Stornoway Lodge

The hotel offers a serene and tranquil escape from city life, with its beautiful natural surroundings and picturesque lake views serving as its signature feature. Guests frequently highlight the spacious rooms and the exceptionally friendly and helpful staff as key elements of their stay. The presence of farm animals and a dedicated play area makes it an ideal destination for families seeking a relaxing getaway, while its peaceful ambiance and private jacuzzis appeal strongly to couples looking for a romantic retreat. Many also find it suitable for a quick transit stop or a peaceful break from daily stresses. To ensure a smooth experience, guests are advised to confirm restaurant operating hours and inquire about any scheduled events or music festivals that might impact their stay, as these are not always communicated in advance.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a range of facilities designed for relaxation and enjoyment, though guest experiences are mixed regarding their condition. Many rooms feature jacuzzis, which are often praised for enhancing the stay, though some guests reported them being old, dirty, or not fully functional, with occasional privacy concerns. The swimming pool receives varied feedback, with some finding it clean and others noting it was small, dirty, or out of order. While the property offers Wi-Fi, several guests experienced issues with connectivity, including disconnections and poor signal strength. For families, the play area and presence of farm animals are significant draws, providing entertainment for children. Self-catering units are available and generally spacious, but some guests found them lacking essential kitchenware like dish cloths or sufficient cutlery. Overall, while the amenities are appreciated, a recurring theme is the need for improved maintenance and upkeep across various facilities.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be spacious and commend their overall cleanliness, often describing them as spotless and well-kept. However, some reviews indicate inconsistencies, with mentions of rooms not being thoroughly cleaned, dirty shower doors, or the presence of insects. The beds receive mixed feedback; while many guests praise them as comfortable, massive, and excellent, others report them as worn out, noisy, or having uncomfortable dips. Bathroom experiences vary, with issues noted such as low water pressure, lack of hot water, or even "shocking" taps. Some guests also mentioned a lack of basic amenities like body wash, soap, or hairdryers. Noise levels can be a concern, particularly from a nearby road or uncommunicated events, impacting the tranquility. While rooms are generally well-appointed, some self-catering units were found to be missing essential kitchen items, and a few guests noted rooms could be cold, suggesting a need for carpets.

Dining & Food Quality
Feedback on the hotel's dining options is quite varied, particularly concerning breakfast. While many guests describe the breakfast as great, phenomenal, and delicious, a significant number express disappointment due to its limited menu (often only three options), perceived lack of variety, or feeling that the food was reheated and not fresh. Issues like a broken coffee machine or unavailable menu items were also reported. In contrast, the restaurant generally receives high praise for its food quality, with many guests finding meals to be very good, amazing, and appetizing. The beach bar is highlighted for its vibrant atmosphere and live music, though some found the food offerings there to be overpriced or not up to standard. Overall, while the main restaurant and beach bar offer enjoyable experiences, the breakfast service and selection are areas where guest expectations are frequently not met.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is consistently praised for offering a peaceful and tranquil escape from the city's hustle and bustle, making it an ideal spot for relaxation. It is conveniently situated and easy to locate, with many guests appreciating its proximity to the Lanseria airport for transit purposes. The natural surroundings, including a lake and beautiful grounds, contribute significantly to the serene ambiance. While the setting is largely quiet, some guests have noted noise from a nearby road, particularly from large trucks, which can occasionally disturb the peace. The property's accessibility to local attractions, such as a recommended safari park, adds to its appeal for those looking to explore the area. Parking is available, though specific details about its cost or convenience are not widely discussed in reviews.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff consistently receives overwhelming praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and professionalism. Guests frequently highlight their welcoming demeanor, attentiveness, and willingness to go the extra mile to ensure a pleasant stay. The check-in process is generally described as smooth and efficient, with staff often accommodating late arrivals. Many reviews commend specific individuals for their exceptional service, contributing to a memorable experience. However, some guests reported inconsistencies, such as slow service at the restaurant, order mix-ups, or staff being unaware of special requests made during booking. A few isolated incidents mentioned issues with staff behavior or a perceived lack of accountability from management regarding guest concerns. Despite these occasional drawbacks, the dedication of the service team is a recurring positive theme, making guests feel valued and cared for.

Additional Information
A significant recurring issue for guests is the lack of prior communication regarding music festivals or large events taking place on the property. Several reviews describe unexpected noise, crowds, and disturbances that negatively impacted their stay, particularly when rooms were located near event venues. Another prominent theme is the general maintenance and upkeep of the facilities, with many guests noting signs of neglect, such as peeling paint, broken outdoor furniture, or run-down rooms, suggesting the property is not always up to advertised standards. Furthermore, some guests experienced frustrating electricity and water supply issues, including power cuts, water outages, and even instances of electrical shocks from bathroom fixtures. These unaddressed issues, along with inconsistent restaurant closing times, often led to disappointment, despite the otherwise positive aspects of the hotel.