The Willow House

Stayed for just one night whilst visiting friends nearby. Clean comfortable room with coffee and DIY breakfast facilities. Excellent full English breakfast (you need to book in advance). Our shower didn’t work however, looks like the water was off. We were in a rush so just used the sink and didn’t try to get someone to look at the shower. I am sure they would have sorted it.

Good meal

My room was very nice, with good facilities. The self-service continental breakfast in the room was very helpful because on my first morning, I had to rise at 5.00 am. It was an adequate breakfast. On the second morning, I chose to have the cooked breakfast option. There is a lot of choice and the full English is big! That it's an extra £10 is reasonable in my book. The food is generally excellent, and I had a lovely evening meal on my first night. Circumstances were such that I couldn't eat there on the second night. The staff are friendly and helpful, and it's an attractive old-world building with a nice bar and restaurant.

I think they need to seriously reconsider their reliance on texting for checking in and sending much of the information. One tends to get bombarded with texts, and it gets confusing. Also, if you're not constantly on your phone, it's difficult to keep up with them. I realise many people are constantly on their phones, but not everyone is, including me. In particular, the fact that you are supposed to check in by texting. You are sent a text advising you will receive a further text advising of your room number and door key code. It further advises, it should be sent between 1.00 and 3.00 pm and if it hasn't been sent to phone the stated number. That can be difficult when travelling, depending on where you are and the situation you are in at the time. However, I was able to phone after not receiving a text, but I wasn't able to get an answer. Thus, I was nervous that on arrival, I might be in a stressful situation trying to make contact. On arrival, however, someone was at the bar, which is in effect the reception, and everything was simple. It leads me to say that it caused me to question why they state the reason for texting check-ins is that they don't have a 24-hour reception.. I can understand there might be a need for special arrangements for those arriving very late, but otherwise, I don't understand it.. Possibly it's because the bar often closes early. It's primarily a restaurant bar, so patrons tend to come early for meals and leave relatively early. It seemingly has very little evening casual drinking trade. Thus, I wonder if staff just like to then finish work and/or if it keeps wages' costs down.. In my opinion, there should be someone available until 9.00 pm, after which special arrangements could be used, but I don't think it should just rely on texting. Finally, I don't think it was just me. From a conversation I overheard others having, I think they too had been confused.

Great location for our overnight stop. Great bathroom, great breakfast, lots of parking spaces available.

The room (room 8) was infested with moths and the shower barely worked to the extent that I gave up trying to use it.

Hotel exceeded our expectations - large room, comfortable bed with light breakfast included a nice touch. Even had a fan which was put to good use due to hot weather. And good value for money!

A little run down and need of TLC. Room was clean and tidy. Bathroom was very tight for size.