We reserved a room via Expedia waaaaaay in advance of our holiday trip - it was all about location and pricing - since we didn't know the area (first time there) or the Leisure Inn. There was an issue with the reservation down the line (my fault - but still waaay in advance) and the management was kind enough to help kinda, go around the policy to sort out with the problem to our benefit. I realize now why the policies are so strict - because let me tell you, during the holidays in DEC you'd better be booked, otherwise you ain't staying anywhere near Pokolbin. It's like the place fills up instantly come Dec. 1.
Anyway, we heard it had a recent remodel and we were ready to go. I'm feeling lazy so i'm going to pro and con this one:
PROS:
-Central to all 'touristy' things you want to do/see in Hunter Valley
-Lots of parking
-pretty lake and grounds to wander about - horses off in the distance and a lovely sunset
-tennis court, pool, BBQ pits and other activities on site
-rooms don't have entry doors that really face each other, they're shaped to offer privacy, which is nice
-room was clean - had little mini kitchen if we needed it
-restaurant and cafe, mini-mart and lounge areas on site
CONS:
-unable to get a room
-room didn't have enough towels for two
-bathroom was quite old/small with no where to place your things on a counter or hang them. -no fan in bathroom, just window (which isn't helpful in 100% humidity)
-bed wasn't the most comfortable -- it was bouncy and springy, but clean.
-aforementioned restaurant and cafe, mini-mart and lounge areas all close early
-front desk / facilities close early so you cannot check-in late or contact them
-front desk personnel are rather (frankly) bitchy - you'd think they were running a Waldorf Astoria, but um, even the Waldorf Astoria folks don't act like they were. file under: some nerve!?
i remember there was something weird at check-in that sort of annoyed us, regarding payment - they would not take cash to swap out the room to our friends name- they insisted on using/charging our credit card because it was through expedia - basically, it seems they are newer to Expedia and aren't well-versed in how to manage an online booking agency within their own system. the manager, as mentioned - via email and long distance calls prior to our arrival was able to help- so he may be the only one who's allowed to provide any real problem solving solutions.
i think they are strict because they are the best deal going within distance to the concert venue, so I expect people go, party and maybe get out of control, so they have to hunker down. during our stay (Dec 2014), due to construction on the roads, we could not walk to our restaurant that evening as intended, but would have been able to otherwise. check out was easy.
All in all, our one night there was fine. we would go back again. for the money and for families: recommend.
HOT TIP: cross-check your pricing with Expedia and with the hotel directly prior to reserving - they may be the same $ - if so, i recc. going thru the hotel directly to avoid any issues.
keep in mind you can only speak with the hotel during business hours - there is no after hours help or contact. be reminded of the local times and that they are about one day ahead from most places in America. read more