Freycinet Lodge
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Hotel Details
Location
Coles Bay
Australia, Oceania
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Expert Review: Freycinet Lodge
Freycinet Lodge, nestled within the stunning Freycinet National Park in Coles Bay, Tasmania, offers guests an immersive experience amidst breathtaking natural beauty. Recognized as a Michelin Key Selected property, the lodge consistently receives high praise for its unparalleled location, dedicated staff, and unique cabin accommodations.
1. Overall Rating & Sentiment
Freycinet Lodge generally garners a "Wonderful" to "Excellent" rating from guests, often scoring around 9.0 out of 10. The overwhelming sentiment is positive, with many visitors highlighting the serene environment, the beauty of the surroundings, and the exceptional hospitality as reasons for a memorable stay.
2. Key Highlights
- Location: The lodge's prime waterfront position within Freycinet National Park is its standout feature. It provides guests with direct access to pristine beaches like Richardson's Beach and Honeymoon Bay and serves as an ideal base for exploring famous attractions such as Wineglass Bay.
- Service: The staff consistently receives accolades for being friendly, attentive, welcoming, and going "above and beyond" to ensure a comfortable stay.
- Design & Amenities: Freycinet Lodge features secluded timber cabins and Coastal Pavilions, designed to blend with the coastal bushland and connected by raised boardwalks. The main lodge building boasts a grand stone fireplace, creating a cozy atmosphere. Amenities include free self-parking, a gift shop, a coffee shop/cafe, a garden, and a library. E-bike hire is also available for exploring the park.
3. Room Quality
The accommodations at Freycinet Lodge consist of spacious, comfortable cabins, often featuring beautiful timber floorboards and private balconies. Many rooms offer captivating views of Great Oyster Bay, the Hazards mountains, or the surrounding bushland. Premier Spa Cabins are particularly popular, offering a large spa bath strategically placed to capture natural light while maintaining privacy. The more luxurious Coastal Pavilions provide an immersive experience with a king bed, outdoor bathtub, separate living area, and an expansive deck. While generally comfortable, some recent feedback suggests that certain cabins may appear "dated," "tired," or "outdated" and could benefit from refurbishment.
4. Dining Experience
Freycinet Lodge offers two on-site restaurants: The Bay Restaurant, providing a more formal dining experience with a focus on Tasmanian wines and cuisine, and Richardson's Bistro, a more relaxed option. Buffet breakfast is often included in the stay and is frequently praised as "excellent" or "superb" with plenty of choices. The quality of dinner at The Bay Restaurant has historically received high acclaim, with mentions of fresh seafood and local produce cooked to perfection. However, some more recent guest feedback indicates that the food in the restaurants can be "very average for the price" and that cooked breakfast may sometimes lack seasoning.
5. Service & Staff
The service at Freycinet Lodge is a consistent highlight for guests. Staff members are frequently described as extremely welcoming, friendly, helpful, and attentive. Many guests have shared experiences of staff going "above and beyond," such as providing detailed local insights and even assisting with unexpected requests.
6. Location & Accessibility
The lodge's location within Freycinet National Park is unparalleled for those seeking to explore the region's natural wonders. It offers direct access to picturesque beaches and is an ideal starting point for walks to Wineglass Bay, Hazards Beach, and other park activities like sea kayaking and cruising. Freycinet Lodge is approximately a 2.5-hour drive from Hobart Airport. It's important to note that national park entry fees apply for guests. The main lodge building, including the restaurant and reception, is wheelchair accessible with ramps and accessible toilets, and the Lodge King room is also designed to be wheelchair-friendly.
7. Value & Pricing
Freycinet Lodge is considered an upscale property, and its pricing reflects its unique location and offerings. A one-night stay for two adults can range from approximately AUD $310 to AUD $1400, depending on the room type and time of booking. While many guests find it to be a "worthy destination", some recent reviews suggest that for the price, the level of quality in some areas (e.g., room modernity, available activities) may not always meet expectations, with comments about it being "very expensive for the level of quality".
8. Common Complaints
While largely positive, recurring criticisms include:
- Room Condition: Some guests have noted that certain cabins appear "dated," "drab," or "tired" and could benefit from renovation to match the premium pricing.
- Dining Consistency: Although generally positive, some recent feedback highlights inconsistent food quality and value at the restaurants, with particular mentions of dinner being "very average" for the cost and breakfast lacking seasoning.
- Communal Area Comfort: A few guests have reported that communal areas in the main lodge can be cold during cooler months, requiring guests to wear coats indoors.
- Cost of Activities: The high cost of optional activities, such as e-bike hire (AUD $99 for 4 hours), has been mentioned as excessive, with suggestions for more complimentary offerings given the nightly rates.
Sources
Points to Consider
- •While largely positive, recurring criticisms include:
