Escape to Candlelight Lodge: Your Thredbo Dream Awaits!
Escape to Candlelight Lodge: Your Thredbo Dream… Almost Awaits! (An Honest Review)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the beans on Candlelight Lodge in Thredbo. Forget the glossy brochure – I'm talking real ski-bum experience, warts and all. This isn't just a review; it's a warning… and a recommendation? Maybe? Let's find out!
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag… Literally.
Right off the bat, let's talk about accessibility. Look, I'm not in a wheelchair, but I do appreciate a smooth experience. Candlelight Lodge… well, they try. (Facilities for disabled guests) is a good sign, but the devil is in the details, right? I noticed an elevator which is a huge plus in the mountains, and they should have wheelchair accessible rooms (though I didn’t personally inspect them). However, I also saw some gnarly steps leading to the main entrance, and that's a big ouch for anyone with mobility issues. CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property are comforting too, especially in a bustling ski town. Still, double-check those accessibility specifics directly with the lodge before booking, especially if it's important to you. Don't blindly trust the glossy brochure, I'm telling you!
Checking In: Smoothish. Then, the Wi-Fi Catastrophe.
The check-in/out [express] option is a blessing, especially after a long drive. But I opted for a slightly slower (private?) check-in because I wanted the lowdown. The staff seemed friendly enough, but the lobby was a little… beige. And the Contactless check-in/out? Well, that's modern, I guess.
Then came the Wi-Fi. Oh. My. God. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!… technically. But it was slower than a glacier melting in January. I'm talking dial-up circa 1998 slow. Forget streaming anything. I spent half my time staring at buffering circles. (And yes, I tried the Internet [LAN] option – same story). They advertise it as the Internet, but prepare yourself. It's more like the Intermittent. I mean, I needed the Laptop workspace, I had work to do! Forget it. Maybe bring a carrier pigeon.
The Room: Cozy, if You Like Beige… And Carpeting.
My room was… comfortable-ish. Clean, yes. They do a good job with Daily housekeeping. They've got Non-smoking rooms, and Air conditioning (crucial in summer, I guess?). Bathrobes, slippers, and complimentary tea are a nice touch. My room was a little small, but had all of the things you'd expect: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Desk, Extra long bed, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. And of course, there was the Carpeting. Oh, the carpeting. I’m not going to lie, my nose was a little itchy. But the thing that was really off was the color scheme. It's like someone gave a toddler a bucket of beige paint and said, "Go wild!" My room's saving grace was the views from the High Floor — stunning. I really needed that in the mountain, I'll give it that.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Bring Your Own… Or Plan to Pay.
Alright, the food situation. Restaurants, yes. But options? Not so much. The Breakfast [buffet] was decent, if predictable. Western breakfast, Asian breakfast… it was all there, but nothing wowed me. There's a Bar, and a Poolside bar for a bit of après-ski fun. They have Bottle of water… that you'll probably have to pay for. I went for the Coffee/tea in restaurant and the Happy hour. But, honestly, prices felt a bit inflated, and the Food delivery options seemed limited. Though, there is an A la carte in restaurant and they have a Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, and Desserts in restaurant.
The Poolside bar was the real highlight. The cocktails? Pretty good. The view? Even better. I spent a whole afternoon there, just… existing. And I felt so refreshed, that it felt like the perfect moment. The Pool with view was a joy, I won't lie.
They also have a Snack bar, so you can satisfy those mid-afternoon cravings. But with the prices, it wasn't exactly an ideal match.
Relaxation and Pampering: Some Gems, Some Misses.
Okay, now for the good stuff. The Spa is lovely. They have a Sauna, a Steamroom, and a Swimming pool (outdoor), so you can really relax after a day on the slopes. The Massage was divine. I can’t emphasize this enough. The masseuse worked out every single knot. Heaven. Body scrub and Body wrap available, but I didn’t try those. There's also a Gym/fitness area for those (unlike me) who like to work out on vacation. The Spa/sauna would definitely be worth it, even if you just go for the water pressure. The Foot bath was a real find. That was relaxing!
Cleanliness and Safety: Good, But Not Perfect.
They seem to take cleanliness seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products are a good sign. They have a Daily disinfection in common areas. However, I did notice a few dust bunnies in the corners of the room. I will admit that they have Individually-wrapped food options. The staff seem to be Staff trained in safety protocol. Hand sanitizer everywhere, which is nice. Rooms sanitized between stays, yes and the Room sanitization opt-out available. I’m sure they used Professional-grade sanitizing services.
Things to Do:
The obvious is, of course, the skiing. But the hotel is close enough to the village. Plus, there's the Terrace, if you like spending some time outside.
Services and Conveniences: A Mixed Bag.
They offer a Concierge, which is helpful for booking tours. They have Cash withdrawal, which can be useful. Doorman and Luggage storage is a plus. The Facilities for disabled guests are important. The Elevator is essential. There's a Dry cleaning is available, as well as Laundry service and Ironing service. There is a Convenience store.
For The Kids:
I'm not a parent, but I saw some Kids facilities. They have a Babysitting service and Family/child friendly. A Kids meal is available.
In conclusion:
Candlelight Lodge is a solid option for a Thredbo getaway. It's got charm, the spa is great, and the location is perfect. But be warned: the Wi-Fi situation is a tragedy, and the food prices might make you weep. But if you're prepared, especially if you are going as a Couple's room, it's a great place to unwind from the hustle and bustle of life.
Would I go back? Maybe. If they fix the Wi-Fi. And lower the prices in the bar. And maybe get rid of the carpeting.
Now, Here's My Honest Recommendation…
If you're looking for a classic ski experience, Candlelight Lodge is worth considering. But pack your own snacks, your own entertainment, and maybe even your own Wi-Fi router! Consider it a rustic adventure.
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Chancellor Hotel Trinidad: Luxury Getaway Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, ‘cause we're about to plunge headfirst into my (hopefully surviving) adventure at the Candlelight Lodge in Thredbo. Forget your pristine itineraries, this is going to be less "smooth sailing" and more "slightly seasick in a bathtub filled with hot chocolate."
Thredbo Trek: A Mishap-Prone Adventure (AKA: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Snow)
Day 1: Arrival & Altitude Anxiety (Plus, the Mystery of the Missing Socks)
- 10:00 AM: Arrive at Sydney Airport. Chaos. Absolute beautiful, gloriously chaotic, chaos. Baggage claim is a free-for-all. My skis, thank the snowboarding gods, actually showed up. My sanity? Debatable.
- 12:00 PM: Scenic drive to Thredbo. "Scenic" being code for "winding roads that make me question every life choice I've ever made." The mountains are HUGE. I start feeling that weird, tingly feeling in my ears. Altitude sickness? Or just pre-ski jitters? Either way, starting strong, feeling the best.
- 3:00 PM: Check-in at Candlelight Lodge. First impressions? Cozy vibes, roaring fire (which, FYI, I almost set on fire trying to light). The room is… well, it's a room. Small, but a place to rest my head. Immediately, I discovered that one of my socks has disappeared. Gone. Vanished into the abyss of luggage. Dramatic start I guess.
- 4:00 PM: Wander through the village. Oh. My. God. This place is charming. I immediately want to buy a ridiculously oversized beanie and pretend I'm a seasoned mountain dweller. I find a café and order the most decadent hot chocolate I can find. It's so good I almost cry. Probably the altitude.
- 5:30 PM: Gear rental. Strap-in boots. The guy helping me seemed nice, but I swear I could see him subtly judging my lack of coordination. I'm convinced he's secretly laughing at my skis. The boots, though, are trying to kill me. I can barely walk!
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at the Lodge. The food is decent. Not gourmet, but not inedible, certainly a step up from airplane food. I try (and fail) to make small talk with my fellow lodge guests. Mostly, I just nod and smile while hoping my accent, which is about as Aussie as a pizza, doesn't give me away.
- 8:30 PM: Crawl into bed, already exhausted despite doing relatively little. One sock down, a mountain to conquer. I'm already considering packing it in.
Day 2: The Great Ski Debacle (And the Unexpected Joy of Falling)
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast. Eggs, toast, coffee. Fueling up for the disaster that is about to unfold. There's a group of kids at the next table who look like they were born on skis. The pressure is on. I need a drink.
- 9:30 AM: Ski lessons. My instructor, bless his patient soul, is named Mark. He's seen it all, I can tell. He tries to explain the "pizza slice" technique. I try to understand. My skis, however, have their own agenda, which involves veering wildly in unpredictable directions. There were a few close calls. And by "a few," I mean at least six near-death experiences.
- 11:00 AM: First run down the bunny slope. I fall. Repeatedly. I'm pretty sure I've invented a new, highly embarrassing form of "snow angel" that involves flailing limbs and a desperate grab for the ground. The kids from breakfast are looking at me. Mark tries to be encouraging. I'm pretty sure he’s pitying me.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch, a much-needed respite. I find a nice spot. I eat. I watch the competent skiers gracefully glide past me. I contemplate quitting and just spending the rest of the trip inside, curled up with a book and a bottle of wine.
- 1:00 PM: Back to the slopes. And now I'm feeling the need to attempt a slightly larger slope. And. I. FAIL. So. Hard. It's honestly the most ridiculous fall of my life. I lose a ski. Spend about 10 minutes rolling around in the snow trying to find it, looking like an upended turtle.
- 3:00 PM: I give up on skiing. And it dawns on me. This isn't a failure. I’m laughing! I am literally laughing. I spend the rest of the afternoon taking the chair lift up and just admiring the scenery. It's spectacular, and the feeling of crisp, mountain air on my face is glorious.
- 5:00 PM: Apres-ski. I find a pub with live music. I order a local beer, and I actually get to know some people. I swap stories about disastrous ski attempts and laugh until my stomach hurts. I find a friend.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. I’m exhausted but filled with a sense of accomplishment. Not for skiing, no. But for surviving, for laughing, for having a good time. I realize that the trip is not about how many runs you can ski but about the experience.
Day 3: Exploration and Unexpected Serenity
- 9:00 AM: Sleep in. I needed that.
- 10:00 AM: Explore the village. I stumble upon a charming little art gallery. The art is amazing, a much needed break from all the action. Also, bought a print so I could remember this moment always.
- 12:00 PM: Ride the Kosciuszko Express Chairlift. The views from the top are breathtaking. The top is just stunning. I take a breath and feel the rush of fresh air. I remember that everything has a space to live. Mountains are so tall. I can see everything.
- 3:00 PM: Relax at the lodge. Cozy up in front of the fire. I meet a woman knitting a scarf. We talk for hours. The afternoon is exactly what I need.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner and farewell drinks. I'm surprised by how much I've enjoyed myself. The lodge is a great place, the people are great. I'm sad departure.
- 9:00 PM: Pack. Two socks have still not surfaced. This is going to bother me for years to come.
Day 4: Departure & Post-Mountain Melancholy
- 7:00 AM: One last breakfast at the lodge. One last look at those imposing mountains.
- 8:00 AM: Drive back to Sydney. Traffic is brutal. The memories, however, are not.
- 12:00 PM: Arrive at Sydney Airport. Goodbyes. The airport is just like I left it. Chaos.
- 3:00 PM: Back to my real life. The laundry, the emails. The return to my normal life feels very strange, after all of the activities. But I wouldn’t trade it. I survived. I laughed. I fell. And I fell, and got back up. And I loved it.
And that, my friends, is the story of my Thredbo adventure. A story of mishaps, mountains, and the unexpected joy of simply being. It's not perfect, it's not glamorous, but it's mine. And I wouldn't trade it for all the perfectly-executed ski runs in the world. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go find my missing sock. Wish me luck.
Sicily's Hidden Gem: Art Hotel & Spa in Aci Catena - Unforgettable Luxury Awaits!
Why is it always the *teenagers*? (Or, you know, the *slightly-less-than-teenagers* who absolutely hate their lives?)
So, what's the *best* way to handle a rude cashier? Do I unleash the Karen within?
What about those cashiers who *are* genuinely lovely? Do they even *exist*?
Is the customer *always* right? Because I'm pretty sure I saw one lady argue with a cashier for like, half an hour over a penny.
What about self-checkout? Is *that* the answer? Because I have a love-hate relationship with those things.
So, final thoughts? How do I not lose my mind at the grocery store?
