My husband & I went to Matfen Hall with a LivingSocial midweek deal. We took an upgrade on checking in for a premier room overlooking the golf course.

Plus points - beautiful room (very very very comfy bed!) and fab big bath. Friendly, efficient service (apart from a lad in the conservatory behind the bar who was miserable). Delicious breakfast, one of the best I have ever had in a hotel & service there was quick and efficient. Good therapist (Jill) for my treatment in the Spa. Relaxation Room at the Spa with complementary fresh fruit was lovely. Black Bull pub in Matfen Village was great (good jukebox, pool table and beers). Fresh fruit smoothies at the Juice Bar at the Spa were delicious. Atmosphere at Hotel was relaxed and we were not 'fussed' or made to feel unwelcome.

Minus points - Food in the Keeper's Lodge was dire and the atmosphere was poor. Fire and Ice Experience was disappointing in the spa, steam rooms were not working and tiles were coming away. Needs overhaul. Sauna ok. Pool small but ok and clean.

We spent a night at Matfen Hall this weekend to celebrate my husband's birthday - and what a perfect choice it was!
The first big plus was that we were able to take our little dog with us and nobody seemed to mind. The rooms were fabulous and the fact we had our own balcony was a real plus. The history of the house has not been compromised and there's a really elegant feel to it. We dined in the restaurant and the food was absolutely superb - four of us all had different dishes and nobody could find fault, no mean feat as we're a fussy bunch.
We were completely relaxed and were treated superbly - can't recommend it enough..

Although, on the surface, Matfen Hall Spa gives you all it promises, I couldn't help feeling that something was missing. And thinking about it afterwards I realised that the place is generally rather “tired” and I felt that I was treated as a "commodity" rather than a valued customer. A little cleaning and sprucing up of the spa area and a few "hallos" and smiles from the staff would make all the difference. Oh - and the locker system is ridiculously temperamental leading to myself and two other visitors (on the afternoon I was there) having to trail around to find someone to help us unlock or lock. Not a bad place but no “wow” factor. What a shame.

4 of us stayed for Dinner Bed and Breakfast, plus spa facilities/massage. The staff were warm and friendly. The bedrooms were clean and comfortable with modern decor and good facilities. Food was of excellent quality. Overall a very enjoyable stay and we will certainly be returning. Such beautiful views! Would highly recommend.