Somerset Apartments Lord Howe Island

Property is centrally located. The environment is in keeping with the island. Staff were always helpful.

Somerset Apartments are brilliantly located midway between Ned's Beach and the Lagoon/CBD area. Beautiful gardens, lots of BBQ areas and bike racks on site, as well as a laundry building. The apartments are pretty basic but have everything you need. They are scrupulously clean and well maintained, but could do with a bit of a refresh. The Wi-Fi situation is initially a bit irksome, but that is an island wide issue and part of the charm of Lord Howe - an enforced digital detox. You can get coverage at the Transit Lounge at Somerset, so not too bad. Gai and her team are extremely accommodating and run nightly shuttle buses to take guests to the various restaurants located a little way away from the apartments. They also pick up and drop off at the airport. Lord Howe exceeded our expectations. The people living there are extremely kind and within a few days of arriving, we noticed ourselves beginning to adapt to island life and saying good morning to everyone we passed and waving at strangers on bikes and in cars, as is the island custom. The mantra "kindness begets kindness" is highly evident there and we found ourselves inviting strangers to have dinner with us or share a drink and had some of the best evenings we can remember. Snorkelling and hiking are sublime and we were lucky enough to see a couple of sharks as well as some of the most laid back turtles and fish on the planet. Amazing place. Definitely go.

The location is the best thing about this property - half way between the lagoon & Ned's Beach - and close to the main shops. Nice & level here too as there are plenty of hills on the island. The rooms are all very private and hidden in lush tropical gardens. The room was very comfortable and came with lots of thoughtful extras like backpacks, water bottles & golf umbrellas. Lots of BBQs scattered around the property, plus quite a few laundry's. Also a main transit lounge with plenty of books to swap and lots of tourist info. Office kindly lent us a fan, torches and clothes airer. Plus a courtesy bus runs every night and will drop you at whichever restaurant you want to eat at (the restaurants then drop you home). Will definitely stay here again.