Rydges Geelong
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Summary of reviewsRydges Geelong enjoys a prime location in central Geelong, which is frequently praised by guests for its proximity to various attractions, restaurants, shops and cultural sites. Its convenient central setting offers easy accessibility to major landmarks like GMHBA Stadium and the waterfront. Even with a few comments about the hotel's suburban setting and some outdated features, the overall consensus is that its location is a significant advantage.
The hotel's amenities complement its standout location, particularly with its large, clean rooms and friendly staff who contribute to a welcoming atmosphere. Guests appreciate comfortable beds and easy access to parking, enhancing the comfort of their stay. However, some aspects require attention, such as the dated decor, occasional cleanliness issues and temperature control in the rooms.
Breakfast experiences at Rydges Geelong are mixed with many guests enjoying a diverse and quality selection, especially when family pricing is considered. Yet, criticisms about the cost, cold food and coffee quality appear frequently, alongside service inefficiencies like slow refills and long wait times during busy periods.
Dinner at the hotel receives more consistent praise with many guests enjoying the dining atmosphere, quality dishes and friendly staff. The buffet and room service are particularly appreciated, despite occasional comments about variety and portion sizes. The restaurant’s closure on certain nights poses a slight inconvenience for some guests.
The hotel’s spa and pool area provide a pleasant addition to the overall experience, though maintenance issues and availability concerns sometimes mar the experience. Similarly, the gym is positively reviewed for its clean environment and decent equipment, adding value despite being considered small by some.
Guest reviews for cleanliness are generally favorable with many noting well-kept rooms, fresh bedding and tidy general areas. However, some guests did report cleanliness inconsistencies, particularly in bathrooms and carpet conditions.
Staff at Rydges Geelong are mostly lauded for their friendliness and efficiency, enhancing guest satisfaction with positive interactions across various areas of the hotel. Nonetheless, a few reports of rude or unhelpful staff do emerge occasionally.
The Wi-Fi receives mixed reviews with some guests enjoying good connectivity while others experience slow speeds and connection difficulties, which can be frustrating for those needing reliable internet access.
Parking at the hotel is convenient for many, though the associated fees and occasional crowded conditions detract from the overall satisfaction. The cost of parking is a frequent point of contention among guests.
Rydges Geelong is a family-friendly hotel, offering spacious rooms and amenities that cater well to those traveling with children. The general comfort, helpful staff and accessible location make it a practical choice for families visiting Geelong.
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The hotel's amenities complement its standout location, particularly with its large, clean rooms and friendly staff who contribute to a welcoming atmosphere. Guests appreciate comfortable beds and easy access to parking, enhancing the comfort of their stay. However, some aspects require attention, such as the dated decor, occasional cleanliness issues and temperature control in the rooms.
Breakfast experiences at Rydges Geelong are mixed with many guests enjoying a diverse and quality selection, especially when family pricing is considered. Yet, criticisms about the cost, cold food and coffee quality appear frequently, alongside service inefficiencies like slow refills and long wait times during busy periods.
Dinner at the hotel receives more consistent praise with many guests enjoying the dining atmosphere, quality dishes and friendly staff. The buffet and room service are particularly appreciated, despite occasional comments about variety and portion sizes. The restaurant’s closure on certain nights poses a slight inconvenience for some guests.
The hotel’s spa and pool area provide a pleasant addition to the overall experience, though maintenance issues and availability concerns sometimes mar the experience. Similarly, the gym is positively reviewed for its clean environment and decent equipment, adding value despite being considered small by some.
Guest reviews for cleanliness are generally favorable with many noting well-kept rooms, fresh bedding and tidy general areas. However, some guests did report cleanliness inconsistencies, particularly in bathrooms and carpet conditions.
Staff at Rydges Geelong are mostly lauded for their friendliness and efficiency, enhancing guest satisfaction with positive interactions across various areas of the hotel. Nonetheless, a few reports of rude or unhelpful staff do emerge occasionally.
The Wi-Fi receives mixed reviews with some guests enjoying good connectivity while others experience slow speeds and connection difficulties, which can be frustrating for those needing reliable internet access.
Parking at the hotel is convenient for many, though the associated fees and occasional crowded conditions detract from the overall satisfaction. The cost of parking is a frequent point of contention among guests.
Rydges Geelong is a family-friendly hotel, offering spacious rooms and amenities that cater well to those traveling with children. The general comfort, helpful staff and accessible location make it a practical choice for families visiting Geelong.
Hotel with EV Charging Stations
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Hotel near Golf Courses
Hotel with Spa
Family Friendly Hotel
Romantic Hotel
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EV charging stations
Accessible Hotel
Hotel with Gym
Hotel with Outdoor Pool
Guest Reviews
The reviews for Rydges Geelong highlight its prime location as a standout feature with guests praising its proximity to major attractions and amenities. Conveniently situated in central Geelong, the hotel is within walking distance to the CBD, restaurants, shops, the waterfront and key landmarks such as the GMHBA Stadium and St. John of God Hospital. The area around the hotel is noted for being lively and offering easy access to eateries, cafes, bars, nightspots and cultural sites.
Guests found the location ideal for various purposes, whether for attending events, exploring the city or enjoying the nightlife and culinary hotspots. The central setting makes it suitable for city walks, sightseeing and accessing public transport, enhancing the overall convenience for visitors. Additionally, the hotel's central position allows for a short stroll to the beach and the main shopping streets, providing a great base for tourists.
The hotel's amenities, including large rooms, friendly staff and cleanliness, are frequently mentioned positively alongside its location. Many guests appreciated the comfortable beds, welcoming atmosphere and easy access to parking, making it a comfortable stay overall. Despite a few negative comments about its suburban setting and some outdated features, the overwhelming impression is that the hotel's location remains a key advantage for those looking to explore Geelong conveniently.
Breakfast at Rydges Geelong receives mixed feedback from guests, ranging from high praise to notable complaints. On the positive side, many guests found the breakfast to be delightful with diverse options and good quality. It has been described as lovely, fantastic and even the main reason some guests choose to stay at this chain. For families, the pricing for children seemed reasonable and the fresh, quality food left a good impression on many.
However, criticisms about the breakfast also abound. Numerous guests felt the buffet was overpriced with some calling it twice as expensive as chic cafes. Issues such as cold food, a lack of variety and slow refills were common complaints. Coffee quality was another sore point with several describing it as poor.
Staff performance varied with some guests describing the service as excellent and helpful, while others noted the staff seemed stressed and overwhelmed, particularly during busy periods. Long wait times for food replenishment and inadequate seating during peak hours further added to the dissatisfaction.
In summary, while many enjoyed a pleasant breakfast experience at Rydges Geelong, a significant number found it lacking in value and variety, often feeling it fell short of the price paid.
Rydges Geelong offers a dining experience that successfully balances quality and convenience. Guests frequently commend the restaurant for its pleasant atmosphere, attentive and friendly staff and particularly enjoy the tasty and well-presented dishes. The buffet stands out, being described as excellent by many visitors, while the à la carte options receive mixed but generally favorable reviews.
Menu options, including room service, are noted for their quality, though some guests feel that the offerings could be more varied, especially for children and those with specific dietary requirements like gluten-free or vegetarian meals. Despite some feedback about meals being overpriced or portion sizes being small, the food quality itself remains a highlight with dishes like steak and cheesecake receiving specific praise.
Room service is lauded for its quick delivery and tasty meals, although consistency can be an issue with occasional remarks about food arriving lukewarm or being overcooked. The restaurant’s convenience and the ambiance created by the scenic windows add to the overall positive dining experience. However, guests are occasionally disappointed with the restaurant’s closure on certain nights, which seems to impact the availability of dinner options.
In summary, while some aspects could be improved—such as expanding kid-friendly options and more competitive pricing—the dining experience at Rydges Geelong is largely satisfactory, offering flavorful meals in a comfortable setting with standout service.
Rydges Geelong offers a mix of spacious, clean and comfortable rooms, many featuring great views and modern bathrooms. The room sizes are consistently praised, providing ample space for relaxation and making them suitable for families. Beds are generally noted as comfortable, enhancing overall rest. Cleanliness is another positive aspect with many rooms described as spotlessly clean and fresh-smelling.
However, the hotel rooms show signs of aging and could benefit from updates and refurbishment. Several reviews mention dated decor, tired furniture and a need for modernization. Issues such as stained towels, dusty areas and subpar bathroom cleanliness have been noted. Additionally, room temperature control appears to be problematic with many guests reporting rooms being too hot or stuffy.
Some amenities are not up to expectations, like the lack of Netflix or cable options and minimal room service options. Noise can also be a concern with guests frequently mentioning disturbances from external and internal sources.
Despite these drawbacks, the room sizes, views and basic comfort make Rydges Geelong a decent option for short stays, though it may not fully justify its pricing given the current state of the rooms.
Rydges Geelong's beds receive overwhelmingly positive feedback from their guests. They are frequently described as very comfortable, super cozy and even as some of the most comfortable beds guests have ever slept in. Many guests noted the beds were soft and inviting, contributing to a great night's sleep. The bedding and pillows were also praised, often considered soft and of high quality, further enhancing the sleeping experience.
However, a few guests mentioned that the mattresses and duvets were too soft or too warm for their liking. Despite these occasional preferences for firmer or cooler sleeping conditions, the overall sentiment remains highly favorable.
Rooms featuring good-sized, soft beds also added to the comfort and the clean and well-prepared bedding was highlighted. The bed setups in double or king sizes were sufficient for family stays, making it suitable for travelers of all types. The consistent emphasis on comfortable bedding underscores Rydges Geelong as a reliable choice for a restful and cozy stay.
Rydges Geelong receives mixed feedback regarding cleanliness with numerous positive mentions highlighting clean, tidy and comfortable rooms. Guests frequently noted rooms as very clean and well-organized with fresh, clean bedding and towels always provided. Many reviews praise the spotless condition of the amenities and the hotel's general cleanliness. Some guests found the bathrooms to be clean and of good size, contributing to their overall comfort.
However, there are also reports of issues needing attention. A few guests experienced dirty or dated bathrooms, including instances of mould and rust. Some reviews mention dust and debris in rooms, indicating that deep cleaning might be inconsistent. Negative remarks include unclean windows, stained carpets and insufficient room servicing.
Despite these concerns, the housekeeping staff generally maintains a good standard, keeping the pool area and reception space clean and sanitary. The hotel's cleanliness leaves a positive impression on many guests, although improvements in detailed cleaning and maintenance would enhance the overall experience.
The staff at Rydges Geelong generally receives high praise for their friendliness and helpfulness. Guests frequently describe the team as accommodating, polite and efficient, particularly noting the excellent service at the hotel's restaurant and bar. Positive interactions with reception staff often include mentions of being welcoming, pleasant and professional, contributing to smooth check-in and check-out experiences. Many visitors highlight individual staff members who go above and beyond, describing them as fantastic, amazing and a credit to the establishment.
However, not all reviews are glowing, as a minority of guests experienced issues with rudeness or unfriendliness, especially at reception. Some guests felt that certain staff members were brusque or appeared inconvenienced and there were mentions of unprofessional behavior in isolated incidents.
Despite occasional criticisms, the overall impression is that Rydges Geelong boasts a team dedicated to providing friendly and helpful service, ensuring that most guests feel well taken care of during their stay.
While many aspects of a hotel stay can enhance the overall experience, connectivity often plays a crucial role for both leisure and business travelers. When it comes to the Wi-Fi at Rydges Geelong, guest reviews provide a mixed bag of feedback.
Several visitors appreciated the availability of free Wi-Fi, noting that the connection was good to reasonable in some instances. Few even described the Wi-Fi as really fast, making their online activities seamless. However, this wasn't a universal experience for all guests. Many encountered significant issues, ranging from poor and slow connections to complete inability to access the Wi-Fi, notably in certain rooms that suffered from Wi-Fi blind spots. These connectivity issues made it difficult for some guests to complete work or stream content like Netflix.
The inconsistency in Wi-Fi quality appears to be a recurring theme, leaving some guests satisfied while others found it insufficient for their needs. Therefore, if reliable internet access is a necessity for your stay, it might be worth inquiring about the current state of Wi-Fi service or even preparing an alternative plan.
Rydges Geelong's spa has received a mix of reviews from guests. On the positive side, many appreciated the good facilities overall with some highlighting the spa as a great feature and enjoying their experience there. Guests found the spa nice, warm and pointed out that it was a highlight of their stay. The combined pool and spa area were often described as nice with the pool also getting favorable mentions.
However, there were some recurring issues cited by guests. There were multiple instances where guests were disappointed to find the spa out of order or unavailable during their stay with these issues sometimes persisting over multiple days. Additionally, some guests commented on the spa being smaller than expected, crowded or in need of maintenance with missing tiles and a notable lack of water at times.
Overall, while the spa has the potential to be an enjoyable part of the stay at Rydges Geelong, it's clear that maintenance and availability concerns need to be addressed to ensure a consistently positive experience for all guests.
The gym at Rydges Geelong receives positive feedback with many guests describing it as fantastic and great for exercising. The facilities are generally appreciated, offering a decent range of equipment and maintaining a clean environment. Despite some equipment issues and the gym being described as quite small or basic by a few, it is still considered adequate and nice, also boasting views of the stadium. Overall, the gym adds value to the guest experience at the hotel.
Visitors generally have a positive opinion of the pool facilities at Rydges Geelong, although there are a few recurring issues that potential guests should be aware of. Many reviewers describe the pool as amazing, lovely and great for both kids and adults. The outdoor pool and accompanying amenities like the spa/jacuzzi are highlighted as enjoyable features. Families particularly appreciate the pool, noting that their children thoroughly enjoyed swimming and playing around the area.
There are, however, several comments concerning the pool's size and cleanliness. Some guests found the pool to be smaller than expected and occasionally low on water. Concerns about cleanliness were noted with a few mentions of the pool being dirty or not clean enough at times. Additionally, the pool area occasionally gets crowded, which might detract from the overall experience.
Despite these concerns, many guests still found the pool area to be a welcoming facility, complete with necessary amenities such as a shower nearby. The combination of a nice pool area, clean surroundings and enjoyed by children significantly contributed to the overall positive experience for many visitors.
Parking at Rydges Geelong has received mixed reviews from guests. On the positive side, many appreciated the convenience and availability of parking onsite, describing it as great, secure and easy to access. The presence of plenty of parking spots and the option of free street parking nearby were also highlighted.
However, several guests found the parking fees to be quite steep, often citing the $27 per day charge as excessive and beyond their expectations. Some felt that the parking cost should have been included in the accommodation price or offered at a more reasonable rate. Complaints also arose about the organization and space of the car park with guests noting that it was cramped and sometimes insufficient for all guests.
While the parking provided a practical solution for many, the additional cost and occasional lack of spaces were points of frustration for some visitors. Overall, the parking experience at Rydges Geelong seems to offer a blend of convenience and cost challenges.
Rydges Geelong is praised for its family-friendly environment, emphasizing comfort and convenience for those traveling with children. The spacious rooms provide ample space for families with options like family rooms and setups featuring two double beds, ideal for young children. The hotel’s amenities cater well to families, featuring a family-friendly pool and a restaurant with a dedicated kids menu. Guests find the family facilities and accommodations generally favorable, noting the rooms are comfortable and suitable for small families. Overall, Rydges Geelong is regarded as a good choice for families seeking a welcoming and accommodating stay.
Rydges Geelong offers large rooms and functional standard accommodations suitable for business travelers. The on-site restaurant and bar provide convenient dining options, including fine dining. Modern facilities and proximity to work locations make it an ideal choice for individuals on business trips. The hotel's location near the city and waterfront adds to its appeal. The staff is noted for being helpful and providing good service, catering specifically to the needs of working travelers. Although there is no business center, the overall business area is pleasant, making it a satisfactory choice for business stays. The check-in and check-out process could be less stressful, but overall, guests were pleased with their business-oriented experience.
Rydges Geelong offers some accessible features such as accessible rooms and easy access from the car park, making it a guest-friendly experience. The hotel is centrally located, close to the park and offers great views of the stadium. However, the accessibility could be improved, as some guests noted limited features for those with mobility issues and wheelchairs, such as narrow doors and the absence of dedicated accessible lifts. Pets are welcome, adding to the convenience for travelers. Additionally, the hotel provides a voucher for guests who opt out of housekeeping, which is seen as a positive initiative. Nonetheless, some found the space insufficient and the offering to be overpriced and overrated.
Rydges Geelong features an outdoor pool that has gained various opinions from guests. Many reviews highlight positive experiences, noting that the pool area is special, enjoyable and well-appreciated by children. The pool adds to the appeal of the hotel with some describing it as great and awesome. Additionally, the pool and restaurant area provide a nice setting to relax with food and drinks.
However, some reviews mention that the pool could be more accessible and point out the need for better maintenance. The outdoor pool’s unheated state can make it slightly cold during winter months and a few guests noted issues like overcrowding and improper water drainage, which affected their experience over longer stays. Despite these concerns, the solar heating feature is appreciated and overall, the pool remains a valued facility at the hotel.
Rydges Geelong offers a stay where luxury is regarded as the standard, making it different from most hotels. Guests have reported very good experiences with modern facilities and quite luxurious rooms. The cleanliness of the rooms is well-maintained, which parents would appreciate. However, some guests feel that the hotel doesn't fully meet the expectations of luxury, especially given the premium price. While the overall experience has been noted as very luxurious by some, there are comments suggesting that the hotel is in need of renovation or refurbishment to truly align with its high price point.
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Location
Guests found the location ideal for various purposes, whether for attending events, exploring the city or enjoying the nightlife and culinary hotspots. The central setting makes it suitable for city walks, sightseeing and accessing public transport, enhancing the overall convenience for visitors. Additionally, the hotel's central position allows for a short stroll to the beach and the main shopping streets, providing a great base for tourists.
The hotel's amenities, including large rooms, friendly staff and cleanliness, are frequently mentioned positively alongside its location. Many guests appreciated the comfortable beds, welcoming atmosphere and easy access to parking, making it a comfortable stay overall. Despite a few negative comments about its suburban setting and some outdated features, the overwhelming impression is that the hotel's location remains a key advantage for those looking to explore Geelong conveniently.
Breakfast
However, criticisms about the breakfast also abound. Numerous guests felt the buffet was overpriced with some calling it twice as expensive as chic cafes. Issues such as cold food, a lack of variety and slow refills were common complaints. Coffee quality was another sore point with several describing it as poor.
Staff performance varied with some guests describing the service as excellent and helpful, while others noted the staff seemed stressed and overwhelmed, particularly during busy periods. Long wait times for food replenishment and inadequate seating during peak hours further added to the dissatisfaction.
In summary, while many enjoyed a pleasant breakfast experience at Rydges Geelong, a significant number found it lacking in value and variety, often feeling it fell short of the price paid.
Dinner
Menu options, including room service, are noted for their quality, though some guests feel that the offerings could be more varied, especially for children and those with specific dietary requirements like gluten-free or vegetarian meals. Despite some feedback about meals being overpriced or portion sizes being small, the food quality itself remains a highlight with dishes like steak and cheesecake receiving specific praise.
Room service is lauded for its quick delivery and tasty meals, although consistency can be an issue with occasional remarks about food arriving lukewarm or being overcooked. The restaurant’s convenience and the ambiance created by the scenic windows add to the overall positive dining experience. However, guests are occasionally disappointed with the restaurant’s closure on certain nights, which seems to impact the availability of dinner options.
In summary, while some aspects could be improved—such as expanding kid-friendly options and more competitive pricing—the dining experience at Rydges Geelong is largely satisfactory, offering flavorful meals in a comfortable setting with standout service.
Rooms
However, the hotel rooms show signs of aging and could benefit from updates and refurbishment. Several reviews mention dated decor, tired furniture and a need for modernization. Issues such as stained towels, dusty areas and subpar bathroom cleanliness have been noted. Additionally, room temperature control appears to be problematic with many guests reporting rooms being too hot or stuffy.
Some amenities are not up to expectations, like the lack of Netflix or cable options and minimal room service options. Noise can also be a concern with guests frequently mentioning disturbances from external and internal sources.
Despite these drawbacks, the room sizes, views and basic comfort make Rydges Geelong a decent option for short stays, though it may not fully justify its pricing given the current state of the rooms.
Beds
However, a few guests mentioned that the mattresses and duvets were too soft or too warm for their liking. Despite these occasional preferences for firmer or cooler sleeping conditions, the overall sentiment remains highly favorable.
Rooms featuring good-sized, soft beds also added to the comfort and the clean and well-prepared bedding was highlighted. The bed setups in double or king sizes were sufficient for family stays, making it suitable for travelers of all types. The consistent emphasis on comfortable bedding underscores Rydges Geelong as a reliable choice for a restful and cozy stay.
Cleanliness
However, there are also reports of issues needing attention. A few guests experienced dirty or dated bathrooms, including instances of mould and rust. Some reviews mention dust and debris in rooms, indicating that deep cleaning might be inconsistent. Negative remarks include unclean windows, stained carpets and insufficient room servicing.
Despite these concerns, the housekeeping staff generally maintains a good standard, keeping the pool area and reception space clean and sanitary. The hotel's cleanliness leaves a positive impression on many guests, although improvements in detailed cleaning and maintenance would enhance the overall experience.
Staff
However, not all reviews are glowing, as a minority of guests experienced issues with rudeness or unfriendliness, especially at reception. Some guests felt that certain staff members were brusque or appeared inconvenienced and there were mentions of unprofessional behavior in isolated incidents.
Despite occasional criticisms, the overall impression is that Rydges Geelong boasts a team dedicated to providing friendly and helpful service, ensuring that most guests feel well taken care of during their stay.
Wi-Fi
Several visitors appreciated the availability of free Wi-Fi, noting that the connection was good to reasonable in some instances. Few even described the Wi-Fi as really fast, making their online activities seamless. However, this wasn't a universal experience for all guests. Many encountered significant issues, ranging from poor and slow connections to complete inability to access the Wi-Fi, notably in certain rooms that suffered from Wi-Fi blind spots. These connectivity issues made it difficult for some guests to complete work or stream content like Netflix.
The inconsistency in Wi-Fi quality appears to be a recurring theme, leaving some guests satisfied while others found it insufficient for their needs. Therefore, if reliable internet access is a necessity for your stay, it might be worth inquiring about the current state of Wi-Fi service or even preparing an alternative plan.
Spa
However, there were some recurring issues cited by guests. There were multiple instances where guests were disappointed to find the spa out of order or unavailable during their stay with these issues sometimes persisting over multiple days. Additionally, some guests commented on the spa being smaller than expected, crowded or in need of maintenance with missing tiles and a notable lack of water at times.
Overall, while the spa has the potential to be an enjoyable part of the stay at Rydges Geelong, it's clear that maintenance and availability concerns need to be addressed to ensure a consistently positive experience for all guests.
Gym
Pool
There are, however, several comments concerning the pool's size and cleanliness. Some guests found the pool to be smaller than expected and occasionally low on water. Concerns about cleanliness were noted with a few mentions of the pool being dirty or not clean enough at times. Additionally, the pool area occasionally gets crowded, which might detract from the overall experience.
Despite these concerns, many guests still found the pool area to be a welcoming facility, complete with necessary amenities such as a shower nearby. The combination of a nice pool area, clean surroundings and enjoyed by children significantly contributed to the overall positive experience for many visitors.
Parking
However, several guests found the parking fees to be quite steep, often citing the $27 per day charge as excessive and beyond their expectations. Some felt that the parking cost should have been included in the accommodation price or offered at a more reasonable rate. Complaints also arose about the organization and space of the car park with guests noting that it was cramped and sometimes insufficient for all guests.
While the parking provided a practical solution for many, the additional cost and occasional lack of spaces were points of frustration for some visitors. Overall, the parking experience at Rydges Geelong seems to offer a blend of convenience and cost challenges.
Family
Business
Accessible
Outdoor Pool
However, some reviews mention that the pool could be more accessible and point out the need for better maintenance. The outdoor pool’s unheated state can make it slightly cold during winter months and a few guests noted issues like overcrowding and improper water drainage, which affected their experience over longer stays. Despite these concerns, the solar heating feature is appreciated and overall, the pool remains a valued facility at the hotel.
Luxury
Yes, Rydges Geelong has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Outdoor Pool.
Yes, a spa is available at Rydges Geelong.
No, Rydges Geelong doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Rydges Geelong.
Yes, Rydges Geelong has a gym.
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