Beechworth House is undeniably a beautiful property with an impressive French bed & breakfast concept and intimate setting accommodating just four couples. However, our experience was significantly marred by poor service and unprofessional conduct that overshadowed the overall experience.
The Good The property truly delivers on visual appealâthe rooms are elegantly appointed and the pool is absolutely beautiful, creating a stunning and intimate setting for a romantic getaway. Our first eveningâs dinner was exceptional, showcasing the culinary talent of an award winning chef.
The Disappointing Experience On our second night, we were required to confirm dinner by 4:30 PM. We arrived at 4:15 PM to find no staff present, then returned at 4:25 PM and again at 4:35 PM when we finally located Dennis to confirm our dinner reservation.
Despite arriving within the timeframe, we were told it was âtoo lateâ as meals had already been prepared for the other three couples. When I expressed disappointment and suggested they could have checked with us beforehandâgiven we were only 25 meters away at the poolâthe situation escalated unprofessionally.
Dennis claimed I had previously told his partner we planned to have snacks instead of dinner, which was untrue. When I politely corrected this, I was accused of lying and subjected to aggressive behavior that left me shaken. We went ended up small dishes at the local wine bar for dinner that evening and without breakfast the following morning (having had no clear process explained for ordering breakfast- and too uncomfortable to ask after the dinner experience).
Aftermath While the staff apologized the next day giving us a note and bottle of opened leftover champagne- the damage was done. We travelled back to Melbourne hungry (many cafes had been shut in Beechworth the following day due to a public holiday). We had considered returning next year to give them another chance but discovered our advance booking (made before our first stay)âover 12 months prior when all rooms were availableâhad been cancelled due to an alleged âdouble booking.â
Final Thoughts The propertyâs beauty and culinary experience cannot compensate for the unprofessional treatment we experienced. The fact that there are instructions in guest rooms to âonly give 5-star reviewsâ speaks volumes about the managementâs approach to feedback rather than genuine service improvement. I share this experience not out of spite, but to provide an honest account for future guests who deserve to make informed decisions about their stay, and aware how the...
   Read moreA Hidden Gem in Beechworth - A Truly Five-Star Experience I recently had the pleasure of a two-night stay at Beechworth House, and I must say it was nothing short of extraordinary. Having traveled extensively and experienced some remarkable hotels around the world, Beechworth House truly stands out as a hidden gem in the heart of Victoria. From the moment I arrived, I was captivated by the impeccable accommodation and the tasteful decoration that adorned every corner of the property. It was evident that the hosts, Alan, Carolyn, and Denis, spared no effort in ensuring that every detail contributed to a luxurious and comfortable stay. The surprise of finding a five-star experience in Beechworth, Victoria, was a delightful revelation. The hosts went above and beyond to make my stay unforgettable. Alan, Carolyn, and Denis, the gourmet chef, created an atmosphere of warmth and hospitality that is rare to find. Their passion for providing a top-notch experience was evident in every interaction. The culinary experience at Beechworth House was nothing short of extraordinary. Denis, the gourmet chef, showcased his culinary prowess with dishes that were not only delicious but also a true feast for the senses. The standout for me was the lemon soufflé, a delightful creation that left a lasting impression. The wine selection, expertly curated to complement the exquisite cuisine, added an extra layer of sophistication to the dining experience. Each pairing was carefully chosen, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the meals. The grounds of Beechworth House are a testament to the dedication of the hosts. Immaculately maintained, the surroundings are a tranquil oasis, providing the perfect backdrop for relaxation. The beautiful swimming pool added an extra touch of luxury, allowing me to unwind and enjoy the serene ambiance. In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend Beechworth House to anyone seeking a relaxing five-star experience in the stunning countryside of Victoria. The combination of impeccable accommodation, extraordinary cuisine, a carefully curated wine selection, and the warm hospitality of the hosts make Beechworth House a destination that exceeds expectations. It's a true gem that I feel fortunate to have discovered, and I am confident that others seeking a luxurious retreat will find it...
   Read moreBeechworth House is like opening a gift from someone you love hoping it is something you really wanted. As you wind down the driveway you will see the fruit and nut orchard scattered over the grounds and the house and suites unfold before you, nestled amongst the gardens. Denis and Carolyn offer a warm welcome often closely followed by a glass of champagne. The grounds are full of bird life, a must see being the kookaburra feeding around 5pm each day. The rooms are spacious, very well appointed and have everything you will need for a restful sleep in this peaceful tranquil place - Carolynâs attention to detail is evident, but it gets better. Denis is the ultimate master chef, sourcing ingredients locally from the garden, from Beechworth and nearby, the best meat and fish, and even croissants flown in from France! His food is incredible and there is nothing like seeing Denis in action in the kitchen demonstrating his years of experience whilst you sip on a delicious local wine. Beechworth is a beautiful town full of restored buildings and a rich heritage. But the star of the show will be your time at Beechworth House â it is not just a place to stay, a place to eat or a stopover on a long trip â it is an unforgettable experience that you will want to relive over and over. This is one of the best places to stay in Australia and your only regret will be when itâs...
   Read more