Champneys Tring

The food was good and most of the staff were helpful, but the dining room looked like a set from a bad 1920s film. During our final lunch sitting, staff started pulling tablecloths from boxes behind curtains to prepare for the evening, which made us feel hurried. The corridors were cold, so walking to treatments or lunch was unpleasant. The main toilets were run down, with cracked window panes, peeling paint and a grubby feel. Our basic room was in poor shape too. Its bathroom looked untouched since the 1970s, the bath had no plug, the panels were weathered and black, and the shower head was hard to adjust. Worst of all, the broken mirror was held together with duct tape. The decor throughout is dated and badly needs a full makeover. Champneys presents itself as a luxury spa, but that wasn’t our experience. I’ve visited many spas and found the quality here disproportionately poor. Guest Relations offered 50% off a future stay in their first email, but they’ve ignored my later emails. A total disappointment.

Dinner was delicious, but I’m pretty peeved about the stay as a whole. My lovely friend surprised me with this break as a pick me up, and the hotel and spa badly need refurbishing. Check-in took ages, the facilities were average and packed, and there were no beds free, so we ended up sitting outside in the cold. Water was only available in the spa jugs, which eventually ran out, and we had to go all the way back to main reception for another towel. I paid £99 for a facial that was pleasant and relaxing, but it lasted about 42 minutes rather than 50. I’d booked it in the app a couple of days beforehand, but spa reception couldn’t find the booking. When I said I’d used the app, she replied, “well very likely it won’t have been booked then”. The email didn’t make it clear that lunch was the next day, not on check-in day. We got up early to use the pool the next morning and found a sign saying it was under maintenance. The jacuzzi was lukewarm, sometimes cold. Breakfast was odd: scrambled eggs, pancakes, chorizo, butter beans and miso soup.

The only part I’d say needs an upgrade is the women’s changing area for day guests, with its showers and dressing space. The rest of our Saturday night stay was fabulous. We could keep using the free pool, jacuzzi and steam room until 4pm after checking out at 11, and there was plenty of free overnight parking. Lane swimming, water aerobics and a gym were available too. Our clean, nicely decorated suite was great, and the staff were outstanding. Ester at reception and Danny in the cafe area were welcoming, and Ruby and Jessie gave us fantastic, relaxing facials. Restaurant staff were friendly and helpful, and the food was delicious. We arrived at 2pm for room check-in. The stay included a three-course dinner on Saturday, then buffet breakfast and lunch on Sunday, with lots of choice. We really enjoyed the whole visit.

Louise in the café always recognises members, remembers your name and stays warm and helpful even when she’s busy. Her customer service is excellent, and the Caesar salad is superb too. Champneys Tring is a fantastic club in a lovely setting, with especially beautiful grounds and well-maintained facilities. It feels like a home from home. Keep up the great work.