How many can recall the opening of the Captain Freycinet in Margaret River?
How many can recall the opening of the Captain Freycinet in Margaret River?
It was an oasis in a desert of just-passable accommodation.
How times have changed. Now, virtually all of the Captain Freycinet has been replaced by Quest Margaret River, which itself sets new standards and options for affordability.
Opened for a little more than 12 months, Quest provides a number of different accommodation options, from studios and one-bedroom apartments sleeping just two adults to fully self-contained two- and three-bedroom apartments for families and groups of friends travelling together.
Quest makes good use of its edge-of-the-forest location, with most apartments having balconies looking out towards nature. So even though it is right in town, guests feel subtly removed from the hustle and bustle of the busy main street.
And yet art galleries, restaurants and shops are all within easy walking distance.
Each apartment has its own well-appointed kitchen, making self-catering a breeze. Private laundry facilities cut down on the cost of keeping clothes cleaned and ironed, although valet laundry and dry cleaning facilities are available. Rooms are serviced daily and there is also a babysitting service.
For guests who need to keep in contact with the office, there is a business centre in the main building with secretarial, internet, copy and fax services. Meetings and small conferences are catered for with theatre-style seating accommodating up to 30 people or 20 people boardroom style. The meeting room can be hired for a very reasonable $150 per day, including room set-up, registration table, iced water and mints for delegates, lectern, VCR and 66-centimetre monitor, overhead projector and screen.
Multi-media facilities are available for hire at an extra daily cost and morning and afternoon tea and lunch catering can be arranged.
For the holiday traveller there is an attractive heated outdoor swimming pool, half-court tennis, barbecue facilities, nature trails through the forest, a lounge bar, in-house DVD hire and an experienced tour desk to help with planning your itinerary.
The staff at Quest also provides a number of thoughtful extras, including a restaurant chargeback system, where a number of local eateries will have your meal charged back to your room account.
And breakfast packs are available with all the ingredients you will need to prepare breakfast in your own apartment.
A pantry shopping service, where staff will do your personal grocery shopping for you, provides more time for relaxation and exploration.
Tariffs start at $190 per night for two people in a one-bedroom apartment. Phone 9757 2033, online
www.margaretriver.property.questwa.com.au
Where to eat
Winos
85 Bussell Hwy, Margaret River, phone 9758 7155
Located on Bussell Highway across from Quest, this is a great place for a pre-dinner drink and a meal. Many of the wines are available by the glass so you can choose a different wine for each course. The menu is extensive and interesting and the atmosphere is lively and friendly.
Vat 107
107 Bussell Hwy, Margaret River, phone: 9758 8877
A short distance further along Bussell Highway and easily within walking distance to Quest, Vat 107 offers superb gourmet dishes and an extensive wine list in a modern up-tempo ambience. Vatini, Vat’s own small intimate wine bar, is located next door and caters for pre-dinner drinks or after-dinner cocktails or port.
Relish the Experience Restaurant
113A Bussell Highway, Margaret River, phone 9758 8443
If you love Italian food, then this new BYO restaurant will really appeal. Award-winning chef Franco, from Tuscany, provides authentic Italian cuisine, including hand-made pasta, tasty sauces and delicious antipasto plates.
Places to visit
Colonial Brewery
Osmington Rd, Margaret River,
phone 9758 8177
For beer lovers, this establishment is worth a visit. Located on a quiet country road, the building is modern and functional and the vibe eclectic. On weekend afternoons they have live entertainment, adding to the hip country atmosphere. Wine and light meals also available.
Brookwood Winery and Café
Treeton Road, Cowaramup, phone 9755 5604
A relative newcomer to the wine scene, Brookwood’s friendly country hospitality, delicious food platters and the great wines make this a terrific place to spend a relaxing afternoon.
