Howard's House Hotel

I have just returned from a most disappointing visit to Howard’s House Hotel. I was given a champagne afternoon tea voucher as a birthday gift and was very much looking forward to it. Howards House is undoubtedly beautiful, if a little in need of some tender loving care. It is also in a beautiful setting. However the hotel has a rat problem. A gentleman across from us complained to the staff member that he had seen a rat come across and enter the hotel. The staff member replied we sometimes get them as there is a river near but they don’t go in the hotel. I hadn’t seen it so was a little anxious but prepared to enjoy my gift. A few moments later a rat ran out of the hotel and across the courtyard into a bush. I could not continue having eaten one sandwich and asked for a refund. After some time the staff member came back out with my voucher and said you will have to contact the purchaser and he can contact the hotel and get a refund. That was all very unfortunate. I think what upset me most though was the call I made to the manager when I returned home. As soon as I started explaining the situation he said oh you want money. I was most offended as I do not want money. I would like my brother refunded but that is now up to my brother, which incidentally it shouldn’t be. I said I would be giving a review as I am so disappointed and he then went on the explain how damaging a poor review can be for the staff jobs etc. I do not wish to put anyone out of a job, but it is only right that people know there is a rat problem. I have said all this to Simon but his attitude was condescending and quite rude.

We loved our stay here with our friends. Whilst I know there are some areas in the hotel which are beginning to show their age, we were very impressed by the setting, our rooms and, above all, the superb dinner. The venison was wonderful, declared a winner by the two husbands, the hake delicious (chosen by both wives). As for the desserts, they were all exceptional. The service throughout was excellent, and we all agreed this was one of the best meals we'd had in a long while. Breakfast the next morning was very pleasant, and we were sorry to leave. I do hope the owners (who intend to take over and renovate the hotel) don't change the ambience. Or the chef and lovely staff!

We had been looking forward to this trip, but should have noticed that most awards had been given a few years ago - I had assumed this was the impact of Covid. On arrival, the paint on the sign was scruffy. A tiny issue, but gave a clue. We were told where our room was and given the key . In high quality boutique hotels you get shown the facilities. Setting delightful but much of decor rather tired. Dinner - excellent friendly waiting staff, but pre-dinner nibbles in the lounge seemed a bit stale / probably had been defrosted. Identical offering both nights. That is really poor - and the amuse bouche was the same both nights too. Indeed - the whole menu was identical for both nights. I would expect that in a chain hotel, not in a luxury country house hotel. Large group in dining room one evening which made it unpleasantly noisy and like we were an unwanted nuisance. And it is totally unacceptable to charge £11 for a cafetière of coffee after dinner. Breakfasts were excellent and staff were friendly and helpful , but we regret choosing this as a luxury break. It wasn’t.