I had the absolute pleasure of staying at The Houston in Wagga Wagga last week, a bespoke luxury hotel with all the small touches you can think of, a stroll away from Wagga Wagga township. Which, by the way, is a hell of a lot bigger than I had expected!
The hotel is created inside the historic 1868 Belmore House, with a neo gothic style building. The grounds are gorgeous and include the old stables! The interior decor is on point, as soon as you walk inside, with beautiful artwork and furnishings.
When it come to hotels, I love those small touches, and The Houston was full of them. As soon as I entered my room (with the cutest key-ring) with my welcome letter with EVERYTHING I could need on it, I was impressed. I had the junior suite, with a gorgeous entrance way, bathroom on the left, mini lounge area on my right, opening to my bedroom. The interior design is stunning – I wish it was my house! Grey plush furniture, mustard highlights and minimal furnishings. I noticed a little brown paper bag on the bench that had my breakfast for the next day sitting in it – local jam, butter, a juice, muesli and bread for toast. All matching the brand and style. The bathroom has spectacular floor tiling, which I can only presume is the original.
Oh and the bed, OMG the bed. I actually lay down, got almost straight back up and went to reception and asked what brand the bed was!! They say the secret is in the mattress topper – I know what it is and I am going to get one!! Like lying in a fluffy white cloud on my way to dream-town!
The hotel must support local business (which I love) and has numerous artisan nibbles and drinks for you to try from the minibar. I LOVED the cookie beside my bed from Whisk & Spin – practically a meal in itself.
As a marketing professional, was I impressed at how on brand the entire venue was. The surrounds, the welcome letter, the lunch bag, the signs above the minibar, even the minibar had gin and juice tied together with twine! T2 sleepy tea beside the bed (which I actually think worked, despite me being dubious), the grounds and landscaping, the signage and the beautiful reception. Props to you Fox & Co Hotels – definitely leading the way in small boutique accommodations.
I cannot wait to visit again.
