The Park Royal Hotel & Spa

We had a 50-minute deep tissue massage and a 25-minute treatment, both lovely, and the robes and towels were nice. The pool’s a good size, and the sauna and steam room were good too. The jacuzzi was lovely, though a little small. It would be nice if a juice or hot drink came with the spa day. Reception took half an hour to check us in, then said they hadn’t known we’d arrived. That’s really the only reason I’d mark it down. They advertised fruit and crisps as snacks, but there weren’t any crisps, which wasn’t a big deal. The changing rooms seemed to be mid-change, with women in the old men’s room and vice versa. Odd seeing urinals in the ladies’ loos! I’m sure they’ll sort it out soon. I’ll be back.

The clean facilities were a plus, and the scone and the younger woman serving afternoon tea, around 1pm, were the best parts of the food. But there was only just enough cream and jam, the cakes were very dry, and with five of us there wasn’t a set amount of sandwiches or cakes per person. We were given a lot of tuna sandwiches instead of an even mix. Having tea in the restaurant was awkward too, with hotel guests, business meetings and other diners around. The old spot beside the spa would have been much better. In robes, you feel embarrassed sitting there, or you have to get changed and then change again to return to the spa. I’d suggest booking tea before noon or after 3pm, since children can use the facilities from 9 to 12 and again from 3 to 6, and you miss the quiet time otherwise. I came with my mum and three others for a girly day at the Park Royal. Before we arrived, we were told the treatments and 2pm afternoon tea would mean splitting into groups of two, one and two. On arrival, though, they put four of us in the 10am slot and one at 11, which split us up in a way we didn’t like. My mum and I had the same masseuse and similar experiences, while the others said their treatments were great and included a foot massage with the scrub. I chose the foot treatment, which was supposed to include a scrub and a leg and foot massage. The scrub was put on in one motion and wiped off the same way. The leg part could maybe pass as a massage, but it wasn’t what I expected, and I didn’t get a foot massage at all. I also booked a scalp, neck and shoulder massage, but somehow got a face massage and products on my face. A facial wasn’t included in the description, and I hadn’t chosen one because my skin reacts badly to new products. Lying on my back, it felt more like a chest massage than a shoulder one. They asked how the treatments had been as soon as we came out, before we’d had time to process things or compare what we got. I left feeling I hadn’t received the treatment I’d paid for. Some small things around the pool needed attention too: the hot shower beside it wasn’t working, the nearby water tap was off, and one poolside chair was broken.

The facial and massage with beauty therapist Jennifer were so gentle and caring, and she used different techniques. She even offered extra cushions under my knees so I’d be comfortable. I’ve had several spa days here and used to be a member, but she’s the best therapist I’ve had here. Before that, I swam, used the sauna and steam room, then relaxed with my book. Just what I needed for some me-time, pampering and stress relief. I didn’t want it to end. Thanks for making the day so lovely.

The staff and everything else were superb. I recently celebrated my mum’s 85th birthday there, and it was a great place for it.