Barton Hall Hotel & Spa

The grounds are lovely, and inside the decor is really nice. I had a fine room, although the bathroom could have been better and it could use some nice pictures. The Spar looks very impressive. It’s easy to miss when driving past, but well worth a stop. I visited in winter, when the real fires made it lovely and warm. The staff were friendly, there was a real ale option, and the food was very good at expected prices. It was too cold for me to enjoy being outside at that time of year. I’d recommend it for a short stay, or longer if you’re out exploring.

I chose this place because I needed to be close to work, and getting there by car was easy. There were lots of Tesla charging points in the car park, I think around 10. As a woman travelling alone, I felt very safe and comfortable. Staff were welcoming and polite, and my huge room had a stunning bathroom with both a shower and a bath, plus a comfortable big bed. I couldn’t fault it. The gym has limited equipment, but it was handy to have it on site. Residents get in with a code, which helped me feel safe using it alone. The spa looked fabulous. I didn’t get a chance to try it this time, but I’d make a point of doing so next time.

The gym was quiet, with clean, new equipment, and the spa looked lovely. There’s no bench press, though, and the hotel itself is nice and cosy, with rooms that are fine but nothing special. The spa is included, which is a nice touch. It was pretty busy on Saturday evening, so I’m guessing people who weren’t staying there may use it too.

I went to the spa with five others last year for a twilight package, and Maryam, the manager at the time, made sure we had a five-star visit. She checked in on us regularly, made sure we were comfortable, and created a welcoming, professional atmosphere. We all remembered it very positively. Last week’s visit fell far short of that. Lucy, the team member helping us, came across as dry and unprofessional, and we didn’t feel welcome when we arrived. Nobody showed us around the facilities. While we were by the pool, empty glasses were left there, and nobody came to ask if we needed anything. The whole experience felt neglected. It’s disappointing to see such a clear drop in service after our previous visit. It’s a shame Maryam no longer manages the spa, because her leadership clearly made a difference. Thank you for reading my feedback.