The Hogs Back & Spa Farnham

The cot was already set up with a mattress, and even had a toddler-friendly flat pillow and blanket. Our room was a good size and had a bath. We came for a lovely night celebrating a 40th birthday with afternoon tea, and the friendly staff made everything easier while we were travelling with a baby, from check-in through dinner and evening drinks. We enjoyed breakfast and the pool in the morning. There was a baby changing area by the pool changing rooms, as well as a good one in the main area. The only downside was no lift, though the two sections of stairs were manageable. We really enjoyed the stay and would recommend it for family get-togethers.

The Romanian lady at reception gave us a warm welcome. It was one of the hottest weekends, but there was a fan in the room, which helped. The room was nice and clean, the bed was comfortable for two, and we even found a little treasure there, though it isn’t something you’d expect at a three-star hotel. The room refresh we asked for was completely overlooked by housekeeping. Guests can choose from three room-service options by hanging the relevant little board on the door. We did that, but when we came back in the afternoon, the room was exactly as we’d left it.

The bar was small, but the staff there were welcoming and very good, and the bar food was decent. Dinner in the restaurant was more disappointing. Quite a few things were unavailable from an already small menu, and what we did get was just okay. Breakfast and its service were much the same. The hotel is clean and presentable, and our room was tidy with a comfortable bed, though the pillows were very hard. It’s right by a main road, and the single-pane windows let in a lot of traffic noise. Our first interaction at reception was poor, the man there came across as rude and dismissive, as though guests were a bother. Spa staff had a similar manner. There was building work in the pool area, with part of it blocked off, and it would’ve been good to know before our stay. The work wasn’t nice to look at when trying to relax. The steam room and sauna were good. Too many little things fell short, so I probably won’t return.

The spa was the part I’d been looking forward to most, and it turned out to be the most unpleasant. The pool water looked dirty, with a grimy texture across the bottom where we stood, and it was so cold I was shaking when I got in. The hot tub was filthy too, with dirt gathered in lines around the edges and corners, and the water was the cloudiest grey I’ve ever seen. I’ve been to plenty of spas. The rooms were a major letdown as well. The connecting doors meant we could hear even whispered conversation from the room next door. With the window shut, a huge draft came through and kept making the connecting door bounce all night. The room was clean, but odd for a spa hotel to have no robes or slippers. There weren’t any Valentine’s decorations, which was disappointing on such a widely celebrated day. Staff seemed quite unbothered, perhaps if you’re not a regular. The outdoor area was limited and had no heated patio space. With a pergola used for weddings, I expected the outside to be better equipped. For over £100 a night, I expected at least a little something more. Very disappointed, and I won’t book again.