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Reviews of Discovery Resorts - Glen Helen

3 out of 5
Discovery Resorts - Glen Helen
Namatjira Drive, West MacDonnell Ranges, Mount Zeil, NT

Reviews

7.4

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 29 out of 154 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 64 out of 154 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 48 out of 154 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 7 out of 154 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 6 out of 154 reviews" "

7.2/10

Cleanliness

8.2/10

Staff & service

6.2/10

Amenities

6.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Rick

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Good facilities and nice and quiet
Stayed 1 night in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Lovely setting with great facilities. Breakfast was amazing.
Stayed 1 night in May 2023
Response from Sophie - Reception on May 13, 2023
Thank you so much - we are glad you enjoyed and hope you enjoy rest of your travels :)

10/10 Excellent

david

Traveled with partner
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Xx
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

8/10 Good

Paul

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lauren

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2022

8/10 Good

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2022

8/10 Good

Christopher

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Fantastic view of the bluff from our room and the main dining deck which is very popular for pre dinner drinks and a great experience. Easy walk to the very scenic Glen Helen Gorge. Staff friendly and efficient. Room was comfortable and well appointed and modern. Only downside was the huge gap around the door which let the night cold compete with the air con. If you venture outside at night the sounds of tens of air cons competing with the porous doors to retain heat is matched by the throb of the diesel generator trying to keep up. The light pollution is a particular concern with garish fluorescent lights leaking light to the sky, so to look at the amazing stars out here you have to get in the car and drive several k’s down the road to appreciate this amazing spectacle Of particular concern though is the huge floodlight that points toward the gorge wall still blaring at two am and causing untold disruption to the wildlife there. Nobody to watch it - even if it was appropriate, so why? It would be great if management joined the 21st century in ecology and energy conservation which would make A great venue truly amazing.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2022

8/10 Good

Robyn

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Was really disappointed that even after I’d emailed the business 6 weeks ago and let them know their website and advertising was misleading- website indicated the park was located in Alice Springs that this was not amended. I requested a menu 2 days before we arrived to sort out whether we would self cater at all and then opted not as the 3 course menu option looked like really good value but then when we arrived 2 days later the staff knew nothing about this menu option. Likewise opted not to buy more bottled water as it was supposedly provided but this too was not available. There was no apology or options offered for these issues which I thought when you were paying $270 per night for a very basic room, there might have been. Would recommend requesting a room away from the generator side of the property as many of the bathroom windows don’t close properly and the noise is quite loud overnight
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022

2/10 Terrible

Paul

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022

8/10 Good

carol

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Comfort & great food
Clean, comfortable, renovated deluxe escarpment view room for 2 nights while exploring the area - west McDonnell ranges. Continental breakfast was adequate but both our evening meals were terrific. Thanks chef.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2021

2/10 Terrible

Gillian, London

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The bedroom was dirty, as was the bathroom. The room looked nothing like the pictures. We stayed 2 nights and the bed linen was not changed, in fact the bed was not even made! The bathroom was not cleaned either. The BBQ was so dirty that there were flames and we asked for it to be cleaned for the following evening but this did not happen. The Management of this Lodge were appalling - it was expensive for what it offered - dirty, run down rooms with terrible bathrooms. Sadly, it’s the only place there to stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2020
Response from Louise on Mar 1, 2020
Hi Gillian, In response to your review. The rooms are exactly what is pictured on our website. In the conversations that was had between your husband & yourself, nothing was mentioned about the room. I assure you they may be old but they are clean. The bathrooms have also been renovated, so I do not understand this comment. Google photos would show this. Room service was not attended to the way that it should, my apologies again- the new housekeeper was addressed & the issue rectified. The bed linen is not changed everyday however the bed should have been remade for you as should have the toiletries & complimentary water been replaced. It is a 'service' not a full room clean for a 2 night stay. The BBQ in the campers kitchen (once again I acknowledged) & has been rectified - as you would understand being in hospitality yourselves & being human occasionally things get forgotten & unfortunately on this day it was. I hope you enjoy the remaining travels of Australia

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
This lodge is very basic and quite rundown. It needs work done for it to be a comfortable stay. No effort to make it look decent. The food on the other hand was very good. A lovely lady from Chile at the reception desk was very nice and helpful.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Beautiful location, rooms very basic and very Very over priced
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2019
Response from Louise on Jan 2, 2020
Dear Guest, Thank you for the review of your stay at Glen Helen. The lodge rooms are motel style and due to the beautiful remote location we live in, unfortunately operating costs are higher. We are glad that you otherwise enjoyed your stay and hope to see you again another time. Regards Management

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2019

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Location very good for exploring the surrounds. Accommodation is aging and needs refurbishing. However, comfortable in general.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2019

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The diesel generator located immediately behind the rooms make them noisy and smelly, if you need to stay there then the camp sites probably are a lot quieter and have fresh air than the rooms.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2019

8/10 Good

Col, Hermannsburg

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very nice and clean. Bathroom surprisingly spacious though the sliding door could be a little bigger to allow for complete closure
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2019

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Traveled with group
Liked: Staff & service
Room area too small, no chair, lower level of bunk bed too low and will hit your head when sit down and get up.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2019
Response from Reservations on Sep 26, 2019
Thank you for staying with us. Your feedback is appreciated!

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The motel rooms were sufficient though rustic. We heard the buzzing of the generator all night.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2019
Response from Reservations on Sep 24, 2019
Thank you for staying with us. We appreciate your feedback!

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Quaint cabins, somewhat worn.
Quaint cabins, somewhat worn. View was of river and bluff was beautiful. The only accommodation for miles around. So you stay here to explore the area, not because it is a vacation resort.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019
Response from Reservations on Sep 17, 2019
Thanks for staying with us. We appreciate your feedback!

8/10 Good

Joshua

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2019
Response from Reservations on Sep 17, 2019
Thanks for staying with us. We appreciate your feedback!

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Comfortable stop along to the way to Uluru
Beautiful outdoor sitting area where you can grab a bite.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2019
Response from Reservations on Sep 9, 2019
Thanks for visiting us, we appreciate your feedback!

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Absolutely stunning location. Great staff. Good food.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2019
Response from Reservations on Sep 9, 2019
Thanks for staying with us. We appreciate your feedback!

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Love the outlook from the bar. Also enjoyed the cooked breakfast after travelling for days on the same home made brekkie
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2019
Response from Reservations on Sep 9, 2019
Thanks for staying with us. We appreciate your feedback!

4/10 Poor

Pierre

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Stayed 1 night in May 2019

6/10 Okay

Ellen

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2019

6/10 Okay

Rita

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
At the outset, this property is in a magnificent location, with views over Glen Helen Gorge and easy access down to the river/gorge to swim. And it offers a great restaurant and outdoor area to enjoy your meal and a drink whilst soaking in the view! Given the remote location, we were grateful to have a spot with clean facilities and a private bathroom for 3 adults, so we could take our time to truly enjoy the West McDonnells and before returning back to Alice via Hermannsberg. Another plus is the room included a generous buffet breakfast. We stayed in a family room - and the room although very basic, was perfectly clean and comfortable. Our only annoyance was the location of a very loud generator for the complex, which was under15m from our room. We understand that it is a privilege to enjoy power in such a location, but even with bathroom window closed we needed ear plugs to sleep. I'd try to book an Escarpment Room (if you are a couple) - as these rooms are a little further from the generator. I'd hope that management notes my comments and tries to re-locate the generator if at all possible. Campgrounds are also far away from the generator, fyi!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2019

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveler

Traveled with partner
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff were good. The food was good and the portions were huge. After that, there’s nothing good to say about this place. There was a crack in the door that let bugs in. There was no weatherstripping on the door, that also let bugs in. The room itself was filthy. There were holes in the concrete left over from where things had been attached to the walls and removed. The paint was mismatched where (I’m guessing) a mirror had once been installed and removed (or broken), The overhead light had no shade on the fixture. Apparently, this hotel has been converted from a cattle station and the rooms are the old ranch-hands’ accomodations. Nothing much has been done to convert them from cowboys’s homes to hotel rooms. In fairness, the bathroom looked like it had new tiles on the walls and the floor but it too was dirty. Housekeeping services seem to consist of making the bed but not cleaning the room.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2019
Response from Amy M, Project Manager on May 1, 2019
Hello Anonymous Thank you for taking the time post a review and your feedback. We are very pleased to hear that you enjoyed our meals and our friendly staff. Your feedback regarding housekeeping and maintenance is appreciated as it helps our young team to continue to improve. I have passed this on to our Management Team to action.

6/10 Okay

bill

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Glen Helen
The resort?? is accommodation within the gorges, it is dated but clean. The meals are good but limited in choice. Nothing around for over 100kms, it is a place to stay while exploring the gorges. There is a bar with cold beer, swimming pool, Fuel, no TV in rooms, air con in room, very basic.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2019
Response from Wynona - Reservations on Apr 2, 2019
Thanks for staying with us. We appreciate your feedback!

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Beautiful view and gorge. Rooms clean but overpriced. Lovely clean pool and gave us great reprieve from the heat and flies. Good food at restaurant. Friendly hard-working staff
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2019
Response from Wynona - Reservations on Apr 2, 2019
Thanks for staying with us. We appreciate your feedback!

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stunning view. Gorgeous outdoor seating area. Good pub-style meals, plenty of drinks choices. Rooms simple but very clean. Bed super comfortable!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2019
Response from Wynona - Reservations on Apr 2, 2019
Thanks for staying with us. We appreciate your feedback!

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2019
Response from Wynona - Reservations on Apr 2, 2019
Thanks for staying with us. We appreciate your feedback!

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Great stop off
Great as a stop off if you're travelling one of the outback routes. Plenty of food and drink available, plus close proximity to a gorge which is a refreshing respite from the summer heat. Staff are very nice, and the standard of accommodation is to be expected for the age and location.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2019
Response from Wynona on Jan 25, 2019
Thanks for staying with us. We appreciate your feedback!

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Ideal location for hiking
Beautiful area for hiking and the resort is ideally located for sections of the Larapinta Trail or hikes around Ormiston Gorge. When I stayed, I got an upgrade into one of the family rooms. Everything was as expected for isolated outback accommodation. The lady on the front desk was lovely, as were any staff members I spoke to. The only issue was the fact the rooms from 9 onwards are right next to the generator, so it is very noisy.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2019
Response from Wynona on Jan 25, 2019
Thanks for staying with us. We appreciate your feedback!

6/10 Okay

Gwynne

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great location, however the place looks very tired and run down. It is also very overpriced! The kitchen facilities are completely unusable (filthy and in terrible condition). It is a shame as the lodge has a lot of potential.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2019
Response from Wynona on Jan 25, 2019
Thanks for staying with us. We appreciate your feedback!

8/10 Good

Loza, Alice Springs

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Clean and comfy room in a beautiful location and dinner was delicious.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2018
Response from Wynona - Reservations on Dec 9, 2018
Thank you for visiting Glen Helen Lodge. We appreciate your feedback!

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
It’s the only stop in the area, gorgeous view of the cliffs amd river from rooms 1-8. Room, food and silupplies were fine given it’s remote location. Its a short waslk to the gorge- gorgeous. Lots of bird activity early on the am. Glad we stayed.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2018
Response from Wynona on Nov 20, 2018
Thanks for staying with us. We appreciate your feedback!

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Perfect base to explore the West Macs - comfortable and pretty extraordinary views!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2018
Response from Kiah Morgan - Sales & Marketing on Nov 13, 2018
Hi Anonymous, Thank you for your review, we are pleased to hear you made the most of your time while staying with us. Kind regards, Kiah Morgan - Sales & Marketing

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Beautiful location and good for the basics. Meal was great too
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2018
Response from Wynona on Oct 9, 2018
Thanks for staying with us. We appreciate your feedback!

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice Hotel at the end of a trek. NOT at the start.
Pulled in early afternoon. Staff friendly. Accommodation underwhelming. Have camped and gone backpackers before. Room was a slight level above this but at thye price and what was expected - werent pleased. Tried to get a refund (this will continue) gave key back at 3pm and said we will not be staying. Need refund!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2018
Response from Wynona on Oct 11, 2018
Thank you for your feedback and we are sorry your experience was not positive on this occasion. If you haven't already done so, please contact Glen Helen Lodge directly on 08 8956 7208 to discuss your concerns further.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Fantastic place and fantastic lodge
We spent a night here and we are really happy about the room with the view on the gorge, the awesome veranda and the very friendly staff. We had a little inconvinience that was taken care very seriously by the reception staff. Really appreciated and warmly recommended.
Stayed 1 night in May 2018
Response from Wynona on Jun 21, 2018
Thanks for staying with us. We appreciate your feedback!

8/10 Good

Rob, Adelaide

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Terrific hotel with good facilities. Phone tower is Optus so Telstra doesn’t work. Internet connection available. Mouse in the room
Stayed 1 night in May 2018
Response from Wynona on Jun 21, 2018
Thanks for staying with us. We appreciate your feedback!

8/10 Good

marcel, adelaide, sa

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Okay hotel in a magical setting
Just a beautiful place to enjoy for a day or two. Vary good restaurant
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2018
Response from Tanya C on May 1, 2018
Hi marcel, Thanks very much for your review. We are glad that you enjoyed your time here at Glen Helen Lodge and we hope to see you again one day in the future. Thanks, Tanya Manager - Glen Helen

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth, London

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stunning location
Beautiful room with a stunning view across to the gorge. Great staff and fantastic outdoor bar/dining area. Delicious food too. Highly recommended!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2018
Response from Tanya C on May 1, 2018
Hi Elizabeth, Thanks for your very positive review. We agree that the Gorge is a stunning view to wake up to! Thanks for your kind words on the customer service from our staff as well as the meals being prepared in our kitchen. We hope you come back again soon! Tanya Manager Glen Helen Lodge

8/10 Good

Sarah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Magic
magnificent location; its a historic rural inn so dont expect the most modern luxury. That said, everything in the room worked fine, including the new aircon and recent refurbished bathroom. The ambience was friendly and the views and birdlife fantastic.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2017
Response from Shelagh on Jan 9, 2018
Dear Sarah thanks for your kind review. We are so pleased you enjoyed your stay. Yes, our facilities are simple but we love to make you welcome! Kind regards Shelagh O'Brien Manager

10/10 Excellent

Theresa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Little gem in the ranges.
Hotel is situated in front of river and red cliff - beautiful scenery. Room and facilities are surprisingly good for a remote location. Staff are friendly and helpful. The BBQ on chef's night off was yummy and great value for money. Restaurant meals were variable - kangaroo was great but barramundi was less substantial i.e. needed some rice or potatoes as accompaniment.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2017

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Did not stay even though we could not get a refund - should not be called a hotel - Backpacker only Great location spoiled
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2017
Response from Shelagh O'Brien, Manager on Jul 22, 2017
Dear Guest We are so sorry you did not like 'the look' of Glen Helen's accomodation and checked out, without giving us a chance to show you the charm of a stay with us. We know we can make guests welcome and give them a great experience. Yes our rooms are simple but they are clean and all have newly renovated bathrooms. We understand hospitality and do the best we can as leasehold operators within simple facilities. Kind regards

8/10 Good

Russell

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Highly recommended outback experience
Basic 2 star accommodation in beautiful scenic location, older rustic style but very clean and comfortable. Great outback atmosphere and good wholesome food at the restaurant
Stayed 1 night in May 2017
Response from Shelagh on Jun 29, 2017
Dear Russell thanks for taking the time to post a review we are delighted your stay was a success and hope you felt really welcome! Kind regards Shelagh O'Brien