Coombe Abbey

We stayed one knight with breakfast, and both the stay and breakfast were amazing. The place was clean, and the staff and service were excellent all round. Breakfast was lovely, served buffet style, and we didn’t leave hungry. Dinner in the restaurant was disappointing, though. The food tasted okay, but the portions were so small that we were both still hungry. The mixed vegetables came in a tiny dish, about the size of a large thimble. It wouldn’t stop us staying again, but we’d eat dinner somewhere else because both the price and quantity were disappointing.

Dinner in our room was the highlight: the food was hot, beautifully presented, and restaurant quality. The breakfast spread was also excellent, with plenty of hot and cold options. But the service around it was a letdown. I was asked whether I had a breakfast token, and when I didn't, the service went downhill. The coffee was lukewarm; after I mentioned it, the server thanked me but didn't pass it on. Only after we had finished was coffee offered. Earlier, I was asked to leave the bar midway through being served, though there was no sign saying it was reserved for a private event. The priory and its setting seemed like they could make for a wonderful stay, but the staff's stern, abrupt manner got in the way. Would I stay again? Regrettably, no.

The Abbey was dressed for Christmas when we visited on 1 December, and the grand building looked lovely inside. We came for the Luminate light experience in the grounds and spent the night in a standard room. It had nice decor and a comfortable bed, though it was small, and having the bath in a curtained corner was unusual. Dinner was lovely: we had pie and chips and fish and chips, both great, although some menu items seemed pricey and wine was £30 a bottle. Breakfast was fab, with a help-yourself buffet and Lashford sausages. I'd stay again, perhaps in a better room.

The medieval banquet was a lot of fun, and although the food was rustic, it tasted really good. We stayed overnight in a feature room, which was comfortable and well equipped. The hotel brings modern touches into a historic setting, and the staff were friendly and attentive. Breakfast was good too, with fresh produce served hot.