Strathdale Trip

My first room smelt of mold, had a broken bed and hair all over. The second ‘upgraded’ room had insects. No housekeeping provided they only (as per staff) replace towels and waste bins they DO NOT clean. No laundry facilities, no breakfast, no toothbrush, no slippers, air filters had a 3 inch layer of filth, run down amenities, unhelpful and non responsive staff, elevator that is on its last legs and an outdoor area filled with homeless drug addicts… oh also there was construction outside. Perhaps worst of all in order to get a late check out they require customers to leave a false 5 star review on google maps. A deceitful practice oftentimes employed in south east asia, not western countries. The cost was quite high too.

It was a great accommodation with excellent views.

A Lovely Setting, but the Overall Experience Fell Short We stayed at Balgownie Estate Yarra Valley for a weekend getaway and appreciated the peaceful setting. Our room was comfortable, with a balcony and separate living area, and the complimentary Wi-Fi and parking were welcome inclusions. Unfortunately, the dining experience did not meet our expectations. We attempted to have dinner at the estate, but the à la carte menu was limited to cheese and charcuterie boards and small snacks. The alternative was a set menu starting at $92 per person, which felt expensive given the limited choice. Lamb was the only meat option, with the remaining dishes centred on pasta or fish. Breakfast the following morning was also average and did not particularly stand out. We were also disappointed with the facilities. The gym was not clearly advertised, making it difficult to know what fitness facilities were available before our stay. In addition, the sauna was not working, which detracted from the overall resort experience. Better communication about available facilities and any maintenance issues would have helped us manage our expectations. For a property at this price point, we expected a more comprehensive experience, with better dining options, a more appealing breakfast and fully functioning facilities. While the accommodation itself was comfortable and the setting was lovely, these shortcomings detracted from our weekend and left us feeling that the overall experience did not quite