Ringwood Hall Hotel

The treatments were great, and the spa team were skilled, friendly and personable. We were warmly welcomed, and reception at the treatment area was helpful. The spa itself was lovely, though quite small and a little crowded, with too few seats and places to hang robes. Being able to book at the last minute was useful. The restaurant was a real letdown. We asked for a quiet table because of my friend's health condition, but staff were rude and unaccommodating. They said the other tables were reserved, though they weren't, and only moved us after we asked again. I can't eat dairy, so I chose fish and chips from the limited menu. There was something inside the fish, like leek and/or cheese, that wasn't listed and wasn't enjoyable. I left most of it. Service was very slow and not particularly friendly or helpful, so I didn't raise the food issue. It was expensive for what it was, and after the restaurant experience I don't think we'll return.

Afternoon tea was the worst part of a very poor visit. We arrived promptly for our 1.30 booking, were seated and then forgotten. Eventually someone asked for our drinks order: two teas and a coffee. The pots arrived with no teabags in them, which we only realised when the tea tasted weak. New pots with the bags in place came later. The food didn't arrive until 2.30, and the sandwiches and cakes had strange tastes and textures. We ate some because we were so hungry, but were very disappointed. We were told there were new staff, but that doesn't excuse poor service and poor quality food. My daughter paid a lot for this birthday gift, and I feel she was "robbed". The spa was crowded and much smaller than expected, so it wasn't relaxing. The treatments were nice but very expensive. There weren't enough changing cubicles, so we had to change in the toilet. The lockers were all different shapes and sizes; mine had a three-foot drop on the left where my things fell into it. This was supposed to be a lovely place to visit. I won't go again.

The spa team were absolutely brilliant when we visited Ringwood Hall for a spa day in December. The facilities and treatments were excellent, and we couldn't fault that part of the day. The restaurant let it down badly. I have a gluten and oat allergy. The first staff member was careful and reassuring, but after that service was slow and unclear. We waited 45 minutes for our meals, the server didn't know which dish was gluten free, and nobody checked on us or offered drinks. After waiting far too long, we asked to have our desserts boxed up. I emailed the hotel on 6 December, forwarded the message on 9 December when there was no reply, then chased again on 8 January. I still haven't received an update or apology. I don't like leaving negative reviews, but allergen safety and basic communication matter too much to ignore. The spa is excellent, but the restaurant and management response were very disappointing.

For Valentine's evening, we booked an upgraded room, but it wasn't clean and the spa bath didn't work. The rooms were very dated and need bringing up to standard. Heating was almost nonexistent, and we had to ask for an extra radiator just to make the room bearable. The spa pool was cold, and the sauna and steam room felt more like residential ones compared with other spas we've visited. Staff, including the duty manager, were standing around spa reception slagging off customers, which was a nice touch. The only saving grace was the front desk team and the blonde lad in the restaurant. The food was okay, though I wish there'd been more choice. I have no idea how this is a four-star hotel. At best it's three.