Mineral Springs Hotel — Hotel in Grampians

We recently spent one night at Mineral Springs Hotel in Hepburn Springs/Daylesford, Victoria. It was our ninth visit as a couple to the hotel. We love the hotel for its art deco style, its comfort and its ambiance and we never have been disappointed in the past. The rooms in the main building are very pleasing.

This time for the first time, we were accommodated in a garden room. It was not our choice but we had one child with us and were informed that rooms in the main building could not accommodate three people. We did not question the decision. The person taking the booking also informed us that the garden rooms were a little more “rustic”. Prices were similar to rooms in the main building and we assumed wrongly that the word was referring to the furniture style.

We were deeply disappointed. While the rooms are comfortable, they are located on the other side of the parking, have no view at all. They are modern motel rooms, quite ordinary. No charm at all. One can hear the neighbouring guests having their showers. There is a gap under the entrance door, giving any small creepy creatures the leisure to enter the room easily. Lighting is very ordinary. No bathtub. A lot of dust on the TV screen. Despite the hotel informing its guests of free WiFi access, no access from the room. The large bed is fitted with an extremely soft mattress. The outdoor area that is the first one sees when approaching the room, could be made very pretty with its table and two chairs (despite absolutely no view but the fence) but it has a depressing flair, with attention drawn to the only decoration: a huge ashtray.

Another disappointment was the breakfast. The hotel charges A$16 for a continental breakfast, A$25 for a hot breakfast. The continental breakfast is presented as a buffet and comprises a variety of mueslis and corn flakes, some fresh apples and pears, two kinds of can fruit (apricots and peaches), fresh yogurts, a good variety of jams and some vegemite. No fresh juices, only very ordinary apple and orange juices in jars. No cheese, no cold meat at all. The quality of the percolated coffee reminded us of coffee served in Melbourne twenty five years ago, was brought to the table. We were not offered a second cup. I asked for a hot chocolate instead of coffee and was informed that I would have to pay an extra. The child breakfast did not include any hot drink; however, seeing my great disappointment, a free hot chocolate was brought to the table. The bread had very probably been frozen or kept in a fridge, it was definitely not fresh bread. Dirty dishes remained on the table until we left, we pushed it away to read our newspapers. One of the ladies serving did not know where the bathrooms were located; she probably was on working experience.

And finally when it came to settle our account, we realised that information on our booking confirmation was confusing: there was one mention of the price including accommodation only, and a few lines below, a statement that breakfasts were included. This created frustration and unnecessary discussion with the lady at the reception before we came to an acceptable agreement.

We do not give up easily and, having experienced eight out of nine very good stays at Mineral Springs Hotel, we will give another go in a few months. However, we will definitely read the confirmation letter attentively before departure, book a room inside the main building, and maybe have our breakfasts somewhere else if the quality has not improved by then. These are our recommendations for any potential guest. The hotel has obviously great difficulty to match price and promises on internet sites and quality...

I would not recommend this hotel at all. I am not a fussy person and I also work in customer service related role but what I got here is only disappointing.

From checking in, pre checked with staff before arriving see if early check in is available because of a 3month baby travel along with us and been told if room is ready it is fine. When arrived the receptionist without checking straightaway told us check in is at 2pm. There is no baby changing room or any facility.

After check-in been told "your breakfast is from 8 to .... may be around 10am all the information on the print-out." Thank you for remind me that I can find information myself.

There is no disabled access from car park to the reception or there is no clear sign showing the way because the only access through restaurant is locked and also a table is against the access from inside. So I need to carry the pram to the building and also no access to the room on the 2nd floor.

And also took my credit card for a pre authorisation when checking in. I know there will be a surcharge if you pay by credit card so I double checked when checkout can I pay by cash or eftpos, and been told it is ok don't be worry. But when check out been told you have to pay the 2% surcharge and payment has been already taken care of. Are you kidding? With 3 month baby in arms I don't want to argue.

Wifi speed is so fast and you can enjoy Refreshing several times only open up google page.

Room condition no comments. It is not because it is good, I just don't want to write a book here.

The only thing I would suggest if any of you who is going to book this so called 4 stars hotel because of other ones fully booked out the breakfast is not bad.

After a officially complain, I have been told the hotel is in transition of owner but doesn't mean service is in transition as well to the bad side? Surcharge is in transition of not matter cash or what, surcharge any way.

I won't list the Manager's name for privacy and also thank you for your reply the email told me if I am going to come back again will have a special discount package for me.

I just cannot see the reason that why I should go somewhere again once you have been overcharged and disappointed? Will you?

Checked in on the date of 30/7/2017 Checked out on the date...

We arrived 20 min before check-in and were told it would be a little while until our room was ready and would get a phone call when it was.

We were booked in for the mineral spa in 2 hours so returned an hour later without being notified and enquired about our room which was ready.

We were given a rundown of the facilities by the lovely lady that checked us in and directed to our room.

The key to the room had a 10 second delay each time it was used which is not a massive issue but more a pain when carrying bags.

The room was amazing! With a big spa bath, bed and a good size bathroom. Heating and cooling in the room was perfect for the cold raining day outside.

The mineral spa was amazing with tea offered before entering and a relaxing scene. They were clean and you are given a locker, towl, and robe for your time there.

There is a no phone and camera policy but we found that people tend not to pay attention as there were multiple people taking photos on their phones.

Unfortunately the restaurant is not currently open so dinner was a task as Monday night there was not alot open.

The next morning we had a booked breakfast with a confirmation e-mail for 9.30am. We got there at approximately 9.20am and waited to be seated. While waiting I noticed that our booking time was listed as 9am....there was no major issue as we were still seated. We were asked what we would like to drink and given a menu.

The menu started with a serving board and then a choice of a main breakfast. We ordered a coffee and a juice and waited 40min with nothing brought to us.

After watching others come in and get drinks and food. I had to speak with a waitress who was very helpful and organised everything straight away.

We had massages booked in and they were the highlight of the trip. Relaxation was the key and we both felt it was the outcome.

Our next morning was our last with another breakfast booked. This time the food was brought to us but another issue with the drinks after asking for a juice we got our food and finished it, waited another 10min before leaving without the drink.

Overall it is an amazing facility with plenty to do in the area and ways to relax. The only let downs were the service during breakfast and we couldnt stay longer for...