Brassey Hotel

I was impressed by the outdoor spaces, with lots of balcony and seating areas around the hotel. The free coffee from the machine was excellent, and the no room service credit even got me some free banana bread. My room was larger and better furnished than the photos suggested, though rooms may vary. Mine had an extra side room. There was plenty of parking, good insulation and air con, and the bed and bathroom were clean and comfortable enough. It’s also very close to attractions. One receptionist, a man from Nepal whose name I think was bindaya or something, was exceptionally friendly. The others changed during my stay and were okay. The stairs might be an issue for some, but I expected them. Housekeeping missed cleaning the inside of the sink. The style was a bit old, which I found quaint, but there were black marks on the bathtub that looked age related. It still worked fine and was clean, though perhaps it should be replaced. I couldn’t find the fountain shown in the photos, maybe it was at the spa.

The gym was a real plus for me, with a rack and a decent amount of weights. Parking on site was free, and the location was perfect, close to beautiful restaurants, Kingston foreshore and Manuka. The bed was comfortable, and I’d stay again. My second floor room had a dated look, but that fitted the “haunted house” aesthetic I got. Carrying a suitcase and two other bags up two flights of stairs was a struggle, so that cost it a star. Please stop with the texts and email spam, though. Let me book and be done with it.

The bed was very comfortable, but that was about the only good thing. The bathroom was extremely old and tired, the TV ancient with no streaming, and its remote had no battery door. When the TV was off, it still sent a beam of light into the room. The furniture had an ugly 90s Country Comfort look, and the AC was loud. The old windows open, but rattle in the wind. The shower was terrible, the bottle had no body wash, and housekeeping clearly hadn’t checked. There was hair on my towel too.

Getting a meal nearby wasn’t easy. The hotel is in a “hotel only” zone, so it can’t operate a restaurant. Reception said restaurants were a short stroll away, but I’d call it a hike. Fine if you want to walk up an appetite. My first floor room was spacious and nicely presented, though old fashioned, and the bathroom had seen better days. I was surprised there was still a bath. That’s a treat for some, but I don’t like climbing in and out for an in-bath shower. There’s no lift, unless I missed it, and nobody mentioned one. I also met a single woman who was grateful when I helped with her heavy suitcase. Australian TV shows are mediocre at best, and since people like to stream, the hotel should provide TVs that let guests cast. It’s a pleasant hotel, but it won’t take your breath away. On balance, it was okay. The owners shouldn’t get complacent, as others provide better service for less money.