Reviews on TripAdvisor 

“Consistent friendly professional service”

Reviewed 26 October 2011

It had been more than 5 years since I'd stayed at and staged a training workshop at the Quality Hotel Apollo International, but I was delighted to find that my good memories of past experiences there were still still justified as I found the service from the staff every bit as good as I remembered!

A few points that made my stay memorable:
- Every person I spoke to on the phone from the hotel before I arrived ALL said they were looking forward to welcoming me back to the Quality Hotel – a little thing, but it really stood out as it was a consistent message.
- Being upgraded to a newly refurbished room was also a nice surprise.
- Being offered free wifi access at check-in was also a bonus – I don’t know why EVERY hotel doesn’t do this – it really adds value to the stay, especially when you have to work afterhours responding to emails, etc.
- The service provided by Kelsey in the restaurant was also consistently good – despite the fact she worked both dinner and breakfast shifts (and having done this myself in the past, I appreciate how tough this can be!). Kelsey knew how to look after a single diner without being intrusive.
- The quality of the food in the restaurant, and for our function, was really good too. Little things like homemade slices and ‘real’ muesli were noticed and appreciated.
- Our function room was refreshed magically during each break – great when you’re based in the same room all day.
- All staff we dealt with were friendly, professional and more than happy to help – and this seemed to be exactly the same with their interactions with all the other guests.
We will definitely be back!

Room Tip: The hotel is currently being renovated, but I did not experience any lack of sleep or disturbances due to noisy tradespeople - so I recommend requesting one of the newly renovated rooms if you can - they look great and are very comfortable.

“Fabulous restaurant”

Reviewed 11 October 2011

Lovely comfortable, spacious room with a nice view over the reserve, the peaceful breeze and birds were relaxing. The undoubted highlight was the excellent restaurant, with attentive and entertaining staff and superb food. A slight menu change was not an issue. A terrific seafood bisque with garlic sourdough was followed by the best lamb shanks I had had for some time. The glaze coating was similar to a slow cooked rib style but not heavily smoked, served simply on polenta and grilled veges. The tiramisu dessert was also very fresh and well done. Before anyone has a 'downer', we live at Sanctuary Cove and dine regularly at restaurants like Absynthe, Hyatt SC Fire Place Grill, Vanitas and the PoloClub, Brisbane. Great to see a restaurant of this quality in Newcastle and I hope the locals take advantage. Please tip the staff if you are impressed also, it was plainly obvious it does not happen regularly in good establishments there. PS, wine list was impressive with 'local drops', taking good advantage of your proximity to Hunter Valley. Very reasonably priced.

Room Tip: Elevated room at the rear of the building was our choice.

“Peaceful despite the renovations”

Sitting on a hill with a view over a nature reserve, this hotel is undergoing a massive upgrade. Despite this, and the fact that it is on the main road, it was very peaceful to sit on the balcony at the beginning and end of each day - couldn't hear any street noise at all. The only incident that detracted from this serenity was the perplexing decision to have someone mow the lawn at 08:10 in the morning - really think this could be completed later in the day.

Check-in and check-out were fast and efficient. The rooms were clean and spacious with a modest selection of channels (both free to air and cable). The decor was pleasant and the bed comfortable. Remember to turn on the Master Switch near the door otherwise many of the lights and other items will not work. A major benefit of staying here was the free wireless Internet. It provided a good, clean connection which was greatly appreciated.

The bathroom (with a shower/bath) contained the usual amenities including a beautifully scented shower gel. Never tried any of the food in the sole onsite restaurant so cannot provide any comment on that.

There is free off-road parking, but accessing the hotel from the north (Newcastle) involves a u-turn on a relatively busy dual-carriageway road. Coming from the south, access is much easier, but heading south also requires a u-turn after leading the hotel. This didn't cause me any problems but those who don't like facing such things should take note.

Not far south of the hotel (possible to walk but driving is better) is the Charlestown Square shopping mall. This was quite an impressive shopping centre which housed cinemas and a variety of food options, including supermarkets for those who wish to self-cater. The mall provides three hours of free parking, which is sufficient time for most visits.

Though it is a little far from the heart of Newcastle (the hotel is in Charlestown), the extra journey is well worth the benefits of a hotel located adjacent to a nature reserve. I would certainly return here when I am next in Newcastle.

Stayed September 2011, travelled on business

September 16, 2011

“Stayed for 6 months”

• Stayed July 2011, travelled on business September 4, 2011

“Well Satified”

I stay at the Quality Apollo on a regular basis and I find David and his crew to be very professional, the rooms are clean and the food is very nice and the service is top class.

August 31, 2011

“Overnight stay - peaceful nights sleep”

Everything we expect of a Quality Hotel. Service, cleanliness and presentation very good although could do with a makeover. Unfortunately the restaurant is closed on a Sunday so we never experienced it, however the breakfast delivered to our room was on time and very nice. Although located close to a busy road, our room was very quiet and both the bed and couch comfortable. 

12 September 2010