Fitzroy Inn Historic Retreat Mittagong

We booked the venue for our son’s wedding. They over-promised and under-delivered. John, the owner, appears to have no understanding of hospitality, and Carol, his employee, seems to have limited experience in event management. Their actions or lack thereof, indicated they just didn’t care. Carol advised we would have the option to extend. The Inn’s brochure confirms this. When stating we would like to extend, Carol’s response was, “I do not recall ever mentioning the marquee is available till (sic) 11pm as this is simply not true, we have to finish in the marquee at 10pm”. But the fact we did discuss this is confirmed in her email, stating, “I will also inquire (sic) about extending the finish time … from 10pm to 11pm”. It seemed John wanted to end the reception at 10pm so he could move us to “the dungeon” for a further fee of $2,500. We showed John his brochure that states clients have the option to extend for a fee of $3/guest/hr and relayed Carol’s conversation. He refused to back down and said he would reduce the dungeon fee to $1,500. We did not go ahead as were disappointed he refused to abide by what is stated in his brochure and was not going to honour advice given to us by his employee. Carol advised that if we paid $8,000 for a buy-out of the rooms, we would have exclusive use of the premises. Close to the date of the wedding, Room 12 was still available. Carol advised we wouldn’t be charged for that room and said, “I won’t put anyone into that room”. That didn’t happen. The room was booked to a stranger. Carol advised that with an exclusive buy-out, we could host a dinner on the Friday night. She said we could bring in our own chef or have pizzas delivered, the fireplaces could be lit, we could play a game of pool and roam around the entire Inn – “the place is all yours”. So we planned a rehearsal dinner. A few weeks before the wedding I asked Carol if it would it be possible to use the oven. Carol’s response was, “There will be no access to the bar or kitchen area”. And that if we were to have more people at the dinner than the total number of guests staying on-site, it would be “considered an event and a hire fee will be charged”. We moved the rehearsal dinner elsewhere. We had several meetings with Carol about how we would like the tables set up in the marquee. The brochure states “80 – 200 seated”. John advised they have had events with 190 seated. I felt assured they would be able to cope with 154 guests. I advised Carol we would need 24 tables. This was confirmed in a second meeting with Carol with my wedding stylist. Two days before the wedding I noticed there were only 20 tables. I asked Helen, (new member of staff), for the extra tables. Helen and John finally advised the Inn only has 22 tables. I told John, Carol had stated we could have 4 rows of 6 tables. He threw his hands in the air, turned his back on me, and walking out of the marquee yelled, “I’m not here to play a game of he said/she

A lovely room that was well appointed and very comfortable. A great deal of effort has gone into documenting the history of Fitzroy Inn; it was very interesting to explore the old building and read of its past. Lovely to know that it is all being preserved. The gardens are extensive and very pleasant to wander through. Thanks to the staff for their friendly presence.

A historical gem of a place in Mittagong. We are two couples with 3 dogs who booked rooms #7 & 8 in the schoolmasters house. Rooms were very large with tv, heating, sofa and french windows out to a wide veranda overlooking gardens. We especially loved the lounge room in the main house with open fires which our dogs loved lying beside. It was like home from home. The golf club bistro even delivered dinner to us so we could eat at the dining table fireside. Saved us going out on such a cold night. Self serve continental breakfast of breads oats fruit teas and a coffee machine. Carol the host was very welcoming. Our dogs told us we are definitely going back to stay there again !

Excellent location for the day in the green concert which was excellent- close to buses for the event and short walk to town! Staff so helpful as I’d forgotten to print my print at home tickets but John provided all the help we needed! Did the really interesting history walk of the buildings and ground with an amazing history as an inn, a school, a place for prisoners being transported from parramatta to berrima jail! Gorgeous rooms and we’ll be back to do some of the local walks! The old electrical generator weir a mark of our historic past! Railways took over the role of prisoner transport in late 1800s and insight into the change railways bring!

Great historic Inn in lovely grounds and plenty of communal space. We had a glass of wine on the veranda as the sun was setting which was very pleasant. We stayed in an attic room which was fine but not for the less able - very steep stairs and small bathroom. The breakfast was continental and the coffee machine made great coffee. Staff were very pleasant and helpful. Bed was very comfy

Gorgeous room and atmosphere. Pleasant surrounds, a fascinating historical aspect and a nice continental to send us on our way. Close to town and some very nice restaurants. So pleased that I have just written my first TripAdvisor review! Certainly would recommend.

The minute we walked onto the property we felt right at home. Carol was absolutely fantastic, in fact she welcomed me as though I was a long lost brother. Even though the property is old, it's beautifully maintained. I'll be going back. The only reason I didn't give 5 out of 5 and you got used it, was the train line close by. Other than that I highly recommended the property.

We enjoyed a very pleasant overnight stay at this beautifully restored historic property. Our room (the Norman Lindsay room in the Schoolmaster’s cottage) was spacious, stylishly appointed and very comfortable… though we would like to have had an alternative heating option to the aircon above the bed. We didn’t notice any traffic noise and the the very occasional rumble from a passing train didn’t worry us. The interior of the main house (complete with printed notes and room-specific plaques to assist in a self-guided tour) is wonderful and is a credit to owners past and present who have restored and maintained the property. Carol was exceptionally welcoming and helpful which added to the whole experience. We would definitely stay here again when visiting the Southern Highlands.

Lovely period hotel. I particularly liked the photos and details of the hotels long history. Loved seeing the well in the cellar!