Novotel Vines Resort Swan Valley

We had a pleasant enough weekend, with a lovely location and fun mini golf. The pool was great, the food was OK, and staff were helpful, though they seemed stretched thin. Across our two days, milk, coffee, water, food, clean cutlery and tables were often out of stock. Our room was also just OK. It smelled musty, the rain shower didn't work, the bathroom light buzzed, and the bedspread had a stain. Trolleys rattled past all night and into the early morning, so we couldn't sleep well. We were charged $4 for coffee pods and a little milk at checkout, though there were no prices listed, so we thought they were included. If they cost extra, a second milk would have been fair, since the tiny serving had to be shared. Might try the Seabel next time.

The room was nice, the bed comfortable, and the bathroom clean. The front desk staff were lovely too. They let me leave the key in the room instead of walking across the resort and back again to check out. The fridge, though, hadn't been cleaned. I ordered a kids' fish and chips through the QR code, which didn't say anything about an age limit. When the waitress brought it over, she challenged me for ordering it because I wasn't 12 or under. I explained that stomach surgery meant I couldn't eat a regular portion, but she kept questioning me. I hadn't looked at the paper menu she'd brought over to show me the rules. My cousin and I had already spent $200 on food and drinks because of the prices, so this felt especially poor. The next night I ordered a regular dinner and couldn't finish three quarters of it, but still paid full price. Room service was only available from 11am to 6pm on Saturday. Breakfast for two was $78, and we couldn't eat that much, then got charged for takeaway coffee too. You can hear other families and activities through the walls. The rooms aren't soundproof.

The beds were really comfortable, and we enjoyed our family staycation. Staff were welcoming and breakfast was delicious. Our accommodation had plenty of space, but it felt worn and run down, with large chunks missing from the walls. Since the dining area is carpeted, a small vacuum would have helped us clean up after the kids. We managed with a pan and brush, which wasn't easy on carpet. It would've been nice to have a Wi-Fi device included. We still had a good stay.

The outdoor café area was lovely for dinner on such a warm evening, and check-in was friendly and quick. Our room was clean and nicely presented. The menu didn't inspire much, though. My pork belly was supposed to be crispy but wasn't, and it wasn't nice. My husband's chicken was only average. The waiter passed plates over our heads instead of taking a couple of steps around the table of four, which felt unprofessional. I doubt I'd stay again.