Hilton Templepatrick Hotel

The staff were lovely, and the room itself was nice. Since it was our anniversary, the cookies and little box of chocolates were a thoughtful touch. We also enjoyed the hydrotherapy pool, which was included in the price. But the ladies' changing room was so crowded that I couldn't get a shower or find space to get dressed, so I had to change in a corner and shower back in our room. We'd asked for a room near the lift because of our mobility issues, but didn't get one. Dinner seemed reheated rather than freshly made, and the frozen chips weren't what I'd expect from a top class hotel. Breakfast also tasted reheated, and we couldn't eat it.

Customer service has been second to none across our four stays, and the restaurant staff are amazing. The restaurant menu doesn't change, though, and the new chefs' nut roast was awful compared with the one we had at Christmas. It looked like an Indian veggie burger, and I had to ask three times whether it was really the right dish. Room service also isn't available at the moment, which is a pity. This time we booked the king Junior Suite with golf view, but I preferred the standard room with twin double beds we had at Christmas. The living area was dim with one tiny lamp, while the ceiling spots were too bright and glaring. The kitchen was hit and miss: the sink taps came loose whenever you turned them, and there were no tea towels for the two plates, two cups and two saucers. I'm not sure what the kitchen is for. There's a toaster and kettle, but you'd still have to buy bread and butter. A ball light above the bed kept flickering, so we switched it off. There was no TV in the sleeping area, only in the living room, so we couldn't snuggle up in bed to watch a wee box set as we could in the standard rooms. It was the room I liked least of our four stays, oddly enough on our most expensive visit, about £700 for two nights.

There was greenery all around, and the view was breathtaking. The rooms were spacious and comfortable too. The staff gave excellent service, and I'd happily repeat the experience. My one disappointment was the breakfast buffet: just three main dishes, no salads and no halal choices. I wish they'd add some.

The spa was lovely and so was the massage, and we had a few very chilled-out hours. The awkward part was the layout: the ladies' toilets and changing area are across the main pool, unless you walk through the gym in your swimsuit. I went with my partner for a birthday day spa treat. The jacuzzi, steam room and sauna were all amazing.