The Botleigh Grange Hotel

We spent Christmas here, and the Christmas lunch was probably the best I’ve ever had. The Grange is also in a great spot for visiting the south coast, represents good value and welcomes pets. The new owners have transformed Botley Grange Hotel in a short time. It’s immaculately clean from the public areas to the guest rooms, and the fresh, home-cooked food is expertly prepared. The staff were wonderful and attentive. We’ll be back.

The staff were friendly, but seemed short on training and basic attention to detail. At breakfast there were no plates at the buffet, and when we asked, the ones brought out were wet. We shouldn’t have to ask for basics like plates and butter. Our late lunch was awful, and the tablecloth still had stains that looked like they were from someone who’d used it earlier that day. We spent one night in a superior room. The carpet was stained and filthy, and the shower was far too hot with no way to regulate it. The place feels tired and worn out, as if everything, food included, is being done on a meagre budget. It has a lot of potential, but the owners’ lack of investment is letting it down.

Lucas in the restaurant was especially lovely, and the team were fantastic. We had a mid-afternoon snack, a three-course dinner and breakfast, all good quality, nicely presented and excellently cooked. We’d definitely come back for a meal and drinks, even though we probably wouldn’t stay again. The room was the problem. We’d booked the Excelsior Suite expecting some luxury. It was large, with a big bed, period furniture, nice toiletries and a well-stocked tea tray, but the bed was rock hard and we’re both aching after trying to sleep on it. The flashing smoke alarm lit the room all night. We were next to the cleaning supplies, so banging and crashing stopped us getting back to sleep after breakfast. I understand the staff have work to do, but having a superior suite beside the cleaning trolley takes away from the experience. The dated bathroom also wasn’t what you’d expect in a top-notch suite, though it was impeccably clean. They seem to be updating things, so hopefully that will improve. A rumbling noise, probably from the boiler, went on all night too. The communal areas were very hot, which made that seem unsurprising. Maybe we could have slept through it if it weren’t for the other issues. We’d also seen other reviews about closed facilities, and weren’t told before booking. We got no email or call. If we’d known, we’d probably have cancelled and booked elsewhere.

The rooms were lovely, and warm and cosy without being too hot. The food was lovely as well, and the staff were friendly and attentive. We really enjoyed the spa and jacuzzi during a wonderful weekend at Botleigh Grange. It looks like it’s been renovated recently and is under new management. We’d definitely go back. Thank you!