Lumley Castle Hotel

A Bit Disappointing

This hotel depends a little too much on the castle effect , ie. doesn t feel it has to put in too much effort because hey you re staying in a castle - isn t that great? I would have liked to have seen some evidence that the staff really cared if we were enjoying the visit. An example of this attitude was shown when checking out and we were not even asked if we had enjoyed our stay. Also, our room was quite cold. Throughout our stay the heating only came on once (the first evening) for a short time. The second evening, not at all. We tried to report this but on both occasions the reception area was deserted. The staff in the restaurant were good - friendly (for the most part) and professional. The food was good but we found the choice was a little restrictive. It was basically meat with vegetarian options. There was only one fish option - a strange sounding hake Kiev and when I chose this on the second evening was told it was unavailable (as this was a Friday, a day when traditionally fish is eaten, I found this a little strange). We were eating very early so obviously they didn t have any at all. I thought the kitchen should have sourced a replacement fish option. The breakfasts were lovely (plenty of choice here) and cooked to a high standard. Our room was very clean and well equipped. The Prosecco and chocolates were a nice touch but would have preferred a more generous meal allowance in the restaurant as an allowance of 30 did not cover even 2 courses on the expensive menu.

Not the best from Off Peak Luxury

Sadly the reception greeting was next to nil told the no of our room and told to go out of first door then up a flight of stairs the go up the spiral stone stairs No offer of help with the cases fortunately for us some workers helped us up the stone spiral stairs Don t think we would have made otherwise Room fine but had to ask for servicing - not done on 3 rd day so no coffee tea ,milk or dry towels for our last day However the restaurant was excellent - food brilliant and great friendly service There was no map of the plan of the inside of the hotel and it was the workmen who told us how to get from bedroom to the restaurant Had to go to reception to ask for help to get cases to our car We are both in our 80 ies and would have appreciated being told when we book how difficult the siting of the bedroom was Have had such wonderful stays with off peak luxury that this was a disappointment

Our 3 night stay

The welcome was not great. Once we found the reception a staff member did appear and booked us in. Then described how to get to our room. Once in our room we had no idea how to find a lounge or restaurant. Luckily found a cleaner in a corridor who gave us a pointer.
The room was cold . We eventually found a fan heater in the cupboard which worked adequately but I wouldn t like to rely on it in mid winter. The room was ok but a bit more drawer space and better lighting eg for makeup or reading would be good.
Bathroom light pull is behind the door so not ideal. Bathroom lacks hand shower which should be provided. Dining room small and dark. Remote location of buffet is not easy to use squeezing past people coming into the dining room. Could not one of the state rooms be used for morning breakfast for a change of scene? Food was good but portions could be easily 2/3 or even halved. I had 3 different evening meals but brocoli and kale was served the same way with each dish which was a bit dull. Staff all very pleasant. More interpretation about the building, pictures, sculptures would be great and less residue of other events eg skeletons of brides are not necessary.