Wisemans Retreat

Recently stayed at this motel for 10 nights in Room 501. When we arrived, I first noticed that the desk with the television was covered with dust and obviously hadn’t been cleaned recently. Only 3 drawers and one side of cupboard to store clothes, as bar fridge takes up the other part of cupboard. Insufficient storage space for clothes when we had 3 suitcases full of clothes. The shower recess door was covered with black mould. We couldn’t leave the bathroom window open to air the bathroom as it had a big hole in it and mosquitos are a problem in this area. The air conditioner in the room started rattling loudly in the middle of the night one night, so we couldn’t leave it running at night whilst sleeping. The swimming pool isn’t heated, so we could only swim a few times as was too cold. The roller blinds in the room don’t block out the sun very well on the sides and you get woken up really early from the light coming into the room. The swimming pool was clean, but needs repairing, with missing tiles and badly worn paint on the bottom of the pool. The gardens are well maintained. There are two tennis courts, a pool table and a table tennis table in the conference centre. Not much to do otherwise as this retreat.

To start out let’s just call this motel and I’ll comment accordingly. The staff were fantastic 👍 despite super busy. The rooms defo could do with some TLC. - TV’s a little small - fridges were a little small - fittings and fixtures need improvement - beds were hard and two singles of different heights combined. - aircon struggled a little however it was very hot outside It was a very tranquil and peaceful spot. A pool, beach volley court and tennis. Right on the river. A fabulous location to get away from it all and very close to the shops and the pub without feeling like it. If you are going to stay make sure you get a upper level room away from the road overlooking the pool and river. These had more light and were passable. Suggestions for the owners; - Pool could be cleaner, open longer and more lounges (I got a rash, maybe not from the water though) -Some type of on-site food & coffee offering -The rooms really need updating -The utility sheds could be moved or clean up - More use of the area near the river - Rip off maps of the ‘resort’ layout - many guests struggled to find their rooms -Reduce your rates until the above has been done well at least some of it Your team deserve a lot of praise and reward they were flexible, friendly and great in general

I rang yesterday to enquire about different room types. My call was answered by the very helpful Lisa. She gave great advice and when I checked in today she showed me the rooms so I could select. She was so friendly and helpful. Asset to the retreat. Room a lovely and has a great outlook.

Our room was very comfortable with good furnishings etc. The hotel and grounds were very quiet when we stayed on a Sunday night. We did have the option to go to a local restaurant approximately a 10 minute walk from our accommodation but there wasn’t actually a restaurant open within the hotel grounds during our visit and the local cafe etc closed about 4pm on a Sunday when we arrived. The reception check in staff were helpful and friendly but it’s not 24/7 and a lot of the info about services etc is all on line. The weather was overcast when we arrived but I did get in a quick swim in the outdoor pool before a storm came through in the evening. There are extensive grounds to walk in but some of it looked a bit unused and a bit neglected but that may have been because it was out of season or a Sunday? I would stay here again but be more mindful of what might be open in the resort and hotel.

This resort was built quite some time ago. It is however spotless. The meals are in a little bit of a time warp but very well put together, with well priced wines. I swim, and the pool here is in Excellent condition,the water, perfect. Tight fairways are the go on the 9 hole golf course. Grab a feed at the "Bowlo" across the road or the pub 4 doors up the hill, they are both good. On the drive up to St Albans (21 ks) go up one side of the river-tar and come back the other side - dirt. The ferry is free.

I wanted a quiet place to go for a few days with my daughter and as such had never ventured to the Hawksberry area I decided to go there. We were very please we did, our room was very quiet, it over looked the pool & river. The resort was like a hidden gem as it also has a golf course, tennis, etc as well as the grounds & gardens were lovely. It was a beautiful area as they also accommodated for weddings. The rooms were very comfortable and clean the only downfall was the showers had some mould. The restaurant,food & service was exceptional. Breakfast was included in the cost of our stay and was served in the restaurant. We only stay 3 nights but wished we could have stayed longer. The little village and the history of the area is something not too be missed. We will certainly go back to stay at this resort and next time longer. If you are looking for a short quiet break within 2 hours drive from Sydney this is a place to go and stay.