Chalet Swisse Spa Retreat
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Chalet Swisse Spa Retreat
676 The Ridge Rd, Batemans Bay, New South Wales 2536 Australia
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About
#1 of 1 spa in Batemans Bay
Location
Rooms
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
A 'Touch of Europe' by the Sea. European style chalet guesthouse, Lodge and 3 self-catering cabins on 82-acre tranquil property with ocean and mountain views. Close to Batemans Bay,3 - 10 minutes drive to 10 safe beaches, tourist attractions, Mogo Zoo and Broulee Island. Couple's retreat, family gatherings, getaways, relaxation, wellness & inner-beauty health spa.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Free breakfast
Tennis court
Business Centre with Internet Access
Conference facilities
Spa
Wifi
Hot bath
Indoor pool
Heated pool
Non-smoking hotel
Self-serve laundry
Room features
Air conditioning
Kitchenette
Refrigerator
Flatscreen TV
Room types
Ocean view
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Quaint
Mountain View
Location
676 The Ridge Rd, Batemans Bay, New South Wales 2536 Australia
Getting there
128 Restaurants
within 10 kilometers
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We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
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Detailed Reviews
My husband and I stayed at the Chalet Swisse last spring. Our impressions were so different from those of most reviewers (including the April 1 review from a couple who were there at the same time we were), that I wonder if we were at the same Chalet Swisse. I admit that my expectations were based on the glowing reviews I read on Tripadvisor; I dismissed the negative reviews as coming from just a few bad apples.
On the the plus side, Elizabeth and Herbert greeted us effusively. They were officiously friendly throughout our one-night stay, made sure we knew about the archery equipment, the barbecue, the well-chlorinated indoor pool, and the bush walks. They even loaned us a torch (at no charge!) to help us navigate the uneven, unlit path to the laundry room after dark. Our room was spotlessly clean, if a bit dated and worn at the edges. The grounds were lovely.
On the minus side, the wifi and TV in our room didn't work (we found out after 10:00 PM, therefore didn't mention it until we checked out the next morning).
Breakfast appeared to be calibrated to provide each guest with 2 slices of bread, 2 slices of cheese, 2 slices of cold cuts, and a choice of drinks (coffee,tea, and a variety of milk and juices). There may also have been cereal and yoghurt. It was the skimpiest "continental breakfast" I've ever seen (B&Bs I've stayed at in Switzerland, inter alia, offered an emperor's banquet in comparison).
In his responses to earlier reviews, Herbert noted the Chalet's "excellent facilities which are inclusive with our rates and which comprise the main cost of our rates . . . a heated indoor pool, hot spa, full size tennis court, table tennis, an archery range, bush and rainforest walks on 80 acres, an ocean view cafe verandah, and Day Spa . . . ." "The cost for these facilities and the overall experience, staying at Chalet Swisse Spa, is the total cost. We do not charge extra for the facilities and it is the guests’ choice to utilize these facilities."
Herbert forgot to mention the extra charges for UTILIZING those facilities: $5.00 for cleaning barbeque tools, $5.00 per lost arrow, $3.00 per lost tennis ball, $5.00 per person cleaning charge for plates and cutlery used for take-out, . . . . Guests are admonished to "please use your OWN beach towels for the pool," "we cannot accept that meals are eaten in your room," and "please inform management ASAP if any soiling to bedding or carpet has occurred."
In 40+ years of travelling, I have never, ever stayed anywhere where management told paying customers not to eat in their rooms and to report soiled bedding or carpet (!). No matter how many years of travelling remain in my future, I hope never to do so again. I guess that makes me one of the bad apples.
On the the plus side, Elizabeth and Herbert greeted us effusively. They were officiously friendly throughout our one-night stay, made sure we knew about the archery equipment, the barbecue, the well-chlorinated indoor pool, and the bush walks. They even loaned us a torch (at no charge!) to help us navigate the uneven, unlit path to the laundry room after dark. Our room was spotlessly clean, if a bit dated and worn at the edges. The grounds were lovely.
On the minus side, the wifi and TV in our room didn't work (we found out after 10:00 PM, therefore didn't mention it until we checked out the next morning).
Breakfast appeared to be calibrated to provide each guest with 2 slices of bread, 2 slices of cheese, 2 slices of cold cuts, and a choice of drinks (coffee,tea, and a variety of milk and juices). There may also have been cereal and yoghurt. It was the skimpiest "continental breakfast" I've ever seen (B&Bs I've stayed at in Switzerland, inter alia, offered an emperor's banquet in comparison).
In his responses to earlier reviews, Herbert noted the Chalet's "excellent facilities which are inclusive with our rates and which comprise the main cost of our rates . . . a heated indoor pool, hot spa, full size tennis court, table tennis, an archery range, bush and rainforest walks on 80 acres, an ocean view cafe verandah, and Day Spa . . . ." "The cost for these facilities and the overall experience, staying at Chalet Swisse Spa, is the total cost. We do not charge extra for the facilities and it is the guests’ choice to utilize these facilities."
Herbert forgot to mention the extra charges for UTILIZING those facilities: $5.00 for cleaning barbeque tools, $5.00 per lost arrow, $3.00 per lost tennis ball, $5.00 per person cleaning charge for plates and cutlery used for take-out, . . . . Guests are admonished to "please use your OWN beach towels for the pool," "we cannot accept that meals are eaten in your room," and "please inform management ASAP if any soiling to bedding or carpet has occurred."
In 40+ years of travelling, I have never, ever stayed anywhere where management told paying customers not to eat in their rooms and to report soiled bedding or carpet (!). No matter how many years of travelling remain in my future, I hope never to do so again. I guess that makes me one of the bad apples.
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Date of stay: March 2014Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Herbert M, Owner at Chalet Swisse Spa Retreat
Responded 20 July 2014
Dear Guest, We are sorry that you did not find Chalet Swisse Spa to your liking. We thank you for appreciating our friendly service and cleanliness of your room and our lovely grounds and gardens. However, I would like to clarify a few points: All our TV's are switched on and checked before a guest arrives. The FREE Wifi works, because even the laptop in my office is connected to the same wifi router; but you need a password for access which you can pick up from the reception. The continental Buffet Breakfast consists of a variety of breads for toasting, cheese, salami, tomato, gherkins. A variety of 5 different cereals - even gluten free! Fresh milk, organic Soymilk and lactose free milk. Yoghurt, prunes, fruit salad. Orange juice, Apple juice. Fresh fruit. We serve excellent brewed coffe, decaf, a variety of teas and herbals. The breakfast bar is continually refreshed. An "Emperor's buffet" is also available if you are prepared to pay the extra cost! Hot breakfasts are mentioned in the food section in your room compendium. It seems to me that a charge for damage or loss to our property is just.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I'd say this is more of a B&B than a hotel so stay away if you imagine it to be more of a luxury hotel (as we did). Whilst the owners are nice enough people, they make you feel like you are in their house (like a B&B) as opposed to being the 'free' guests of a hotel. Also, their children policy is very strange and unwelcoming (again, more like a B&B).
The southern german style building is beautiful from the outside although the rooms look like something out of Ramsey's hotel nightmares with their dated retirement village-style floral designs on literally everything.
The location in the hills around Bateman's Bay is beautiful (and seems very much like the black forest of Germany) and it is a good driveable distance from restaurants etc.
The pool is really just a house pool in their basement... nothing too appealing or romantic as a couple.
Personally, it was nothing like I imagined and the positives (location, external appearance) do not outweigh the negatives (unwelcoming, regimented, dated internal appearance and facilities).
I would not book here again... older, retired couples might find it more appealing but that would still be a 50-50 guess.
The southern german style building is beautiful from the outside although the rooms look like something out of Ramsey's hotel nightmares with their dated retirement village-style floral designs on literally everything.
The location in the hills around Bateman's Bay is beautiful (and seems very much like the black forest of Germany) and it is a good driveable distance from restaurants etc.
The pool is really just a house pool in their basement... nothing too appealing or romantic as a couple.
Personally, it was nothing like I imagined and the positives (location, external appearance) do not outweigh the negatives (unwelcoming, regimented, dated internal appearance and facilities).
I would not book here again... older, retired couples might find it more appealing but that would still be a 50-50 guess.
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Date of stay: March 2016Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Rooms
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chalet Swiss Spa is a little slice of Europe on the South Coast.
Brimming with old world charm, we found the Spa experience a refreshing alternative to that of the major hotel chains.
Our room was incredibly comfortable, the acreage surrounding the property offered beautiful coastal and natural bush views and there were many additional facilities available such as tennis court, archery, indoor heated pool, bushwalking, etc.
The spa treatments were equal to any I have had in the finest hotels and were delivered with a personal touch which only served to enhance the feeling of relaxation.
I would highly recommend the Chalet Swisse Spa to anyone who is looking for a totally relaxing break with all the creature comforts of never having left your own home.
Brimming with old world charm, we found the Spa experience a refreshing alternative to that of the major hotel chains.
Our room was incredibly comfortable, the acreage surrounding the property offered beautiful coastal and natural bush views and there were many additional facilities available such as tennis court, archery, indoor heated pool, bushwalking, etc.
The spa treatments were equal to any I have had in the finest hotels and were delivered with a personal touch which only served to enhance the feeling of relaxation.
I would highly recommend the Chalet Swisse Spa to anyone who is looking for a totally relaxing break with all the creature comforts of never having left your own home.
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Date of stay: February 2007Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Check-in / front desk
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sooooooo bad! The hosts were TERRIBLE!!! Totally agree with another review which said the hosts were overbearing and wouldn’t leave guests alone. Had the exact same experience.
The whole time they just complained and whinged- bothered you when you didn’t want to be bothered and were definitely overbearing and intrusive. They didn’t stop! Relaxing was impossible.
These strange people didn’t seem to care about the guests’ experience. It seemed to be all about them. So if the guests said they were exhausted from a loooong day travelling they didn’t care. The old man who owned the place was going to bore the guests with a long boring tour whether the guests said they wanted it or not. That’s not hospitality- that’s selfishness.
These hosts need to know how to give the guests some space. Guests aren’t there to go what they want- they are there to relax!
Hosts were also very greedy and inflexible. They didn’t understand the pressures of travel on time and fatigue.
The hotel itself was very old and tired. Also difficult to find. Will never go back.
Don’t understand why people like this are in the hotel industry. Just awful!
The whole time they just complained and whinged- bothered you when you didn’t want to be bothered and were definitely overbearing and intrusive. They didn’t stop! Relaxing was impossible.
These strange people didn’t seem to care about the guests’ experience. It seemed to be all about them. So if the guests said they were exhausted from a loooong day travelling they didn’t care. The old man who owned the place was going to bore the guests with a long boring tour whether the guests said they wanted it or not. That’s not hospitality- that’s selfishness.
These hosts need to know how to give the guests some space. Guests aren’t there to go what they want- they are there to relax!
Hosts were also very greedy and inflexible. They didn’t understand the pressures of travel on time and fatigue.
The hotel itself was very old and tired. Also difficult to find. Will never go back.
Don’t understand why people like this are in the hotel industry. Just awful!
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Date of stay: November 2019Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WARNING - DO NOT GO HERE.
This place proved a nightmare for us. My boyfriend and I had much anticipated a romantic weekend getaway, but our hopes were quickly diminished upon our arrival.
Barely was a greeting uttered (much less being shown to our rooms and getting settled in), before they demanded we pay for the entirety of our accomodation (2 nights).
Our '4.5 star spa cabin' looked more like a 2 star motel room. It was a poorly appointed room, fitted out at the lowest cost. The shower cubicle was a plastic box , with skanky cheap plastic shower curtains. Indeed it looked more like a hospital toilet than a 4.5 star accomodation ensuite. A matching cheap plastic shower curtain was also used as curtains for windows.
There was barely enough room to fit the bed (with its skanky floral blanket).
The mis-matched furniture was made from cheap greasy laminate (and truly I've seen better quality fittings at motels which charge less than half what these guys are charging). The TV was tiny, and there was no phone. (I now realise there is a reason for the lack of photos on their website)
Despite this, I remained optimistic and was determined to enjoy our stay there anyway.
The lack of service there is also unbelievable - indeed it was staggering and absolutely appalling. I have had better service in third world countries.
Being a special occasion, we had bought along a very nice bottle of Moet, and other gourmet goodies which needed to be refrigerated. (I also had some medication which also needed to be in the fridge) The fridge, of course wasn't working. The following is my conversation with Herbert (not just a lowly un-motivated uncaring staff member, but the owner):
(At reception)
Me: Excuse me, the fridge doesn't seem to be working.
Herbert: Yes, we've had some problems with that fridge. Is it on?
Me: Yes the freezer bit is working, but the fridge isn't chilled.
(In our room)
Herbert: No it doesn't seem to be cold. (checking he plug) well it's plugged in so it's on.
Me: Yes but it's not working.
Herbert: Well there's nothing I can do about it. I don't really have a fridge that I can just put in your room now do I?
[And whose responsibility is it to ensure everything in the room is working fine? Not mine Herbie dear!]
Me: We really wanted a frige in our room, and we made sure of this before we made our booking. Can we change rooms?
Herbert: All the other spa cabins are booked out. Why don't you put the champagne in the freezer?
[Hello - it's a $80 bottle of champagne. They don't belong in the freezer. Particularly when we're heading out for an indefinite time for some sightseeing. Not really a solution is it Herbert?]
Me: Can we move into a different room type?
Herbert: (after some hesitation) ...well I suppose the deluxe room is available... [the hesitation because the deluxe room happens to be a lower rate you see )
Me: Great, can we move in here then.
Herbert: I'll need to charge you to clean the other room.
WHAT THE??? The fridge wasn't working in the other room. It's not exactly our choice to move.
Anywhere else, we would have been profusely apologised to, and upgraded to the best available room they had, and received a little something extra for the trouble of us having to move our things to another room.
But here they expected us to pay a fee for having to move rooms which they had not properly maintained? Unbelievable. At the very least an apology should have been uttered, but never did the word 'sorry' pass Herbie's (or anyone else's) lips.
We had already paid for 2 nights accomodation (which they wouldn't refund to us) but this place was such a hell-hole that we got out of there ASAP. We had to stay there for one night as we had driven a far way to get there, but got out of there quick smart the next morning.
I hope this review prevents anyone having to suffer the same agony we did. Not only did we waste a lot of money there (and received nothing for it) but it also wasted our weekend.
Finally, this place was in the middle of nowhere (was a good 15-20 minutes to get into Batemans Bay to buy things and get food), and don't bother about the massage and 'pampering' they supposedly offer either. The massage is performed in a small, dank, room with dirty pillows and linen - barely fit for a cheap brothel much less a 4 star place. Wouldn't go near it with a 10m pole.
Oh and would you expect the fridge and tea and coffee making facilities to be in the bathroom at a 4 star place? Well expect it here, cos that's exactly where it is.
This definitely takes the record for my most terrible weekend EVER!
This place proved a nightmare for us. My boyfriend and I had much anticipated a romantic weekend getaway, but our hopes were quickly diminished upon our arrival.
Barely was a greeting uttered (much less being shown to our rooms and getting settled in), before they demanded we pay for the entirety of our accomodation (2 nights).
Our '4.5 star spa cabin' looked more like a 2 star motel room. It was a poorly appointed room, fitted out at the lowest cost. The shower cubicle was a plastic box , with skanky cheap plastic shower curtains. Indeed it looked more like a hospital toilet than a 4.5 star accomodation ensuite. A matching cheap plastic shower curtain was also used as curtains for windows.
There was barely enough room to fit the bed (with its skanky floral blanket).
The mis-matched furniture was made from cheap greasy laminate (and truly I've seen better quality fittings at motels which charge less than half what these guys are charging). The TV was tiny, and there was no phone. (I now realise there is a reason for the lack of photos on their website)
Despite this, I remained optimistic and was determined to enjoy our stay there anyway.
The lack of service there is also unbelievable - indeed it was staggering and absolutely appalling. I have had better service in third world countries.
Being a special occasion, we had bought along a very nice bottle of Moet, and other gourmet goodies which needed to be refrigerated. (I also had some medication which also needed to be in the fridge) The fridge, of course wasn't working. The following is my conversation with Herbert (not just a lowly un-motivated uncaring staff member, but the owner):
(At reception)
Me: Excuse me, the fridge doesn't seem to be working.
Herbert: Yes, we've had some problems with that fridge. Is it on?
Me: Yes the freezer bit is working, but the fridge isn't chilled.
(In our room)
Herbert: No it doesn't seem to be cold. (checking he plug) well it's plugged in so it's on.
Me: Yes but it's not working.
Herbert: Well there's nothing I can do about it. I don't really have a fridge that I can just put in your room now do I?
[And whose responsibility is it to ensure everything in the room is working fine? Not mine Herbie dear!]
Me: We really wanted a frige in our room, and we made sure of this before we made our booking. Can we change rooms?
Herbert: All the other spa cabins are booked out. Why don't you put the champagne in the freezer?
[Hello - it's a $80 bottle of champagne. They don't belong in the freezer. Particularly when we're heading out for an indefinite time for some sightseeing. Not really a solution is it Herbert?]
Me: Can we move into a different room type?
Herbert: (after some hesitation) ...well I suppose the deluxe room is available... [the hesitation because the deluxe room happens to be a lower rate you see )
Me: Great, can we move in here then.
Herbert: I'll need to charge you to clean the other room.
WHAT THE??? The fridge wasn't working in the other room. It's not exactly our choice to move.
Anywhere else, we would have been profusely apologised to, and upgraded to the best available room they had, and received a little something extra for the trouble of us having to move our things to another room.
But here they expected us to pay a fee for having to move rooms which they had not properly maintained? Unbelievable. At the very least an apology should have been uttered, but never did the word 'sorry' pass Herbie's (or anyone else's) lips.
We had already paid for 2 nights accomodation (which they wouldn't refund to us) but this place was such a hell-hole that we got out of there ASAP. We had to stay there for one night as we had driven a far way to get there, but got out of there quick smart the next morning.
I hope this review prevents anyone having to suffer the same agony we did. Not only did we waste a lot of money there (and received nothing for it) but it also wasted our weekend.
Finally, this place was in the middle of nowhere (was a good 15-20 minutes to get into Batemans Bay to buy things and get food), and don't bother about the massage and 'pampering' they supposedly offer either. The massage is performed in a small, dank, room with dirty pillows and linen - barely fit for a cheap brothel much less a 4 star place. Wouldn't go near it with a 10m pole.
Oh and would you expect the fridge and tea and coffee making facilities to be in the bathroom at a 4 star place? Well expect it here, cos that's exactly where it is.
This definitely takes the record for my most terrible weekend EVER!
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Responded 2 Feb 2006
To the valued Trip Advisor readers............. As in every way of life, there are always deceitful people in this world. In this case the writer of this article has been misrepresenting the circumstances of her stay. 1) Greeting/reception: All our staff are very friendly and every guest is heartily made welcome. That the owners and staff are friendly is expressed in our guest books by our guests. 2) The Spa Cabin was evaluated in July 2005 by an assessor of the Australian Automobile Association - the national authority to award star ratings for hotels, resorts, motels etc. Our rating of 4 stars is documented in the Automobile Association's handbook, which also shows the specifications and points awarded for each item in a room, e.g. room size, quality of bedding, furniture, bathroom with fittings etc 3) Lack of service: again we are praised for our service, as expressed in our guest books. 4) The conversation regarding the refrigerator is false. The refrigerator had only before arrival of the guest been defrosted and needed to get cold again. Although it was in perfect order, we still offered the guest another refrigerator (because she appeared agitated) and it was on the way to the Spa Cabin, when the guest decided to move to another room. 5) The Spa Cabin had been used by that time and of course we have to charge for extra cleaning costs. 6) The guest received a refund for the different cost of room type. 7) Chalet Swisse Spa is located within 3 minutes by car to shopping malls with restaurants, supermarkets, take-aways, a petrol station and 6 beautiful surfing beaches. Within a 10 minute drive we have 12 excellent restaurants, shopping malls like K-Mart, Coles, Woolworths etc and many sporting facilities including a 27 hole international class golf course. 8) The guest had actually not seen our well appointed therapy rooms. Our guests are very happy with the quality of our Day Spa. We have 4 therapists working and the Day Spa has been in operation since 1995. 9) There is a section set aside for the coffee/tea making facility which adjoins the bathroom. We do not claim to have a kitchen attached to the bed room. 10) We have many returning guests. We would be happy to answer your e-mail or telephone enquiries. Herbert Mayer, Manager Chalet Swisse Spa.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We originally had booked a cabin suite but when we got there, were also offered the executive suite as it was available. We decided to take the executive suite but at no point while being shown both options we were advised that it was more expensive. In fact, Herbert (the owner) did not even mention any room rates at all while showing us both.
On Sunday when we checked out, I raised the point that it appeared that the executive suite was offered to us at the same cost as the cabin suite, as no prices of the rooms were mentioned while showing them.
Both owners were arrogant and became nasty and claimed that it was our fault. We were told that we should have asked what the rates were for each room. Excuse me? I had stated that it is their property and surely it is the owner’s responsibility to advise of different room rates. I did not want to involve my partner in any discussion of rates as I had organised the stay for her.
We were only told about the included breakfast after we had returned from dinner. Breakfast was between 8 and 9.30, and checkout by 10am. What sort of retreat has a checkout so early in the morning? Why not have breakfast til 11am and checkout by noon?
The room had dead insects on the floor, some lights did not work, and the bed was uncomfortable. While the character place is a Swiss chalet, the room was tired and has not been maintained well.
This spoilt what was to be a lovely weekend stay. We will NEVER stay here again and will be advising all our friends not to go. The arrogance and nastiness we experienced was totally unnecessary.
It was clear to us that the owners have done this before. Other reviews have proven this true. They were not even surprised when I raised this with them. Absolutely disgraceful. This is hospitality at its worst. Keep away.
On Sunday when we checked out, I raised the point that it appeared that the executive suite was offered to us at the same cost as the cabin suite, as no prices of the rooms were mentioned while showing them.
Both owners were arrogant and became nasty and claimed that it was our fault. We were told that we should have asked what the rates were for each room. Excuse me? I had stated that it is their property and surely it is the owner’s responsibility to advise of different room rates. I did not want to involve my partner in any discussion of rates as I had organised the stay for her.
We were only told about the included breakfast after we had returned from dinner. Breakfast was between 8 and 9.30, and checkout by 10am. What sort of retreat has a checkout so early in the morning? Why not have breakfast til 11am and checkout by noon?
The room had dead insects on the floor, some lights did not work, and the bed was uncomfortable. While the character place is a Swiss chalet, the room was tired and has not been maintained well.
This spoilt what was to be a lovely weekend stay. We will NEVER stay here again and will be advising all our friends not to go. The arrogance and nastiness we experienced was totally unnecessary.
It was clear to us that the owners have done this before. Other reviews have proven this true. They were not even surprised when I raised this with them. Absolutely disgraceful. This is hospitality at its worst. Keep away.
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Date of stay: March 2014Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: Avoid the place completely
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Herbert M, Owner at Chalet Swisse Spa Retreat
Responded 27 Mar 2014
This guest enquired for the prices on the Executive Spa room $290 pn,and the Spa Cabin $240 pn.. He chose the Spa cabin because it was cheaper than the Executive suite. On booking he wanted a better price - I gave him a $10 discount. On arrival, Herbert mentioned that the Executive suite was still available if they were interested. They took the Spa cabin as booked, but then came back to reception and said they wanted the Executive Spa room as it was nicer. I gave him $10 off the Executive price as I had given him $10 off the Spa cabin. When they came back from dinner, I told him that I had taken $10 off the Executive price and that the new balance to pay was $165 as I had processed a deposit of $115. being 50% on the Spa Cabin price. He nodded and said 'sure, thanks'. The next morning he disputed the price as they had assumed they were getting the Executive Suite at the same price as the Spa Cabin. It was clear that he had not told his wife of the difference in price when they switched rooms on arrival. His wife looked disgruntled and he blamed us for not telling him that there was a difference in price. He was quoted the prices on enquiry, hence he made his decision - he was told about the increase in the balance payable which he did accepted and did not dispute the night before. When I challenged him that he knew there was a price difference, he said he might have forgotten. We were not rude to him. We were neither deceptive nor aggressive. We kept breakfast available for an extra hour till 10.30am for them. We refused to let them have the Executive Spa suite at the same price as the Spa Cabin because it was their choice to upgrade and he knew the price for the Executive Spa suite from the start. We are celebrating 25 years of happy relaxed guests who return time and time again, even become long-term friends - but occassionally, we get the odd one who thinks he can pass the buck and gets nasty when he cant have his way. We believe in openness, fairness, goodwill and honesty. I took this booking. I clarified the prices. Sincerely, Elizabeth Mayer
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I decided to treat my wife to a weekend holiday. I found this place online advertised as a 4 star hotel. It looked online to be a comfortable and relaxing retreat.
Let me be as objective as possible here.
The rooms are TINY! I felt so claustrophobic in the bedroom that I could not spend more than 10 min in there. The lodge rooms sit atop a musty and unused beer hall. I found the whole atmosphere in the lodge very creepy. The bathroom is poky and tiny and the shower hardly fit me in it.
The owner showed me the 'four star' rooms and I was totally unimpressed with them too.
The breakfast is spartan to say the least. Basic cereal and some sliced meat.
This place is totally overpriced! For the owners to charge $200+ a night for this is misleading and deceptive. Whoever has given this place a 4 star rating should refund all those unhappy holidaymakers who have wasted their time and money.
Let me be as objective as possible here.
The rooms are TINY! I felt so claustrophobic in the bedroom that I could not spend more than 10 min in there. The lodge rooms sit atop a musty and unused beer hall. I found the whole atmosphere in the lodge very creepy. The bathroom is poky and tiny and the shower hardly fit me in it.
The owner showed me the 'four star' rooms and I was totally unimpressed with them too.
The breakfast is spartan to say the least. Basic cereal and some sliced meat.
This place is totally overpriced! For the owners to charge $200+ a night for this is misleading and deceptive. Whoever has given this place a 4 star rating should refund all those unhappy holidaymakers who have wasted their time and money.
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Date of stay: November 2011Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rooms were horrible, awful, dusty, seriously dated and uncomfortable, breakfast was ghastly. The weekend was so unbelievably overpriced. The hosts were overbearing - we could not get away from them! NO NO NO - Don't stay here. The surrounding bush was lovely, the pool was ok and the open fire would have been relaxing if the host left us alone to enjoy it.
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Date of stay: June 2012Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Herbert M, General Manager at Chalet Swisse Spa Retreat
Responded 31 May 2013
What an amazing review! Jilly says she stayed with us over a year ago; she now writes her grievances? When one looks at her comments on other places she stayed at, she does has nothing positive to write........
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My wife and I decided on a short-notice night away, and on comparing hotels in the Bateman's Bay area we decided to treat ourselves to something above the norm. Speaking from experience, what we got was well below the norm.
"A little taste of Europe" the quote on the booking website promised.
The room was a shoebox, exceptionally basic by modern standards, and in an out-building that was more reminiscent of a backpacker's hostel. Admittedly, we were offered an upgrade for an additional fee, but I thought I'd already paid for something decent, so politely declined forking out any more hard-earned coin. The owner made his apologies for the noise of the air-conditioner before we'd even tried it. He didn't make any apologies for it smelling like bad feet, but perhaps it was an 'all-inclusive' apology. He told us to call if we wanted anything, "we aim to please", but I (correctly) assumed that any 'want' would come at an additional fee.
The promise of 'breakfast' was one of the reasons we booked, a good fry-up is standard fare in my experience. 'At least' I thought 'a nice cooked breakfast will make amends'. Cooked breakfast, it turns out, came at an additional fee, and I was advised that I should have checked the folder in my room. Folder checked post-disappointment, no mention of additional breakfast fees. But plenty of other additional fees that warranted a raised eyebrow (we'll order food for you if you want, but you have to pay for us to clean the dishes!).
Value for money was exceptionally poor. The owners are either out of touch with the current hospitality market, or they are knowingly ripping people off. I couldn't work out which. They should try the Ulladulla Guesthouse to see what the standard for an upmarket, independent hotel (with comparable rates) is. Polar opposites!
Thankfully it was only a night, so we packed and left hastily, more than a little disappointed by our night away. We could have complained to the owner, but that never achieves anything besides an awkward confrontation. At least here I can save others from experiencing the same disappointment.
"A little taste of Europe" the quote on the booking website promised.
The room was a shoebox, exceptionally basic by modern standards, and in an out-building that was more reminiscent of a backpacker's hostel. Admittedly, we were offered an upgrade for an additional fee, but I thought I'd already paid for something decent, so politely declined forking out any more hard-earned coin. The owner made his apologies for the noise of the air-conditioner before we'd even tried it. He didn't make any apologies for it smelling like bad feet, but perhaps it was an 'all-inclusive' apology. He told us to call if we wanted anything, "we aim to please", but I (correctly) assumed that any 'want' would come at an additional fee.
The promise of 'breakfast' was one of the reasons we booked, a good fry-up is standard fare in my experience. 'At least' I thought 'a nice cooked breakfast will make amends'. Cooked breakfast, it turns out, came at an additional fee, and I was advised that I should have checked the folder in my room. Folder checked post-disappointment, no mention of additional breakfast fees. But plenty of other additional fees that warranted a raised eyebrow (we'll order food for you if you want, but you have to pay for us to clean the dishes!).
Value for money was exceptionally poor. The owners are either out of touch with the current hospitality market, or they are knowingly ripping people off. I couldn't work out which. They should try the Ulladulla Guesthouse to see what the standard for an upmarket, independent hotel (with comparable rates) is. Polar opposites!
Thankfully it was only a night, so we packed and left hastily, more than a little disappointed by our night away. We could have complained to the owner, but that never achieves anything besides an awkward confrontation. At least here I can save others from experiencing the same disappointment.
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Date of stay: December 2012Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Herbert M, Owner at Chalet Swisse Spa Retreat
Responded 7 Dec 2012
We are sorry these guests were disappointed with Chalet Swisse Spa and we wish they would have spoken up from the time they arrived. If they would have stated any discomfort, we could have rectified the situation - they may well have received a free upgrade or were free to cancel the booking. We are anxious to please our guests. Our procedure is to first show and explain our guests our facilities, then we show them their room. We ask if they are happy with their room but also explain that other room types would be available if they wanted to change. Of course there would be a surcharge if they wanted to upgrade. Most times this upgrade would be at only a nominal rate! * After showing the room to the guests, they said they were happy with the room and did not want to upgrade because they were staying only 1 night. * The 3.5 * AAA rated STANDARD Room measures 11 sqm and the bathroom 2.5 sqm. It has a double bed, a refrigerator, coffee/tea making facility, TV and DVD player. The airconditioner is wall type. Garden views. (DELUXE bed rooms have: 20 - 25 sqm) * I am misquoted as saying that the air conditioner was noisy. I said that the air conditioners in the Deluxe rooms were super quiet. * I refute the statement that the Lodge and the room was dirty. We have professional cleaners and linen comes from the international linen service company "Spotless". * The "Lodge" is a large building which contains 4 family rooms and 2 Standard rooms. Two of the Standard rooms were occupied at that time. We do not lock the main doors of our buildings, but of course guests have their own room keys. I do not understand how these guests could be fearful of anyone getting into their room. This is country Australia and not gangster land. Most hotels have 24 hour access into the hotel. * These guests seemed to be disappointed that they did not get an automatic f r e e upgrade, that they did not get a "Fry up" (hot breakfast) f r e e of charge, and that we charge for extra services. Contrary to this, they did not use any of our excellent facilities which are inclusive with our rates and which comprise the main cost of our rates. How many Australian properties offer a heated indoor pool, hot spa, full size tennis court, table tennis, an archery range, bush and rainforest walks on 80 acres, an ocean view cafe verandah, and Day Spa at a rate of $ 160/night including breakfasts. Certainly the mentioned Guest House does not have those facilities and their rates are much higher than ours. On departure I asked Mr P. M. if everything was ok with their room and he said yes!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This place was definintely disappointing - especially when you save up for somewhere to go on holidays for that 1 week a year. It was advertised everywhere as a 4 star accomodation, this was very far from the advertised star rating. It also claims that it is at Surf Beach - it is not on the beach at all it is in the suburb of Surf Beach.
We couldn't believe the small size of the room (we stayed in the lodge section with empty beer hall). For a family of 3 this meant filing in and out of the room in single file. The bathroom was tiny and the mattresses were old. There was one TV in the bedroom, which lost connection every few seconds. The carpet was heavily stained but the air conditioner did work well.
The whole place reminded us of Fawlty Towers in a less humerous way. The facilities are not well maintained. We had to sweep off the tennis court before we could play, and drink bottles and ash had been left all over the table tennis table. We felt ripped off at $250 per night.
The "inclusive" breakfast is very minimalistic, and not very appetising.
As most of the other guests did - we shortened our stay as we could not stand it any longer. We had paid up front and therefore lost our money for the one night we boycotted. Alot of other guests we had met during our stay left early as well, foregoing their money. Don't waste your money here.
We couldn't believe the small size of the room (we stayed in the lodge section with empty beer hall). For a family of 3 this meant filing in and out of the room in single file. The bathroom was tiny and the mattresses were old. There was one TV in the bedroom, which lost connection every few seconds. The carpet was heavily stained but the air conditioner did work well.
The whole place reminded us of Fawlty Towers in a less humerous way. The facilities are not well maintained. We had to sweep off the tennis court before we could play, and drink bottles and ash had been left all over the table tennis table. We felt ripped off at $250 per night.
The "inclusive" breakfast is very minimalistic, and not very appetising.
As most of the other guests did - we shortened our stay as we could not stand it any longer. We had paid up front and therefore lost our money for the one night we boycotted. Alot of other guests we had met during our stay left early as well, foregoing their money. Don't waste your money here.
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Date of stay: December 2010Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sceen, Owner at Chalet Swisse Spa Retreat
Responded 13 Feb 2011
We are sorry that these guests were disappointed with Chalet Swisse Spa - in contrast to many other reviews, which are complimentary. It is disappointing that guests do not come to the manager to voice a complaint. If there is something amiss it would be rectified immediately. We do not want unhappy guests! * Chalet Swisse Spa is located on the hill above Surf Beach with beautiful ocean, bay and island views from the Chalet and also some of the rooms in the “Lodge”. * The star rating is conducted by the A A A Association - the certifiable organisation for Star ratings in Australia. Chalet Swisse Spa has received a rating of 4 1/2 stars for the Deluxe rooms and 3 1/2 stars for the Standard rooms. * These guest would have stayed in one of the Standard family rooms - which have one room with a double bed 4.5 metres x 3.5 metres and one room with 2 adult size bunk beds - 4 metres x 3.5 metres and a bathroom - 3 metres x 2 metres. * Ratings include also the quality of the flooring, the bedding, and entertainment such as the TV/DVD player. Our TV’s (with DVD player) have the latest High Definition system built in. Maybe the guests did not tune in to the correct channels. Certainly the TV is working well. * The Buffet Breakfast includes: a variety of breads, full cream milk, low fat milk, soy milk, yoghurt, prunes, fruit salad. Fresh fruit. A variety of fruit juices. Freshly brewed coffee (Decaffeinated available). A variety of teas - English breakfast, Orange Pekoe, Earl Grey, Green teas and more. Additionally: Salami or Ham, Cheese and tomatoes. * All breakfast items are fresh daily. * We are sorry the tennis court had some leaves on it. We had very wet and windy days in January and just could not keep up with cleaning away the leaves. If these guests would have come to the reception and asked for a clean-up we would have gladly done so. * It is absolutely not true that “most guests shortened their stay”. No one did - except these guests. * If these guests would have come to the manager with their gripes we would have gladly refunded the unused part of their booked stay. ............................................We do not want unhappy Customers! ............................................
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hello Susan,
Thank you for your enquiry.
Yes, we can do it customized gift voucher for you. The honeymoon suite with ocean views and 1.8m diameter round spabath overlooking the bay incuding continental breakfasts and recreational facilities for 7 nights is $1750. Low season and $2100. Peak season (long weekends and Christmas/ New Year holidays). Kindly provide a telephone number so I can contact you when our office reopens on 24th August. We appreciate your patience. Best Regards and have a beautiful day.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth & Herbert
"The short flight of steps up to our room would be a challenge to disabled people, but we geriatrics coped well enough."Read full review
"Rooms with balcony that way you get to see kangaroos jumping before sunrise and just before sunset."Read full review
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ALSO KNOWN AS
chalet swisse hotel, chalet swisse spa
LOCATION
AustraliaNew South WalesEurobodallaBatemans Bay
NUMBER OF ROOMS
15
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Chalet Swisse Spa Retreat
Which popular attractions are close to Chalet Swisse Spa Retreat?
Nearby attractions include Mogo Wildlife Park (4.5 km), Tomakin Beach (6.0 km), and Club Catalina Golf & Country Club (6.3 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Chalet Swisse Spa Retreat?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include an indoor pool, free wifi, and free breakfast.
Which room amenities are available at Chalet Swisse Spa Retreat?
Top room amenities include a kitchenette, air conditioning, and a flat screen TV.
What food & drink options are available at Chalet Swisse Spa Retreat?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast during their stay.
Is parking available at Chalet Swisse Spa Retreat?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Chalet Swisse Spa Retreat?
Conveniently located restaurants include Kohlis Waterfront Indian Restaurant, Sam's Pizza, and Waters Edge Restaurant Batemans Bay.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Chalet Swisse Spa Retreat?
Yes, guests have access to an indoor pool during their stay.
Does Chalet Swisse Spa Retreat offer any business services?
Yes, guests have access to a business centre and conference facilities during their stay.
Does Chalet Swisse Spa Retreat have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the ocean view available here.
Is Chalet Swisse Spa Retreat accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.