Edit Hanmer Springs

There’s a remarkable opportunity here to make something special of the location, but we left feeling it had been missed. The grounds are beautiful and well tended, and the hotel is stately, with traces of its former glory. Up close, though, the buildings and rooms seem short on care or maintenance funding. There was visible wear and disrepair around the complex. In the height of summer, the pool and spa weren’t open, the spa was empty, and the surrounding area needed paint and tidying. We stayed in room 108, a ground-floor corner facing the car park, with its own courtyard and garden access. The other ground-floor courtyard rooms facing the garden, 101, 103, 105 and 107, also seem like the best choices. Our bed was large and soft, the curtains blocked light well, and the ensuite had a spa bath and heated towel rail. The in-room amenities were basic: a TV with dubious reception, a fan and a small fan heater. The “kitchen” cabinet contained a tiny bar fridge, two wine glasses, two tea mugs, two teaspoons and two water glasses, but no plates or cutlery. There were a few instant coffee, tea and hot chocolate packets, but no usual extras like cookies, a coffee plunger and coffee, milk in the fridge or bottled water. The room needs renovation. The lounge chairs were worn and grubby, and the carpet had spill marks. The on-site restaurant was sparsely patronised and on the expensive side, while several cafes and restaurants were an easy walk away.

Dinner at Edit was delicious every night. The Italian food is exactly what it promises, comforting and so good we kept wanting more. This was our second stay in Hanmer Springs, and it felt like coming home: the same lovely team, another warm welcome, and a perfect spot right in town. Highly recommend Edit if you’re visiting. We’ll be back next year 💙

The rooms were cosy and clean, and the service was amazing. Definitely get the breakfast, it was so good! Sadly, my son had an accident and we had to leave early. I wish they’d offered us another night at a later date.

The happy hour in the rear courtyard was a highlight. We had drinks among the gardens in the summer light, with a nice crowd of hotel guests and a relaxed pace. It felt like Tuscany on a summer’s day, as others commented, right in Hanmer Springs. Magic! The hotel’s location is right in town, yet the gardens are peaceful and removed from noise. It has a real sense of grandeur and an atmosphere you don’t get in modern buildings. There’s history and character here, with a quiet confidence. The rooms are a solid four stars, said with respect for what the place is: quiet and clean, with high ceilings and comfortable bedding. It’s a classic old-school hotel, very much of its era, and that’s part of the charm. I’d absolutely stay again, especially for that courtyard moment.