Makeney Hall Hotel

The gardens and public areas looked lovely, and our one night there was peaceful. It was a rare special occasion for us, so we asked ahead about arriving before the 3pm check-in. The team did their best and let us in early. Everyone was helpful, and Roger was especially friendly and efficient. He seemed to be doing a bit of everything, from the bar and restaurant to getting ready for an event the next day. He recommended a walk to the old Holly Bush Inn up the road, which was well worth it. Dinner was delicious, and the service was quick and relaxed even though we were the only diners. Breakfast was great too, with a buffet of juice, tea, coffee, croissants, fruit, yoghurt, nuts, cereal and more, plus cooked options. The checkout time of 11am was welcome. We stayed in the Strutt suite, and the sauna was an easy-to-use treat. The room was enormous and felt very private, with its own staircase up to the bed and lounge area, the sauna downstairs, and no neighboring rooms beside or above us. We didn’t hear anyone below either. The big bed was comfortable, and the bathroom had a bath and walk-in shower. The robes were provided, and the balcony was lovely for a drink on an unusually warm March afternoon. The room was very quiet overnight. There were a few things that could use attention. The room felt a little tired, with curtains coming off their tracks, though they still opened and closed. It was very dark at night. We found £1 under the table, and the edges could have been cleaned better, although the bed, bathroom and main walking areas were clean. The windows faced the wrong way for a view of the grounds, despite what the booking suggested, and the trees were too tall to see much from the balcony. The bathroom could use coat hooks for the robes, and the shower door seemed to be on the wrong side, so water got on the floor by the entrance and controls. The TVs worked and phone signal was good. We didn’t use the WiFi, so can’t comment on it. We had a lovely stay and would come back.