We arranged a two night stay via a Groupon deal and then booked an additional night to make it a longer break. We also informed the hotel we would be bringing our two dogs.

The staff at this hotel were fantastic, they made us feel so welcome and went out of their way to make things easier with the dogs. For example we asked if we could order dinner (which came with the Groupon deal) and then wait in the bar with the dogs until it was 5 mins away from being brought to table. We wanted to leave the dogs in the car whilst we ate but only for the absolute minimum of time. Instead the staff offered to make up a table in a sectioned off bar area so the dogs could stay with us there but out of everyone else's way. They then offered to do the same for breakfast and so every morning we had a separate table set for us so we could enjoy this with the dogs sat under the table at our feet.

The room we were given had french windows which opened up straight into the hotel garden, perfect for that essential 'last thing at nite' dog walk. This also had a dog bin, making it really easy to "pick up and dispose".

Generally the location of this hotel is fab as it is so central that you can plan great round trips to various local sites and nowhere within the new Forest Area is too far away.

Again for the dogs, the forest is directly opposite the hotel and has a paved walk thru it. The paved path is wonderful when it is rainy and wet as it is less muddy and slippery than the forest floor can be. This might be suitable for any person (like my mum) who likes a walk in the forest but who has some mobility probs that prevent normal forest walking.

The only reason we gave this only four stars not five was the food, which was average pub grub at hotel prices. It seems a real shame that a hotel with such great, friendly, welcoming and helpful staff; a fab hotel location and so brilliant for dogs can't sort out the food to the same standard. However, there are great places to eat locally so this wouldn't stop us returning.

We stayed here care of my wifes parents gift. We were a bit nervous after reading the reviews but I really wonder what people expect from a three star hotel. We had a brilliant room (Rm 22) a great view, quiet, warm and the shower could have done with more pressure but it was perfectly adequate. I loved the firm mattress, wife did not like the pillows, I did. One strange thing was the chairs in the picture window face into the room and when we came back the next day they had been turned back to face the room. It is a lovely view across the lawn and bordered by mature trees.

We had dinner on the Sunday night it was delicious and they made my wife a special meal because she was on a dairy free diet. Breakfast was good, first morning I had a kipper and the second full english, my only little niggle was the baked beans were a bit lukewarm. Receptionist Sophie was excellent she gave us a route guide for the New Forest and a two and a bit hour walk which was very nice. Wife loved the ponies. Even have a stable next door where you can hire horses to ride by the hour or longer. We came by train and it was only a 15-20 minute walk to the hotel, easy to find. Everyone knows where it is that lives in Brockenhurst.

An interesting bit of history about the hotel is the photos on the walls of when it was a WW1 hospital and operated by New Zealanders. Being a kiwi I found interesting.

Nice fire in the reception area and bar. We plan to return as we had a great time and look forward to our next trip. Plan to do a bit of cycling.

I had a Burns Night meal at the Forest Park on Saturday. The atmosphere was fantastic - a real party feel. Everyone had a very jolly time - wonderful. It was a pity the same couldn't be said about the food - very ordinary indeed. I have had better meals in pubs quite honestly. The dressed salad had never seen a dressing. One of the pudding courses was advertised as Cranachan Cheesecake. Now Cranachan is one of my all time favourite desserts and I was REALLY looking forward to it. Well if you like your Cranachan minus the whisky and minus the honey and minus the oatmeal and minus everything else apart from the cream, then you would have been happy. Unfortunately it was not what I was expecting at all! I think that the chef thinks that "Cranachan" is a Scottish word for "Whipped Cream" However, apart from the actual food, the evening was terrific - I would certainly recommend the Burns evening. I had a great time.

Stayed here with a friend for a girls weekend horse riding and dining! Had a great time and the stables are right next to the hotel. Atmosphere was a little lacking and many of the guest were in their senior years!! Still, our room was lovely and the breakfast was great. No complaints!