Newcastle's Chicest Escape: Honeysuckle Executive Apartments Await!
Honeysuckle Executive Apartments: My Newcastle Escape - A Messy, Honest Review
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I’ve just spent a week wrestling with the chicest escape Newcastle has to offer: Honeysuckle Executive Apartments. And let me tell you, it was a journey. Forget polished travel brochures; this is the raw, unfiltered truth, seasoned with a healthy dose of "did I just pay for that?"
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Right, let's dive in. First impressions? Pretty darned impressive, visually. The lobby is all sleek lines, that cool modern vibe I'm generally too awkward to pull off myself. But then reality, the real Honeysuckle experience, started to creep in.
Accessibility (Important because, well, life happens):
Here's where things get a tad patchy. I'm not reliant on a wheelchair, thank goodness, but I did check out the facilities. Wheelchair accessible is definitely a key selling point, and while the apartments do seem to have this covered (wide doorways, accessible bathrooms), I got the sense it wasn't… perfect. More of a "we ticked the box" than a "we thought about every detail." The ramps seemed a bit steep in certain areas, and navigating the pool area (more on that later!) looked a bit challenging. There are Facilities for disabled guests, which is great, but my gut feeling is, check these specifics yourself if you rely on them.
On a plus note: Elevator: check, Air conditioning in public areas: check. So far, so good.
The Wi-Fi Saga & Internet Blues:
Okay, let's talk Internet. They shout about Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! like it’s the Second Coming. And technically, they are right. But. Think about it. That word, technically. The internet sometimes felt like it was dial-up from the early 2000s. I actually tried to download a movie, and eventually gave up. A good ole Internet [LAN] port was also available…which seems almost cute, now, in an age of wireless, but I didn't need to use it, as I already had a connection. Internet services? Sparse. Wi-Fi in public areas? Spotty. Let's just say, I felt like I was fighting for connectivity. It's a major downer, especially when, like me, you rely on it. Sigh. Maybe I'll just go back to reading a book, like the olds…
Things to Do, Ways to Relax (or try to!):
This is where Honeysuckle should shine. And sometimes, it did.
- The Pool With a View: Oh, the pool. Beautiful. Perched overlooking the harbor, it's a postcard-perfect spot. But… (there's always a but, isn't there?) getting to the pool was a bit of an adventure. The aforementioned accessibility issues, and the sheer crowd at peak times, made it less "relaxing oasis" and more "dodging toddlers and sun-burned tourists." I did manage to snag a sunbed one afternoon, and, for a blissful hour, all was right with the world. That view…wow. So I guess the Swimming pool [outdoor] aspect gets a thumbs up, even if it's slightly guarded.
- Spa/Sauna: This was a highlight. I managed to get a massage during a moment of relative quiet, and it was divine. Seriously, the therapist worked wonders on my perpetually tense shoulders. They also have a Sauna, Steamroom and Spa area. I didn't venture into the Body scrub or Body wrap treatments, purely because I'm the kind of person who gets nervous about being covered in goo. But the vibe was definitely luxurious.
- Fitness Center: Okay, I tried. The Fitness center is…there. It had the basic gear, but the lighting was a bit dim, and the air conditioning was MIA. I didn't stay long.
- Other Relaxation Options: They advertised a Foot bath. Did I try a foot bath? No. Should I have? (Probably). They have Gym/fitness, the previously mentioned, and there's Poolside bar - I will say, the cocktails, though pricey, were delicious.
Cleanliness and Safety:
Right, let's talk Cleanliness and Safety. This is where Honeysuckle really stepped up. In these post-pandemic times, they've done a pretty good job.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Yep, definitely smelled like they were using them.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Saw the evidence daily. My sensitive nose might have been slightly overwhelmed at times.
- Hygiene certification: I think? (Should have checked!)
- Rooms sanitized between stays: The apartment itself was spotless. No complaints there.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: The staff seemed well-informed on the new protocols. Masks, hand sanitizing, the works.
- Safe dining setup: See dining review.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Check
- CCTV in common areas and outside property: Yup, made me feel extra safe.
- Fire extinguisher and Smoke alarms - definitely present, thank goodness.
- Safety/security feature - Check.
- Sterilizing equipment - Seen.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking:
This is where Honeysuckle wobbled. Seriously, the Dining experience was a gamble.
- Restaurants: There are a few. Restaurants and a room service [24-hour] option (which I took advantage of once – more on that later).
- Breakfast [buffet] (and Breakfast service) which was…well, it was a buffet. The buffet in restaurant was OK. Not amazing, not terrible. I had some Western breakfast which was decent.
- A la carte in restaurant: I had a few meals at the a la carte restaurant, and the food was generally good, but nothing mind-blowing. The service was inconsistent. One night, I was treated like royalty; the next, I felt completely ignored. It's the luck of the draw.
- Bar: They have a Bar, and the Happy hour was a lifesaver. (See Poolside Bar reference).
- Coffee shop: They have a Coffee shop. The coffee was adequate.
- Asian cuisine in restaurant: I'm not a huge fan, but it's there.
- International cuisine in restaurant: Yes.
- Desserts in restaurant: They were okay. I definitely ate some.
- Snack bar: I didn't see a snack bar.
- Soup in restaurant: I didn't try the soup.
- Vegetarian restaurant: I don't think so, which might annoy some folks.
- Bottle of water: Complimentary.
- Alternative meal arrangement: Yes.
- Breakfast takeaway service: Yes.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Of course, yes.
- Safe dining setup: Yes, tables set apart, staff wearing masks.
The Room Service Story (and the 24-hour Saga):
Ah, Room Service. One night, I was feeling utterly drained. So, I called up. The Room service [24-hour] promised convenience. I ordered a burger. And I waited. And waited. After an hour and a half, I called again. "Oh, yes, the order is on its way". Two hours. Finally, the burger arrived. Cold. Soggy. And the fries… well, they resembled something a starving dog had rejected. It added to my soul. I should've just ordered the Bottle of water and snacked.
Services and Conveniences:
- Air conditioning in public area: Yes.
- Air conditioning: Yes.
- Airport transfer: They offer it.
- Breakfast in room: Yep.
- Business facilities: Basic.
- Cashless payment service: Seems to be everywhere now.
- Cash withdrawal: Yes.
- Check-in/out [express]: Yes.
- Check-in/out [private]: Yes.
- Concierge: Very helpful.
- Contactless check-in/out: Yep.
- Convenience store: There is a good one nearby.
- Currency exchange: There is limited ones on
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your pristine, perfectly-planned travel itinerary. This is a messy, emotional, caffeine-fueled descent into Newcastle, based out of the glorious, but slightly soulless, Honeysuckle Executive Apartments. Here we go… and pray for me.
The Honeysuckle Howler: A Newcastle Itinerary (with a Heaping Side of Chaos)
Day 1: Arrival and Existential Dread (and Amazing Coffee)
1:00 PM: TOUCHDOWN! (Well, technically, train-down from Sydney. Let's not pretend I'm jet-setting). Honeysuckle Apartments. Okay, the view is pretty impressive. Water, boats, that funky bridge thing… Very "aspirational adult life." My immediate thought? "Where's the real Newcastle?" (But secretly, I'm relieved the furniture matches the photos. Small victories.)
- Messy Moment: Key card issues. Classic. Spent a good five minutes awkwardly jiggling the thing while muttering to myself about technology's inherent flaws. Finally worked. Triumph! Now, where's the coffee?
2:00 PM: Search for Coffee - it's paramount! Found Good Brother Espresso. Oh. My. God. The coffee. The vibe. Think minimalist chic meets caffeine addiction. Seriously, I could spend a month just staring at their latte art. Rambling Observation: Australians and coffee. They take it seriously. This isn't your lukewarm Starbucks nonsense. This is artistry. I'm in love. Deep, caffeinated love.
3:00 PM: Wandering the waterfront. This is where the aspirations of the apartment really hit home. But, the sun's out, the breeze off the water is glorious, and I think… I think I might actually like this place.
- Quirky Observation: The sheer number of dogs in Newcastle is astonishing. Are there more dogs than people? I suspect a canine conspiracy.
4:00 PM: Hunter Street Mall. Okay, this is the "real Newcastle" I was looking for. A bit gritty, a bit historical, and a whole lot of quirky shops. Found a vintage bookstore and got lost in the smell of old paper and forgotten stories. Emotional Reaction: Pure joy. I adore a good bookstore. Found an old copy of "The Great Gatsby." Perfect.
6:00 PM: Dinner at The Lucky Hotel. Pub grub, but done right. Crispy chips, juicy burger… Perfect end to a day that started with existential dread and ended with a full belly. Opinionated Language: This place is decent, but I can't say it's mind-blowing. I'd expect the food to be the best, but it's simply okay.
7:30 PM: Back to the apartment. (Now with a book and a bottle of wine. My kind of party.) Attempting to read Gatsby. Struggle to form a coherent sentence. I blame the jet lag… and the lingering effects of that excellent coffee.
Day 2: Beach Bliss and Brewing Frustration (and a lot of walking)
8:00 AM: Wake up. (Too early, really.) Staring at the water. This view is getting old. Should have stayed a little longer in bed.
- Real-Sounding Imperfection: Realised I forgot to buy milk for my morning cuppa. Dammit. Another trip to the shop.
9:00 AM: Beach time! Nobbys Beach. The sand is golden, the water is sparkling, and the waves are just the right size for… well, for me to stand there and appreciate them. I'm not a beach person, but I'm finding myself relaxed and happy. Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated peace. This is why I travel, right?
10:30 AM: The Newcastle Memorial Walk. This is impressive. Overlooking the coast for 45 minutes.
- Messy Moment: Decided to skip the touristy route today and just wing it. Got completely lost within 5 minutes. Newcastle's a maze!
11:30 AM: Found a cafe. Mr. Sister. Delicious. Found a cafe. Delicious.
- Quirky Observation: More dogs at the cafe! This time, a fluffy poodle wearing a tiny raincoat. This is going from dogs to a full-on dog fantasy land.
12:30 PM: Lunch at Scotties. Fish and chips, waterfront views… Pretty idyllic, actually.
- Opinionated Language: Okay, the food is the best I've had today. But I was expecting that from a fish and chips place.
2:00 PM: Trying to find a bus stop. (See: "Getting lost in Newcastle")
- Emotional Reaction: Pure frustration
- Messy Moment: Completely missed the bus. Just stood there like a lemon.
3:00 PM: Back to Honeysuckle. Feeling slightly defeated. A nap is in order.
- Real-Sounding Imperfection: Realized I desperately need to do laundry. Looks like more unpacking and organizing.
- Rambling Observation: Am I really going to spend an entire afternoon doing laundry? This is not the glamorous lifestyle I envisioned. Life on the road is like that.
- Real-Sounding Imperfection: Realized I desperately need to do laundry. Looks like more unpacking and organizing.
6:00 PM: Dinner at Coal River & Co. Okay, this is different. They got the vibe right. Beautiful, elegant, and the food is amazing. I'm going to rate this among the best I've been to.
- Emotional Reaction: Wow.
7:00 PM: Back to the room and prepare for my departure. The journey continues!
Day 3: Departure and Reflections (and a final, desperate coffee fix)
8:00 AM: Last day. Feeling a weird mix of sadness and relief. Sad to leave Newcastle, but also, ready to move on.
- Quirky Observation: Still can't believe I'm actually considering moving here.
9:00 AM: Good Brother Espresso (again, obviously). One last coffee, a moment of appreciation for the perfection of this place.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: Goodbye Newcastle, you're a real place, and not terrible.
10:00 AM: Checking out. Time to go. I'm ready. For the next place to travel to. (I don't know what it is…)
- Messy Moment: I left my sunglasses!
So, You're Thinking About Honeysuckle? Let's Dive In (Before I Get Distracted...)
1. Okay, what *actually* IS "Executive" about these apartments? Does it mean they're gonna judge my Ugg boots?
Alright, here's the deal. "Executive" is a marketing word, obviously. It probably means they've got decent furniture, a (hopefully) well-equipped kitchen, and maybe, just maybe, a slightly fancier TV than your average student digs. I stayed in one once, and honestly? The "executive" part… meh. It was nice, don't get me wrong. But it felt more like a very well-appointed Airbnb than some high-falutin' corporate haven.
The Ugg boots? Probably safe. Unless they're *really* beat up. Then maybe chuck 'em in the closet. Just saying.
2. Parking. The bane of every Newcastle resident's existence. What's the deal? Pray tell.
Okay, parking. DEEP BREATH. This is Newcastle. Parking is… a sport. Honeysuckle's supposed to have allocated parking, so that's a HUGE win. Seriously, HUGE. It's worth its weight in gold, especially if you're planning on exploring beyond the immediate Honeysuckle area. Check *specifically* what sort of parking it is. Is it secure? Covered? Honestly, if I'm paying "executive" prices, GIVE ME COVERED. I'm talking about driving into a underground bunker and you don't have to worry about seagull poo! Otherwise, I'd take the train!
3. Let's talk location, location, LOCATION! Is this place *actually* in a good spot? I don't want to be stranded in the middle of nowhere after a night out on the Toon.
So, Honeysuckle's *usually* in a pretty good spot. Right on the waterfront, which is lovely. You're close to the restaurants and bars. A brisk walk into the city centre, maybe 15-20 minutes depending on your pace (and how many pints you've had). I walked it once after a particularly rowdy night out, and I'm pretty sure I saw a seagull wearing a tiny tuxedo. I'd avoid drunken walks, to be honest. You're not in the absolute thick of the noise, which is a bonus. But… Check the exact location. Some areas are a bit… well, they might be a little quiet at night. Just a thought. And definitely plan your route home so you can avoid the taxi queue!
4. Amenities! Gimme the lowdown. Do I get a fancy gym? A pool? (Dreams, I know, but a girl can hope…)
Right, amenities. Now, this is where things get a bit… variable. Some Honeysuckle apartments might have a gym. Some might even have a tiny pool (probably a plunge pool, if we're honest). But don't go expecting a five-star hotel experience. My advice? Don't bank on it. Ring up and ask *specifically* what's on offer. And be realistic. If they *do* have a gym, check that it has something basic, not just a treadmill and a rusted-out weights bench. It would be nice if they had a dog park! Newcastle needs dog park, like yesterday!
5. Okay, let's get personal. What's the inside like? Tell me about the *vibe*!
Okay, this is where it gets interesting because it really depends on the *specific* apartment. I've seen some that are sleek and modern, all neutral tones and minimalist furniture. Perfectly fine, but a bit soulless. I've seen others that are a bit… older. Maybe a bit dated. Definitely check the photos *carefully* before you book. And remember, photos can be deceptive! I'm not saying they lie, but they definitely use some kind of magical angle-fu. Also: read the reviews! Someone will *always* mention the creaky floorboards, or the questionable artwork. Those are usually the most honest reviews you can get. And yes, I had creaky floorboards at the place I stayed. I swear the building groaned every time I walked toward the bathroom at 3am after a night out.
6. I'm a nervous traveller/new to Newcastle/Generally a bit of a worrier. Is this place going to be easy to navigate and feel safe?
This is a genuinely important question. Honeysuckle is **generally** in a safe area. However, safety is relative, and it always pays to be aware. If you're arriving late at night, get a taxi from the station. Familiarise yourself with the area beforehand. Check if the apartment has good security - secure door locks, a working peephole, etc. I *always* check where the fire escape is. Seriously. And if you're feeling uneasy, trust your gut. It's better to be safe than sorry. And that's from someone who once walked home alone after getting lost in the Grainger Market at 2am. Don't do that. Just don't.
7. What's the noise situation? I need my beauty sleep!
Again, depends. If you're on a high floor overlooking the waterfront, you might be alright. If you're on a lower floor near the road… prepare for potential noise. The good news is that Honeysuckle is residential, so you're less likely to get all-night party noise. But you might get traffic. Or seagulls. (Those buggers are LOUD). Ask about the noise situation when you book. If you're a light sleeper, bring earplugs. Honestly, I sleep like a log, but even *I* needed earplugs one night thanks to a particularly raucous stag do. Apparently, they were singing "Living on a Prayer" at 3am. Bless 'em.
8. Tell me about a specific, real-life experience – good or bad! I want the juicy details!
Okay, fine. I'll indulge you. This is the thing that sticks in my mind from my Honeysuckle experience. I was staying in an apartment for a few days. Lovely view of the water. I thought it was perfect. Until the second day. Apparently, there was some work being done on the apartment *directly above* mine. And I'm not talking minor DIY. I'm talking jackhammers, drills, the whole shebang. From 8 am until 5 pm. Every single day.
Now, I'm a pretty easygoing person. I can usually handle a bit of noise. But this was… soul-crushing. I genuinely considered checking out early. I spent most of the day in a café, trying to work. I could hear the drilling THROUGH THE WALL. It was a nightmareTop Hotel Search
