Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge

Cradle Mountain Lodge was great. Perfectly located to do day adventures and hikes in all directions. The lodge has boardwalks connecting the various buildings.

We stayed for 2 nights in early January at a cost of $1,500 per night! We were expecting luxury accommodation but were presented with a run-down, tired operation and poor service due to severe understaffing (who were clearly not adequately trained). It took over 30 minutes to order a drink from the bar, and the restaurant was a nightmare. For breakfast, there were times when there was no bread or fruit, and coffee took 45 minutes to be delivered. Dinner was even worse, barely reaching 'okay' compared to the exquisite culinary experience it advertises. We ordered a glass of wine that was never delivered but still appeared on the bill. Not to mention that my husband got serious food poisoning, which we reported to reception the following morning, resulting in an E. coli infection that required hospitalisation. In summary, a 2-star accommodation charging 6-star prices with inadequate food safety standards. The business gives the appearance of being financially stressed, thus being run to maximise short-term cash generation. It is very deceptive and not worthy of carrying the Peppers brand.

Most beautiful location however very frustrating to pay excessive food and accomodation rates when the standard is 3 star at best. The cabins are very rustic and comfortable. We had a revolting meal in their upmarket restaurant Highland. Breakfast is like a mosh pity yet still happy to charge $40/head. You simply don’t get value for money and I feel embarrassed for them running such a unique lodge and taking advantage of the international tourist and dollar. Their tavern is popular and typical pub food so after our poor experience at Highland we went there for pizza. The Highland meal cost over $300 for two courses and 4 glasses of wine. Never again

Everything was fantastic ! From the cabins to the Highlands restaurant, the spa, the setting, the service. We had the best 4 days stay we ever had in Australia. We felt like in paradise with all the animals, wallabies, pademelons, wombats, echidnaes grazing along the pathways between the cabins and the lodge. The breakfast buffet was also great with an incredible choice. The service was excellent, professional and friendly.

I agree with all that Betty Jess wrote on 29 January - but we were encouraged by the response of the GM . The young staff seem to have received some training as a result - and although they are not as knowledgable as one would expect from an expensive resort - they were polite and welcoming for our three night stay. Guests should be aware that end cabins ( cabins are grouped in fours ) have a small verandah which the inside cabins do not . WiFi was particularly annoying in this day and age - and make sure you avoid the breakfast rush !