Reception staff did not provide details of time or location of breakfast, instead they tried to convince us to avail ourselves of additional chargeable services, e.g. the 'turn down service' and to book a table for dinner etc. We could not even find details for breakfast in the information folder in the room. The booking was made in my surname and they asked for a credit/debit card on arrival. My partner supplied his card. They copied the details and returned it to him, using my surname when addressing him, even though his own surname was obviously on the card, rather unprofessional. Very disappointed to be allocated a room in the newer block by the spar rather than in the original Hall itself. It was a ground floor room (Garden Room) and people were walking right past. In addition, there wasn't a net curtain at one of the windows so people could see in. We prepared some drinks in the room and were surprised that only 2 biscuits were provided, though they were of good quality. There was also only one sachet of 'caffeinated' coffee, although 6 sachets of decaffeinated coffee were supplied. There were also only 4 little containers of milk. We changed for a swim and found that one of the towelling robes provided had damp cuffs and lapels, not good. One robe was fluffy and pleasant, the other was a different design and the towelling was not at all luxurious, very ordinary and it seemed old and worn. There was no 'deep' end to the pool, water was just over 1m in depth and heavily chlorinated.
I found the lighting levels in the room to be rather low, not suitable for reading. The bathroom was very pleasant, Italian-style sink. Enjoyed the beautifully-scented 'Penhaligon' toiletries, only small quantities provided, but they are very expensive and a little goes a long way. Room was tastefully decorated, bed only average-size.
We liked the Great Hall; it was very atmospheric, beautifully furnished and decorated, it was open all night for relaxing/reading/drinks could be ordered. Open fire.
I ordered a full 'English breakfast' in the morning and was unimpressed that the waitress served it with a pool of colourless liquid (fat?) on top of the bacon. The cooked breakfast was quite small.. My partner and I were very annoyed that the couple next to us were offered more coffee/tea and toast, and we were not; very poor service.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
5 February 2012
Dear Guest,
I am sorry you did not enjoy your stay with us.
For future guests, I would like to clarify that WE DO NOT CHARGE FOR TURN DOWN SERVICE!
Regards
Valerie Hazelton
General Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC