Mercure Clear Mountain Lodge Spa & Vineyard

Absolutely awful from the minute I arrived. I was very much looking forward to a well earned, relaxing break from the stress of daily life but my four nights here were no such thing unfortunately. From arrival and being told by a receptionist with attitude that I had to load up my own heavy multiple suitcases & bags and pull them myself on a trolley all the way down to my bedroom (and then I had to return the trolley to reception) to the Manager‘s 2 large dogs dogs barking constantly in the garden opposite my room and howling morning, noon and night for every single evening of my stay. My entreaties to get the owners to come and look after their pets and give them company so they weren’t distressed & ruining guests’ stays did not result in much action and I was bounced from pillar to post (from one inexperienced person to another) as no management were on site (apparently) whenever I rang. I paid over $1.2 K for this shocking four day experience. Never again. The hotel was shabby, definitely had seen better days and the works everywhere were extensive. For the money I paid I was expecting at least a four-star experience. This was more like two! Every member of staff seemed downcast, there was no such thing as professional customer service and effort. When asking a staff member to get the manager to make contact with me on my last day so I could discuss my experience, I was told that I would have to go and find them myself (& do the legwork effectively). This was supposed to be a positive experience for me, a break from my day-to-day life where I felt nurtured, looked after for a change and a bit of a treat for myself. I am so disappointed.

Having visited the spa and restaurant previously I was looking forward to this local getaway. Unfortunately it didn’t live up to anywhere near expectations. Pros The view from the room was exceptional (and is the sole reason for 2 stars rather than 1) There was plenty of parking Cons The walls of our room were paper thin. We could hear every word of the telephone conversation the guy in the room next door to us was having, and the click of every switch The restaurant had limited range (which was expected as being renovated so was a pop up arrangement, however in the pop up restaurant there had been no attempt to create any sort of atmosphere. The menu was trying too hard to be something it wasn’t and was overpriced for what was presented. The breakfast was $30 for cooked, which would be fine in the buffet style as it was described. Unfortunately the buffet referred to the limited range continental option (which mostly appeared to be cereal and pastries from Coles), and the cooked breakfast was a single order option. I couldn’t comment on the quality as we didn’t bother once this became clear. The pool was basic but functional, but there were only 2 sun loungers, which seemed far too few. Overall it was a disappointing stay and we won’t be hurrying back

We were went for our 40th wedding anniversary, and were very disappointed, the motel is very dated and has not been updated for a long time!! (apparently this is happening, so you should wait to go until then) Unfortunately we thought a superior room would have a view of the forest as it stated, but no it was a garden view out the front with all the road noise. (because it's a whindy road motorbikers like to ride around there on the weekends) Asked could I pay for a room with a view of the forest and was told that the resort was booked out!! When we had dinner that night the restaurant was very quiet for being booked out, upon asking the wait staff said the resort was very quiet??? The pool is one of the worst areas I have seen, nothing like the photos!! This place is very misleading not a resort to get away to as there is nothing to do there and you do not feel like staying in the very old musty rooms!! Reception staff were very unassuming, but the restaurant staff were good.