We really enjoyed our trip to Australia. Thank you for helping us schedule it.
Here is some feedback for you:
The Brady Hotel Jones Lane was OK. Not as nice or as spacious a room as the one that we had at the Park Hyatt (which is a super nice hotel0. The Brady Jones Hotel was conveniently located and the front desk people were really pleasant but the room was small and the TV never worked (despite several people coming up from the staff to confirm that it was broken...lol). This was a...
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We really enjoyed our trip to Australia. Thank you for helping us schedule it.
Here is some feedback for you:
The Brady Hotel Jones Lane was OK. Not as nice or as spacious a room as the one that we had at the Park Hyatt (which is a super nice hotel0. The Brady Jones Hotel was conveniently located and the front desk people were really pleasant but the room was small and the TV never worked (despite several people coming up from the staff to confirm that it was broken...lol). This was a problem only because my husband was trying to watch his team play a March Madness basketball game.
The private trip to Mornington Peninsula was great! We loved our driver/guide Nicci from Epicurean, She took us to a diverse group of wineries and to a wonderful lunch. 10/10 Perfect day!
The car rental from Sixt was a thrash initially because they didn't have the type of car we rented. Lovely people working there but the system was so disorganized. We were not only group that ended up waiting for over an hour to get our car. Eventually they gave us a bigger car for the same price and allowed us to return it without a full tank without charging for the difference in the amount of gas (gas is super pricey there due to the war in Iran). Otherwise no problems with the car and the return was easy.
The trip along the Great Ocean Road was amazing!! We drove about 4 hours each day I think. There are lots of signs warning motorists to watch out for kangaroos crossing the road and they are not kidding since I almost hit one when driving to Robe in the dusk. I will attach photos from Apollo Bay at sunset and the Twelve Apostles if I can.
The cottage at Anchors Port Campbell was wonderful. Spacious with huge windows overlooking the lovely surrounding countryside. Tanya was a gracious hostess and provided us with coffee, cereal, milk, and even a bottle of wine. Lovely place and well situated near the Twelve Apostles so that it was easy to beat the rush of tourists coming from Melbourne in the morning
The Vibe Hotel in Adelaide was nice and in a good location for walking everywhere; the room size was decent and the staff pleasant. The breakfast was good.
We really enjoyed our trip to the Barossa Valley with Chris from Small Batch Tours. He was great and took us to some wonderful wineries and scheduled an excellent lunch for us. The tour ended up being a private one which was a bonus for us. Another 10/10.
Apparently Good Friday is a national holiday in Australia. Almost everything was closed! We did end up scheduling a city walking tour with a lovely young woman (Katina from Flamboyance Tours) which was very good despite the multiple closures. In the afternoon we toured the beautiful Botanical Gardens in Adelaide and got hand pies at the Bakery on O'Connell Street (on Katina's recommendations). In the evening we went to see an Australian football game in Adelaide that evening (which was super fun).
All in all a great trip!
Hotel Reviews
Vibe Hotel Adelaide
Adelaide
The Vibe Hotel in Adelaide was nice and in a good location for walking everywhere; the room size was decent and the staff pleasant. The breakfast was good.
Anchors Port Campbell
Port Campbell
The cottage at Anchors Port Campbell was wonderful. Spacious with huge windows overlooking the lovely surrounding countryside. Tanya was a gracious hostess and provided us with coffee, cereal, milk, and even a bottle of wine. Lovely place and well situated near the Twelve Apostles so that it was easy to beat the rush of tourists coming from Melbourne in the morning.
Brady Hotels Jones Lane
Melbourne
The Brady Hotel Jones Lane was OK. Not as nice or as spacious a room as the one that we had at the Park Hyatt (which is a super nice hotel0. The Brady Jones Hotel was conveniently located and the front desk people were really pleasant but the room was small and the TV never worked (despite several people coming up from the staff to confirm that it was broken...lol). This was a problem only because my husband was trying to watch his team play a March Madness basketball game.
Activity Review
Private Mornington Peninsula Day Trip with Lunch & Wine Tasting
Melbourne
The private trip to Mornington Peninsula was great! We loved our driver/guide Nicci from Epicurean, She took us to a diverse group of wineries and to a wonderful lunch. 10/10 Perfect day!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Samantha Slais
We were extremely pleased with Paula and Kim Kim. The hotels and tours she set for us were first class. The drivers that took us to and from each airport were excellent, on time, and had nice, roomy vehicles.
I would encourage others to consider Kim Kim if they are looking for a detailed trip abroad. They supplied all the information we needed to make our trip hitch free.
Paula was always prompt in responding to the many questions we asked when planning a trip nearly a month...
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We were extremely pleased with Paula and Kim Kim. The hotels and tours she set for us were first class. The drivers that took us to and from each airport were excellent, on time, and had nice, roomy vehicles.
I would encourage others to consider Kim Kim if they are looking for a detailed trip abroad. They supplied all the information we needed to make our trip hitch free.
Paula was always prompt in responding to the many questions we asked when planning a trip nearly a month long.
Thank you, Paula!
Hotel Reviews
Novotel Christchurch Airport
Christchurch
Just steps away from the airport. Very nice breakfast buffet. Rooms were clean, comfortable, and roomy.
Oval Hotel at Adelaide Oval
North Adelaide
Thos hotel is over the top! It is connected to the sports stadium which is unique. The rooms are almost futuristic with lighting and amenities. Great location in downtown.
Staff
Very helpful and friendly.
The Hermitage Hotel
Mount Cook Village
Nice views of the mountains from most rooms. Nice buffet for meals and an ala carte Cafe as well. Since the hotel is in the natio al park there are no other restaurant options other than those at the hotel. Staff was exceptional.
Laneways by Ovolo
Melbourne
Old building remodeled into a nice boutique hotel. Rooms were very nice. Bedroom was smallish but there was a nice sitting room as well. Very close to restaurants and the city.
Desert Gardens Hotel
Yulara
Not too many hotels to choose from, but this one is nice. A little older, but you wouldn't know that by looking at the nicely appointed rooms.
Very nice hotel right on the wharf. Close to many restaurants and shopping. Rooms were immaculate.
The Rees Hotel
Queenstown
Hotel is built on a hill. Very awkward routes to get to rooms including two elevator rides and a walk though the parking garage. There is a shuttle to town that is very responsive to requests, but personally I would have preferred staying closer to town.
Older hotel. Absolutely no human interaction as keys were left in the doors with a sign directing us to our rooms. Breakfast was just ingredients left in refrigerator for us to make our own breakfast.
What a find. One of our favorite stays on our trip. Staff was super friendly. Rooms are unique and very well appointed.
Location
Port Fairy is a cute small town.
Peninsula Boutique Hotel
Port Douglas
Very nice small hotel close to town. The breakfast was great and the staff super friendly.
Location
Close to town. Short walks to restaurants and shops.
PARKROYAL Darling Harbour
Sydney
Outstanding breakfast! Nice, clean rooms near downtown Sydney.
Authenticity & Character
Nice boutique style hotel.
Activity Reviews
Full Day City to Country Experience - Mornington Peninsula
Melbourne
Raphael was our favorite guide of our entire month long trip! He was fun, knowledgeable, and willing to modify our time to suit our interests!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Afternoon Camel to Sunset
Australia
You gotta do this! So unique with great guides!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Discover - Sydney and Bondi Beach (24 Hour Ticket)
Australia
One of the slowest running hop on hop offs I've ever experienced.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Paula Adams