Solent Hotel and Spa

We had a lovely meal at the FYR restaurant, and our attentive waitress Poppy made us feel well looked after. We’d come back for the restaurant. The treatments were very good, and the spa facilities were nice, especially the meadow area. A larger relaxation room would be useful. Our room was clean and pleasant, though a little dated.

The staff were so friendly and welcoming, and breakfast was delicious, fresh, and had loads of choice. Our room was immaculate, with an unbelievably comfortable sofa and a very comfy bed, though the bed felt too small for us since we’re used to a super king. The spa was lovely, but the jacuzzi broke while we were in it and there weren’t enough beds or chairs to lounge on.

I had a divine birthday treat, afternoon tea and a Temple Spa bundle, and the staff at Solent Hotel and Spa deserve a big thank you. Charlotte at reception and the other ladies around the building were very helpful. The restaurant team were patient and kept checking that I was enjoying afternoon tea, which I was. During my Temple Spa Back To Life massage, Grace made me feel relaxed and at ease. Her skill left me feeling brand new and refreshed after the back body treatment, and she was lovely. Everything in the building worked well and felt state of the art, and the customer service was excellent from start to finish.

Breakfast was plentiful and faultless, but our evening fish and chips were a different story. The batter was awful, and the waitress’s “mushy peas” were the worst I’ve had of this traditional northern dish. There were whole peas like bullets in a very spicy mix. We sent those back along with the semi-raw chips. The waitress said she’d tell the chef, took most of the food away, and that was the last we heard. There was no offer of a reduction. I’ve owned successful fish restaurants in Yorkshire and Shropshire, so I know what I’m talking about. We check out tomorrow and hope to enjoy one last breakfast, but we won’t return. The hotel is quite expensive for what it is. I’d booked an enhanced queen room and requested one near a lift, but on arrival was told they’d downgraded me to a double “for my own benefit as it was more accessible.” I was upset from the outset and insisted on the room I’d booked. I’d heard people ahead of me discussing an upgrade and wondered if that might be why I was downgraded.