Harrigan's Hunter Valley

“Centrally located & good food”

We recently stayed at Harrigans Hunter Valley. The venue location was central to everything. We chose this venue because it had accommodation, a pool and the Pub. The accommodation rooms are all at ground level so good for people needing assistance (albeit the shower recess has a hob so not wheel … more

We recently stayed at Harrigans Hunter Valley. The venue location was central to everything. We chose this venue because it had accommodation, a pool and the Pub. The accommodation rooms are all at ground level so good for people needing assistance (albeit the shower recess has a hob so not wheel chair friendly). There is parking directly outside the room. Each room appears to have a private patio at the rear. Ours in room #510 had a view over vines and the sunrise, so nice. The room was sizeable and comfy with a great A/C. The only concerns we had with the room were the bed mattress and the decor. The room needs a make over and is looking very tired. The mattress was memory foam and was still remembering all the past guests. We sank too deep into the mattress causing sore backs and neck. We could hear the music from the pub from our room but it wasn’t loud enough to hinder sleep. Ear plugs are provided in the room. The pool was great to cool off after very hot days. It was clean and cool. It’s 2m deep at one end so watch the little ones. Finally the Pub. Great crew servicing the bar and bistro. Everyone was friendly and helpful. Even the burly security guys were a great interaction when we got back from our day tour with sound advice on that night’s expected crowd and recommendations when to arrive for dinner. Much appreciated. The food was classic pub bistro but good, really good. We ate there the two nights we stayed. Recommend the pork belly (mains) and duck spring rolls (entre). We also had breakfast one morning which was plentiful ($25 full continental and a choice of a cooked meal included). $15 just for the continental. While the accommodation is getting old, we’d stay again but hopefully the mattresses are firmer.

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“Quite disappointed.”

We previously stayed here about 7 years ago and, then, we considered it a pleasant place to stay. Undoubtedly a wonderful location in the heart of wine country and close to concert locations. Regretfully, our experience this time was somewhat disappointing. Whilst the room was of a decent size, the… more

We previously stayed here about 7 years ago and, then, we considered it a pleasant place to stay. Undoubtedly a wonderful location in the heart of wine country and close to concert locations. Regretfully, our experience this time was somewhat disappointing. Whilst the room was of a decent size, the beds comfortable and the property clean (apart from the dirty rear patio and its furniture) we were extremely disappointed with the availability of storage for clothes. The bedside furniture was in a poor state of repair, badly scratched and in urgent need of replacement. Not a drawer in sight which resulted in having to store clothes on the top shelf of an already crowded wardrobe. There were no comfortable chairs to sit on (apart from the edge of the bed) and the fabric on the chairs was stained. The carpet, though, had been fairly recently replaced and there was a good TV with decent entertainment options. The HunterValley is a premium destination for both local and international travellers but, to be honest, it is difficult to imagine how this venue holds the #1 motel accommodation spot in the area. Writing a review of this nature is not easy but serious thought needs to be given to upgrade facilities and enable the property to regain its previous reputation. The review is written genuinely in the hope that the owners will respond accordingly. Cessnock is a mere 10-15 minute drive away and, in our opinion, right now the town offers a much more affordable alternative.

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