sandwich was superb. Thanks for the tip Michael Trist. More
Gorgeous place, with great music. Will definitely be back there for Dinner. …
Price per person…
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