Many locals don’t even know about the hidden gem that is The Powerhouse Hotel in Tamworth, By Rydges.
The Powerhouse Hotel Tamworth by Rydges is a hotel worth driving 5 hours from Sydney for. It is a landmark property in New South Wales.
Hotelier and Tamworth identity Greg Maguire was a man ahead of his time when he transformed the former roadside motel to a five star American style upmarket hotel in 2016.
Maguire brought in renowned Australian interior design expert Paul Kelly to completely overhaul the 700m long former motel property -and not one element has not been modernised, updated and transformed.
Millions have been poured into the property’s luxury renovation and subsequent upgrade. The style of the 20 apartments, 80 hotel rooms and 8 junior suites is more Ralph Lauren, Californian Roadside than Australian outback and it is just superb.
A stay at The Powerhouse Hotel Tamworth by Rydges is a hospitality experience from start to finish.
There’s a pool, sauna, gym, cocktail bar, barista coffee, smart TV’s in every room, and even an on-site motor museum. There are two Tesla charging stations. It is one of Australia’s only hotel’s with 24 hour check in (hurrah) and even if you arrive at 3am you can order a steak sandwich and a bottle of wine.
Overall Rating: 9.5/10
The Location 8.5/10
The drive into Tamworth from any direction is as scenic as Australia gets at any time of the year. In January, think clear blue skies with tufts of cloud suspended over green hill tops. It’s picturesque and romantic.
Roadsides are flushed with fragrant blooms of yellow, purple, or green blooms and colours meander through the mountains as far as the eye can see.
Farms, farm houses and towering trees fill the skyline.
Service & Facilities: 9/10
There is a gorgeous bush-style pool with rocks and cool, clean water. A much needed indulgence in summer. The gym has new equipment, and is more than sufficient, and there is a sauna and BBQ area.
There are numerous walking and running paths within walking distance of the hotel too.
But the 140 seat restaurant, Workshop, is the star attraction here. The spectacular, modern, upscale design looks like something straight out of San Francisco.
There is a vast open kitchen, tonnes of Carrara marble, hand made Italian tiles, American Oak, beamed ceilings, and elegantly designed made-to-order furnishings.
Opposite the restaurant is a separate, gorgeous, stately bar with a barman mixing cocktails to order of every colour, texture and style.
The on-site powerhouse motor cycle museum has a rotating collection of vintage and modern motorcycles. There is something from every era, and some very rare bikes to see.
The Rooms:9/10
The accommodation offering includes 20 apartments, 80 King size hotel rooms and 8 junior suites.
Rooms in all categories are generous in size and rich in elegance and style yet very modern.
Think supple, opulent leather and American Oak bedheads, waffle sound screens behind the 60 inch, 4K smart TV’s to absorb noise, reverse cycle air conditioning, marble bedside tables, ottomans, working desks, designer lighting, and noiseless fans.
There is a fabulous eco friendly housekeeping system, where guests are offered to exchange a room cleaning service for a $10 voucher for food and beverage in the restaurant.
Beds are king sized with plush pillow tops. And the mini bar is packed with local delicacies from hand made chocolate to biscuits and wine. There are USB points around the room, and free super high speed wifi. There is a self service laundry on site.
Food & Drink: 9.5/10
The Coal Bunker Bar has a fabulous cocktail list, and staff will make anything you like. It is open 24 hours.
The smart bar is impeccably furnished with polished interiors, and the staff are passionate about making people happy.
Workshop is the hotel’s sensational restaurant which literally looks like an interior fit out transferred straight from San Francisco to Tamworth.
Designed by lauded Sydney interior hotel guru Paul Kelly, not one expense has been spared, and no detail missed.
The menu for every meal is modern, well thought out and diverse. There is a different lunch and dinner menu, and prices are very reasonable.
I was there for 3 days and there were many items left I will try next time.
Dinner offerings include plump, rich prawns, fresh, crunchy salads, pastas, roast duck, fresh fish, and creative, vegetarian choices.
The steaks are sensational, and all beef is local Willow Tree Based Jack’s Beef Creek, and of the highest quality and sourced from surrounding farms. Cooked only on wood, (no gas), the flavours are rich, authentic and unique.
The staff are genuine and down to earth, and love what they do. They come across as proud of where they are working, so make dining or drinking here a pleasure.
Who Is Behind It: Little is known about Greg Maguire, the man who transformed the property from a roadside motel to fully fledged five star hotel. But the quality of the refurbished property and a stay here speak volumes about him and his passion not only for hospitality, but for Tamworth.
Insider Knowledge:
Renae says:
Who should Stay here: Corporates, Couples, Families
Who shouldn’t Stay here: I can’t think of anyone who would not love it.
Location: A few minutes from the heart of Tamworth, NSW.
Best culinary delight: The steaks, quality local meat cuts cooked on wood, are sensational. Amazing wine list featuring too many vintages of Grange Hermitage to mention.
The Highlight: The incredible restaurant, Workshop, better than many in Sydney – and so well priced.
The lowlight: So many people – even locals – have no idea how incredible this hotel is.
Book here.
