Humber Valley Resort: Luxury Resort or Resort in Need?
Recently, one of our reviewers had an opportunity to visit the Humber Valley Resort (http://www.humbervalley.com) as a guest of an organization holding meetings there. Not only was this an opportunity to get an insight into the service at the resort, but also an opportunity to write a review of what many have touted as one of the top vacation destinations in Western Newfoundland and Labrador. The following is a review detailing the experiences of the reviewer dated July 11, 2008. Humber Valley Resort starts of making an amazing impression as you cross the Humber River seeing anglers fishing in the river, an amazing blue sky in the background, with great scenery. The owners have done a wonderful job of framing the approach to the gatehouse and giving and initial first impression that is second to none. However, that's where it stops. After driving to the Eagle's Perch, it was quick to see that the road conditions had deteriorated to a point where there were obvious repairs, and many unrepaired cracks as well as many dirt roads still in existance. Thinking that this should have been basic infrastructure, it was a bit disappointing that the roads had the "under construction" feel, or the "we need money" feel. Unfortunately, there were several people in the group that had the same impression. In fact, the comment "I'm disappointed." was heard several times from group members. The impression from the Eagle's Perch was spectacular. The view of a few of the golf holes was amazing. People who had golfed there earlier in the week were impressed and said it was the best course they had every played on. The meal at the Eagle's Perch was very tasty. It was a buffet style meal and there was plenty of food to go around for all people. However, there were not enough tables to accomodate all the people in the group and several had to sit outside on a fairly cool and windy evening to eat their meal. This may have been partially by choice but it was still a little "different" to see this occur. Some things that were missing from the meal included the lack of salt & pepper on the tables. The lack of water on the tables and only 1 person to handle the group of approximately 40 people. Plus, the dessert selection was very poor and there was no tea, only decaf and regular coffee. Overall, the service was below average. Many people commented on the lack of service and the negaative impression that this had left in their mind. Most of the group moved to Sulley's Pub for a few drinks and that was an "OK" experience. The service was "average" but the atmosphere was somewhat "strained" to support the group and did not lend itself to having a very social gathering. Most members of the group were invited to a chalet that was occupied by members of the group. It was not impressive. Perhaps it was just this chalet, but there were obvious signs of troubles. In taking a tour of the chalet, the very first thing that was obvious was the lack of air conditioning. There was an air exchanger, but the evening in question was fairly warm, and with a larger number of people there, the building was quite stuffy. Several of the light fixtures did not work going downstairs, meaning that one would have to struggle navigating steps in the dull light. Even when downstairs, there was a wire hanging from the ceiling of this particular chalet as if something was left unfinished. This did not leave a very good impression. Outside on the back deck, there was an obvious lack of paint. Paint was peeling off the railings of the building, and off the actual deck itself. It gave the appearance of being "run down" when the building itself was perhaps four years old. People were commenting on the negative impression that this had left. Plus, there was busted deck furniture there and the guest of the chalet had indicated that it had take quite some time to get a table to replace the one that was broken. For a luxury resort, there are definite signs of problems throughout what was experienced. It is obvious that the financial troubles being felt by the resort owners are carrying over into the infrastructure and upkeep of the buildings. It was apparent there were staffing issues or maybe not enough staff on duty at the time. For a resort that is trying to become the premier destination in Atlantic Canada, Humber Valley Resort has a ways to come. While the scenery and the hospitality of Newfoundlanders is well known, there are other, less expensive places to stay that are worth the look. For this experience, I would give the resort a 5/10. Humber VAlley Resort Eagle's Perch Phone: +1 709 686 8100
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