Marriott Hotel Hanbury Manor

We left around 7pm, only four hours after arriving, because we couldn’t get a proper dinner. We tried to order takeaway three times, and each attempt was turned down. Earlier, we’d ordered chicken, fish and chips, fillet steak and sirloin steak at the restaurant, but none of it was edible, so we felt we had no choice but to refuse payment. The waiter and manager were polite and professional about the food, and we appreciated that. Still, for a £250 stay, the food and overall experience were a real disappointment and didn’t meet what we expected from a hotel of this standard. We checked in at about 3pm and had relaxed in the room before dinner. Unfortunately, our stay at Hanbury Manor in Ware was very disappointing.

The room was spacious, and we enjoyed a delicious meal on our first night, though it arrived lukewarm. There were a couple of things that let the room down: the wardrobe looked nice until we opened it and found it was falling apart, and the bathroom could do with redecorating. The two bars have different atmospheres, one more like a sports pub and the other a cocktail bar that also serves pints. It’s odd that only one serves Guinness. We saw three other guests ask for it on the other side, just as we did. Even with those little issues, I’d definitely visit again. The hotel is lovely, set in a stunning location, with a golf course and country club feel. The spa is a real highlight and pretty good, and the staff were amazing. I’d have given five stars if it weren’t for the easily fixed niggles.

Ware is a great little town just down the road, with lovely independent cafes, shops and restaurants, making this a good base for a few days away. The grounds are nice for short walks, though the Rose garden would probably be better in summer once the flowers have blossomed. The pool and spa were clean, and the staff there were friendly and helpful. The gym was nice too, with a well-lit cardio room, though the weights room downstairs could use better lighting. The hotel rooms and interiors had the old-school manor house feel I expected, and ours was heated perfectly, which made it feel cosy. Just a couple of small things: it would be nice to have a biscuit with the hot drinks downstairs, and water was replenished in our room the first night but not the second. Still, it was a pleasant stay and I’d come back.

Hanbury Manor charges a premium, but the room we had was dirty and poorly cleaned, with visible stains and dust gathered in the corners. For a Marriott country club hotel, that standard of cleanliness was a shock. The place felt grimy and unkempt, and it ruined the stay. We expected a luxury manor experience, but instead got a messy room at a huge price. There was nothing about the stay that made the cost feel justified. It was one of our worst stays, and we’d never recommend it.