Macdonald Compleat Angler

Having stayed at the Compleat Angler before (and only due to another dinner date at the excellent Sindhu restaurant), our expectations were not high. Just as well! Checkin time is from 3pm. We arrived at 4.10pm and our room was not ready. Instead of offering us a drink in the 35C heat on 26th May, we stood waiting in reception. The room was baking hot; actually 31.2C. Nobody had thought to put on the air conditioning-probably because it did not work anyway. After complaining, the Manager brought us a fan, so at least the hot air was circulated. The sash windows would only open a few inches and the towel rail was too hot to touch throughout, thereby ensuring that the temperature in the bathroom never dropped below 32C. The safe did not work but wasn't needed; however when these issues were reported at check out, the response was sullen. Clearly the staff are absolutely fed up with receiving complaints; the only attempt at charisma which we experienced was at breakfast, which is not bad providing you have the full English: every other option has a supplement. WHY? The only pleasant place to be in this hotel is the pretty garden beside the river, but even that experience was spoiled by the fact that only one of the three 'refreshments' offered on draught at the garden bar was available. This is not a satisfactory hotel and nothing is obviously being done to make it so.

Beautiful location, friendly and helpful staff, four poster bed and view from room was lovely

Nothing not to like

Great location

Looked a bit shabby for the price, paint coming off of walls on places, cobwebs on lights.

Unfortunately, my experience was less than satisfactory due to a number of issues. Which remains unapologetised for by all staff currently including an escalation to the CEO - Hugh Gillies. During my stay which was a heatwave, I encountered significant discomfort as the radiator in my room was constantly on full blast and could not be turned off. Despite raising this concern multiple times, it was only addressed when an engineer was called in—by that time, I was preparing to check out. I also reached out after my visit to raise this but did not receive any response (apart from we will get back to you) which were left weeks ago. I had to have my window open the whole time while the staff were busy doing nothing about it, therefore noise from people on the lawn far too loud and constant. Additionally, I found the mini bar empty, I am not sure why a hotel of this alleged levels provides an empty fridge? Also not able to put drinks on my room and has to provide card payment upfront. This is Marlow not Mogadishu. The location of Marlow was great and home for me. I remember when I was a kid Princess Diana and Rod Stewart staying at the hotel, I am afraid that whoever their equiviants are today won't be going near the place.

I booked a suite only to find when we arrived it was covered in midget flies all over the pillows and bedding which I have photos of. We was moved to a tiny room for the night and the management offered no apology or compensation as the suite cost over £400 for the night.

See above

Very shabby rooms, in need of big renovation. Staff very helpful, beautiful location.

Excellent experience from first contact, through to departure. We had two nights' bed and breakfast. No dinner or lunch as we were seeing friends for celebrations in local hostelries and private homes. Our suite had excellent views over the lawn to the weir and the River Thames. I enjoyed watching a gaggle of Canada Geese outside the room. Our dog was very comfortable, too. The hotel is conveniently situated for walks into town and on the Thames Path. My wife would like us to move in and live at this hotel, please.

Parking

Cost, value, Plumbing (woken by bubbling toilet and also when sat on toilet), no shower curtain/door.

Beautiful location, convenient for the shops and restaurants of the town

As many others have commented, the hotel decor, carpets & bedrooms are very tired and in need of a revamp but for us, on this occasion, it suited us to stay here, mainly because of the car park. Although it's worth knowing that non residents can use the car park for £10 per day