Mercure Maitland Monte Pio 4 stars

My husband and I had an overnight stay at the historic Monte Pio. We were attending a small reunion locally and chose this hotel for its historic beauty. However, we felt the service was lacking and the facilities wanting. I had to recheck my reservation because I was sure the hotel staff made a mistake and had thought I was a lone traveler. The bed seemed sooo small and yet it was supposed to be a queen size. I had paid for 2 x breakfasts and they had us down as only 1. I was given a welcome drink, only 1 when there were 2 of us. I had arranged a late check out but we had been locked out of our room after 10am. Breakfast was a bit of a hit and miss. Staff stated they could not provide tea cups due to COVID 19 and so only the small coffee cups were set out. It just did not live up to expectations.

The reception staff were lovely and friendly and made checking in under corona conditions easy. The rest of the stay not as great. The hotel felt neglected. Our room was tired and in need of TLC - curtains didn't fit properly, there was a lingering smell of old cigarette smoke, only one mug provided for tea/coffee. Worst of all, despite being the middle of winter, there was no electric blanket provided and only scratchy blankets, no doona. We were cold all night.

We have stayed at the Monte Pio before and this visit didn't disappoint. Friendly and helpful staff. The room was nicely appointed in a peaceful location. The onsite restaurant has a varied menu and the meals were tasty.

This place has potential, but we found it to be a slightly disconcerting experience. Effort was made to refurbish the property but it's a bit hit and miss. For example in the lobby/guest foyer there were lots of half unpacked card boxes lying around as if the hotel was in a state of disarm. When I checked in the receptionist put my children and I in two rooms (as requested) but in opposite sides of the hotel. I assumed we'd have to put up with it because the hotel was busy - it was just after Christmas - but no, we later realised it was practically deserted. It felt like ghost town with no staff around and one or two other people. Breakfast was an odd affair. When I asked about it I was told 'the hot breakfast is $22 but we don't currently have a hot breakfast'. Instead there was probably the lamest 'continental' breakfast (which continent - Antarctica?) I've ever seen. Think a broken coffee machine, toast that took about 5 mins to toast, sad looking pastries and rice bubbles. I felt a bit sorry for the owners and the staff and hope they can turn this place around. As I said, it has potential but being in the middle of nowhere (sorry Maitland) isn't doing it any favours. BTW it is an old heritage building having been a convent, school and orphanage. It's easy for your imagination to run wild as it does feel a bit eerie, but I'm sure that comes from us watching too much TV.....

Have stayed here before and was quite satisfied. Not this time. I could not believe that a room could be so tiny and cramped. I'm sure it used to be a larger room in the past and a fake wall was erected. We could hear our neighbour talking as plain as day. We could even hear the person on the other end of their phone conversation. The bathroom had lost of ants and was so small that there was barely enough room to dry yourself after a shower. On our last stay here, for the same price we had a much larger room with solid brick walls and couldn't hear a peep from anyone. This is the reason why we returned this time. It could be just a coincidence but it was just after we joined ACCOR and booked through them that we got the horrible room. Previously we booked through Wotiff. Also it didn't save us one cent by joining ACCOR. Time to try something else next time.

This would have to be the worst Mecure on the planet. We stayed a few years ago and we were lied to about why the restaurant was closed. Since it has been a few years we thought we would give it another try but sadly nothing has changed .I don't think anything will until there is a change of management. We wont stay again plenty of better properties in the Maitland area.

We got in late and left early so didn't get to take it all in, but the room was large and clean with a full size bar fridge and tea making facilities. Air Con unit in room and a large comfortable bed. Car parking free and plentiful

Beautiful heritage style building , staff very polite but not enough of them . The concierge also works in the kitchen and also serves behind the bar . We arrived at 830am for breakfast but no hot food in the bain maries and no staff to be found so we had to go to a cafe down the road. As a result the outside grounds also need a good clean up

We enjoyed our stay at the Monte Pio, the historic building was beautifully converted and the rooms were clean & comfortable. The staff were lovely and friendly and the restaurant food was good quality and very tasty.

I ha e stayed at this property mb any times over many years bu TV recently I get the impression it is slowly offering less and less. T hff e receptionist was the on look y person I saw at check in and it felt like the late shift even though it was only a bit after 7 pm. It was Monday and the rs e is no restaurant or room service. I did receive my room upgrade but there was no welcome gift customary for platinum members. Breakfast was good

The reason for the low score is we were surprised at the very low level of staffing. It appears to be a low season, but the receptionist or manager was also the dining room wait staff. It was not clearly communicated what was happening when waiting. Also our room had 2 key issues. There was a power point in our room next to the tea and coffee facilities that was hanging out of the wall and was rather dangerous. And the water seal strip on the base of the shower screen door was broken so the water flooded the bathroom floor. It was annoying. The manager was excellent, but probably overwhelmed.

Difficult to keep such a large property updated. Was very clean and staff friendly. Reception was closed when I arrived at 9:00pm which can be expected when there are a minimum number of guests staying at the Motel.

Nice, clean and well maintained property. The staff was super helpful and the rooms were comfortable. We stayed only for one night but overall experience was pleasant. Will definitely come back if we visit the area again.

Disappointing visit the Monte was originally a convent so I was expecting beautiful furnishings and a step back n time, the furniture was dated and the the ornaments gaudy with poor quality plastic plants in pots large gold dolphins adorned an outdoor area the lamp in our room was twisted I went to straighten it and it fell off it was being held together with duck tape a large 70.s style mirror hung in our room cobwebs in the corners of the room some of the curtains hanging off the after spending the night before at the Mercure at Williamson where the decor is modern and clean it was so disappointing. The staff were friendly the bed was comfortable and the shower was great. Disappointing only in the tacky decor expected more for the money we paid.

Very good hotel. Friendly and helpful staff. Rooms are a good size and beds very comfortable. Hotel is close to Maitland centre and is only a short drive to the Hunter vineyards. Restaurant when open is excellent.