Eastwell Manor, Champneys Hotel & Spa

Location

Except location didn’t like anything

Room was noisy next to generator and to hot !

Room

The grounds, and my daughter enjoyed the massage.

Allmost everything. Room service was non existent staff never answer the phone you had to walk down to reception to order food. The menu was extremely limited only alternative was spa restaurant which had poor reviews. There is very little thought that goes into the processes for things like itineraries, towels, it seems like the services are designed to make your visit a complete disaster, nothing aligns, staff can’t be bothered, have no standards, this hotel and spa has seriously deteriorated since previous visits. Everything is an uphill struggle from getting a drink to accessing the pool. It feels like a shell of a hotel now just catering to events not spa guests. If you’re expecting a spa try The Grove. Ragdale Hall ot Hoarcross Hall - not here! My daughter also came away with many bites on her arms and legs the next morning after sleeping in the bed. The mattress underneath - I do not wish to describe.

The hotel itself was beautifully presented and the grounds were impeccably maintained, and the character of the old estate shone through. The included breakfast in the manor was excellent, the staff were excellent. The spa facilities deserve a special mention - though they were an added cost (unusual for hotel guests, but not unheard of).

Now for the rub - this hotel is NOT geared towards families with young children at all, and we got the feeling that they would prefer they simply didn't exist... Which would be ok if they weren't so quick to take your money to let you stay there with them! No "kids menu" at any of the restaurants, no simple/plain options on the room service menu (not that you could get hold of room service without some sort of blood sacrifice to your demon of choice - it took us 15 phone calls and 45 minutes just to get our order placed!) Continuing with the food theme, it also took the (otherwise fantastic) morning staff 20 minutes to "find" a high chair on the first day, as clearly nobody had any idea about where such an obscure relic might be kept - which speaks to how often they have toddlers at breakfast - as it appeared to be the only one on the whole estate (judging by the out-of-breath waitress who carted it in from god-knows-where). The room itself was in-keeping with the rate, but the heating in the communal hallways were inexplicably set to 32C with no way to turn it down - which meant the rooms were also unbearably hot (due to the huge gaps around the doors to the rooms!). Adding to the frustration was the fact there were no baths in any of the en suites, and no non-slip-mats for the shower - a simple quality of life item for those trying to hose down young children before bedtime in a 3ft x 2ft glass box!!. The biggest let-down for us, though, was that the hotel advertises an outdoor pool - that is shown in the imagery - as separate to the spa complex, with tables and seating around it. Yet, this is not part of the hotel and is considered part of the "spa" side of the hotel - despite being advertised as a feature of the hotel (and not included in the "Spa" line on the blurb).

Great Location

No air conditioning, on a hot day the small cramped bedroom was unbearable. We stayed in the mews cottage’s, they need a full refurbishment. Very tired. Lack of staff also, we visited the spa to grab a drink and the restaurant area looked like a bomb had hit it, nobody bothered to clear any of the tables after diners had left.

When booking, breakfast was requested to be included, however it was not stated that there was a fixed amount when selecting items off the menu

Everything! Room was being renovated next door .. banging and noisy. Asked for a fan , never received …. Cold water tap barely working in bathroom…. Was given incorrect menu when ordering room service … actual room service Menney.. poor selection and kitchen not prepared to alter dishes at all. Room needs lots of TLC… a very disappointing stay

The main house is spectacular but the lodges need some TLC - outside pool amazing and just the general state of grandeur

Ants infestation of the front door and porch. Too hot - slept on the floor - kept the shower on for cool air .

Lovely quiet place with spacious comfy rooms and helpful friendly staff.

Too many mosquitoes! Breakfast was a pay per item affair with very slow service despite being almost empty.