This was published 15 years ago
Sofitel Mansion and Spa Hotel, Werribee Park review: A mansion and grand gardens
Small but stylish ... chic minimalism in a classic room at the Sofitel Mansion & Spa.
Adam Carey steps into another world filled with history and close to the city fringe.
My sarcasm pre-emptively deflates any jibe my friend might make about me taking a holiday in the 'burbs: "We're off to exotic Werribee for the weekend," I tell him. And it hardly feels like we're getting away from it all as we drive past chemical plants and vast car lots, then neat cauliflower plots, before we turn down the dirt road into Werribee Park.
Then we catch a glimpse of the mansion tower peeking over a cluster of trees and park our car underneath the magnificent eucalypts out front of the old, sandstone Sofitel Mansion & Spa, and suddenly we're in the beautiful grounds.
The grand old Chirnside family mansion with its lush, sprawling gardens is just over the fence but it's a stinking hot day, so after a smooth check-in we take sanctuary in our air-conditioned room which is a classic.
The rooms were the living quarters for trainee priests in the building's previous life as St Joseph's seminary and are pretty small. But the room has been elegantly refurbished with a clean-lined, faintly Japanese black and white wooden fit-out.
There's a queen-size bed with crisp, white sheets, fat pillows and a luxurious goose-down underlay - it's pure comfort. A glass-top bench runs along the wall underneath the window, with one seat and a small television at one end. The television has cable plus some pay-per-view movies ($14.95).
There's a broadband connection (BYO cord) or there's wireless and a public computer in the lobby. On the other side of the room there's a wardrobe with all manner of oddments inside, including bathrobes, ironing board, kettle, and a well-stocked pantry and bar.
The narrow bathroom, which is separated by a huge sliding door, has a marble-tiled floor and shiny stainless steel sink.
After settling in we don our togs and head to the hotel pool for a swim. It's an elegant 17-metre indoor pool, surrounded by cushioned wooden deck chairs. There are plenty of people on this sweltering day, which gives it the character of a miniature public baths, complete with squealing kids, milling mothers and canoodling couples. There's also a small gym with barbells, jogging machines and a steam room.
On Saturday night, after a drink at the bar, we have dinner at Joseph's, the hotel restaurant. It's the only option but it's great. The room is elegant, with soaring ceilings, arched double doors, shimmering curtains and stunning views of the garden. Over three courses ($80 a head) we work our way through a sensational "deconstructed" caesar salad, seared scallops with chilli aioli, roast john dory with tempura sardines and a confit lamb, tender enough to carve with the back of my knife. Our waiter is chatty and knowledgeable about the food and wine.
Next morning, after a 10am check-out then a hot breakfast at Joseph's that is also first-rate, we sticker our Werribee Park day passes to our tops and step into the mansion grounds.
We take a walk through the sculpture park, a windy path among gum trees and along the banks of the Werribee River, dotted with contemporary Australian sculptures.
We move on through the botanic gardens and past the greenhouses and giant parterre to the mansion entrance.
It's palatial, with 60 rooms preserved andrecreated to conjure the opulent lives of the Chirnsides more than 100 years ago. There's plenty we don't do: play night-time tennis or max out our credit cards at the hotel spa. One night holidaying in the 'burbs is not nearly enough.
VISITORS' BOOK
Sofitel Mansion and Spa Hotel at Werribee Park
Address K Road, Werribee Park, 3030
Bookings Phone 9731 4000, or see mansionhotel.com.au.
Getting there Princes Freeway south-west from Melbourne to Hoppers Crossing, take Duncans Road turnoff, then left onto K Road and right into Werribee Park.
Summary A great urban oasis in a beautiful environment with plenty of activities or the chance to relax and indulge. Highly recommended.
How much Classic room from $299 a night.
Verdict 18
The score: 19-20 excellent; 17-18 great; 15-16 good; 13-14 comfortable.
Weekends away are conducted anonymously and paid for by Traveller.
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