My wife and I choose this hotel in which to celebrate our wedding anniversary, partly because of the predominantly positive reviews here, and partly because we wanted to stay in The Exmoor National Park. We were not disappointed. Room 37 in The Lodge was well appointed with a view of the River Ex, comfy beds, lighting you could read by, room heating you could control with individual radiator thermostats - our first night was forecast to be very cold with possible snow. An extra blanket was provided for aged guests like me if required. The breakfasts were excellent with good choice of ingredients and hot plates - a must with me. One ordered toast to your liking which was brought to you from the kitchen - no ineffective self service hotel toasters in this place!
We ate dinner in the bar and in the a la carte restaurant with a good and varied menu with ample portions and attentive service. Vincent, the French born head waiter with over 20 years service at this hotel was friendly, highly professional and entertaining even apparently understand my schoolboy French.
Peter Hendrie, the co-owner with his wife Linda, was most conscientious in making sure that we were satisfied and made to feel welcome in their excellently run establishment. One further delight was looking at the multitude of large hand printed photographs of Exmoor scenes hanging on just about every wall in the public areas. These were taken by Peter himself in his other career as a semi professional photographer.
One final point I really appreciated as a retired engineer. On paying our bill at reception I mentioned that the hinges of our ensuite door would welcome a little oil to prevent creaking during midnight openings. This minor task was immediately written on the maintenance sheet in front of me. No fob off here like I get in a large hotel I use in Bournemouth "I'll tell the manager to ask the maintenance department to do it" and then nothing happens. Perhaps, another occupant of Room 37 will confirm in a later report that nocturnal visits to 'the heads' do not wake ones partner!