Balmer Lawn Hotel

We had a superb dinner at Beresfords Restaurant. The food was delicious and the team there were excellent, while the bar staff were especially friendly and helpful. The public spaces, bar and restaurant were all really good, and the country house feel made for a very pleasant January stay at the Balmer Lawn Hotel and Spa. Everyone made us feel welcome. Our Superior Room was pleasant too, though the pillows were a bit rubbish and the shower had the usual English country house plumbing feel. I had a look at the spa and grounds, which seemed nice. The weather was very wet, so we couldn’t properly enjoy the hotel’s setting, but I can imagine waking up here in spring, having one of those splendid breakfasts, going for a walk in the local countryside, then coming back to relax in the leisure area and spa.

The dinner and the service were the best parts of our night here. Everyone was attentive and friendly, and the mains were gorgeous. The lamb portion was small, but that left room for the mocha fondant, which was out of this world and maybe the best dessert I’ve ever had. That’s what brought me to three stars. Breakfast was more uneven: lovely sourdough, but the scrambled eggs were watery and grainy enough that I suspect they came from a box. For a place advertised as 4****, I also didn’t expect there to be no freshly ground speciality coffee. We’d chosen this hotel for a couples’ night away because it’s advertised as a spa hotel, but the pool felt more like a children’s playground or waterpark. It was half term, and small children were in the jacuzzi despite its 12 years and older notice, with nobody making sure the rule was followed. They were also jumping into the pool and screaming. The pool only became adult-only at a time when nobody needed that, while children were allowed in between check-in and dinner. We did find a few quiet minutes, but it was hardly a peaceful spa afternoon. The Superior Room was extremely dated. There was mould all over the shower that should be fixed before the room is rented again, and the bath was so shallow the water didn’t cover my legs. The bed, though, was very good quality. Would we return? Probably, for the food, location, service and drinks, but I’d book the highest room category and avoid school holidays to enjoy the leisure facilities. I don’t know why parents would choose this place with small children instead of Butlins.

We had a lovely, filling breakfast, which was included. The spa and wellness center, sultus spa, was also lovely, and we could use it up until checkout at 12pm. The staff there showed us around and were very helpful. My partner and I came for one night for my birthday. The hotel is in a beautiful location, and there were four horses wandering around outside when we arrived, which was lovely to see and new for us. The staff member who checked us in was extremely helpful, though I didn’t catch her name, and adding late checkout was a nice bonus. Our balcony room was clean, with a very comfortable bed. It was a bit dated and had a ripped curtain, but otherwise I couldn’t fault it. We’ve just got back and would definitely return. I’d highly recommend visiting this beautiful hotel.

For our anniversary we tried a spa hotel for the first time, and we absolutely loved it. The facilities were great, the place has cosy country house vibes and a nice buzz, and our room was quiet with a comfy bed. Staff were friendly and helpful too. Dinner was delicious, and breakfast had black pudding, which was nice to see on a fry-up. The one downside, if I’m being picky, was the hefty service charge at dinner. We didn’t order drinks or a starter, and our meal still came to over £130.