Renmark Resort

The room was a great price, and I’d stay again. I’d booked the day before while travelling from Adelaide, then arrived at 7.50 pm after the restaurant had just closed. They still opened up and brought me delicious butter chicken with naan. One of the staff even helped carry my portable fridge/freezer to my room so I could plug it in. The service really went above and beyond.

The grounds were pleasant, with tidy gardens and plenty of parking, and the setting itself is lovely. But the resort felt like it had seen much better days. It seems a family of four now handles work that once took at least 50 people, with a father and a girl, presumably his daughter, doing admin, concierge, bartending, room service, security and maintenance. My room was generally in good shape, though dust on the desk and sheets suggested it hadn’t been used for a while. There was also a large dead moth in the closet, and bed bugs bit me overnight. The pool was closed, perhaps not permanently, though I wouldn’t be surprised if it stayed that way. The mini golf course was poorly maintained, and I wasn’t sure it could still be played. The restaurant had a full menu, but I saw no diners or kitchen staff, so perhaps food needs to be ordered ahead. I paid $15 for breakfast and got two slices of bread wrapped in cling film, jam, several tea bag options and picnic-sized cereal. The bar and buffet were switched off and covered, and even the coffee machine didn’t work. Don’t expect a proper food experience. The worst part was the service. After a door lock malfunction left us locked out past midnight, we called the front desk. The father and daughter first said they had no spare key and couldn’t help. A little later they used kitchen utensils to force the door open. Once we thought it was sorted, staff told us to “never come back here again,” as if we’d caused the problem or played a prank. Absolutely ridiculous. Renmark is a nice town, with lovely people and access to river activities and a distillery. I’d avoid this hotel if you want to spend your holiday well.

The quiet view from our room was lovely, with wildlife right outside the window. We stopped here on the way back to WA, and the room was a great deal for me, my wife and our teenage daughter. Having her own separate room was a real plus. Everything was spotless, the beds were very comfortable, and the roomy bathroom looked recently updated.

The bistro meals were quite adequate, and the service was friendly. The room had everything we needed, and the price was more than reasonable. We also had beautiful views, with kangaroos right outside our window. Such a treat to stay here. I’d definitely recommend the venue for a couple or a corporate event.