Set on a rocky hillside, most rooms get spectacular views across the Ella countryside, including Ella Rock and Little Adams Peak.
We were warmly greeted at reception with a welcome sash and drink, then a golf buggy drove us and our luggage to our room (202). The rooms on this site are nicely spread out and the hill(s) between rooms and the restaurant quite steep, so the buggies are needed to get to and from most of the facilities unless you are keen to get your heart rate going. For example, from our room to reception required about 110 steps up the stone stairway. The staff were very responsive providing the buggies, so with a little pre thought getting around wasn’t an issue. Room 103 seemed to be the best placed, with only a few steps needing to be navigated to get to both the restaurant and the pool area. Whilst the buggies can get you to most places step free, I couldn’t see a way to get to the restaurant or pool without navigating at least the few steps mentioned above. Prospective customers with mobility issues should check before booking that their particular needs can be met.
Room 202 was vast with two large single beds placed together to form a huge double (bigger than king size). The bed had a net canopy over it, giving a four poster impression and we enjoyed two good nights sleep in it. The room had a rustic feel with dark woods and the wall behind the bed being faced with the sides of old tea chests complete with stencilled print. Rooms are well equipped with TV, complimentary WiFi (although somewhat irritatingly) we needed to re-enter our log in details many times per day), fridge, complimentary filtered water in refillable bottles, mini safe, torch and variable speed ceiling fan (no air conditioning). The bathroom was also large with a spacious rain shower. Complimentary toiletries were included in refillable bottles, so the hotel does a good job of protecting the environment but could go further in removing all single use items from the bathrooms and plastic bottled water in the restaurant. A large balcony with table, chairs and loungers offered a great space for relaxing and admiring the view.
The restaurant is at the top of the resort, offering even better views whilst having breakfast. There’s a good selection of cereals, pastries, juices, Asian and Western hot and cold dishes with eggs cooked to order. We enjoyed dinner at the hotel from the a la carte menu and this was well presented and delicious. There was also a reasonable selection of wines on offer.
The staff were very friendly and helpful throughout our stay and brought nice little treats each day; a fruit plate and the next day cakes and biscuits. We were also given a decorative tin full of the local tea to bring home.
An on site spa is available and other activities are sourced from reception e.g. ATV and zip line.
We’d like to thank 98 Acres for the complimentary night during our two night stay and its blend of great service, views and rustic charm means we’d be delighted to stay here again.
