By Dongyun Kwon
A Healesville-based accommodation has been recognized in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best for 2024.
Yarra Gables has received the same award for two years in a row.
Yarra Gables owner Ralph Henderson said he and his team are honoured that their guests rate their experience at their place so highly.
“Especially, given this is our second year at the first place, we love welcoming all our guests and look to host them as if they were friends coming to visit our home,” he said.
“This is a testament to our team who maintain the standards our guests enjoy. We are rated very highly on cleaning and service which is a significant achievement for us and our team.
“We are also very proud to be part of the Yarra Valley community and one of Australia’s premier tourism destinations.”
Mr Henderson said his customers have loved his motel for three factors.
“They love our garden, the space we have around the property, the cleanliness of the property and also our customer service,” he said.
“We try to make them feel at home, so we don’t have lots of rules and we don’t have lots of things you can’t do.”
Yarra Gables, formerly known as Marna House, has over 100 years of history.
The property was expanded and could accommodate 50 guests in 1940.
After going through the hands of different owners, Yarra Gables finally was taken over by the current owner in 2014.
“It’s really good for us [to receive the award] but also for Healesville and the Yarra Valley,” the current owner said.
“We have the number one gin distillery in Australia, we have the number one winery and now we have the number one accommodation and all three of them are promoting the Yarra Valley as a destination for visitors.”
Tripadvisor chief growth officer John Boris congratulated the Yarra Gables on its recognition in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best for 2024.
“Ranking among the top percentage of businesses globally means you have made such a memorable impact on your visitors that many of them took time to go online and leave a glowing review about their experience,” he said.
This year, Yarra Gables has proudly launched a new house on an adjoining property, called Yarra Gables Lodge.
Yarra Gables now has five motel rooms and three three-bedroom houses and can accommodate up to 34 people.
