Foothills Conference Centre

The hotel is primarily recognized as an exceptional conference and event center, nestled in a peaceful bush setting with beautiful gardens that create a tranquil atmosphere. Its signature feature is the combination of extensive facilities for large gatherings with incredibly spacious and comfortable rooms, particularly highlighted by the huge king-sized beds. This makes it an ideal choice for conference attendees, business travelers, and groups organizing weddings or retreats. Leisure travelers and couples seeking a quiet, relaxing getaway also find it appealing due to the serene environment and comfortable accommodations. Families appreciate the spacious rooms and on-site playground. To make the most of your stay, it is highly recommended to have your own vehicle as public transport and ride-sharing options can be limited, and be aware that dining options for smaller groups might be restricted outside of conference catering.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests generally find the facilities well-suited for their needs, especially in a conference setting. The hotel offers a gym and a games room equipped with a pool table and table tennis, providing recreational options for downtime. There is also a playground available for younger guests, making it suitable for families. A recurring theme in reviews is the mention of a pool, which is frequently noted as being under construction or not yet open, with plans to become an indoor facility, disappointing some guests eager to use it. For longer stays, a convenient guest laundry is provided. While the natural surroundings are praised, some guests observed that the gardens and outdoor furniture could benefit from more consistent maintenance and weeding to enhance the overall appearance and usability, suggesting areas for improvement in upkeep.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently praise the cleanliness and comfort of the rooms, describing them as spacious and well-maintained. A standout feature is the huge king-sized beds, which are frequently highlighted as exceptionally comfortable, often surpassing guests' own beds at home and ensuring a restful night's sleep. The bathrooms are also noted for their generous size, though some guests suggested adding a seat or bench for convenience while showering. Rooms are equipped with air-conditioning units that also function as heaters, providing climate control. While the overall environment is described as quiet and peaceful, a few guests reported minor issues such as occasional noise from neighbors through the walls or a noisy air conditioner. Some isolated comments mentioned finding a few spiders or a need for better bathroom cleanliness in specific instances, but these were not widespread concerns.

Dining & Food Quality
The food quality at the hotel receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, particularly for its offerings during conferences and events. Guests describe the food as superb, plentiful, and delicious, often comparing it to restaurant-quality dining. The buffet-style meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, are highly appreciated for their variety and taste, with some conferences even requesting and receiving specific cuisines like Chinese food. Vegetarian options are also noted as being delicious. While the hotel excels in catering for groups, some guests noted that the restaurant might have minimum attendance requirements, making it less accessible for smaller gatherings or individual stays, leading them to seek dining options elsewhere. The bar service is consistently praised, with staff members frequently highlighted for their friendly and excellent service.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is consistently lauded for its peaceful and quiet ambiance, set within a beautiful bush environment and surrounded by picturesque gardens. This secluded setting offers a tranquil escape, making it ideal for relaxation and retreats. It provides convenient access to activities in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges, appealing to those exploring the region. While the hotel is described as being close enough to town for necessities, some guests noted its distance from the main city, which can make securing Uber or taxi services challenging, especially during events. Therefore, having a personal vehicle is highly recommended for ease of travel. Parking is readily available and generally not an issue for guests.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive exceptional praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness, often going above and beyond to ensure a positive guest experience. Many reviews highlight their willingness to accommodate requests and provide excellent customer service, contributing significantly to guests' satisfaction. The check-in process is generally described as smooth and welcoming. Specific instances of staff assistance, such as helping guests who locked themselves out or aiding with car packing, underscore their dedication. While the service is overwhelmingly positive, one guest reported an unhelpful manager regarding a room issue. It is important to note that the hotel has a policy of charging a fee for early check-in, even for short durations.

Additional Information
The hotel functions primarily as a dedicated conference and event center, frequently hosting training courses, church camps, weddings, and various retreats. Guests appreciate the convenience of having accommodation, function rooms, and dining facilities all on-site for such gatherings. While rooms are generally well-appointed, some guests noted a lack of certain kitchenette supplies like sharp knives, cutting boards, or sufficient plates and cups, and occasionally found that cleaning sponges were needed. There were also isolated comments about rooms not being serviced daily over weekends or cleaners not vacuuming during longer stays. Some guests found the televisions in rooms to be small, with limited access to streaming programs or functional Foxtel. Additionally, one guest reported an instance of room service knocking on doors early to encourage departure.