Novotel Executive Suite Review

I recently stayed in the Executive Suite at the Novotel Devonport while attending the Symphony by the Sea concert. This was my second stay at the hotel, with my first being two years ago in a standard room for the same event. While I was looking forward to an upgraded experience this time around, I left feeling that the value didn’t quite match the $432 I paid, especially considering the high standards set by my previous visit.

Check-In Experience

I arrived slightly before the designated check-in time, and while early check-ins are not guaranteed, I was disappointed that my room wasn’t ready even after the official check-in time. As an Accor Silver member, I was offered a complementary drink at the bar while waiting. The bar itself was a pleasant space, offering PowerPoints at the tables for charging devices—something I found handy. However, I had to wait an additional 30 minutes before my room was ready.

Adding to the frustration, there was a room service tray from a previous guest left in the hallway outside my room when I checked in. This tray wasn’t collected until after I ordered room service myself later that evening. Such oversights made for a lacklustre start to the stay, which was disappointing given the elevated expectations for a premium suite.

The Room

The Executive Suite is spacious, with tasteful modern decor and a large, comfortable bed. One of the room’s standout features is its Tasmanian-themed mural above the bed, adding a lovely local touch. The wardrobe is well-designed with ample storage, plush robes, and other essentials like an ironing board and safe.

The room was clean and tidy overall, which is always appreciated. That said, there were some noticeable marks on the chairs and couches. While this is to be expected for a hotel in active use, it did slightly detract from the otherwise polished feel of the room.

The true highlight of the room is the balcony, which is furnished with a table and chairs. From here, I had a stunning view of the waterfront and the Symphony by the Sea concert. Watching the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra perform while the Spirit of Tasmania sailed past was a memorable and uniquely Devonport experience. For anyone attending the concert, the King Suite offers an unbeatable vantage point.

The room includes useful amenities, such as a coffee machine, kettle, and a well-stocked minibar featuring local Tasmanian products, including Spring Vale sparkling wine. However, I was disappointed to find that no complementary bottled water was provided. At other premium Accor-branded hotels I’ve stayed at, bottled water is offered as a standard amenity, especially in suites. Instead, water was priced at $5 per bottle, which felt out of step with what I’ve come to expect from Accor’s higher-tier properties.

The bathroom is sleek and modern, with a large standalone bathtub, a rain shower, and dual vanities. While I appreciated the design, the toiletries provided were basic. Guests can request additional items.

What stood out this time was the absence of thoughtful touches that I remembered fondly from my previous visit. Two years ago, I received a welcome card and complementary biscuits in the room, which added a personal and warm touch to the experience. These small gestures were missing this time, and I felt their absence detracted from what should have been an elevated stay in the King Suite.

360 Room Tour:

Service and Cleanliness

While the room itself was clean and well-maintained, attention to cleanliness in common areas fell short. The room service tray left outside my room when I arrived was only collected after I ordered room service later in the evening. Even more disappointing, my own room service tray was still sitting in the corridor the next morning when I checked out at 9:30 am. These lapses in attention made it clear that service in some areas wasn’t up to standard.

The Highlight: Symphony by the Sea

One thing that hasn’t changed is the hotel’s excellent location for the Symphony by the Sea concert. The balcony provided a fantastic spot to enjoy the event, with a clear view of the stage and excellent acoustics. The atmosphere was vibrant, with a large crowd gathered below to enjoy the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra’s performance. Watching the Spirit of Tasmania depart during the concert added a uniquely local touch that made the evening feel special. For those attending this event, the King Suite balcony is a real asset.

Overall Impressions

The Novotel Devonport is a modern and stylish addition to the city, offering comfortable rooms and beautiful waterfront views. However, the service and attention to detail during this stay fell short of expectations, especially for a 4-star property. Delays at check-in, neglected room service trays, and the lack of thoughtful touches—like the welcome card and biscuits I’d received on my previous stay—left me disappointed.

The Symphony by the Sea concert and the stunning view from the Executive Suite’s balcony were definite highlights, and the location is ideal for this kind of event. While the room itself is spacious and comfortable, the lapses in service, coupled with the absence of small touches and complementary water, didn’t justify the $432 I paid. I hope the hotel can address these issues to better align with the standards expected of a 4-star property.