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Summary of reviewsDesert Gardens Hotel, nestled in the heart of Australia's stunning outback and close to the iconic Uluru, offers an exemplary location that's both scenic and convenient. Its proximity to local attractions, shops, restaurants and the central town square enhances the guest experience, making it an ideal base for exploring the region. The hotel features efficient shuttle services and ample parking, simplifying transportation and aiding in accessibility.
The breakfast buffet at the hotel is generally praised for its superb variety and quality, despite some guests noting it to be on the pricier side. Dinner experiences have mixed reviews with high-quality meals and a serene dining environment often counterbalanced by observations of steep prices and occasional service lapses. Nonetheless, the range of dining options available tends to provide a satisfying culinary experience.
Rooms at the Desert Gardens Hotel are spacious and clean, well-furnished with modern amenities such as king-sized beds, smart TVs and espresso machines. While some areas show signs of aging, like old carpets and occasional maintenance issues, the majority of guests find the accommodations comfortable and well-equipped. The serene atmosphere and convenient proximity to various facilities add to the overall comfort.
Reviews on cleanliness are mixed with many guests appreciating the spotless rooms and well-kept property, while a notable few mention issues such as pests and infrequent cleaning services. The staff receives high marks for their friendliness and helpfulness, significantly enhancing the guest experience through their warm and efficient service.
WiFi connectivity at the hotel receives mixed reviews, as it works well in public areas but can be inconsistent in rooms. The pool is another highlight, although it occasionally draws criticism for its size and basic features. Families particularly appreciate the hotel's offerings, including well-laid-out family rooms, a kids club and excellent service, even though some note potential noise disturbances and accessibility challenges.
Beds at the Desert Gardens Hotel are frequently lauded for their comfort and size, contributing positively to guest experiences despite occasional cleanliness and pest issues. The hotel successfully meets expectations as a four-star accommodation, providing a comfortable and satisfying stay.
Business travelers find the hotel's facilities suitable for their needs with positive comments on the business center and convention space, despite some noting that the hotel isn't primarily tailored for business use. Overall, Desert Gardens Hotel delivers a memorable and well-rounded experience, especially for those looking to explore one of Australia’s most cherished landscapes. Show more
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Categories
Hotel with Outdoor Pool
Also part of the Voyages Ayers Rock Resort, this hotel offers guests access to a well-maintained outdoor swimming pool. It provides a pleasant setting for relaxation after exploring the surrounding natural attractions.
Luxury Hotel
Family Friendly Hotel
Hotel with Swimming Pool
Outdoor Pool
Business Hotel
Hotel with Parking
Accessible Hotel
4-Star Hotel
Room Types
Garden View Room - Request Two Double BedsLocated throughout the gardens of the hotel with either a balcony or courtyard area, this air-conditioned room features TV with free-to-air channels and a minibar.
Desert Deluxe Room - Request Two Double BedsThis spacious, air-conditioned room looks out on the desert landscape and feature either a balcony or private courtyard. Each has an en suite with a bath and a shower.
Desert Deluxe Room - Request KingThe spacious double room features air conditioning and heating, as well as a private bathroom boasting a shower. The unit has 1 bed.
Guest Reviews
8.2
Very Good
Location
Situated in the heart of Australia's stunning outback, Desert Gardens Hotel boasts an exemplary location that leaves little to be desired. Nestled close to Uluru, just a short 15-minute drive away, it serves as the perfect base for exploring the iconic landmarks of Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Guests appreciate the hotel's central position within the tourist village of Yulara, making it convenient for accessing local shops, restaurants and various cultural activities.
The accommodations offer beautiful views with some rooms overlooking Uluru directly from their balconies. The tranquil desert surroundings enhance the serene atmosphere, creating a picturesque backdrop for a memorable stay. The hotel is also well-situated near the town square, providing easy access to a range of facilities and amenities, including a nearby art gallery and an impressive lookout point in the centre of the resort.
Ease of transportation further enhances the appeal with efficient shuttle services connecting the hotel to the airport and tour pick-up points. This convenience extends to the ample parking available, making it easy to embark on excursions into the national park and beyond. Whether guests are looking for a scenic view, proximity to key attractions or a tranquil escape, Desert Gardens Hotel delivers a well-rounded experience in one of Australia’s most cherished landscapes.
Breakfast
Desert Gardens Hotel offers a breakfast experience that has garnered mixed but mostly positive feedback from guests. Many reviews highlight the breakfast buffet as being superb, delicious and plentiful with a good selection of dishes. The buffet format is frequently praised for its variety and quality, featuring tasty and excellent cuisine that leaves guests satisfied.
However, several reviews mention that the breakfast can be quite expensive with some guests noting a price of around 45 AUD per person as being excessive. Despite this, many still acknowledge the high quality and enjoyment derived from the meals.
The breakfast service starts at 6:30 AM, which some guests find inconvenient for early morning excursions such as attempting to catch the sunrise, suggesting an earlier start time would be beneficial.
Overall, while the cost of breakfast at Desert Gardens Hotel is on the higher side, the quality and range of food offered seem to make it a worthwhile experience for most visitors.
Dinner
Desert Gardens Hotel offers a range of dining experiences that have garnered mixed reviews from its guests. The on-site restaurants are praised for their high-quality meals with many diners enjoying delicious dishes and an overall fantastic dining experience. The resort's main restaurant and the adjacent Ilkari buffet at Sails in the Desert both received commendations for their excellent food.
Despite these positives, there are notable criticisms. Some guests found the prices steep across all dining venues. Issues such as overcrowding, slow service at the Mangata restaurant, poorly trained staff and receiving incorrect bills detracted from the dining experience for some. Additionally, the variety of food across the resort's restaurants was found to be lacking with some guests describing it as similar and average.
Nevertheless, the availability of various dining options and amenities like a bar, a grill restaurant and convenient on-site food facilities enhance the overall experience. The serene dining environment, especially when appreciated in quieter settings, was a plus point for many. While there were some setbacks, the overall consensus points to a generally positive dining experience, particularly for those willing to overlook higher prices for quality meals.
Rooms
Desert Gardens Hotel offers spacious and comfortable rooms that are clean and well-equipped, making it a suitable choice for a short stay. Guests appreciate the large, king-sized beds and the modern amenities, such as smart TVs, microwaves and espresso machines. The presence of a balcony or terrace in many rooms provides an added touch of comfort, although some areas, like the verandah and exterior spaces, could benefit from more regular cleaning.
The rooms, while generally well-furnished and updated, show signs of aging with old carpets, broken fixtures and occasional pests. Despite these drawbacks, the beds and linen are consistently praised for their comfort. Some rooms boast large bathrooms and ample space, catering well to guests seeking relaxation.
Convenience is another strong point with free guest laundry facilities and proximity to several restaurants and a supermarket contributing to a hassle-free experience. However, guests noted that some rooms are quite far from the reception area and parking, which could be inconvenient for those with mobility issues.
The hotel's surroundings provide a peaceful atmosphere, though the views from the rooms didn't always match the expectations set by advertisements. Noise from appliances like mini-fridges and occasional maintenance issues suggest there is room for improvement.
Overall, Desert Gardens Hotel provides a comfortable and spacious stay with modern conveniences, though it could enhance guest satisfaction with better maintenance and more accurate marketing of its room views.
Beds
Desert Gardens Hotel receives notable acclaim for its beds, drawing numerous compliments for their comfort and size. Guests frequently describe the beds as comfortable and very comfortable with several reviews highlighting the beds as large, spacious and even king-size. The pillows also contribute to a restful sleep, noted as being soft and comfy. The hotel's linens receive mentions of crispness, adding to the overall positive sleep experience. However, some reviews point out occasional cleanliness issues with the bedding and isolated incidents involving ants, bugs and even mice. Despite these drawbacks, most guests agree that the beds meet their needs and contribute positively to their stay.
Cleanliness
Desert Gardens Hotel appears to have mixed reviews concerning cleanliness with a noticeable disparity between positive and negative comments. Many guests praised the hotel for its very clean and well-maintained rooms, describing them as spotless and extremely clean. The overall property, including the pool, was also noted as clean and well-kept.
However, a significant number of reviews highlighted cleanliness issues. Complaints ranged from dirty bathrooms and verandahs to outdated rooms with old carpets. The presence of insects like ants and cockroaches was frequently mentioned, along with some disturbing accounts of mice. There were also comments about inconsistency in daily cleaning services with some rooms not being serviced for multiple days despite requests.
In summary, while many visitors appreciated the cleanliness and maintenance of Desert Gardens Hotel, there are clear areas for improvement, particularly concerning pest control and regular, thorough cleaning services.
Staff
At the Desert Gardens Hotel, the staff receives high praise for their exceptional friendliness and helpfulness, significantly enhancing guests' experiences. The reception desk frequently garners compliments for being welcoming, courteous and providing prompt and efficient service. Many guests felt the staff went above and beyond, contributing to an atmosphere of warmth and kindness that encourages repeat visits.
Restaurant and bar staff also stand out with their polite, friendly and attentive service, which complements the well-organized tours and guest activities. Specific mentions of helpful staff members, such as Daniel the luggage porter and Jaruska at the Bistro, highlight the personal touches that distinguish the hotel’s service.
However, there are occasional remarks about certain staff members needing further training and some isolated incidents of unwelcoming behavior at the front desk upon arrival, though these seem to be rare exceptions in an otherwise positive narrative. Overall, the Desert Gardens Hotel staff is depicted as a dedicated team that significantly enhances the guest experience through their friendliness, helpfulness and courteous service.
Wi-Fi
The Desert Gardens Hotel has received mixed feedback on its WiFi services. While some guests appreciated the availability of good WiFi, others reported substantial connectivity issues, particularly in their rooms. Guests often found that WiFi worked best in public areas like the lobby and the Town Centre. Unfortunately, there were frequent complaints about poor connectivity, disconnections and instances where WiFi was entirely unavailable in the rooms. Some guests even had trouble accessing essential services or park passes due to these issues. Attempts to resolve these problems with the telecom company were mentioned but seemed to have limited success. Overall, while WiFi is advertised and can be good in specific areas, its inconsistency, particularly in the rooms, was a notable concern for many visitors.
Pool
The Desert Gardens Hotel offers a pool experience with mixed reviews. Highlights include a beautifully designed pool area that many guests found to be a relaxing retreat. Families noted that kids particularly enjoyed the pool, which was maintained regularly and had great facilities. However, some visitors found the pool small and very basic, nestled centrally along a walking path. The pool area, though lovely and perfect for winding down after a hot summer day, could use some updates and repairs. Cleanliness was a point of contention with some guests noting a dirty pool and high chlorination levels. Despite its appeal, the pool was often busy and in need of major maintenance with suggestions for improved heating. Those staying at the Sails hotel found additional, larger pool options nearby, enhancing their overall experience. Amidst varying opinions, the convenience of having a pool with easy access to numerous dining options contributed positively to guest stays.
Parking
Desert Gardens Hotel offers parking spaces; however, they are situated at a considerable distance from the reception and the rooms, which may involve a long walk. Despite the distance, parking is included with the stay. Some guests found the loading bay to be inconveniently far from the rooms, making luggage handling difficult without an elevator. On a positive note, the hotel staff, including the bell staff, were helpful and provided adequate information to assist guests.
Family
Desert Gardens Hotel stands out as a family-friendly destination, offering a range of activities that make it a great choice for those traveling with kids. The gardens surrounding the hotel provide a peaceful and quiet retreat, making it an ideal place for families to unwind. The well-laid-out family rooms are equipped with kitchen facilities, which adds a layer of convenience for parents who prefer to prepare meals for their little ones.
The kids club receives high praise and contributes to the overall positive experience for families. The hotel staff is noted for their excellent service, further enhancing the stay. Despite a few drawbacks such as the lack of an elevator and the considerable walk from some rooms to the car park, the overall ease of accommodation and accessibility make it a favorable option for families.
However, it’s worth noting that some guests mentioned noise disturbances from other families at the pool and potential challenges for those with accessibility issues. Despite these minor inconveniences, Desert Gardens Hotel consistently receives commendation for its family-friendly environment, making it a reliable choice for a family getaway.
4 Star
Desert Gardens Hotel is generally regarded as a commendable four-star accommodation with multiple reviewers labeling it as a good or great option in its category. The dining experience is frequently praised for its classy ambiance and great food, complemented by reasonably priced menus. Guests also found the rooms to be updated and clean, enhancing the overall appeal of the property. The entire property maintains high cleanliness standards. Despite some expressed desires for more flexibility in the resort's offerings, visitors were notably pleased with their experiences, particularly when visiting significant landmarks like Ayer’s Rock. Overall, Desert Gardens Hotel successfully meets expectations for a four-star hotel, providing a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
Business
Desert Gardens Hotel offers an array of facilities for business travelers. The hotel features a well-equipped business center, which has received positive feedback for its utility. Additionally, high-speed internet is available, catering to the connectivity needs of guests. The convention centre space has been highlighted as one of the best aspects for holding events or meetings. Despite some reviews indicating that Desert Gardens Hotel may not be tailored primarily as a business hotel and noting a few issues with business facilities, many guests have found the available services to be suitable for their business needs.
Accessible
Desert Gardens Hotel offers a mixed experience for guests with disabilities. On the positive side, the hotel provides accessible ramps, making certain areas easier to navigate. The pool, which is equipped with plenty of towels, is also noted for its accessibility, although some guests suggest that it could benefit from more shade. The hotel's organization of tour pickups is commendably efficient and the airport and shuttle bus services are straightforward to use, adding convenience for travelers.
Most attractions around the hotel are accessible, adding to the appeal for guests with disabilities. However, there are notable downsides. Some amenities and rooms within the hotel lack accessibility and there were no accessible routes in some parts of the property. Additionally, the absence of Wi-Fi in the rooms could be a disadvantage for some guests. Despite these issues, Desert Gardens Hotel has key accessible features that may make it a viable option for some travelers with disabilities.
Outdoor Pool
The Desert Gardens Hotel offers an outdoor pool which guests have generally appreciated, describing it as lovely and great. The pool area is noted for being very quiet, making it an excellent spot for relaxation. While the cleanliness of the pool has received mixed feedback with some guests mentioning it could be better and others finding it satisfactory, the main drawback appears to be the lack of heating, making the water too cold for comfortable swimming. Additionally, suggestions have been made for the pool to be shaded and to improve the seating area around it. Despite these concerns, the overall value for money at the hotel is seen as good by guests who enjoyed sitting by the pool, even if it wasn't particularly inviting to everyone.
Yes, Desert Gardens Hotel has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Outdoor Pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Desert Gardens Hotel.
No, Desert Gardens Hotel doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Desert Gardens Hotel.