Cradle Mountain Hotel — Hotel in Tasmania

I would give the hotel 2.5 stars. I am aware that some of these issues could have been avoided if we had done more research but it was still disappointing anyway, hopefully this review helps others be a bit more prepared.

Pros Location - the location is really nice, we came to see falling snow in our backyard and we did! Some cute wildlife too and nice nature walks around for beginners or experts.

The visitor centre - the staff here were more than happy to give advice on what to do and where to go based on weather conditions.

Staff - Most of the team members at the hotel were lovely and happy to provide advice.

Cleanliness - The hotel was clean and well decorated and they try to be water and eco friendly.

Cons Heating - Our room was really cold and there was only one small radiator in the downstairs lounge area that emitted literally no heat. You would have to be sitting on top of it to get any kind of heat. There were no electric blankets or anything else to keep it warm either. This meant that water saving encouraged by Cradle Mountain Hotel was difficult because we were wet and freezing cold so we had more showers than we would elsewhere. There was a shared fireplace outside our room, however everyone else was often sitting there as they were cold too. Other places we ended up staying in Tassie were much more accomodating to the weather and they weren’t on a snowy mountain so this was a big let down. Our clothes were also wet and having proper heating would mean that they could dry while using it instead of paying $5 to use the dryer there (this also didn’t feel very eco friendly).

Appliances - This is something we could have looked into more and while it is not the hotels fault that we weren’t aware, I think it’s pretty poor anyway. We assumed that a hotel that was an hour+ away from the nearest grocery store/restaurant would have some appliances and kitchenware. We had a kettle, two mugs and two teaspoons. We were booked for 6 nights and since the meals at the hotel are very expensive for what they are ($29 for a burger and fries or $27 for a not so hot breakfast buffet) we were less than impressed about spending $25+ for 2-3 meals a day each for this long and not having the option to heat anything up in the room or even have a basic sandwich since there were no knives. Granted, we could have asked the hotel to heat things up or to borrow some cutlery or plates/bowls but this is embarrassing and not exactly our idea of having a comfortable stay. When we ordered room service, we didn’t finish a meal and then couldn’t heat it up later so that ended up being wasteful. It feels like a money grab to only be able to eat at their restaurant so we ended our stay early.

Food - The menu is very limited and even more limited if you want room service. We went to Peppers Lodge to eat because it had some different food options and quite honestly, a nicer atmosphere.

Staff - I had a really rude receptionist who wouldn’t even make eye contact with me and kept speaking over me when I asked a simple question about their drinks vouchers that you get for opting out of a clean that day. I would never speak rudely to a team member so there was absolutely no need to speak down to me. I also had another who said she would call back about a lost item but never did.

Overall, I would maybe stay again but definitely only for a night or two and we would probably still dine at the lodge unless the menu changes. I would love if Cradle Mountain Hotel put some proper heating in, explained more to guests on arrival about their eco friendly options and had more in their rooms to make your own food. In addition to this, a better menu which is more inclusive and affordable would also be amazing. This would make the Cradle Mountain experience much more enjoyable and memorable rather than being cold and stressing about food, we would pay extra for...

Excellent hotel for the price! We paid $197 for one night which included a buffet breakfast.The only reason I give it 4 and not 5 stars is to do with a few minor aspects. The good: Great customer service, super friendly reception staff! Enjoyed having a chat to them about the wildlife and things to do in the area. We stayed in a Standard Queen Room which faced the road side of the hotel. The beds were comfortable, room was clean, amenities included a TV small bar fridge, kettle, tea/ coffee. Hair dryer, towels etc in the bathroom. Black-out curtains very effective! The communal lounges had continously running log-fires, with a jigsaw-puzzle board for anyone to enjoy. Comfy couches, a nice little balcony to enjoy the forest side with stairs leading down to a rain forest walking trail. Buffet breakfast was great! Extensive options: Poached or scrambled eggs, mushrooms, hashbrowns, baked beans and meats, as well as house-made muffins, pastries etc. The cold section included bircher muesli, 3 varieties of yogurt, fruit platter, full cream/ skim milk for the cereal dispensers, toast machine and a range of spreads and condiment as well as free coffee and juice selections.

Things that could be improved: Rooms very dated. No soundproofing - we could hear the people on either side of us walking around during the night. Bathroom floor lined with vinyl which creaks and squeaks. Doors slam if you let them go. Lots of light leakage around the doors at night. Not a problem for me but my partner had a hard time sleeping because of it.

Buffet dinner was extremely overpriced at $52 per head for a poorly cooked selection. Dry roast beef, baked fish and ravioli. Roast veg and chicken curry was okay, can't comment on the mashed potato or pork ribs as I didn't try it. The cold section had a whole smoked salmon which I was excited to try but had to pick out the bones which made it a little frustrating to enjoy. Pesto pasta, curried potato and cauliflower salad was nice, albeit a little dry too. Dessert selection was nice though. Reception informed us that the menu changes regularly so maybe we just had a bad night, but judging by other's reviews it seems the dinner buffet just isn't the best. I wish I could give them a better review, but back in Adelaide we have a $30pp buffet by the beach that blows us away in comparison - quality and selection wise. The friendly staff did their best to come by regularly and ask if we required anything extra, and quick table service. Just a little disappointing regarding the food itself which set us back over $100 for the two of us.

Overall a great hotel and very good location for walks around Cradle Mountain. Only a 15 min drive to Dove Lake which we managed to go see right before sunset as a last minute decision during dinner. Just make sure you purchase a $16.50 day-pass at the Information Centre before driving up as otherwise you risk getting a fine. We drove too far and had to drive back when we reached the boom-gates as we weren't aware of this. Would still recommend the hotel to others, just have...

We stayed at Cradle Mountain Lodge early October 2022.

First impressions are largely the same as when we left. A bit tired and daggy and in desperate need of some upgrade/care and attention to detail.

THE GOOD Staff are great. All helpful, all caring and genuinely want you to have a great experience. But they're all struggling with long hours and understaffing.

Food is good, but well overpriced (in the order of about 20-25%). You're paying a premium for the location, but it was still too much in my opinion. All tasted fine, just way above market rate for what you get. Excellent selection of local wines, beer and spirits at the bar though.

Public spaces are all well appointed and cosy with good fireplaces, a nice bar and lounge area and a great full size pool table. Plenty of space for outdoor dining or a drink too if you're here in the warmer season.

THE BAD Ok here is where things start to go down hill and I'm just going to say it plainly. The rooms are terrible. Straight out of the 1990s, with no updates since then. Of note: walls are paper thin and uninsulated. You can hear everything happening in the neighbouring rooms. rooms have been built on the same lateral floor beams (likely without proper cross bracing) so if your neighbour moves around you can hear it and feel it in your room. Every footstep up and down the hall and in each room can be heard. 'deluxe spa' is just a dingey corner one, water doesn't get hot enough to fill it properly. limited places to hang towels, flannels or bathmats in bathroom (solvable with a $5 hook) no clothesline to hang up wet gear and no coat hooks to hang jackets. bathrooms timbers have swollen from moisture and mould on ceiling. furniture and general room fitout in desperate need of a modern fitout.

We were fortunate to have good weather, had it been poor, the prospect of staying in and around the hotel would have been pretty depressing.

Wouldn't stay at this location again. The staff and public spaces are great, but the rooms are simply not fit...