Barnett Hill Hotel

Pros Coordinator – our wedding coordinator was brilliant from the start; Liz was great in communicating, understanding our needs and providing flexibility and attention to detail to planning. Liz made sure we were consulted every step of the way, was quick at getting back to us, made us feel like everything was in hand and taken care of. The final details were handled well and Liz ensured the team was fully briefed for the big day. Team - the staff did a fantastic job setting up the venue. We provided certain decorations ourselves and the staff did a great job decorating to exact requirements. The operations manager, Lajos, was our coordinator on the day. We were very impressed with him. Lajos was at the venue late the night before and present for the entire wedding day. He checked in on us at every step, without overwhelming us and really made the day flow smoothly and stress free. Everyone knew their roles, the day was well orchestrated and if there were issues on the day, we didn’t know about it. Very happy with Lajos and the team. Hotel – the rooms were beautifully made, especially the honeymoon suite that overlooks the rear of the hotel and the gardens. It made the day even more special. The hotel grounds were immaculate and every guest commended on how beautiful the grounds were. Food – the taster menu was arranged 6-8 weeks prior to the wedding. We made suggestions to the menu and were happy with how the food came out on the wedding day. The canapés, wedding breakfast and evening buffet were delicious, beautifully presented, and the breakfast the following day was superb. Cons Dance Floor - the room allocated to evening dancing, is required to have a proper dance floor, roughly £600. No other venue we visited required a dance floor. Overall, we were given the best possible wedding day.

Hotel is on lovely grounds but the room was small open planned shower which fogged out the entire room and mirrors. Had to close blinds because everyone walking past could see in. Shower also sprayed into room so had to move shower head and put 2/3 towels on floor as no door. Bed had dog hairs all over it floor was dirty. Walked around grounds and found many a dog poo and mess from a wedding the day before everywhere. Don’t buy Prosecco £60 a bottle. Didn’t eat there so cannot comment. For £161 per night this was far from boutique shame as beautiful surroundings. Staff were lovely though

We recently hired the lovely drawing room for afternoon tea to celebrate my mums 80th birthday.. the hotel was beautifully decorated for Christmas so had a wonderful festive vibe.. our afternoon tea was nice enough & although there were a couple of minor hiccups throughout the afternoon, we were lucky enough to have been assigned the lovely Leah to look after us. Leah was extremely friendly & efficient, Nothing was too much trouble & her input certainly helped make our celebration more enjoyable.. A great representative for the hotel..

I suppose review writers are as varied in their opinions as there are stars in the sky but there are facts and there are opinions. So opinions first:- we had a split level room which was cleaned to my highest standards especially the bathroom. The bed was softer that I`m used to but tolerable. The staff including the do it all manager were exceptional doing all they could to assist. The lamb and the beef choices at dinner were tougher than they should have been whether by cut or cooking. Now some facts:- there were four of us in two rooms staying a total of three mights. We arrived at around 2.30pm to be informed that our room was ready. The others had arrived the day previously. Drinks prices were very high but I suppose to be expected at a venue which the AA gives 4*. What was unexpected and a fact was that on the account for our stays all extras were shown with additional service charges. So on top of the dinner costs was added 10% service. On top of the drinks prices was a similar service charge, the afternoon tea also had brasserie food service charge added but what was the most heinous addition was an "early entry" room charge addition of £50.00 as the book in time was 3.00pm. None of these supposed "service" charges had been previously advised. To his credit when the above mentioned manager was confronted with this traveller telling him that these charges were totally unacceptable especially the last mentioned he removed them without too much fuss. Considering the total for our stay was close to £1,000 the arithmetic on reduction is easily calcuable. So BEWARE. This abhorrant underhand sneaky practice might be common but I was truly shocked as having never encountered it anywhere. Then perhaps I don`t get out enough.

Lovely grounds but internal decor could be improved - dreadful, out of place artwork in the dining room. Staff tried hard but need better training. Starter was too cold to taste properly - still partially frozen. Roast beef came as two thick grey slabs, low quality meat, or if decent quality very poorly cooked. Most pubs would do much better. Roast potatoes and yorkshire pudding were soft and soggy. My wife ordered roast chicken but was presented with chicken and chips. Comments to the hotel manager via the website have gone unanswered.

A wonderful exclusive use 50th Birthday experience! A huge thank you to Liz, Lajos and the team at Barnett Hill for a fabulous evening and the flexibility of the team with special requests. I have had so many lovely messages from guests following the party! The team on the day/ evening were brilliant and no request was too much trouble, even with a few late bedroom changes and a quick furniture move in the bar to make space for the photo booth! If you're looking to hold a big party or wedding with exclusive use I would highly recommend Barnett Hill! :)