A most agreeable hotel, with a nice historic feel about it.

Liked: Location.
Disliked: None.

Pleasant for a short stay...

Liked: The staff kindly upgraded my room on arrival from a single to a double, and ensured it was in a quiet location, as per my request at booking. I was not disturbed at any time by activity outside my room. Bed was comfortable and floorspace fine for my short stay. The french windows were nice to have, letting in plenty of light. The food available during my stay was tasty, particularly the soup. I was happy to be allowed to bring food (cake) and a coffee back to my room.Whilst the lounge singer on Saturday night was unexpected and not really my thing, such live entertainment adds to the atmosphere of a historical hotel, giving a small touch of luxury. The spa and pool were also excellent, with pleasant steam room and sauna. Not too crowded whilst I was there, though I may have done more laps if there weren't children jumping in the main pool despite signs warning not to. Very glad that the jacuzzi (originally closed for cleaning when I entered) was opened as it made the £5 fee feel more worth it. As the spa was part of why I booked this particular hotel, I was satisfied.
Disliked: The hotel seemed to suffer from short or uninformed staff, which was most notable at breakfast and dinner services. At breakfast I had to wait to be seated for a while, and the coffee machine was out of order both mornings of my stay, though instant packs and hot water were available. Food options were a little anemic, though I was not very hungry in the mornings so only really ate as it was pre-paid for.I felt that dinner service was somewhat confusing. It was a shame that the restaurant area was closed for dinner (though open for breakfast). The seating in the lounge/bar was not ideal for dining (low tables and sofa chairs). My first night I was offered two menus and allowed a starter, main and dessert, plus drink included in my package. I passed on dessert by choice, though I was disappointed the only offerings were the leftover cakes from the Starbucks branded coffee area. The second night, the poor waitress/bartender who appeared to be the only person on duty would only allow me a main in my pre-paid dinner if I ordered from one of the two menus, so I passed on a starter to save money. I also had to pay for my soft drink (which, again, had been included the previous night). She was telling me and other customers that only tea and coffee were included, which seems strange for a dinner service at a bar. I do not know why this was different from the previous night.I was able to get my pre-paid coffee and dessert - though carrot cake was the only option, and I only had it to make my prepayment feel more worth it. Both nights, almost all my first choices of food were unavailable, only finding out after trying to order.I will also say that for a hotel of this type I would usually expect a room service option, but this was not the case (though the small vanity table would not hsve been an ideal surface to eat from). Some signage may have been out of date (different opening times for the pool area were listed in different locations and documents).

Very good

Hotel is on par with...

Liked: The Staff and location
Disliked: The cleanliness of the room, ( will sendind a complaint to gead office as matter wasn't resolved with the hotel) Breakfast was very poor, congealed eggs and rock hard pain au chocolat as the heat lamp dried them out We've had better at aPremimer inn and Weatherspoons.Extra charges for parking and use if the gum/ spa was also disappointing as not included in the booking fee.

Exceptional

Bad

Exceptional

Exceptional

Liked: The location was perfect. We got upgraded to an amazing room. The swimming pool facility was brilliant. We would definitely go back.

I loved the that they...

Liked: I loved the that they had a live singer in the evening. I loved that the staff was lovely.
Disliked: Beds was uncomfortable and hard. Loud outside the room for the road outside.

Wouldn’t take much to give...

Liked: Location and gardens were lovely, as was the overall hotel. The room was much bigger than expected.
Disliked: The room needs updating but in style with the age of the building. Aside from the leisure club I found the staff could do with being happier towards customers, especially the receptionist and also ladies behind the main bar.