Hunter Valley CP

[Rick93]

Anybody else snare a weekend at the Hunter Valley ( Lovedale NSW ) CP for the 12th. October Wine Festival, using points ? The event is on the grounds of the CP.

The PP booking page had the cheapest room at $477. ( with PP Newsletter offer ? ) for the Friday night, and the Sat. night at $270.

I wouldn't normally burn 60k of points on two nights, but I also wouldn't pay almost $750. to stay the weekend.

Pity it won't count for my BIG WIN offer ( stay at all three brands etc. )

 

[markis10]

I will be there in two weeks and interested to see how it's changed from my stay last year, is the resort still in receivership, she was looking tired over Australia Day.

 

[AdMEL]

Anybody else snare a weekend at the Hunter Valley ( Lovedale NSW ) CP for the 12th. October Wine Festival, using points ? The event is on the grounds of the CP.

The PP booking page had the cheapest room at $477. ( with PP Newsletter offer ? ) for the Friday night, and the Sat. night at $270.

I wouldn't normally burn 60k of points on two nights, but I also wouldn't pay almost $750. to stay the weekend.

Pity it won't count for my BIG WIN offer ( stay at all three brands etc. )

Is it still available?

 

[Rick93]

Looks like the Friday night is sold out ( for a Reward night anyway ) - up to the individual, if still priced at $477. for a paid night ...

 

[Rick93]

Felt a bit let down here ...

The Wine Festival was OK, but on that night, it seemed like all the stall-holders booked out the restaurant, and I was told 'try downstairs' ( a secondary eatery, like a bistro. You then sit outside, by the pool area, where other people's mess was still there ( on most of the tables available ).

At breakfast next day, a ten minute wait to be seated ... a 25 minute wait for coffee ... and they couldn't bring two cups of coffee to the table at once ?? and ... no smoked salmon ... but the IC price of $38. !!! Even with the PP card, I won't be going back there for breakfast.

However, they did grant a two-bedroom villa as an upgrade. No extras on top of that. Would have traded the villa for a little better 'service' - and a Room Service offer of PP discount, given restaurant will be 'packed' ...

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Felt a bit let down here ...

The Wine Festival was OK, but on that night, it seemed like all the stall-holders booked out the restaurant, and I was told 'try downstairs' ( a secondary eatery, like a bistro. You then sit outside, by the pool area, where other people's mess was still there ( on most of the tables available ).

At breakfast next day, a ten minute wait to be seated ... a 25 minute wait for coffee ... and they couldn't bring two cups of coffee to the table at once ?? and ... no smoked salmon ... but the IC price of $38. !!! Even with the PP card, I won't be going back there for breakfast.

However, they did grant a two-bedroom villa as an upgrade. No extras on top of that. Would have traded the villa for a little better 'service' - and a Room Service offer of PP discount, given restaurant will be 'packed' ...

That's a shame. Does that IC not regularly book out? Obviously not prepared, able, willing or experienced enough to handle capacity crowds. My stay just over a week ago at CPSP coincided with a booking for all the rugby 7 teams and the hotel managed exceptionally well (even ensured a never ending supply of eggs benedict )

 

[docjames]

Disappointing, I had quite a nice stay there back in 2009 (!) but it wasn't that busy....

 

[markis10]

Disappointing, I had quite a nice stay there back in 2009 (!) but it wasn't that busy....

I had a poor stay over the Australia Day long weekend last year and never ate in the restaurant, the cafe underneath was the only option and food was poor to say the least, Hotel was in receivership then, not sure if its been resolved but I am not going back.

 

[docjames]

Sounds like it's fallen apart.

At the time I was there, the resort, rooms and restaurant were fine. The service was (as I describe it) "Australian" - nothing special but far from terrible.

Looks like my experience is oput of date now so i'll know not to stay there again (not planning on a HV trip anytime soon anyway!).

 

[markis10]

Looks like a plastic surgeon owns it:

Jerry Schwartz set to buy Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley

 

[Rick93]

This is a Crowne Plaza property, but I was making the comparison with the ICs I have stayed at, that generally charge around $35 - $40. per head for breakfast. They have more options to cater for almost every taste.

That was the 'smoked salmon' reference ...

When you are paying $38. for breakfast, you wouldn't expect to be 'hurried up', so the next group of waiting guests can have your table ...

 

[markis10]

I had a poor stay over the Australia Day long weekend last year and never ate in the restaurant, the cafe underneath was the only option and food was poor to say the least, Hotel was in receivership then, not sure if its been resolved but I am not going back.

Well I decided to give it another go after last years stay. Have been upgraded to a two bedroom king villa. The space is nice but overkill when solo, and I am not sure I would be happy to pay for a villa. No laundry facilities, and the kitchen design leaves a lot to be desired.

 

[Princess Fiona]

Well I decided to give it another go after last years stay. Have been upgraded to a two bedroom king villa. The space is nice but overkill when solo, and I am not sure I would be happy to pay for a villa. No laundry facilities, and the kitchen design leaves a lot to be desired.

What's with the abandoned fridge ?

 

[markis10]

What's with the abandoned fridge ?

I suspect it got displaced by the dishwasher, obviously house keeping were doing a lot of washing up without one originally. That's my guess!

 

[Deleted member 29185]

I suspect it got displaced by the dishwasher, obviously house keeping were doing a lot of washing up without one originally. That's my guess!

By the photo, I'd agree with that guess, but really makes one wonder if no one actually thought of building the dishwasher in under the sink as is normally the practice. Let's face it, how many people use even half the kitchen cupboards in a hotel? Most have a few plates on one shelf, a jug and toaster on another, a few pans if you're really lucky and a drawer with a few oddbod pieces of cutlery.

I do like the dints in the side of the fridge (nothing like a wake up obstacle that's right in the flight path from bedroom to kitchen sink for a midnight glass of water?) and what's the fridge magnet say........"Eat at Joes"?

 

[markis10]

Its all a bit weird and cheap looking, stayed at a newish quest property in Mildura last night and it left this place for dead in terms of design and amenities, and it had a laundry, in the bathroom.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Sometimes we lose sight of reality with hotel chains. I've recently been staying in a no brand motel in country Qld and it's actually really nice. A very comfy bed, a kitchen, bottle of water, free internet, free off street parking, mini bar if I want it, some pay TV channels, large ensuite and all recently renovated nicely for $120/nite. They even have a pool (HSW doesn't)!

 

[docjames]

<glass half full>

When you have a huge party in the room, the fridge is easy access for everyone?

 

[Deleted member 29185]

<glass half full>

When you have a huge party in the room, the fridge is easy access for everyone?

<glass half empty>

Who's paying to fill the fridge to start with? Maybe you don't want it "accessible"!

 

[thatsthatmattressman]

The fact is the villas are wicked for larger 'parties' ...as in festivities and people. Agreed not ideal presentation. The 3br villas have the fridges properly enclosed next to cupboards....