The Swan Hotel and Spa

The stay had a relaxed feel and wasn’t too busy. Staff were friendly and attentive, and the young lady working at the spa on the 24th deserves a mention. The steak was so good, especially the peppercorn sauce, and my wife really enjoyed her massage. We liked the warm indoor-outdoor pool, and even in the cold we could enjoy the outdoor jacuzzi. Breakfast was good, and our room was decent and spacious enough. It had been nicely made up with my special request, though something still felt missing.

At £485 for two nights while attending a wedding nearby in May, we expected better for the price. The Swan Hotel was spotless and the staff were pleasant, but there were several easily fixed problems. I asked for a pillow at reception and was promptly promised one, but it never arrived. I asked again the next day and still didn’t get it. The pool and jacuzzi were nice, but the sauna was out of order and the outdoor spa bar was closed, so £40 entry felt steep. At 8 a.m. Sunday, a staff member jet washing the spa outside our window woke us. The air conditioning in the bedrooms had been decommissioned. My breakfast was good, but my pregnant friend asked for fully cooked eggs. They got it wrong twice, and on the third attempt they were still runny, so the eggs were simply removed. I don’t understand why iced lattes cost extra. The free pool table in reception had torn cloth, and the cues had bare metal ends with no tips. At £242.50 a night, we didn’t feel the service matched the price.

We had a splendid room, everything was spotlessly clean, and the spa access for two hours was included. The spa was excellent and breakfast was quality too. There’s not much around, as it’s quite remote, but the place is so nice you don’t really need to go out. It even has its own pub on site and a free pool table. We’ll definitely come back.

The setting was quiet and fabulous, with lots to see and do. We loved the new spa garden, the friendly staff and the late breakfast, served until 10.45am. The bar food service was slow and seemed understaffed, and the service charge was hefty. We should have eaten in the brasserie. I’d also expect help taking bags to the room at a hotel of this level.