The Park Royal Hotel & Spa

I’ve had several spa days here and used to be a member, but this was the best therapist I’ve had. Jennifer was gentle and caring, and used different techniques during my facial and massage. She was really attentive, even offering extra cushions under my knees so I’d be more comfortable. Before that, I swam, used the sauna and steam room, then relaxed with my book. The treatments were heavenly. It was exactly the me-time I needed to de-stress and feel pampered. I didn’t want the day to end. Thank you for making it so lovely.

The pool was nice and big, and the sauna and steam room were good too. The jacuzzi was lovely, though a little small. We had a 50 min deep tissue treatment and a 25 min one, and both massages were lovely. Robes and towels were nice. It would be good if the package included a juice or hot drink. The advertised fruit and crisps weren't an issue for us, though there were no crisps. We waited half an hour at reception to check in, then were told they didn't know we'd arrived. That's really the only reason I'd lower the rating. There are changes going on in the changing rooms, with women using the old men's rooms and vice versa. Odd to see urinals in the ladies loos, lol. I'm sure it'll change soon. One of the showers by the pool wasn't working, and the water tap next to it was off too. One poolside chair was broken. We'll be back.

The facilities were clean, but small things needed attention: the hot shower by the pool wasn't working, its nearby water tap was off, and a poolside chair was broken. Children can use the facilities from 9-12 and 3-6, so try to have afternoon tea before 12 or after 3 if you want to miss the busy period. We were asked about our treatments as soon as we came out, before we had time to process them or compare notes. My mum had the same masseuse and a similar experience, while the others said their treatments were great and included the foot massage with the scrub. I went to Park Royal with four others for a girls' day. Before we arrived, we were told our treatments and 2pm afternoon tea would mean splitting into groups of two and three. Instead, we were told four had to go at 10am and one at 11am, which split the five of us up awkwardly. I chose the foot treatment with a scrub and leg and foot massage. The scrub was applied in one motion and wiped off in one motion. The leg part could pass as a massage, but it wasn't what I expected, and I didn't get the foot massage. For the scalp, neck and shoulder treatment, I somehow ended up with a face massage and products on my face, although that wasn't in the description. I avoided choosing a facial because my skin reacts badly to new products. Since I was lying on my back, it felt more like a chest massage than a shoulder one. Afternoon tea was a huge letdown. There were five of us but no set amount of sandwiches or cakes per person, and we were given lots of tuna sandwiches instead of an even mix. The cakes were very dry, as if they'd been left uncovered for ages. The scone was the one good part, along with the younger woman serving us around 1pm. There was only just enough cream and jam for the scones. It would have worked better if tea was still served next to the spa. Now you have to walk to the restaurant among hotel guests, business meetings and other people. You're either sitting there embarrassingly in your robe or changing and then changing again to return to the spa. I was really disheartened that my treatment wasn't fulfilled.

I recently celebrated my mum's 85th birthday there. The staff and everything else were superb, and it's a great place for lots of occasions.