豪頓別墅(Villa Howden)

We were on our honeymoon and this villa was absolutely Devine! Straight out of a story book beautiful! The staff and our room were 5 stars. The breakfast included was also generous and gourmet delicious. Already planning our return for the one year anniversary!

Unfortunately this property no longer has the essence of it's pre-COVID life, and seems to be trading off it's former glory. More 3-star than it's advertised 5-star rating. The good: Employees were friendly and working hard to run the venue (often 1 person on shift at a time) - reception, bar and dining area. It is a beautiful, small (10 rooms) establishment with some nice features - good photo opportunities, if that is your thing. The not-so-good: The one staff person who was busy at times, understandably pre-occupied with other guests. Upkeep and maintenance seems not to have occurred since it's foreign owners took over several years ago. Suitcase and scuff marks on walls; cobwebs in corners; dismal looking water feature; the mattress while soft, had defined sagging from years of wear. The ok: Dining - the dinner menu provided 3 main course options [no vegetarian option] (both our eye fillet and salmon were well prepared, though the duck fat potatoes would have benefited from further roasting and it would have been nice to see some greens on the plate); oysters for entree, and the desserts were enjoyable. Breakfast (included in room rate) was modest in proportion though sufficient, however the barista coffee ($5 extra) was not drinkable. The highly chlorinated pool was a perfect temperature to enjoy an afternoon swim - the attached bathroom facilities were uncleaned. Bathroom amenities were basic with one thin bath towel per person provided - additional available upon request. The communal lounge areas have some lovely pieces of furniture on which to sit and enjoy a cocktail (if ingredients are available) - however the main area would benefit from airing, as the smell of smoke lingers from winter's fires.

As soon as we arrived we knew it was a mistake. Nothing looks like the website photos - everything is in need of a major renovation. Cheap furniture, peeling paint, wifi not working, cracks in all the walls, one person trying to run the entire hotel. Our room was very disappointing - apparently only one room in the hotel has a tub and view ( the one featured on the website). The pool has water in the chlorine. Feels more like a cheap motel than the luxury villa shown online. Trying to find alternative accommodations now...

Positives: Beautiful building in a lovely quiet location Large, spacious and clean room and bathroom If any issues are raised, they are dealt with very apologetically Grateful for a packed breakfast on the last morning, as we were leaving before anyone arrived for the day Appeared very clean and tidy throughout with a French-style decor About 15-20 easy drive from Hobart Negatives: Room was not as stunning as the pictures suggest - pretty, but not 'wow' We had no curtains on 4 windows - the main front light shone into the room and if you were in the shower, the room opposite had a free show! No lifts and precarious staircases No-one to help with luggage Super small TV that was not much bigger than my laptop screen! Hard to get someone to answer the phone at reception - either before arrival or when you are staying There is no aircon - it did not bother us as it was winter, but worth noting if visiting in summer The main part of the building is freezing cold - the staff were wearing overcoats to serve, which did not look professional at all, but completely understood why they did as it was less than 10 degrees in the restaurant area Breakfast was stone cold and had to be sent back (only 3 other people staying, so not busy) Breakfast included baked beans but we were given a serving of just 9 baked beans.... There are just 2 young Asian girls running the 'hotel' - they work crazy hours and seem to do everything from check-in, to waitressing, cooking and possibly make the rooms up too!! The 'hotel' main door is locked at 9.30pm and we were essentially left alone in the building all night Key information not provided on check-in - ie breakfast runs from 7.45am to 9.15am only or info on wi-fi We don't recall any fire evacuation details in the room (but maybe we missed it?). We could not find any emergency contact details either in the room if something happened at night We had to remind the staff we had a Luxury Escapes package to get the basket of produce and a free drink AND..... think about bringing your own towels! They have a policy of charging $50 if you get any make-up on the white towels!! Fortunately we saw this and used the make-up remover they had in the bathroom but we were so paranoid of getting any marks on anything!!! We suggest they have darker coloured towels because we felt this was a ridiculous rule when you pay so much to stay in the first place. Would we stay again? No. We left feeling stressed and not at all relaxed, It is not a 5 star location at all - just a lovely 'home' that is more akin to a boutique B&B. We considered eating dinner but with just 3 mains to choose from, we couldn't justify the cost at all. Overall, the villa needs some maintenance and with the 2 young girls run off their feet, we're not sure how this will ever be done. It could be so much better. We were slightly disappointed as this had been a weekend to celebrate my husband's birthday!

We booked through luxury escapes and upgraded to what was supposed to be a king room but it wasn’t. No lift and we were on top floor 😳. No air conditioning but a small fan in room. Doors to little “balcony” opened but no fly wire. The views and garden are wonderful, the place has great potential. Breakfast, included was great and the staff, although they struggling, were lovely. They have a policy of charging $100 if you get make up on one of the rather cheap white linen towels. They told the people they were charging that a note was in the towel basket - we missed it as well???!

We spent the night of our 50th wedding anniversary in this very different hotel. We wanted somewhere special and Villa Howden looked like it was just the place , but having read recent, (very negative), reviews we arrived with a little uncertainty. Our room was spacious with a balcony that overlooked the garden. We opted to have dinner in the lovely restaurant and it did not disappoint. The meal was wonderful. We both ordered steak and agree that it was the best steak meal we had ever had. Cooked to perfection and able to be cut with a butter knife. Breakfast was also great. The other plus was the attention given to my need for gluten free options. The indoor pool looked amazing even though we did not sample it's beckoning water. All the staff were helpful and pleasant. Admittedly a little TLC is needed with a paint brush and minor repairs. One jarring note was the message regarding a $50 replacement cost if makeup was left on a towel. Considering the quality of the towels left a bit to be desired it seemed excessive and unnecessary. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Sadly it seems some people are overly critical.