The Lakes Resort Hotel

The Lakes Resort used to be such a great place to stay, but this last experience has completely changed our point of view. The pool area was filthy. The tiles needed a good scrub with some being covered in mould. There was also a clear grubby ring at water level around most of the pool. The spa was at the perfect temperature and was really relaxing to sit in and of it had been cleaner, it would have been perfect. Just behind the spa is a series of little solid stools that lined the wall, and it wasn’t until we were standing right beside them that we realised that they were strategically placed to try and hide the damaged wall behind them. There were pretty big holes in the dry wall but instead of fixing them, they simply placed furniture in front of them hoping it wouldn’t get seen. The carpets in the hallways were stained and was quite off putting. There was a stain that looked like a water mark that went the entire length of the hallway - I’ve no idea what could have caused it but it was blatant, there’s no way you’d miss it. The rooms are nice, they have the classic, stylish set up that we’ve always loved, but now they also come with the extra benefits of grubby spas and mouldy wet areas that no one asked for. The huge TV’s were beyond useless, unless of course you’re into unexciting slide shows of random resort photos, if so - then this is the place to be. On a somewhat positive note, the food was pretty good. We ordered room service and got chicken schnitzels and they were quite tasty. The cheese platter was nice but it was a little light on. The three pieces of cheese were small, like really small, and there weren’t many crackers - considering it was nearly $30, it was a little disappointing. The beds were really comfortable though. Good quality linen is still used - which was a relief, they were clean and smelt fresh so we had a great sleep. The following morning we went down for breakfast, which has ALWAYS been complimentary and something we’ve always enjoyed. It’s even mentioned in all of the printed information that’s in the room, yet when we went into the restaurant, we were advised that our room didn’t include said complimentary breakfast. We have been coming to the Lakes for years, usually at least once a year and never once have we not had breakfast included. However, we decided to stay and pay for our own breakfast and the food and view were actually really nice. The food was tasty and fresh and ultimately not expensive but it was a shock that along with a declining quality in the hotel overall, they had also excluded breakfast. Overall, the experience lacked the appeal that the Lakes had always had. It no longer felt like a luxurious little get away, and that’s really quite sad. We were disappointed to see that one of our favourite places to go, that held so many great memories, had seemingly declined in a pretty big way. I highly doubt that we’ll be booking another stay, but hopefully Management is able to turn things around and lift this really gorgeous resort back to the standard it had always maintained.

Had lunch with friends and we were disappointed with the roast, the meat was very tough and veg. very plain whereas in May of this year we had a roast from the carvery and was beautiful, the veg and yorkshire were lovely, so we were disappointed with our latest visit. Also the meals were served haphazardly between the four of us and our garlic bread was served well after the main course. Just to add insult to injury the roast was another $5 dearer. The setting was nice with views of the lake lovely but that is all we could say was nice. Atmosphere was good but the meals are sadly lacking and the fish was very dry. Will not visit again.

I ordered the Korma lamb curry, the lamb small pieces of fat with very little meat, the meal was $34. The sauce was ok. My husband ordered chicken skewers, Toney pieces of chicken on stick with a little bit of salad 3 skewers $36. For two very basic ordinary meals this was an expensive lunch. We used to order the roast, now m-w the meat is in kitchen already sliced hence I like it thin but have to have thick pieces of meat. Since new owners have taken over the hotel the meals are not as good as they used to be. Sunday now 10% charge on meals!