Accommodation

[Graham]

I was going to book at the Fairmont Resort but have seen some pretty bad reviews on this place, dating from mid-2009 (though seeming to get better more recently). I am positive I have the correct place in the reviews, so am curious as to where other participants intend to stay.

What were other people's impressions from last year? Would you stay again or choose another place. Failing this, I may go up the road to Leura Gardens instead.

Thoughts?

[Tom]

Hi Graham,

The Fairmont did have huge problems before and at Easter last year.  The resort changed ownership at some stage in the second half of 2008.  The new owners did not get up to speed quickly enough with running a resort and things started getting run down and employee relations got out of hand.  The resort lost most of their staff leading into Easter 2009 and went into a full house that Easter without the staff to even change beds.  Obviously it was a bit of a disgrace at the resort then and there was a huge backlash but to their credit they definitely came back in force in time for The North Face 100 in 2009. I am sure that anyone you talk to who stayed there for the event last year will say that it was a great place to stay.  On top of this, the Fairmont is a huge supporter of the event in allowing the event to be based from there and providing loads of conference rooms for all the event gear.  As well they put on a free runners breakfast (which they were not even meant to do) and had free pasta in the bar at the finish (something we didn't even know was happening and again they were not asked to do).  They provided showers for finishers during gym opening hours and endless blankets for us to give to cold finishers.  As far as we were concerned their support of the event was way above what we expected and we can't recommend the place highly enough or thank the staff more for their support of the event.  Hopefully things are the same this year.  We have certainly had no indication that it shouldn't be just as good as last year.  It would be great to hear from anyone else who stayed there for the event last year.
Cheers,
Tom

[Campbell]

We have just booked at the Leura Gardens and was wondering if anyone could provide some feedback about the resort. Recent comments on Trip Advisor are not too kind. We are not overly fussy, just want clean room with good bed.

Cheers
Campbell

[David]

We're booked into Katoomba YHA again. Plenty of other runners likely to be there.

[Katherine]

I stayed at the York Fairmont last year and it was ok. clean, comfy bed and, most importantly, convenient.
 so i decided to re-book for this year too, but i do have a gripe... 
I was asked whether i was there for the TNF100, which I confirmed i was, and was then quoted a cost of $239/night for a double room (instead of the standard $199 rate quoted on their official website).   
When I questioned this price disparity I received an email of explanation stating (quote)
"The price for north face 100 run was set as the conference package, like coffee and tea for your group during the run."

This rate, I was told, was for everyone staying at the resort because of the race, whether or not they were actually racing (ie family, etc).  It was also non-negotiable.

a couple of points -
a) i was told this 'special price' is an arrangement with the organisers of the race - is this the case?
b) i'm not sure what tea and coffee they are referring to. I know the resort put on some extra services last year, but that was by its own volition.   
c) i thought it was the organisers/sponsers who provided the 'refreshments' during the actual race...
d) It was also explained that the $239 included a buffet breakfast for the saturday and sunday, however this is also included in the usual $199 rate.  (anyway, i'd prefer a rate without breakfast given it is unlikely i will get to the buffet on saturday due to the early race start/preparation, and sunday morning i will either still be running or in a coma...)

anyway, i think its a bit rich that we are being charged extra (almost $100 over 2 nights) just because we are in the race...


gripe over... see you in the mountains.

[Tom]

Hi Katherine,

I am glad you wrote.  Someone else mentioned something about a conference rate but it didn't make any sense to me.  Thanks for explaining the situation so clearly.  Hotels have different rates depending on the room size and quality so firstly I need to check that we are comparing dollar figures with same type of room. I am going to investigate your 'gripe'! The special price for runners is meant to be cheaper than any other option for the same sort of room at the resort at that time.  Even though it is a fantastic service, you should not be paying extra because the resort put on the food, tea, coffee, provide conference rooms and huge support to us.  That should be up to us to pay for these services by including it in your entry fee or arrange sponsorship from the resort as is meant to be the case.  You should be paying less because the event is bringing with it the possibility of a full house.  We do get the price from the resort to display on the website, I am not sure if there has been any sort of negotiation.  I think we just ask for the resort's discounted price.  The food at all the checkpoints is indeed provided by us and the food and drink sponsors (bounce, go natural and Endura).  I'll let you know what I find out.  Thanks again.
Cheers,
Tom

[Alex]

I am from Brisbane and am staying at Katoomba Falls Caravan Park.
A cabin there costs around $100 per night and it sleeps four. I am not sure what it is like as I have never stayed there before.

[Luke]

Campbell,

I stayed at the same place last year and to be honest...you only need a bed!

It is much cheaper than the Fairmont resort and once I finished the race all I was after was a shower and a bed so it was suitable - breakfast is breakfast wherever you go. I think it is suitable for runners but probably not holiday makers who are writing most of the reviews on trip advisor.

It is only a short drive (or walk if you are still able to!) from the start/finish so very convenient.

Katherine,

I received an email from Fairmont resort stating that for a double is was 239 a night and single was 199 which is what is qouted on the TNF 100 website. But also I looked on thier own website and a standard economy room rate is around $120 for a two night stay - obviously this may go up in peak times but is May14/15 peak? - I am sure I would not get $280 dollars worth of tea and coffee even if they where supplying it. I would like an option of not having the buffet breakfast etc as I probably won't be there for most of the time!


Regards,

Luke

[Tom]

Guys,

OK, just got the word that there have been miscommunications with the reception at The Fairmont and people wanting to book in.  I was hoping this was the case.  The price at the resort over The North Face 100 weekend will be the best price available at that time.  There are specials going on right now (February) as it is a quiet time, but during the event the normal rate for singles is $239 (this is $199 for TNF100 competitors and families) and normal doubles are $269 (this is $239 for TNF100 competitors and families).  Only TNF100 entrants and their families are given the discount.

May is indeed a peak season for The Blue Mountains as Sydneysiders love to get up there, sit in front of a fire and feel like they are having a proper winter escape without having to drive at least 5 hours to the Snowy Mountains.

The Fairmont management are aware of the miscommunications from the reception and are going to fix the situation immediately. 

Cheers,
Tom