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Reviews of The Black Sparrow

4 out of 5
The Black Sparrow
2595 Mansfield-Woods Point Road, Howqua Inlet, VIC

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 71 out of 97 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 20 out of 97 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 5 out of 97 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 97 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 97 reviews" "

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

8.8/10

Amenities

8.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Simeon

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our cottage at The Black Sparrow was cosy and warm for our winter getaway. It was clean and comfortable and everything worked well. It was quiet and set in a beautiful location. We arrived when it was dark, so the narrow dirt roads were a little difficult to navigate and additional lighting might have helped. Overall, a fantastic place to stay for a few nights, very peaceful and private and just as close to Mt Buller for skiing as the more expensive Mansfield. Thanks!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
Response from Earl on 19 Aug,2023
Thank you Simeon for your feedback. Look forward to hosting you again.Cheers!

10/10 Excellent

Shaun

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great value for money accommodation. Clean and comfortable and located in a beautiful area.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
Response from Earl on 25 Jul,2023
Thanks Shaun. Look forward to hosting you again.

10/10 Excellent

Sarah

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
Response from Earl on 4 Jul,2023
Glad you enjoyed your stay, Sarah. Lookforward to hosting you again.Cheers!Earl

10/10 Excellent

Renee

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Fiaz

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent place to enjoy quiet and peace.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022
Response from Earl on 23 Jul,2022
Thank you Fiaz for your feedback. I had responded earlier but for some reason it was not posted. Look forward to hosting you again Cheers! Earl

10/10 Excellent

Roshini

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Cottage got everything we wanted. It was situated in a huge acreage. Kids enjoyed the tennis/ basketball court while my wife had a walk around the area. Cozy little cottage was very easy to maintain during our stay. We will definitely go back there
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2022
Response from Earl on 23 Jul,2022
Thank you Roshini for your feedback. I had responded earlier but for some reason it was not posted. Look forward to hosting you again Cheers! Earl

10/10 Excellent

Emilie

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Amazing tranquil retreat
This property is the perfect place to relax and unwind. Gorgeous mountain views, cosy fireplace, a spa and a well equipped kitchen. Staff are lovely, Des the manager is so friendly and helpful, Stock up on groceries in Mansfield, or eat out at the local brewery. The view is spectacular, watch the kangaroos as they graze on the property, whilst enjoying a coffee on your own private deck, or through the large glass windows whilst you stay warm by the fire. Highly recommend!!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2021
Response from Earl Dennis Partner/owner on 26 May,2021
Thanks for your kind words Emilie. Look forward to hosting you again. Cheers! Earl

6/10 Okay

Mark

It was beautiful spot and loads of potential. Relaxing surrounds but lacked the attention to detail to make it great.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2021

10/10 Excellent

Steve, Melbourne

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Black Sparrow is set in a lovely part of Howqua, it's worth it just for the setting. Unlike some rather scathing reviews recently (Yes the same group of people a number of times, quite unnecessary) you need to realise this is a country property. Reset the 5 star 'room service' expectations you might have if staying in a major City and you'll relax into it and enjoy it. Our girls loved the pool, were a bit sad there were no horses this time around...but just got on with relaxing and enjoying their stay. Lake Eildon water access only a few hundred metres away, so bring your boat !
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2021
Response from Earl Dennis - Owner/Partner on 4 Feb,2021
Thank you Steve. Appreciate your feedback and look forward to hosting you again.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely property, very peaceful and secluded. Our cottage was very spacious for 5 people, beds were comfortable and the bathroom very spacious! The only thing I would suggest would be a more thorough clean of the cottage but it didn’t stop us from enjoying our time there. The owners were always helpful if we needed anything.
Stayed 11 nights in Jan 2021
Response from Earl Dennis - Owner/Partner on 25 Jan,2021
Thanks for your valuable feedback. We will certainly look into this.

8/10 Good

Victoria, Melbourne

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness
I liked the location, scenery, cleanness I didnt like few things - air conditioner was smelling unpleasant when turned on, i believe it needs a clean and disinfection; Also, I'd suggest to place single use sponges for each booking because we were left with a dirty old sponge which i could not use to wash dishes but used my own paper towels instead.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2021
Response from Earl Dennis - Owner/Partner on 25 Jan,2021
Thanks for your valuable feedback. We will certainly look into this.

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Waiting on reponse from owners still for a partial refund due to the disgusting state these supposed 4 star cottages are provided in, we were moved to another cottage as the first disgusting, the next slightly better but still had to clean ourselves. 2 star at best and massively overprised.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2021

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very peaceful quiet nice bush setting Was disappointed that on the description it said next to a golf course play 9 holes of golf. Was no golf course only a mini golf at caravan park down the road
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2020
Response from Earl Dennis Partner/owner on 6 Jan,2021
Hello, Apologies if there is some miscommunication or misunderstanding. If you look at https://www.howquavalleyresort.com.au/facilities it clearly states '9 Hole High Country Mini-Golf - full landscaped & artful mini-golf course for the whole family! Open 7 days". Is this the place you visited? Let us know and if the information on our website is misleading, we will be happy to correct it.

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Travelled with family, Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location and amenities.. Very good communication as well. Would suggest to upgrade cabin items such as microwave.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2020
Response from Earl Dennis - Owner/Partner on 5 Jan,2021
Thank you for your valuable feedback. Getting out of the long lockdown from Covid has been a bit tough but we endeavour to do some upgrades as required in the coming year

8/10 Good

carol

Liked: Room comfort
Peace, quiet & beautiful view.
Relaxing stay, beautiful view & property had everything you needed. Enjoyed the peace & quiet. Had some problems checking in with the lockbox & front door key access. Probably needs a bit of maintenance. Overall delightful stay apart from that.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2020
Response from Renton Sodder on 23 Nov,2020
Thanks so much for the feedback Carol. We have looked into the issue and found that there seemed to be a problem with the key being used. The key has been replaced and we appreciate your feedback.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A beautiful location. Very clean and all you need. The owners were very accommodating to any request in every way. Polite and friendly. The first night sitting on the deck listening to the birds, seeing the Kangaroos at dusk. Bliss. Highly recommended
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2020

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with family, Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property was Peaceful and picturesque. Well maintained and clean spacious cabins
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2019
Response from Helen on 15 Sept,2019
Thank you so much for your review. We look forward to seeing you again.

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness
Friendly and easy to deal with, property a bit old and tired, due for refresh. Cleanliness can be improved
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019
Response from Helen on 5 Sept,2019
Thanks for the reviews. We aim to have our cottages and chalets very clean and am disappointed to hear you had issues with cleanliness. Cheers Helen

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019
Response from Helen on 21 Aug,2019
Thank you and hoping to see you again

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Awesome staff very polite and willing to assist in anyway possible, will definitely be coming back
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019
Response from Helen on 19 Aug,2019
Thank you so much and we look forward to seeing you again

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2019
Response from Helen on 25 Jul,2019
Thank you so much See you next time

10/10 Excellent

D

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful traquil property. Well maintained and thought out facilities.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2019
Response from Helen on 25 Jul,2019
Thank you so much See you soon

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Absolutely beautiful setting - a morning cup of tea on the terrace admiring the view was a simple highlight. Easy access to Jamieson brewery and town and Mansfield along beautiful gently winding roads. The cabins aren’t flash but they are in good condition, very spacious, very clean and warm.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2019
Response from Helen on 25 Jul,2019
Hi Thank you for giving feedback. We hope to see you again

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Very peaceful, a variety of bird & wildlife. A beautifully maintained property and the pool was a big plus on a super hot day.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2018

10/10 Excellent

DavidM, Wagga Wagga NSW

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice bush setting. Great facilities, close to other local attractions. Great bush walk to the Pines Easy to communicate with the hosts.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2018

10/10 Excellent

John, Hong Kong

It was a great place. Lots of privacy, facilities and it had a beautiful view. Really enjoyed it and was a great place for a retreat from the city life.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2018

10/10 Excellent

Kesh

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Amazing
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2018

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Wonderful and comfy place to stay
Such a lovely place with good kitchen, big lounge, super comfy beds. Great nights sleep. Spa bath was great after a day skiing. Lovely owners too.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2018

8/10 Good

Sumukh

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2018

10/10 Excellent

ellen, melbourne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
relaxing
Very relaxing so peaceful , amazing looking out from balcony view was so good ,loved sitting on balcony having a nice bbq and drink . The area is very beautiful will definitely go back again .
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2018

10/10 Excellent

Graham

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Recommend
Wonderful quality and quite location, a few days longer would have been even better.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2017

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Excellent stay, Recommend to anyone for a perfect holiday
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2017

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great gettaway
Great cottages, accommodating host and fantastic scenery. Highly recommend a long weekend at The Black Sparrow, Howqua.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2017

10/10 Excellent

Tilly , Hoppers Crossing Victoria

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very private with lovely views
Just loved our chalet, it had everything we needed for a peaceful getaway.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Relax in a beautiful valley
We booked the cottage to use as a base for a few days while we explored the Mansfield, Jamieson and Woods Point areas. It was a good choice.

8/10 Good

Leena, Melbourne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Good escape
The accommodation situated near Mansfield Zoo. Beautiful natural environment and great room.

6/10 Okay

ron, melbourne

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Wood
On arrival was advised we needed to pay $20 for wood for our combustion fire. Thought this was unreasonable as the fire was the reason we chose this venue. Anyway the management delivered complimentary supply on day 2. So all good.
Response from Simon on 25 Aug,2016
Thanks for the feedback Ron. Note: we have since changed our policy from that of the previous property owners and wood is supplied at no charge. All our Chalets and Cottages are fitted with split system heating and cooling, the combustion fire use is optional.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Quiet tranquil place to stay. All the comforts of home at our fingertips. Our kids loved it. Will be back

10/10 Excellent

Steve & Robyn, Mornington, VIC

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Beautiful, quiet & relaxing location
Simon (or David) responded to any requests promptly and cheerfully. Three quiet and relaxing days in a beautiful location (just what we were looking for). Facilities/comforts were excellent.

10/10 Excellent

Sergio, Melbourne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
We did not want to leave!
We stayed 3 nights in this wonderful place. The view from the balcony was breathtaking!

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

10/10 Excellent

Tony, Melbourne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Howqua Inlet
It was great to walk in the cabin with the heater already on.

10/10 Excellent

cristina, melbourne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Hidden treasure
Fabulous setting, spacious rooms, spotlessly clean and great facilities. Will be back. Highly recommend

8/10 Good

Luciana, Australia - VIC - Melbourne

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness
Facilities: Basic; Cleanliness: Lacking;

8/10 Good

Ken, Australia - VIC - Melbourne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Had a really good stay at the Black Sparrow. Thanks.

8/10 Good

Jamie, Australia - VIC - Melbourne

Liked: Cleanliness
walk to the lake

10/10 Excellent

Chris, Australia - VIC - Melbourne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Facilities: Home away from home; Value: Great deal; Service: Outstanding; Cleanliness: Spotless; N/A

10/10 Excellent

John, Australia - VIC - Melbourne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Facilities: Home away from home, Outstanding; Value: Great deal; Service: Go the extra mile, Outstanding, Very Friendly People; Cleanliness: Spotless; Certainly one that we will go back to