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Frequently mentioned in reviews: staff (25) Sequoia (21) room (20) experience (19) service (17) Lofty (17) wine (17) stay (14) pools (12) night (11)
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  • 2/5 Emily W. 2 years ago on Google
    It is nice, but I would say for over $1500 a night people expect more than just nice. The veiw is nice and the bath is big. It feels like not much thought has gone into the room for the user. No Netflix, no foxtel so only free to air TV. A room service charge each time of $15! One TV for the bed but not one for the living area so the living area becomes a bit useless. Coffee machine etc. All squished on top of a bar fridge. For the money I felt very underwhelmed and like I had been ripped off.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Tim L. 2 years ago on Google
    Expectations were high, having stayed at Mt Lofty & (before the KI fires) at Southern Ocean Lodge and similar accommodation. With a price of over $1k a night, plus extra for meals, this is luxe accommodation And therein the problem - for this cost, it needs to be faultless. Sadly Sequoia did not meet expectations, although we'd give it another try First the good - Sequoia is a new addition to Mt Lofty & is a marked contrast to historic Mt Lofty House. There are ~14 suites, each catering for couples only. No kids. The rooms are high tech, although simple design - entrance from shared covered walkway to suite is via keycard - once inside there is a large bathroom with superb decor, backing onto a private water garden. Walking down a short corridor, guests are received into the king bedroom with all facilities, including recessed TV that rises slowly from the cabinetry. Beyond that is the sunken lounge room, stone veneer fireplace & deck looking out over Picadilly Valley.. Guests have a range of options, including dining at Hardys verandah at Mt Lofty House, room service, or meal in the lodge. Or superb Crafers Hotel nearby. A highlight is the artesian spring fed outdoor spa pools, which can be booked for an hour at a time. It's clearly designed for romantic stays, interstate or international guests It could have been so good - for price we expected a little better It's almost on par with the Baille's Southern Ocean Lodge on KI but we felt let down on the following areas (i) service was patchy The staff promised to be annoyingly attentive and - at times - were so. But there was noticeable 'fade' - during dinner (we started off with good service as one of only two couples, but once there were 5 tables of couples, service dropped off & we had to wave attention to get wine glasses filled - themselves annoyingly placed out of reach on the mantle) - We were disappointed that the turndown service didn't occur whilst we were at dinner (contrast with Mt Lofty house where the staff snuck in each night to turn down and place chocolate & glass of port by the bed). We had to ring for it & felt we'd been an imposition for asking - Next morning we had a dip in spa before breakfast but were surprised that spa wasn't pre-prepared with name/towels/drinks menu and lavender body cream, as this was the standard we'd enjoyed the previous day - At breakfast the fare was identical to Mt Lofty House - but no coffee top ups and again staff vanished around 10 despite us being near to, but not finished with dining. It was a marked contrast to Mt Lofty, surpisingly As I said, little things (ii) spa pools The architect dropped the ball here. There are 3 pools - a larger (less warm) shared pool for guests which doesnt require booking, and two smaller (warmer) pools which can be booked for up to an hour. We were very surprised that pools are right next to each other, with very small dividing screen about ⅓ of the way between pools. We've been to some knockout places in Japan, where bathers can experience complete privacy, even though pools very close together. I would have been very disappointed if George Clooney & Julia Roberts were in the spa next door, as we'd be forced to make small talk - really impossible to ignore each other. I wonder if the owners should consider better screening and/or relocating pools (or installing a new one) such that each has own view and is screened. It's do-able using the existing space but needs a good eye (iii) cleaning Was excellent but really odd to see the cleaners cart & vacuum left in the shared walkway from 8-11am. We walked past it on the way to the spa, to breakfast & again to check out. The walkway is narrow & whilst we understand there needs to be service, was weird to partially block guest thoroughfare with cleaners trolley - it detracted markedly from the luxe feel Again, little things - but for price & compared to similar experiences - I feel that Sequoia need to up their game a little
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 James R. 1 year ago on Google
    Sequoia is beautiful - it is South Australia’s version of Hamilton Island’s Qualia resort. I stayed their back in April and had a wonderful stay - the grounds are immaculate, the room is large, the views are beautiful and the food and wine options are endless! The staff were so lovely and attentive and overall it does live up to its rating. It’s not cheap so you probably couldn’t visit all the time but it’s definitely worth staying their once! Well done Sequoia! 🍷😍
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 T C. 1 year ago on Google
    From the minute we set foot on the scenic pathway to check in, Antonio was before our eyes welcoming us with such warmth we immediately felt at home and in good hands for the weekend. We enjoyed the two night ‘experience’. It’s more than just accommodation and dining. All of the staff carry such grace, expertise and quiet attention to detail and professionalism like we had never experienced, before in Australia. We were there to celebrate my 50th birthday and tonight sitting at home, i certainly made the right choice. Something different and memorable. The property itself, 5 star, modern rustic twist, comfortable, clean and very well thought out in design. Thank you all at Sequoia and at Hardy’s fine dining restaurant for the perfect memories. Not to forget Josh who was also an entertaining and knowledgeable host. Lived up to all our expectations and more. An international class of hospitality. Melbourne , Australia
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Yee 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful location and lodges alongside a well deserved 3-hatted restaurant at Hardy's Verandah. The private hot springs experience was wonderful with a great view. The lady who presented the cheese masterclass and welcome introductions was informative and genuine. As for the room, the shower and bathtub was amazing. The fit out was modern yet did not disturb the natural landscape. However, request for new towels took over 30 minutes on each occasion and follow up reminder calls have to be made. The towels would also arrive slightly damp and cold on both occasions, which seems to be a storage issue. In room breakfast would arrive with missed requirements and also entire dishes. Unfortunately, the service was inconsistent and depended on which staff was on that day. We stayed for lunch on our last day as per itinerary designed by the lodge, as we stayed on the premises for other activities in the late morning. We did not feel welcomed as staff members did not usher us to a table, nor set up the table and did not present a menu for over 15 minutes until we walked up to the bar to ask them amongst them chatting to one another. Throughout lunch my water was never topped up and I was not given a napkin. This was our first lunch at the lodge for our two night stay and we wish we also skipped it this time even though they are inclusive in our package. The food served at both lunch and dinner at the lodge (Not Hardy's) was unenjoyable. The food at breakfast was good. There was a lacking farewell experience as we were just farewelled, "ok bye" by the older lady. This is uncommon for 'luxury-marketed' lodges, or even 5 star hotels, and this made us feel that she/the lodge did not care about our experience. The overall stay was relaxing, however we did not leave us with a smile.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Maxine W. 10 months ago on Google
    Amazing stay and experience. We booked the all inclusive and stayed for 4 nights (which is the perfect amount of time!). The views from the room and lounge were breath taking. Nightly turn down service had the most thoughtful details. The hot pools completed the whole stay experience. Meals were also very well presented and actually very tasty. Service was undoubtedly excellent (best in Australia). We’ll definitely be back.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 georgia s. 1 year ago on Google
    We loved our stay at Sequoia, the staff were wonderful and so welcoming. We enjoyed learning about the history of the house and local produce. Incredible food. Incredible rooms and all with a view to die for. If you're looking for a truly special experience, a stay at sequoia is a must, I'm recommending it to everyone I know.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alexandra F. 2 years ago on Google
    This is a top quality experience at every level. From the moment I arrived I was greeted by name which continued throughout the stay with all staff. The room was to die for, stunning artwork, comfortable bed, fantastic shower with massage jets that engulf you, the lounge area and balcony with the view was just next level. I would give everything 6 stars. The food was amazing and as a coeliac they took great care to ensure every meal was prepared safely and it came quickly when there was room service. The welcome with two staff and the other guests with quality sparkling and cheese platter in the lounge with the fire and stunning views set the scene for a personalised experience that made my 50th celebration gift to myself a memorable one. Great thanks to Jess who went the extra mile to support my mother and me to get to the Botanic Gardens after I checked out and transitioned to Mt Lofty House (also gorgeous). Louisa, Jamie and Adam were all fabulous hosts. I'm sure I've missed a couple of staff who I can't recall the name of...sorry they were all outstanding. They all deserve feedback for such a positive warm nurturing experience.The spa on the grounds was fabulous for a massage and facial and the hot springs spa outside with the fabulous view was an experience I won't forget. I do hope to be back again. Thankyou for a memorable two nights of bliss. When the borders open this will be a destination that anyone from across the world would kill to experience. We are so lucky to have this in our backyard in SA.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 emily m. 2 years ago on Google
    This was the perfect place for a suprise getaway for my husbands 30th birthday. From the moment we arrived Thales (sorryif I spelt this wrong!) made us feel at home. We wanted for nothing the entire trip and all staff were so accommodating to any request at all. Breakfast was served in our room so we could enjoy the sunrise and view. The entire team at Sequoia were amazing, would highly recommend! Great place to disconnect from the world in a very well appointed room. Spas are very relaxing!!! If you are seeking an adrenaline fix after your relaxation check out the driving experiences from Jessie and Matt at Prancing Horse
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Manny A. 2 years ago on Google
    Have stayed at many resorts around the world from the Taj London to the four seasons Maui, This lodge is the next level up, Beautiful design all local concepts and art work through out the lodge. Greeted by amazing beautiful staff even though everyone was in masks I could still see their friendly smiles. Adam was one of our main check in staff, could tell he loved the job and shared his passion on with us. Will be going back. only had 1 night booked but felt like we were there for 1 week. Rooms are perfect just what you would expect as a lodge with all the amenities you would expect from a high end experience. Very peaceful rooms. Very grateful for the Sequoia Lodge Experience. Thanks Team. Emanuel
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Spiro T. 2 years ago on Google
    If your looking for perfection look no further the service and accommodation is 100% blissful. And the staff is so friendly and welcoming.

  • 5/5 Joseph S. 2 years ago on Google
    My wife and I had an exceptional stay at Sequoia Lodge, from the time we entered the gated facility through to the parting gifts as we left. Compliments to the entire team who puts this together, the service, rooms, and experiences are really next level. Unable to travel as we often would on holidays, it was awesome to find a new way to enjoy what we have on offer in South Australia from the incredible view over Piccadilly Valley in our suite and shared lounge / dining area, to the local produce, art, and history that was shared with us about Sequoia Lodge and Mount Lofty House. Unlike other times we've stayed in accommodation around Adelaide it really did feel like we were 'away' tucked in this Adelaide Hills nook. The rooms were fantastic, loved the ability to hide the TV so you can enjoy the view from the bed or bath, heated floors in the bathroom, in-room music system and tech in general really added to being able to set everything as you like it, alongside the feeling of 'quality everything'. Neither my wife or I know much about wine, so the Maker and Somm experience with Shawn from Laughing Jack Wines, along with Liinaa, was good fun and we learned a lot about the history of grape growing in South Australia, the difference climate and ground makes to the wines, evolving landscape of wine critics, and about the different wines that we were tasting. Finally, I am so glad we booked after the official launch as the pool / springs were available and it was really amazing to soak in the warm water while looking out over the valley. This is by far the best pool / spa experience that Adelaide has to offer. Looking forward to staying again!

  • 5/5 J D. 1 year ago on Google
    On all levels, outstanding. The customer service team were exceptional and accomodating. Great food, beautiful views and walks. Rooms are well appointed. The option to access Mt Lofty restaurant and lodge enhanced our stay.

  • 5/5 Sean W. 2 years ago on Google
    Absolutely beautiful and so relaxing. Really fantastic staff who are so helpful. Just so relaxing. The perfect place to escape the daily grind.

  • 5/5 Greg (. 1 year ago on Google
    Everything about Sequoia is brilliant. From your tiered fully automatic suite, the stunning views from your balcony,to the warm welcome from all the staff. The world is locked out as you drive through the gates. A beautiful place to relax and indulge. Delicious food, a very well stocked bar, day spa, plunge spring fed pools. And it just gets better with Hardy's Verandah Restaurant and Martha's Kitchen a few minutes walk away.

  • 5/5 Craig W. 1 year ago on Google
    This is a review of a property with whom we share many clients and is the result of a famil undertaken by Janet and I immediately before Christmas 2022 It is a cool and still Sunday afternoon and I have just checked into my elegant suite at Sequoia Lodge on Mount Lofty, the highest peak in the ranges that take their name from this summit in the Adelaide Hills. Getting here from the city is a breeze - an easy drive from the Adelaide Airport that takes a touch over 30 minutes. We were met on arrival by our welcoming services and offered a glass of Adelaide Hills sparkling as we went through a quick but comprehensive check-in. After settling into our room I tuned into the sights and sounds. Adelaide rosellas call as they rocket past in the valley below - yes we are above the birds - and Sulphur-crested Cockatoos make themselves known with a more strident call. Now they are silent and all I can hear apart from soporific music, is the wind through the leaves. A yellow-tailed black-cockatoo just sailed past at eye level - calling softly. It is a great place for parrots up here in the ranges. Getting ready to dine in Hardy’s Verandah… Superb 4 course dinner with locally sourced food creatively prepared - Janet had the Vegetarian options and my dinner was a good balance of Adelaide Hills greens, South Australian seafood and some superb beef with flavour-driven accompaniments. We enjoyed an organic straight Mataro wine “Kin” by Alkina wines in Greenock, a north-western sub-region of the Barossa. Elegant unoaked wine that went well with both the menus we enjoyed. An early Summer storm swept in and clothed the entire summit and property in fog. Later when we were in our room the wind rose and rains clattered in -snug in our room we loved the elemental nature of this unseasonal weather. Next morning we had a generous breakfast where local Hills fare was again on centre stage - fresh fruits, a creative take on Eggs Florentine with native warrigal greens, and a generous selection of sides. Immediately east and below Sequioa is Mount Lofty Botanic Park and we had not properly explored these gardens. It is a beautiful mix of cool climate Northern Hemisphere plants that are planted adjacent to some steep gullys of tall Stringybarks with an understorey of Banksias, ferns and a diverse range of native wildflowers. A casual list from this slow meander of a couple of hours includes: koalas, kangaroos, bandicoot diggings (everywhere!), kookaburras, black cockatoos, galahs, rosellas, sulphur-crested cockatoos (young ones demanding to be fed from the mouth of a large hollow high in a tree) and a smattering of bush birds. After such a generous breakfast, what did us for lunch was an interesting curated cheese tasting with Josh, one of the enthusiastic Experiences team. All cheeses were from the same artisan dairy, Section 28, in nearby Woodside. This session was good fun and gave some insight to the local relationships the Lodge has with through the Hills. After a little time-out we joined Josh once again - this time in the cellar of Mount Lofty House for an wine tasting of some more of the local artisan producers - I sense a theme here… Some down-time in the hot pools was next - a choice of three temperatures - Goldilocks would have been right at home as one was “juuust right”! Dinner tonight was served in the Lodge rather than in Mount Lofty House. It was a delicious a la carte meal and we chose a range of the entrees to share rather than selecting mains and were really happy with our selections. There is an impressive wine list and we selected a couple of wines by the glass, sampling from the excellent local producers. A few facts about the place Well suited to… Guests wanting a quiet getaway for down-time or to celebrate a special event Those wanting a pre- or post-Kangaroo Island trip that offers a full-service dining and spa experiece, access to nature and solitude, and an experience that extends the immersive sense of place Strong recommendation!

  • 5/5 David D. 2 years ago on Google
    Sensational.. everything from the rooms, to the food, to the location, to the staff. Service was far beyond, any other 5 star boutique hotel, I have ever stayed in. Would ( and have) highly recommend this Lodge.

  • 5/5 Robin F. 1 year ago on Google
    Wow....6 star service, 3 chefs hat food, sublime accomodation, wonderful massages, awesome location ....how does one put into words excellence on every front.....nothing was too much trouble, service given with a smile, warmth and with absolute graciousness. 10/10 for whoever has trained the staff, not only at Sequoia lodge but also at Mount Lofty house. Pity that the standard at Sequoia and Mount Lofty do not become the standard for all establishments in the hospitality business. Loved the no children policy, it is definitely an adults venue- for relaxation and comfort- high tech in all the rooms from the blinds to frosting out windows , disappearing TV's and bed heads and a host of other very innovative comforts. This is a seriously brilliant lodge, up there with the worlds best of the best- definitely comparable. Would I recommend this lodge- not even a hesitation of doubt. Will we return- bet your bottom dollar we shall A hedonists comfort zone!!

  • 5/5 Graeme K. 1 year ago on Google
    Loved this boutique retreat at Mt Lofty. Great experience. Quality product, fabulous staff. Didn't want to leave

  • 5/5 Nino C. 10 months ago on Google
    Sequoia Lodge is the best hotel experience we’ve had in Australia. There is no beach…but there are 40degree spa baths with beautiful views. The rooms do not descend into pools that wrap around a resort, but there’s a fireplace, bath tub, top quality finishes and a stunning sunrise view. The staff were incredible, with a high level of detail and can-do attitude. We didn’t feel like we were asking too much at any point (which is becoming all too common at other ‘high end’ experiences. We booked all inclusive package through qantas, which we would do again. We didn’t need to think about food, wine, cocktails…it was all included. We will definitely be back.

  • 5/5 Mark 8 months ago on Google
    The absolute height of luxury I only spent two nights here and wish it was more. I've had some lovely experiences before, but from top to bottom a new standard has been set for me

  • 5/5 Melvyn K. 7 months ago on Google
    We had a short stay here and really treasured our time. It was a good get away when it's not that far away. No stay is entirely perfect, but the staff really make a difference. They were very responsive to our preferences and feedback.

  • 3/5 Michael K. 7 months ago on Google • 1 review
    My husband and I spent 2 nights at Sequoia in September to celebrate our anniversary. We opted for the all inclusive package which at over $2000 per night is not cheap! At check in, we had a glass of bubbles before being shown our room, . Beautiful views from the room and a large well equipped bathroom. However, the room was not as clean as it should be with crumbs on the floor. There were also 3 vases in the room filled with dead foliage. During our stay, bathroom amenities were not topped up nor was our bathroom bin emptied despite the rooms being serviced twice a day. At the time of our stay, there were just 4 rooms occupied one night and 5 the next. As the restaurant in Sequoia was closed, we were booked into Hardys Verandah restaurant the first night and Marthas for the second night. The Verandah had a 6 course degustation menu and while the food was perfectly cooked, the service was not satisfactory for the price. ($189 per head plus extra for matching wines and a whopping $250 for the premium wines. the cheese course was an extra $45 if you wanted it) . Service was quick, too quick and at one point the staff arrived with our next course while we still eating. We had to ask for a break as we felt we were being rushed through our meal. In addition we ordered a bottle of wine and were told that it would need to breathe for a few minutes before being put in a wine bucket. This never arrived nor did any of the staff refill our wine or water glasses throughout the evening. At the end of the meal we were presented with a bill for wine and water and told that drinks were not included. We were somewhat surprised but signed for it anyway. We have never been charged for wine at any other inclusive venue. Next morning we queried the charge while we having breakfast (delicious) and were presented with a whole range of reasons/excuses including it was stated on the website (not), there were different packages, only wine consumed with dinner at Sequoia was included up to an amount of $125, etc etc. What should have happened was that the manager just listened, went away and came back with an explanation. Eventually, she went off and came back to let us know that we were charged in error and she would ensure that it didn't happen again. We didn't have lunch there but that night went to Martha's. We were seated promptly, given our wine and enjoyed our amuse bouche and entre. For main course we were sharing an 18 hour roasted shoulder of lamb with veg. This was obviously pre cooked. We waited and waited for this to arrive. 5 or 6 more tables arrived after us and we saw they were served entre then mains, including the dish we ordered. All efforts to attract the attention of any staff failed. Finally as I was about to get up and find someone, our meal arrived 1 hour and 10 minutes after we finished our entre. We spoke to the waitress about the long wait and she just laughed! The meat and the vegetables were barely lukewarm but by then we were so hungry and tired, we ate it anyway. As we finished a waiter came to see if we enjoyed the meal and after being told it was cold, said he would speak to the manager. We watched as he did this and the manager turned and walked off in the opposite direction! Enough, we walked out and returned to our room with a glass of wine from the manager at Sequoia. Then the TV wouldn't work and we had to call the manager again. As he moved the sofa, there was an old newspaper from 2 July on the floor. For somewhere that aspires to be the best, there is a fair bit of improvement needed in housekeeping and service. And for heavens sake, if something goes wrong, accept it and rectify it without all the excuses. I hardly ever write reviews on hotels as I would rather raise any concerns with the hotel itself. But in this case, we were contacted by Sequoia to raise any suggestions for improvements which we did. The deafening silence sums up their attitude! A Trip Advisor review had the same result.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍


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