Lord Haldon Country Hotel, Sure Hotel Collection

Megan made our stay. We chatted with her at the bar on Friday evening, then she served us breakfast the next morning. She was warm, chatty, and exactly the kind of person who belongs in hospitality. The hotel should recognise what an asset she is. My partner and I spent two nights there last weekend and had a very pleasant time. I’ll use the hotel again for work when I’m in the area.

Room 6 had loads of space, a good-sized shower and a huge bath. There was fruit waiting for us, plus a coffee machine and sachets of refreshments. The grounds are extensive, so there’s plenty of room to walk the dogs. We arrived fairly late because of traffic and had called ahead to check dinner was still being served. The staff made a big fuss over our dogs while we ate, which they loved. This is more than a dog-friendly place, it’s a hotel that clearly adores dogs. Breakfast was a decent-sized cooked meal. I brought my own food because of allergies, and they had somewhere to store it. This might become our regular place when we visit family nearby.

The morning view was lovely, though getting there means taking a single-track road. I’d stay again. From the moment I arrived, people greeted me with smiles. The restaurant staff were welcoming too, and the food and service were excellent. My only real problem was the noise at night: a barking dog, people talking and walking past my room, and noise from above.

The room itself was modern, with a comfortable bed and clean bathroom, and the hotel sits in lovely natural surroundings. At around £60 for two people for one night, the price was reasonable. Still, the rest of our stay at the Lord Haldon Country Hotel was disappointing, and the place badly needs refurbishment and better upkeep. The room floors creaked so much we worried they might give way. The corridor had an unbearable smell, and the old, worn carpet looked poorly maintained. Even the cleaners seemed unfriendly and silent, with no greeting or smile, which added to the cold, eerie feel. With the hotel’s reputation for being haunted, it certainly felt the part. Check-in didn’t help. The assistant manager was very quiet, gave us the keys, and asked whether we wanted to book dinner. She barely spoke unless we started the conversation, and didn’t introduce the hotel, explain the facilities, or tell us how to find our room. The atmosphere on arrival felt unwelcoming. One later encounter was much better: a lovely young woman at reception was genuinely helpful and friendly, and made us feel a little more at ease. With care, maintenance and more welcoming service, this could be a wonderful place, but right now it feels neglected.