The Old Swan Hotel

Overnight stay

Good location
Comfortable room
Evening meal very average. Perhaps wrong choice.
Good breakfast but pretty sure coffee was not real coffee but instant
Staff friendly and helpful

Disappointing: small, dark room, unexpected 12 per night parking and disappointing dinner

I booked this hotel as a 2-night stay offer with dinner and sparkling wine as it looked a luxurious, characterful hotel to stay as a treat when visiting the Spring Flower Show.
The first surprise was a 12 per night on site parking charge that wasn't mentioned anywhere on the booking details. Our room did not match the standards of the public areas. It was said to be a Deluxe twin room which I actually questioned at reception as it was smaller than expected, dark, limited toiletries and no robes or slippers - these were supplied on request. I was told it was smaller than some rooms but had a better view - it looked out over the staff car park!
Helpful staff in the dining room but noisy when busy. Dinner was disappointing with the smallest chicken breast I have ever seen, few veg and no potatoes. Drinks were expensive.
The cooked breakfast buffet was good but pastries for the Continental ran out early on both days.
This is an old hotel but really needs another lift for the number of people staying there, it was very slow, with no indication of which floor it was on and there were always queues - as we were on the 3rd floor it was too far for me to walk.
Would not go there again, it was not the luxury stay we expected

An Old Classic That s Lost Its Spark

This hotel has a certain old-world charm, but sadly, it s looking quite tired these days. Our original room was so dated and worn that we felt compelled to upgrade to a suite just to get a comfortable space.
The restaurant was disappointing my pork belly dish was practically inedible, and overall the food was mediocre at best. On the bright side, the cream tea was lovely and felt like the one part of the experience that lived up to the hotel s reputation.
Overall, it s a shame to see a classic place in need of serious refurbishment and better dining standards.