Property: voco Kirkton Park Hunter Valley
Dates: Jul 16-18 (2 nights)
Status: IHG Diamond Elite Ambassador
Rate: IHG Rewards Advanced Breakfast @ avg $640 p/n
Booked: Manor Suite
Received: Manor Suite
First stay at a voco hotel, and my first stay since the new IHG benefits came online. We were pretty impressed with this property, overall, except for a few niggles here and there. No upgrade available to a room type we'd have wanted. There was a
bigger suite, and I have a feeling it was ours if we desired, but as it was an open plan suite and didn't have the separate bedroom we prefer, it wasn't good for us with our little master in tow.
The property was previously a Sebel, and reopened after a refresh and rebrand under IHG about 3 years ago. Location is reasonably central in Pokolbin, about 10-15 mins from most anything in the Hunter, or the town of Cessnock, for a bigger range of supplies. Design and décor I'm told is 'country vogue', but with most of the mod cons you'd be looking for, as well. It's all done very nicely.
Recognised at check-in with thanks and my choice of benefits. Offered b'fast as one of these, though included in the rate. Discarded the $1 worth of free points and opted for a couple of drink vouchers instead (which I found in my wallet today - oops). Given local gift of a jar of chilli salt at check-in, and in the room there was a letter, and a bottle of decent shiraz (of another state's origin!) and a small jar of honey, produced on-property. Late check out to 4PM given, though we didn't need it past 12PM on this occasion.
The Manor Suite was very nice, feeling larger than it's noted 40 SqM, with high ceilings, and with an amazing outlook over the property and Broken Back Range. Large balcony area off the lounge overlooks the Manor House garden area below, and was great for the sunset view with a glass of champagne or can of Hope Brewery Double West Coast IPA (which is
my preferred bubbles!). Small, period bathroom was ok, however with a shower over the bath and water that was weak and impossible to get to the right temp, somewhat annoying. Nice big TVs in both the living room and bedroom, but neither had options for streaming or to cast to, and no connections in for a laptop or device. The rooms in the Manor House were all occupied, and there was quite a bit of noise that came in from adjoining rooms and balconies, together with the large common foyer entry to the house that some used as a meeting place. Most seemed to have kids with them, and so all had quieted down by 8:30-9PM or thereabouts, so that was some relief.
Food was of a high standard, though pretty simple.
Service attentive, and staff friendly in all areas.
I'd maybe reconsider the timing of another visit, ours coinciding with NSW school holidays and the big winter family event at the Hunter Valley Gardens (absolute
mayhem out there, it was!), but we'd happily go back. Tough call vs the Crowne Plaza up there, where we are always treated really well and has the better amenities... but for a proper getaway - especially sans kids - this one edges it.
Some pics inserted below (full disclosure, the 1st one is nicked from IHG, but everything looks just as it does there).
EDIT: to add - that couch in the loungeroom is a double sofa bed, if that's helpful to any!
Cheers,
Matt.
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