Old Hall

We slept well in a clean room with a very comfy bed, and the location is great. It’s opposite the Pavilion Park, with a great view of the Opera House, and very close to the Crescent and old pump house. The food was fresh, well cooked and really good. We would go back, but Champneys needs to bring the hotel up to scratch, staff it properly and train the team. It looks beautiful from outside, though the entrance just beyond the rotating door was shabby and dirty. When we arrived there was no receptionist, so we went for a walk before booking in. The hotel felt tired throughout and needed a lot of work. Tea in the bar in the afternoon was 'only' £4.00. We booked dinner for 7.15pm, but the service was very poor and extremely slow. We were forgotten more than once and didn’t leave the dining room until about 9.45pm. It wasn’t busy, with only five couples dining.

The bar was cosy and welcoming, if a tad expensive, and the late-night bar girl was pleasant and chatty. Breakfast was self-service, with hot, fresh and tasty food. The breakfast waiter was remarkably, politely and pleasingly exuberant. We picked a spacious four-poster room that was decently appointed, but it felt somewhat tired. The bathroom in particular didn’t seem to have been cleaned with much effort or conviction since the long-haired brunette who had clearly stayed before us. On the plus side, the large double bed was remarkably comfortable. At reception, our first impression was a rather curt and disinterested bearded gentleman. His colleagues at reception elsewhere during the stay were polite and cheerful.

We’ve stayed here numerous times and always loved it, but this latest visit was disappointing. The main restaurant was closed, though we could eat at the hotel next door. Reception staff seemed disinterested and not very helpful, and breakfast tables were left with dirty plates. A pint of beer and packet of crisps at the bar cost £8.75. No wonder I was the only one in. Something has changed for the worse.

Our room was excellent, quirky and very clean, with stunning decor and accessories. The bed was very large and comfy. This is a fabulous place to stay.