The Fishermans Haunt

The place had a really warm feel, and the comedy night was in full swing when we arrived. The shower was lovely, and the hotel décor throughout was welcoming, but the rooms need attention before I’d want to return. I was sitting there looking at the dust when I spotted someone had amusingly written ‘dirt’ with a finger on the bedroom light. The dust seems an easy oversight to fix. The curtains were badly broken, though Roman blinds may be fragile by nature. A proper deep clean, fresh paint and new curtains would make the rooms feel much more luxurious. Bathroom amenities were extremely limited too, and some extra décor could make that room feel less bare. I’d love to visit again if the rooms were improved.

Work brings me to the area a lot, and I always stay at the Fisherman's Haunt. The staff are great, and the rooms are spacious, very comfortable and clean. I can’t praise the service, cleanliness and general feeling of welcome highly enough. The fixed menu, along with the specials, gives plenty of variety, and the food is exceptionally good. I haven’t tried the Sunday roasts, but I’m told they’re excellent. If my midweek meals are anything to go by, the Sunday lunches will be epic! I look forward to each stay. If you haven’t tried it, you really should.

The room was clean, the bed comfortable and the evening meal good, but this was a very disappointing three night stay. We arrived with our dog and were welcomed, though the room never reached a comfortable temperature and the heating wasn’t available. After the first night the bed was made, but the bins hadn’t been emptied, tea and milk weren’t replenished, and our towels couldn’t dry. We weren’t given fresh ones either. We raised it at breakfast and the cost of our tea was taken off the bill. We seemed to pay more than the website quoted because breakfast wasn’t included, though since we booked direct they waived the dog payment. The second morning the room wasn’t serviced at all. When I went to mention the lack of attention, Julie apologised and offered more, but Ian came out immediately and jumped at me, saying it was St George’s day and asking what I expected. I don’t think that was a good reason to leave the room uncleaned, especially as it wasn’t actually St George’s day, just the day they were celebrating it. Then at 9.10 someone came into our room without knocking, presumably to clean, even though we didn’t need to leave until 10.30. I wouldn’t recommend it.

We had a lovely bank holiday stay. I liked how relaxed the place felt, and our room was separate from the pub while still close enough to get food if we wanted. The food was great and the staff team amazing. It’s perfectly placed for walks in the New Forest and trips to the beach. Would stay again.