Guest User
August 7, 2024
Earlier this year, I stayed at Nightcap at the Federal Hotel for one night while visiting Mount Gambier. I did not have high expectations. Online reviews for this venue are decidedly mixed, with many criticising the noise level (this hotel is a part of the Federal Hotel, a pub that could be quite raucous on some days). Arriving at the hotel, the relatively dated building facade and reception did not inspire confidence. Still, I was pleasantly surprised to find a clean, modern, and reasonably commodious room (note: I booked the studio with two queen beds, which are somewhat larger at 25 square meters, do not book the cheapest queen studio rooms- some of those are very diminutive at just 10 square metres) with comfortable beds and decent bathrooms. There was a bit of noise, but it was neither intolerable nor exceedingly vexing. However, the food on offer at the Federal Hotel is profusely mediocre. The beef schnitzel was chewy, devoid of flavour, and overcooked. Likewise, I also ordered a roast of the day, which included steamed beans, peas, broccoli, corn, pumpkin, potatoes, and carrots. This meal was again bland and unsatisfactory. The corn was overcooked, the broccoli was especially insipid (and not fresh), and the potatoes also lacked flavour; the other vegetables were unremarkable but not as poor. (On the other hand, the staff were friendly and courteous). Overall, I would recommend the hotel but would suggest dining somewhere else.