Macdonald Norwood Hall

The room was set up really nicely for our birthday Afternoon Tea, and we had time to put up our own decorations. The staff were friendly, attentive and excellent. Getting to the disabled toilet was a bit difficult for the older members of our group. The food was the weak point: the savoury options were just sandwiches, so a pastry would have been welcome. The scones were rock hard and crumbly, and the jam was hard to identify. The cream had a strange texture and didn’t seem fresh or clotted. The other desserts had what looked and tasted like aerosol cream. At £25 per person, the food felt worth the price, and everything else was great.

The hounds had a welcome pack, and there was plenty of room for two big dog beds. Our room was warm, spacious and spotlessly clean, with a large comfortable bed and a lovely view of the grounds, which were perfect for exercising the dogs. A receptionist kindly showed us to the room and then to the door nearest our car, making it easy to bring in the luggage and dogs. The staff were friendly and efficient, and the vegan breakfast was the best I’ve had in a long time. Norwood Hall really is dog friendly. Some hotels just take extra money and stick you in a scruffy broom cupboard, but this was a very enjoyable stay. Thanks to everyone.

I was impressed by the beautiful location when I attended an event on 31 October. The staff mentioned how good the afternoon tea was, so I called a few days later to book for a group of eight. The phone just rang. I tried again the next day and left a voicemail with my number, but I’ve still had no reply. It’s now 20 November, more than 15 days later. I’m very disappointed by the lack of response and won’t be back.

The room was clean and well kept, and the water pressure and temperature were great. The food was delicious, and the staff were helpful and courteous. I spent four nights at the Norwood and really enjoyed it. It’s a beautiful old building, full of intricate details, with an old-time feel but no sense of being run down. I’m sure I’ll stay again, perhaps when it isn’t snowing so I can explore the grounds.