Lord Haldon Country Hotel, Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western

Megan was a real asset to the hotel. She served us drinks in the bar on Friday evening and breakfast the next morning, and was chatty and friendly, exactly the sort of person you want in hospitality. She deserves recognition. My partner and I had a very pleasant two-night stay last weekend, and I'll certainly use the hotel again for work when I'm in the area.

Our room, Room 6, was a great size, with a spacious shower and a huge bath. There was fruit waiting when we arrived, plus a coffee machine and sachet refreshments. The extensive grounds were great for walking the dogs. This isn't just dog-friendly, it's a hotel that adores dogs. We arrived fairly late because of traffic, but had phoned ahead to check they were still serving dinner. While we ate on the first night, the staff made a huge fuss of our dogs, who loved it. Breakfast was a good-sized cooked meal. I brought my own food because of allergies, and they had somewhere to store it. This may become our place to stay when we visit family nearby.

The view in the morning was lovely, and I'd stay again. There's a single-track road to get there. From the moment I arrived, people greeted me with smiles. The restaurant staff were welcoming too, smiling and acknowledging everyone. The food and service were excellent. The letdown was the noise at night: a barking dog, people talking and walking past the room, and noise from above.

The room was modern, with a comfortable bed and clean bathroom, and the natural setting around the Lord Haldon Country Hotel was beautiful and peaceful. At around £60 for two people for one night, the price was reasonable. The rest of our stay was disappointing, though, and the hotel needs serious refurbishment and better upkeep. The building felt extremely old and run-down, and the atmosphere on arrival was unwelcoming. The assistant manager checked us in quietly, barely spoke unless we started the conversation, and just handed us keys after asking about dinner. There was no introduction to the hotel, directions to our room, information about facilities or friendly welcome. The floors creaked so much we felt we might fall through them. The hallway stench was unbearable, and the old, worn carpet looked poorly maintained. The cleaners were also quiet and unfriendly, with no greetings or smiles, making the place feel cold and eerie. With its haunted reputation, it certainly lived up to it. Later, a lovely young woman at reception was genuinely friendly and helpful, which lifted the mood and made us feel a little more comfortable. With care, proper maintenance and better hospitality, this could be a wonderful place, but as it is, it feels neglected and unwelcoming.