I have stayed here with my Husband quite a few times both when it was run by De vere and when Village took over. The refurbishment is great and rooms have more or less everything you need but it would of been nice to have a few little toiletries but i understand this is probably an eco choice. We came away for my Birthday and paid a reduced rate at £89 for a 2 night weekend stay, including breakfast in a standard king room. Room has tea/coffee supplies, nice comfy bed and sofa, plenty of hanging space which is a must for every woman and a great flat screen tv with a good choice of channels. If you want to watch any sport they will show this on the big screens down at the Bar.
We ate on the Friday night in the Bar as they have an offer on where you can get Burger and Chips from £3 and as we had only just arrived this was sufficient. It was fresh, arrived rather quick but nothing to write home about so i wouldn't pay the full price.
Breakfast on both the Saturday and Sunday morning were horrendous! The guy running the tables was great at getting everyone a table but i was the chef that didnt have anything ready and we queued both mornings for around 10 minutes ... not acceptable. I did have to track down the waiters for tea and toast and then butter and jam as there was none on the table ... Hot buffet was ok if you want to wait for it but there was plenty of variety, cold buffet consists of the usual danishes, cereals etc.
Spa facilities are more than adequate, fantastic gym, nice pool and sauna although they could do with cleaning more often ... Towels are provided free of charge before you enter the spa and changing rooms come equipped with hair-dryers which is a nice touch.
We stay here as the location is great for shopping and entertainment with an Outlet Mall a few minutes away and a cinema and bowling complex opposite the hotel!
Overall a good stay but the chef needs to up his game!
- Swindon De Vere Shaw Ridge
