Επισκέπτης Χρήστης
20 Δεκέμβριος 2023
I had my expectations set extremely high due to the positive reviews of the property and my previous experiences in New Zealand lodges and Relaix and Chateau properties. Unfortunately I was left feeling disappointed. Positives: 1. The location of the lodge is breath-taking. Set on the shores of lake Wakatipu overlooking snow-capped Mount Bonpland your first impression is Wow! The beauty and serenity of the location is undoubtedly unique and impressive, and I couldn’t get enough of the view. 2. Arrival and check-in was seamless. In fact there was no formal check-in but rather just a tour of the property whilst they quickly placed our luggage in the room. No forms to complete or credit card exchange. 3. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful, greeting you with smiling faces and eager to assist. 4. The beds, pillows and linens are incredibly soft and comfortable, and combined with the silence of the location you will have an amazing sleep. 5. Breakfast has a nice mix of cold buffet items (cold meats, cheese, pastries, yoghurt) and your choice of hot dish including a traditional full breakfast with eggs, bacon, sausage, hash brown and black pudding, eggs Benedict, omelette or really anything you choose. It’s relaxed and uncomplicated. Negatives: 1. The lodge room is just that, a rather small, drab room with no living/sofa area, no desk, no fireplace. This compares unfavorably with the base category at Huka Lodge which is a junior suite almost 50% larger with sofa, fireplace and French doors which open on to the lawn and river. 2. Whilst the bedding is soft and enveloping the towels unfortunately are course and scratchy. 3. The lodge has an odd mix of woods which aesthetically don’t match. The floors and doors are a highly glossed orange color wood whilst the roof and timbers are a rustic unvarnished dark brown. They clash. 4. The main living room has high ceilings with amazing views and is beautiful. However the bar is unappealing and the games room in the basement has zero ambience or charm and feels drab. 5. There are very few areas to sit and relax outside despite there being vast lawns to utilize. In fact, it’s really only poolside that has loungers, and the cushions for these were away being cleaned during our stay. They should invest in comfortable loungers / steamer chairs placed in the gardens overlooking the lake. 6. Unlike Huka Lodge where there are at least 6 locations throughout the property where you can dine, Blanket Bay really only offer the indoor restaurant and patio outdoor area. That’s a shame given the size of the property. 7. Dinner at Blanket Bay is a 4-course set menu which changes every evening. Be prepared for complicated dishes which utilize anything and everything the chef was able to source that day. This means that sometimes the flavors become confused and what should be the star of each dish becomes overtaken by other elements. If location is the deciding factor for your choice of lodge then it’s d
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