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Summary of reviewsThe Sir Francis Drake Hotel earns acclaim for numerous elements that significantly enhance the guest experience. Its convenient and strategic location stands out as a major draw, providing easy access for road-trippers and travelers, especially those journeying up and down the coast between major cities. Positioned near the Newcastle airport, it is ideal for those with early flights or late arrivals. Despite being close to the highway, the hotel maintains a tranquil atmosphere, ensuring guests a peaceful stay.
The on-site restaurant is another highlight, particularly for its breakfast and dinner offerings. Guests frequently praise the food quality and variety, noting the convenience of not having to venture out for meals. While some minor areas for improvement were noted, such as service speed and breakfast selection, the overall dining experience is overwhelmingly positive, adding significant value to guests' stays.
The rooms are well-regarded for their spaciousness, cleanliness and comfort. Many guests appreciate the modern amenities and the quiet environment, which contribute to a restful experience. Despite occasional mentions of dated decor, the rooms are described as inviting and well-maintained. Cleanliness is a consistent positive theme with guests highlighting the spotless condition of both rooms and bathrooms and the property itself is noted for its high standard of maintenance.
The hotel staff play a crucial role in enhancing the guest experience with their friendliness and helpfulness. Reviews reflect a high standard of customer service with staff often going above and beyond to ensure satisfaction. The welcoming and professional demeanor of the team adds a personal touch that many guests appreciate.
The outdoor pool is celebrated for its cleanliness and inviting atmosphere, providing a great spot for relaxation, especially for families. While sometimes noted as busy, it remains a cherished feature. Parking facilities receive similar praise for being ample and convenient, easily accommodating various types of vehicles right outside guest rooms.
Comfortable beds are also a highlight with many guests commending their quality, contributing to a good night's sleep. While some had varying preferences regarding firmness, the general sentiment emphasizes sleep quality as a positive aspect of the stay.
In summary, Sir Francis Drake Hotel impresses with its excellent location, commendable dining options, spacious and clean rooms, friendly staff, inviting pool area and convenient parking. These attributes collectively make it a recommended destination for travelers seeking comfort and convenience on their journeys. Show more
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Categories
Cheap Motel
The Sir Francis Drake motel provides affordable lodging. It is a convenient option for travelers seeking basic amenities.
Accessible Motel
Sir Francis Drake offers wheelchair accessible rooms. All rooms are on the ground floor with parking directly in front. One room specifically mentions a wheelchair accessible bathroom.
Motel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
Motel with Swimming Pool
Outdoor Pool
Motel with Parking
4-Star Motel
Motel with Outdoor Pool
Room Types
Queen RoomThis room features a flat-screen TV, a refrigerator and tea/coffee making facilities.
Double or Twin Room with Garden ViewThis room features a flat-screen TV, a refrigerator and tea/coffee making facilities.
Standard Two Bedroom Family RoomThis room features a flat-screen TV, a refrigerator and tea/coffee making facilities.
Deluxe Queen Room with Spa BathThis room features a spa bath, a flat-screen TV, a refrigerator and tea/coffee making facilities.
Twin Room - Disability AccessThe spacious twin room features air conditioning, a tea and coffee maker, as well as a private bathroom boasting a walk-in shower and a hairdryer. Guests can make meals in the kitchenette that features a refrigerator, a microwave and a toaster. The twin room has tiled floors, a seating area with a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a wardrobe as well as garden views. The unit has 2 beds.
Standard Family RoomA kitchenette fitted with a refrigerator, a microwave and a toaster is available for cooking and storing food. The spacious family room features air conditioning, a tea and coffee maker, as well as a private bathroom boasting a walk-in shower and a hairdryer. The unit has 3 beds.
Deluxe Family RoomThe spacious family room provides air conditioning, a tea and coffee maker, as well as a private bathroom featuring a walk-in shower and a hairdryer. The well-fitted kitchenette has a refrigerator, a microwave and a toaster. The family room features tiled floors, a seating area with a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a sofa as well as garden views. The unit offers 3 beds.
Executive Family RoomThe spacious family room features air conditioning, a tea and coffee maker, as well as a private bathroom boasting a walk-in shower and a bath. The kitchenette features a refrigerator, a microwave and a toaster. The family room has tiled floors, a seating area with a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a sofa as well as garden views. The unit has 3 beds.
Executive Two-Bedroom Family RoomThe spacious family room features air conditioning, a tea and coffee maker, as well as a private bathroom boasting a walk-in shower and a bath. Guests can make meals in the kitchenette that features a refrigerator, a microwave and a toaster. The family room has tiled floors, a seating area with a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a sofa as well as garden views. The unit has 6 beds.
Suite with Spa BathThe spa bath is the standout feature of this suite. This spacious suite comes with 1 living room, 1 separate bedroom and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower and free toiletries. In the kitchenette, guests will find a refrigerator, a microwave and a toaster. The air-conditioned suite features a flat-screen TV, a tea and coffee maker, a seating area, a dining area as well as garden views. The unit has 1 bed.
Large Twin RoomThe spacious twin room offers air conditioning, a tea and coffee maker, as well as a private bathroom boasting a walk-in shower and a hairdryer. A kitchenette fitted with a refrigerator, a microwave and a toaster is available for cooking and storing food. The twin room has tiled floors, a seating area with a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a wardrobe as well as garden views. The unit has 2 beds.
Guest Reviews
8.1
Very Good
Location
Sir Francis Drake Hotel boasts an exceptional location, making it an ideal stopover for road-trippers and travelers needing a break during their journey. Positioned conveniently on the highway, it offers easy access and ample parking, ensuring a hassle-free experience for guests. The quiet ambiance despite proximity to the main road enhances the comfort of the stay.
Guests frequently highlight the convenience of its location, particularly for those traveling up and down the coast or en route to destinations like Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane. The hotel's positioning near the Newcastle airport adds to its appeal, making it a suitable choice for early flights or late arrivals.
The spacious and clean rooms coupled with the serene garden setting and minimal highway noise contribute to a peaceful overnight experience. Although it is set back from the highway, the hotel maintains a quiet environment while being handy to fuel and food outlets.
For those on extended trips, the central location of Sir Francis Drake Hotel near travel routes and local conveniences is repeatedly praised. It stands as an exemplary choice for travelers seeking a restful break without straying far from their journey.
Breakfast
Nestled in a vibrant locale, Sir Francis Drake hotel boasts an on-site restaurant that guests found immensely convenient for both dinner and breakfast, eliminating the need to venture out for meals. Guests frequently highlighted the positive dining experiences, praising the varied and good selection available. Breakfast was commonly described as nice, lovely and great, providing good value for money with portions that satisfied. The serene garden setting added an extra charm to the morning dining experience.
However, some aspects could be improved to elevate the breakfast experience further. A few guests mentioned a delay in service and suggested a broader selection of cereals and better methods to keep toast warm. The timing of breakfast service was another point of contention with early risers needing alternative options since service starts at 7:00 AM. Despite these areas for enhancement, the overall sentiment remains positive with the restaurant's offerings enhancing the stay at Sir Francis Drake.
Dinner
The restaurant at Sir Francis Drake hotel is widely praised for its high-quality food, often described as delicious, lovely and fantastic. Guests particularly appreciate the convenience and value of having an on-site dining option and many have found the meals to be affordably priced with generous serving sizes. The service is frequently noted as outstanding, adding to the overall positive dining experience. The variety of meals, especially the evening dinners, receive commendations for being excellent in both taste and value. Despite a few instances of delays, overcooking and other minor issues, the general consensus is that the restaurant provides great food and is a significant highlight of the hotel stay.
Rooms
Guests of the Sir Francis Drake hotel frequently praise the rooms for their remarkable spaciousness and cleanliness. Many reviews highlight the generous size of the rooms, making them suitable for families and groups with ample space for luggage and additional seating. Comfort is also a key theme with guests noting the comfortable beds and well-appointed rooms that often include modern amenities like a TV and air conditioning.
The bathrooms receive positive mentions for being clean and modern, often described as immaculate and well-stocked with essentials like soap. Despite some mentions of dated decor, the overall presentation of the rooms is appreciated for being neat, tidy and inviting.
Several guests also commend the rooms for their quietness, allowing for a restful stay even when located near a highway. Additionally, the hotel's grounds, including a lovely garden, contribute to a serene and inviting atmosphere around the accommodation.
In summary, the Sir Francis Drake hotel impresses guests with its large, clean and comfortable rooms, making it a highly recommended choice for travelers looking for ample space and a relaxing environment.
Beds
At Sir Francis Drake, the overwhelming consensus is that the beds are a significant highlight for many guests. A large number of reviews emphasize that the beds were very comfortable with several guests noting that they found them extremely comfy and some even describing them as the most comfortable they have ever slept in. The beds come in good sizes and the rooms are spacious enough to accommodate them well, ensuring a restful night.
However, opinions on bed firmness vary with some guests finding the beds a bit too hard for their liking, while others appreciated the firmness. The pillows have received mixed feedback as well, ranging from soft to uncomfortably firm. Despite these occasional critiques, the cleanliness and comfort of the beds remain a standout feature for this hotel, making sleep quality a noteworthy aspect of the guest experience.
Cleanliness
At Sir Francis Drake, guests consistently highlight the hotel’s remarkable cleanliness, frequently mentioning the spotless condition of their rooms and bathrooms. Visitors appreciate the spacious, well-maintained rooms, which are routinely described as bright, fresh and comfortable. Linens and towels are noted for being clean and white, enhancing the overall sense of hygiene. The rooms are well presented and modernized where needed, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere. The property itself is widely regarded as modern and very clean with attention clearly given to maintenance and cleanliness throughout. While there are occasional mentions of certain areas needing more attention, the overwhelmingly positive feedback underscores a commitment to providing a clean and comfortable stay for every guest.
Staff
The reviews for the staff at Sir Francis Drake Hotel reveal a prevailing sentiment of friendliness and helpfulness. Guests consistently describe the staff as kind, considerate and welcoming, which contributes significantly to their overall experience. Many guests highlight the high standard of customer service, noting the staff's politeness, professionalism and efficiency during check-in and check-out processes.
The hotel's environment and hospitality receive positive remarks with several guests feeling that the service levels are wonderful and the staff are always ready to go above and beyond to ensure guest satisfaction. The team, including the owners, receptionists and bar staff, are often mentioned as being friendly, approachable and accommodating, making guests feel at home.
Instances of exceptional service, such as facilitating requests seamlessly and handling problems promptly, are particularly appreciated by guests. While there were occasional mentions of less-than-ideal interactions, these were in the minority compared to the overwhelmingly positive feedback. The staff's efforts in maintaining a personable and courteous demeanor play a critical role in making Sir Francis Drake Hotel a recommended destination for many travelers.
Pool
The pool at Sir Francis Drake hotel has received considerable praise from guests for its cleanliness, inviting atmosphere and overall excellence. Many have described the pool as great, amazing and fabulous, making it a standout feature of their stay. The surrounding garden and outdoor pool area are noted as beautiful and well-maintained, providing a lovely setting for relaxation. Families have particularly appreciated the pool with kids enjoying the clean and well-kept swimming facilities. Despite a few mentions of it being busy and noisy at times, the pool area is largely regarded as a positive aspect of the hotel experience. Some suggestions for improvement include adding more stretchers for comfort. Overall, the pool at Sir Francis Drake is a valued amenity contributing to a pleasant and memorable stay.
Parking
The parking experience at Sir Francis Drake hotel is consistently praised as exceptional, often highlighted for its convenience and spaciousness. Guests appreciate the large, ample parking spaces, which are suitable for cars, trucks and trailers. The ease of parking directly in front of or outside their rooms is frequently commended, adding to the overall convenience of their stay. The availability of free parking adds an extra layer of satisfaction and many note the ample room for maneuvering vehicles. Overall, the parking facilities at Sir Francis Drake are considered a significant advantage and key feature of a stress-free, pleasant stay.
Outdoor Pool
The outdoor pool at Sir Francis Drake receives frequent praise from guests. Many reviews highlight the pool as great with descriptors like nice and fabulous suggesting a high level of satisfaction. The pool is particularly noted as being perfect for children, thanks to its clean condition and beautiful surroundings. Guests also appreciate the opportunity to cool down in the pool, contributing to their overall positive experience. The grounds surrounding the pool are generally well-received, although some suggest that the garden area could benefit from better maintenance. Regardless, the pool area boasts a very nice yard that complements the relaxing atmosphere.
Yes, Sir Francis Drake has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Outdoor Pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Sir Francis Drake.
No, Sir Francis Drake doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Sir Francis Drake.