Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate

Disappointing

We had just got engaged and wanted to treat ourselves to a relaxing night away at the down hall.
On arrival the staff were welcoming and friendly. When we got to our room we were disappointed that there was no air conditioning as it was 33 degrees outside and the room looked quite dated. We decided to enjoy ourselves and try and forget about the room. The gardens and outdoor terrace are beautiful and we spent a lot of time exploring our surroundings. We had an early 3 course dinner which was cooked well and the service was good. We enjoyed some drinks In the sun and returned to the room around 10.30pm. The room was beyond hot. We had a small fan in the room but the power cable was about 10cm so it didn t stretch very far. The menu in the room has a full room service menu and reports there is a limited menu after 9.30. We decided to order some food due to our early dinner and desperately needed some water for the room. Despite calling several
Times there was no answer from reception or the room service number which was frustrating. Eventually around 11.30pm I decided to go to reception as we were incredibly thirsty due to
The heat and really needed water along with some food. At reception no one was present and there was a phone which said dial 0 for assistance. I picked up the phone and the phone wasn t plugged in and there was no dialling tone!! I then went to look for any member of staff for a long time. I eventually found one young staff member tidying up after a wedding who was surprised to be asked for water or room service. He said he would bring water to our room and would find out about room
Service like he had no idea what I was taking about. I returned to the room and waited. After 45 mins I went back to reception to look for someone else as no water had come. We found what looked like a manger who wasn t particularly helpful but said he would make us a cheese or ham sandwich as that s all he could do. I agreed as we were starving but reiterated we needed water. An hour later two sandwich s came to the room. There was no water. We were also told they would cost 27! When we went to eat the sandwich we had thick dry bread, the lightest spread of butter, a thin slice of ham in one and cheese in the other and that was it! A small
Side salad on the plate and no Water!! The driest sandwich ever. We ended up drinking the water from
The tap in the bathroom all night as the room was soo hot and stuffy!! We had the worst night sleep due to this. When we checked out we informed the staff member who
Wasn t too concerned but did take the room
Service off our bill! Overall very disappointing for the money we paid! Not a good experience at all.

Our 10th Wedding Anniversary sanctuary

I booked this hotel as wanted to book somewhere special, where my wife and I could switch off from our busy lives and enjoy a little luxury. It delivered everything I wanted and more. The staff on the front desk were warm and welcoming, almost welcoming as friends rather than customers, though of course with total professionalism. The walk to our room was a pleasurable wander, taking in the beauty of the hotel. Arriving at our room, it was clean and spacious, with beautiful views across the lawns and pond. We couldn t have asked for more. The welcome touches really demonstrated the luxury of the property, hand made chocolates, the little patisserie slice with hand written message on the chocolate tablet, plus of course the bottle of bubbly on ice.
We went for a walk round the grounds, before coming back to the room for showers before dinner. We took the turn down service, so expected just the bed turned back. Wrong, when we got back the room had been completely serviced, cups and glasses replaced, ironing board put away, robe and slippers presented on the bottom corners of the bed.
As for the dinner, the welcome was the same as the front desk, friendly and genuine. Our meal was relaxed and just perfect. The chefs knew how to deliver, each course, each part cooked and presented perfectly. My wife was a trained chef, who trained as a classic pastry chef with her own brigade, so when she s impressed, it s something really special that s been delivered. We were impressed by the non alcoholic wines, having different bottles each. After the meal we took our glasses and bottles out to the courtyard and sat in total peace, talking watching the stars and satellites going over, even timed luckily to see the ISS.
Retiring back to the room, which as noted had been serviced, the shower was hot and powerful, with luxurious toiletries, then large cosy bed. Sleeping soundly we had a wonderful night.
Breakfast the next morning was as nice as the meal the night before. A large selection of hot or cold, plus drinks and pastries.
We checked out, then used the bar and courtyard to enjoy the sun and cold drinks, before our drift away massage and use of the spa facilities. The staff and service were exactly as we had came to expect. The girls giving the massage were lovely, and the massage heavenly. My wife has joint problems so loved the gentle touch, I enjoyed the firmer relaxing massage.
Before we left we had a final drink, and sit outside, mainly as we didn t wish to leave. But our Sons and puppies needed us home!
Would we re-book or recommend to our friends and family, absolutely.

An extremely relaxing stay

This is a beautiful hotel in wonderful surroundings, lovely walks, very pretty gardens including an interesting kitchen garden.
The room was really lovely and despite weddings and a conference going on we actually didn't hear a thing, it was extremely peaceful and relaxing. It is lovely to find a bidet in a bathroom too- bonus! The communal spaces are beautifully designed and luxurious.
The food was delicious, especially the puddings and we were spoilt for choice with the breakfasts.
The spa is a great space with indoor and outdoor beds, a sauna, steam and hydrotherapy pool. I would have loved a pool but we can't have everything!
The best thing about this hotel has to be the staff- they are so well trained and always on hand if you need them- very impressive. Thank you for a great stay.