Powerhouse Hotel Tamworth by Rydges — Hotel in Tamworth

This is the first time I've been compelled to actually leave a review, but I'll try my best to be objective and constructive.

The rooms were nice, and although the décor isn't for me, I can appreciate what they are going for. The bathroom floor completely flooded when showering. The bathroom exhaust fan didn't work. No door between bathroom and bedroom - generally not a problem however the bathroom had plantation style shutters that did a poor job of blocking out light, so sleeping in darkness wasn't an option. Not that it mattered, because I'm guessing the front windows aren't treated as the nights were very noisy, resulting in two nights of very poor sleep. Beds were comfy, lighting was moody. We were locked out of our room as the battery on the door failed, so had to wait for it to be replaced. Luckily, this didn't impact the important engagements we were there to attend on that day.

The bar was probably the highlight. Bar staff were professional, clearly very skilled and all our drinks were made with care and pride. Sure, at times this meant slow service while our drinks were painstakingly prepared, but that can be so forgiven.

The restaurant was mediocre. The food was fine, however the prices a little steep for what we got. I understand that perhaps this may be attributed to the overheads of getting product all the way out to Tamworth, but it was still hard to swallow, and probably could have been overlooked if the service delivered, but they absolutely didn't. Wait staff seemed inconvenienced by us, often times making a beeline for the exit before we could finish or place our order.

We tried the breakfast one morning, as we were joined by friends. They moved up a few seats to accommodate us, which the wait staff vocally took issue with as apparently the orders were allocated to certain seats at the table (which nobody was aware of) and this threw everything out of whack. Turns out with just a slither of communication this (shockingly) wasn't an issue. May I suggest putting on your big person pants and ditching this system as it is quite unnecessary. I had the smashed avo. I momentarily thought they had actually forgotten the avo - after digging removing the layers of garnishing I found a small smear of avo on my toast. Maybe a quarter of an avo's worth... Big deal? Probably not. But after all the other issues it was just more icing on an already disappointing cake.

It's a pretty venue, which is the biggest thing this hotel has going for it. However, I feel like this hotel thinks it's more than what it is. It wants to be a high end experience so badly, but only offered a mid-tier-at-best execution with few hits and many misses. So much potential, but still such a long way to go for me to feel like I was getting what I paid for. Probably could have been 3 stars for this review, but I reflect on my overwhelming sense of disappointment upon leaving this hotel that I can't bring myself to give more...

We visited Tamworth with empty ice boxes when the ongoing drought made times very tough. Last weekend we drove back through lush green pastures and rapidly flowing streams and flooded paddocks to restock our freezer with their wonderful local beef. While we were there, we indulged in The Powerhouse Tamworth’s Gourmet Getaway package ($349) which proved to be well worth the price. Not only do you get a beautifully appointed room, there are two Dobson’s Distillery-inspired cocktails waiting for you in the attractive Coal Bunker Bar. We enjoyed The Dobson ($20) a colour-changing cocktail created with the local distiller’s butterfly pea flower vodka and gin, and the smooth AAA Old Fashioned ($22) with our favourite Diplomatico Exclusiva Reserva Venezuelan rum teamed with Mr Black Amaro Liqueur, Aperol and walnut bitters.

Make your way through glass walls of wine to The Workshop Kitchen, where your package includes a two course (main and dessert) dinner. Staff show plenty of personality on the floor of this stately and expansive restaurant. You’re here to eat Jack’s Creek beef, a New York-cut sirloin ($65.90/350 grams) or a looser tenderloin eye fillet ($65.90/250 gram). We made these steaks, cooked over wood-fire to medium-rare to account for the 3+ marble score, the heroes by just creating a feast with sides. The standouts were the creamed spinach, and the sweet potato fries, and the steak suited both the accompanying grain mustard and my chosen mushroom sauce. The daily special—a key lime pie—was eclipsed by the regular menu’s creamy Basque cheesecake with rhubarb and a quenelle of tart raspberry sorbet with wonderful intensity of flavour. Well sated we rolled the few short steps to bed.

The next morning your package includes a hot breakfast, late checkout and a copy of Gourmet Traveller magazine to peruse over coffee with daily papers also available to in-house guests. Georgian cheese bread ($22.90) is hectic but exciting, you tear off bits of the wood-fired crust to dip in the runny egg surrounded by feta and smoked mozzarella. Smoked pork sausage mixed through scrambled eggs ($21.90) makes for another hearty country-style breakfast against Reverence sourdough. You certainly won’t drive...

My recent experience at Powerhouse Hotel Tamworth was nothing short of exceptional, thanks to the outstanding service provided by Brendan and the warm welcome from Tracey at reception.

Brendan, whom I can only describe as a "superman" in the hospitality industry, went above and beyond to ensure our stay was unforgettable. His attention to detail and genuine care for guests truly set him apart. From recommending local gems to ensuring our comfort throughout the stay, Brendan's dedication to customer satisfaction was evident at every turn. It's not surprising to imagine him managing his own hotel in the near future, as his passion for hospitality shines through in every interaction.

Tracey at reception added to the positive experience with her super-friendly and helpful demeanor. She made check-in a breeze, providing us with all the necessary information and making us feel right at home from the moment we walked through the door. Her professionalism and warmth were a delightful introduction to the Powerhouse Hotel Tamworth.

The hotel itself exudes comfort and style, with well-appointed rooms and modern amenities that contribute to a luxurious yet welcoming atmosphere. The attention to cleanliness and maintenance is evident throughout the property, enhancing the overall guest experience.

In conclusion, my stay at Powerhouse Hotel Tamworth was elevated to a level of excellence by the exceptional service provided by Brendan and Tracey. I left with a strong impression of the hotel's commitment to customer satisfaction and a genuine desire to make each guest's stay special. Without a doubt, I look forward to returning to Powerhouse Hotel Tamworth and experiencing the outstanding hospitality once again. If you're seeking a memorable stay in Tamworth, this hotel should be at the top...