Mansion Hotel & Spa at Werribee Park

“The world is a book, and those that do not travel read only a page”

Saint Augustine

According to the publicity blurbs on the Hotel website,..the Lancemore Mansion Hotel is quite literally one of the grandest hotels in Australia, …the Mansion Hotel & Spa at Werribee Park is a cosmopolitan haven of tranquillity and charm. A premier and highly sought after destination just 30 minutes from Melbourne’s CBD. The Hotel’s celebrated service and luxurious guest rooms pair effortlessly with the noble 19th Century estate and a stunning 10 acres of formal English gardens.

AWARD-WINNING ACCOMMODATION close to MELBOURNE

Ranked in the top 25 hotels in all of Australia by TripAdvisor, the Mansion Hotel & Spa at Werribee Park captures the very essence of boutique accommodation. Somwe of the 91 luxuriously appointed guest rooms are perhaps a little dated now,…but nevertheless the individual and sophisticated feeling of the Hotel is still everything you would expect of a contemporary 5 Star hotel.

What sets the Mansion hotel apart is the place itself. A magnificent 1870 historic mansion and 1923 Catholic Seminary surrounded by 10 acres of formal English gardens just 30 minutes from Melbourne CBD. The classic Heritage roomswere once home to students of St Joseph’s Seminary and have been transformed in accordance with strict heritage guidelines to offer modern amenities while retaining their rich tradition and period features. The more generously spaced Junior Suites and Superior Rooms were added when architects Wood Marsh transformed the property into the multi-award-winning boutique hotel you see today. A property that may bewilder the old seminarians,.. but which pays homage to its past as a peaceful retreat for escape and contemplation.

The grounds are delightful and well worth a stroll.

“From the moment you arrive, you’ll sense this place is quite unique and almost spiritual. It is a world apart from anywhere else, where you are spoilt for choice and free to indulge. You can relax over a delicious meal and fine wine or bask in the attention of an expert spa therapist, or take a wander through the grounds as if they were your own. Few hotels will give you such a profound sense of place or purpose.It remains a premier and highly-sought-after destination just 30 minutes from the CBD, Mansion Hotel & Spa at Werribee Park pairs celebrated service and luxurious guest rooms effortlessly with the noble 19th-century estate and a stunning 10 acres of formal English gardens. Guests can walk to the Open Range Zoo, visit the Shadowfax Winery adjacent to the property,..or enjoy a massage at the Spa at the Mansion,.I really enjoyed my swim swam in the heated indoor pool and generally a very relaxing stay and generally would recommend extending your visit to two-night stay if you are looking for a quiet and re-energising getaway!

The venue itself is set up in a stylish fashion,.. and there are many Room options available,.. depending on each guests preferences. The general vibe of the mansion and the gardens makes the experience all the more memorable,… little wonder it is referred to as the “the Grand Mansion experience”

Activities/Diversions

Probably one of the main attractions is to visit the historic Chirnside Mansion is the jewel of Werribee Park. Built and completed by wealthy Scottish pastoralists,
the Chirnside family, in 1877, the mansion is a living, breathing postcard of the 19th century. Built-in the Italianate architecture style, Werribee Mansion has 60
rooms in several wings and following extensive restoration, many of the Chirnside Family items, including clothing and furniture, remain on display. Guests can walk to the Open Range Zoo, visit the Shadowfax Winery adjacent to the property,..or enjoy a massage at the Spa at the Mansion,.

HERITAGE ROOM

19 square metres of history. Originally part of Corpus Christi College, built-in 1923 and one of the first seminaries of the Catholic Church in Australia. King size bed and ensuite bathroom.Our Heritage room was modern and comfortable and we enjoyed the complimentary bottle of Pinot Noir

SUPERIOR ROOM

A generous 26 square metres of graceful elegance. Contemporary décor with king-size bed and ensuite bathroom. All the amenities you would expect of a five-star boutique hotel, including lavish robes.

JUNIOR SUITE

33-40 square metres of modern extravagance. Private balcony overlooking the stunning forecourt. Spacious en suite with shower and spa bath. Lavish robes, plush linen, king size bed, and flat-screen TV.

My Itinerary/Programme on Tuesday 2nd July 2019

Day One –

I rather enjoyed the fact that the Hotel management had devised a program for me and I could “switch off” from my publishing and business responsibilities.

From 2:00 pm Arrive at Mansion Hotel & Spa at Werribee Park
Welcome to Mansion Hotel & Spa at Werribee Park
Gate 2, K Road, Werribee VIC, 3030
Checked in
Time at Leisure
With Mansion Hotel & Spa providing a luxurious escape, it could be said there is no reason to leave the hotel. However, there is much to do and see in the local area, so here are a few
suggestions:
Visit the Chirnside Mansion – The historic Chirnside Mansion is the jewel of Werribee Park. Completed by wealthy pastoralists,
the Chirnside family, in 1877, the mansion is a living, breathing postcard of the 19th century. Built in the Italianate architecture style, Werribee Mansion has 60
rooms in several wings and following extensive restoration, many of the Chirnside Family items, including clothing and furniture, remain on display. The mansion is open 10am-
4 pm daily (last entry at 3:30 pm) for self-guided tours.•

Take a Walk around Victoria State Rose Garden –The grounds are delightful and well worth a stroll. Winner of the prestigious World Federation of Rose Societies Award for Garden Excellence, this internationally acclaimed garden is located in the magnificent setting of Werribee Park. Five thousand roses are displayed to perfection with four uniquely shaped designs, with the feature design set in the shape of a Tudor Rose. Two themed displays complete the rose design; a Federation Leaf dedicated to Australian Roses and the David Austin Bud showcasing roses of 46 cultivars. The rose
garden is separated from the mansion’s formal gardens by a Heritage Border featuring unusual and historic roses from
around the world. In bloom from October to May, the roses are at their most magnificent from November to April. Enter via Gate 2. Victoria State Rose Garden is open
daily from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm.
Take a leisurely walk around Werribee Park – Like many early settlers, the Chirnsides were members of the Acclimatisation Society, an
organization which introduced several European flora and fauna species to the Australian landscape. As a result, the
ten hectares of manicured landscape within Werribee Park contains a variety of exotic species combined with Australian natives.

Visit Shadowfax Winery-Shadowfax Winery is a very short walk – please note that they always do complimentary wine tasting and not just for hotel guests.

Established in 1999 and situated just 30 kilometres from Melbourne in the heart of Werribee Park, Shadowfax is one of Victoria’s leading boutique wineries. With a strong focus on regionality, Shadowfax has established an enviable reputation for its range of premium wines. Dedicated to creating high quality, handcrafted wines, Shadowfax produces Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir from its high-altitude Little Hampton vineyard in the Macedon Ranges, as well as a range of Minnow wines from its Werribee vineyard, which overlooks the winery.
Open daily from 11:00 am, Shadowfaxoffers a unique range of wines to taste and purchase the range of wines on offer at the cellar door.

The friendly cellar door team provided an informative overview,.. and offer advice on the best food to serve with each wine.

Lunch at Shadowfax

You can stay for lunch and enjoy the Mediterranean-inspired menu served in the restaurant.

“The delicious antipasto and cheese plates, the wood-fired pizzas and sumptuous desserts are available every day and perfectly complement Shadowfax’s wines.”
*Every Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 pm, the cellar door comes alive with live music from the winery’s favorite bands.

7:00 pm Dine – Dine at Joseph’s Restaurant & Bar

The restaurant’s passion for hospitality is at the heart of everything and their modus vivendi. And nowhere more so than at Joseph’s Restaurant & Bar where the staff unite warm, friendly service with deliciously fresh, seasonal produce and the finest of Australian and international wine. Named in honor of the Catholic Seminary that once stood in its place and overlooking the spectacular partette garden in the shadow of our historic mansion, Joseph’s is where you can experience unforgettable moments.

You can start your evening by up the grandeur over a cocktail at the bar, and then sit back and savor award-winning modern European fare.

At Joseph’s, You can take a moment to soak up the atmosphere and prepare yourself for a feast of the senses. Everything about Joseph’s is inspired by artisan producers – from the paintings on our walls to the food on your plate and more than 200 wines in their cellar. But if you’re so relaxed that deciding is hard, then let the sommelier select some wines for you and pair them to your food,…which is exactly what I did and I got to experience some truly unique and exciting winesthat I would not have otherwise ever heard of.

*See a list and description of these wine in my report about the Josephs Restaurant Tasting Menu.

Dining Options:

The general practice at Josephs is to take the Degustation Dining Option,.. comprising a 4 or 6-course Degustation meal @ $105 or $155 per person.

The Werribee venue has no other evening dining options. I took the 4-course option each with an additional $55 matched wine option.

That’s a meal of four exquisitely prepared and imaginative but delicate, smallish courses that all adds up to a very tasty and interesting culinary or gastronomic journey …certainly more interesting than a Classic a la carte menu... In my experience, this facilitates the tasting process of trying some imaginative food created by their excellent and accomplished Chef,…with perfectly matched wines. and I found it satisfied my exercise-induced appetite more than adequately…

They are open for Lunch and Dinner 7 days a week.

To book a table for the evening phone +61 3 9731 4000 or email [email protected]

Day Two – Wednesday 3rd July

Breakfast -7.00 am sharp

Breakfast served until 10:30am –

The Buffet Breakfast offered a good selection of cereals, juice, toast, pastries and cold meats and the ‘hot’ foods in the warming plates; scrambled eggs. bacon, tomatoes looked terrific but I had ordered some Poached Eggs Hollondaise on a bed of Spinach with bacon and it was probably one of my more memorable breakfasts ..Whilst awaiting the poached eggs I indulged in some Antipasto style meats including some delicious prosciutto and salami and some local cheese.I must have been hungry! I have seen some criticism of the large and practical Nespresso machine in Tripadvisor and other portals,..but to be frank,..I thought the coffee was completely adequate,…with an Italian double shot Espresso being my favorite selection,.. I enjoyed using and enjoyed the flavorsome coffee some seriously good coffee out of. I enjoyed some Pastries,, Fruit,.. and the little ‘milk’ bottles of berry-flavored yogurt. I also appreciated having access to a good range of Newspapers and magazines available both in the restaurant and in the Hotel Foyer.

Library

Let time stand still. Adjourn to a spot in front of a crackling fire, aperitif or liqueur in hand.

The Spa

One of Melbourne’s most exclusive Day Spas; an ethereal escape just 30 minutes from the CBD. Spoil yourself with a rejuvenating and truly indulgent treatment. Relax in the care of our wonderful therapists.De-stress as you enjoy a tailor-made back, neck and shoulder massage to ease any areas of tension. Next, enjoy a revitalizing facial treatment to polish and refresh your skin to glowing perfection. Finish with a glass of champagne served in our relaxation lounge.

Please call the Spa at Mansion Hotel on (03) 9731 4140 and quote your voucher number to book your appointment.

They recommend that bookings are made well in advance to avoid missing out on your preferred time.

Snooker Room

Retire to the grand Snooker Room, grab a cue and rack up a frame or two. You can even book their resident three-time World Champion to show off a few tricks of the trade.

Pool & Gym

Burn the calories from Joseph’s dessert or freshen up over a lap or two of the 17 metre heated indoor pool.

Please call the Spa at Mansion Hotel on (03) 9731 4140 and quote your voucher number to book your appointment. We recommend that bookings are made well in advance to avoid missing out on your preferred time.

The Mansion Hotel & Spa at Werribee Park is as grand an Event venue today as it was when hosting the cream of colonial Melbourne in the late 1800s. But unlike then, the property is now home to 9 flexible and contemporary conference spaces, critically acclaimed food and wine, 91 luxuriously appointed guest rooms and a team of dedicated, highly qualified and experienced professionals.

I believe that this is one of Victorias most magnificent venues for Weddings

Everything has been designed with your Event or Corporate needs in mind, and they have a reputation for delivering a flawless event each and every time. Their planning and staging expertise has been tried and tested thousands of times over and their quotes are all-inclusive. (so there are no hidden costs) The staff can eliminate any stress so you can focus on achieving your aims and return to work more knowledgable, more fulfilled and more inspired than ever before.

Call the Mansion Hotel 24 hours a day on +61 3 9731 4000 and let them help you make the most of your stay.

You can Connect with Mansion Hotel & Spa on Facebook and Instagram:
@mansionhotelspa

#mansionhotelspa

#lancemorehotels

Mansion Hotel & Spa at Werribee Park