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!

Such a nice find, my room was $400 for a night and felt like I got a bargain. It’s beautifully located and easy to find. This would easily be a 5 star luxury if some investment took place. Fix the fountain, a tiny bit of patron attention and you would fill this place every night. Use local products and promote your neighbours. You have fantastic cider all around, yet none in your fridge. Overall I still think it’s a great place.

I loved the vibe of this place- the location and aesthetic was fabulous. The fixtures all seem to have been imported from Provence and the food was delish. My only gripe (so 4 stars not 5) was that there was one teenager on duty the whole evening, and it was only the poor girl’s second day working in hospitality. Still she kept with it and even did a YouTube tutorial before making us (phenomenal) cocktails. The rooms aren’t cheap and having a competent adult around to help and train her would have been kind. Still, a glorious escape and a great place to stay on the Channel.

Lovely villa in it's day.However, no management present , one person left to manage front desk and the few guests, cold breakfast cooked by a novice with 8 baked beans.No lifts for the 3 flights of stairs, no aircon, no fire safety drill or alarm as you are left alone overnight. Falsely advertised as luxury , I've been to better B&B. Shame it's not better managed and looked after as the building is beautiful. This is a 3 star bed and breakfast at best ,

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...

We had read the reviews, and were concerned about what sort of experience we would have - expecting Faulty Towers, and something derelict. We didn't know if we would laugh or cry? We were there for a birthday getaway, and enjoyed our time to unwind. Having been to France and Provence, the accommodation was beautiful and we loved the style, as in France they also do not offer lifts to the higher floors. Wow, the chandeliers are gorgeous. Yes, the building has some wear and tear; if you look for the negatives, you will always find some. Each room has a French name to give it more personality. We stayed in room # 5- La poule doree, which had a cute balcony with a garden view. As there was snow on the mountain, the room and king-size bed were warm and cosy, and the open fireplace was blazing in the lounge room. The salmon dinner and chocolate lava cake were yummy, and breakfast in the atrium, with views to the garden, was generous and filling. The walk to the lake edge was stunning and was rich with birdlife, black swans, cockatoos, and rosellas. The whole place was very calm and tranquil. It is a beautiful place to reset, and walking tracks are close by. The staff were friendly and thoughtful, especially Nina at reception and the housekeeper, Sonia, who added a personal touch to our visit.