Berida Manor...A Last Resort?
April 26th 2011 14:27
When we arrived, we were charmed by the gorgeous vine-covered facade, the lead-light doors, and suit of armour displayed in the foyer. We were less than impressed with the musty, dusty room in a desolate part of the building (Rm 45, from memory), which soon triggered allergies, and even less enamoured by the attitude of the caretakers of only two months, an unidentified male voice loudly indignant that I had a problem at all, and a Manageress, who asked "What do you want me to do about it?" when I came to reception to see if something could be done. I stared blankly whilst she remembered she was in the hospitality industry, and found us the unoccupied, slightly larger, and significantly cleaner room with better air quality. This then begs the question of why we weren't offered this room in the first place, as there was enough room for the rollaway (which we had to relocate) and our portacot. Things were looking up until, at about 10pm, our 11year old became trapped in the bathroom when the door knob jammed, and then fell out altogether. She remained there for half an hour whilst we attempted to contact reception (which is staffed 7am-7pm. Our initial concerns were taken by their adolescent daughter who happened to be using the Internet in the office at about 9:30pm). An emergency call was averted when a sheepish manager eventually got the door open. We resisted the strong urge to leave then, and thankfully had a sound night's sleep, a hearty breakfast, and an apologetic attitude from the Manager the next day, with cold smiles from his partner, which continued until the bill was paid, but not when we lingered after using the pool facilities, to enjoy our vending machine snacks in an enclave within the manor house. The indoor heated pool and spa are an asset in this very chilly, but lovely part of NSW, and there is a gorgeous guest lounge, beautifully furnished, which we may have utilised if we had travelled without children. The entire building is well heated. Ultimately, we enjoyed the stay after a very shaky start, but we hope the management become more obliging, and more fastidious, as they settle into their new roles. It would be a shame to see this lovely heritage building turn into Bowral's own Fawlty Towers.
Local Attractions
Highlights of the region are the Bradman Museum and the incredible International Cricket Hall of Fame, which were awesome, the pub fare at the Royal Hotel, the Shanghai Chinese Restaurant, and Braemer's Model Railway, which is an amazing insight into the intricacies (and expense) of this hobby. Look out for the miniature Obamas in the shop!
Local Attractions
Highlights of the region are the Bradman Museum and the incredible International Cricket Hall of Fame, which were awesome, the pub fare at the Royal Hotel, the Shanghai Chinese Restaurant, and Braemer's Model Railway, which is an amazing insight into the intricacies (and expense) of this hobby. Look out for the miniature Obamas in the shop!
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