If you are wanting a Barossa accommodation experience in STYLE with your family, don’t look past Novotel Barossa Valley Resort. To be honest, we almost did, thinking it was only a corporate golf and events kind of abode. Wrong. When I phoned and actually spoke to them, I barely had time to listen to all of the initiatives for kids and families! Book. Me. In.
Well suited to a special occasion (think celebrating your 40th with your kids in tow?), or for those of us who don’t quite have the annual leave or funds for that interstate or overseas family holiday. I tell you what, poolside here, we could have been in Tuscany or any where. Our stay was in winter and yes the gorgeous outdoor pool was heated and the kids swam (I somehow managed to hold my self back and will wait for the warmer months regardless of water temperature.)
We checked in to a two bedroom family apartment, and it had all of the luxury that you would expect to find in a 4.5 start international branded hotel. Plus a balcony with a million dollar view. Should have booked two nights. Sigh.
Back to arrival in our room and my eyeballs don’t know if they should first focus on the bath tub, pillow menu or the Endota Spa (onsite) flyer that is burning my left retina. I momentarily think I may have died and gone to heaven. Mean while the tweens (whos precious company I am keeping) are begging to explore the pool, the basketball court, the playground, tennis courts, table tennis, gym, walking tracks, lobby activities, lawn games, Accor’s dedicated kids/family area, the restaurant, the views and on and on it goes. We some how manage to fit it all in and the staff soon learn my kids are keen on hitching any ride they can on the hotel golf cart. So. Much. Fun.
Next time I’m booking a massage at the onsite Endota, but for this trip our tight touring schedule doesn’t permit. Be advised – make time. It would also have been pretty easy to just crawl into the huge king sized bed and put in 12 solid between that crisp linen. Who am I kidding, this is Barossa with Kids. Look out for our next series – solo holidays for Mums needing ‘me’ time, you’ll find me back here.
The Novotel staff were exceptional. They engaged with the kids and just made us all feel so comfortable and welcome. I come from an extensive hotel back ground and hand on heart the Novotel’s service, attention to detail and just down right friendly attitudes were beyond impressive. I guess I should have expected that from Accor. [I’m talking little touches like the free child friendly warm spiced apple tea station in the lobby.]
Our stay included breakfast and I am not sure the kids have ever experienced a breakfast buffet quiet like it. One just ate a good half kilo of bacon, the other so overwhelmed by choice, after circling for half an hour settled for a bowl of cereal and cup of tea. Disney Dad and I enjoyed a hot breakfast buffet – that had absolutely every breakfast item know to man available. If you like a big breakky – ensure you book with this inclusion.
True, this place will cost you a little more than your average caravan park – but I guarantee there is just as much for the kids to do, you will feel completely extravagant with out the Tuscan price tag, you will sleep like a king in the most comfortable bed and the kids can be in their own room. It is the perfect place to base your self any time of year with kids in the Barossa and we will be back.
We didn’t have time to suss out the onsite bike hire or the adventure activities / sports (on site but run by an independent company seasonally – DWC Consulting).
Kids highlights included, finding wildlife in the expansive bushland, basketball with the worlds best view, breakfast buffet, poolside table tennis the heated pool and sending free e-postcards to EVERY ONE they know from the interactive lobby screen.
Adults highlights were the luxury feel, the breakfast, the customer service, the room, bath, gorgeous beds & linen, sipping a local wine on the balcony, superb views and happy kids.
Batteries re-charged.
Find Novotel Barossa Valley Resort at: 42 Pioneer Ave, Barossa Valley, South Australia
For more information visit their website at
www.novotelbarossa.com
Phone: +61 8 8524 0000
Email: h3026-re1@accor.com
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