New Place

The hotel is widely celebrated for its beautiful historic main house and stunning grounds, which serve as its signature feature, offering a tranquil and picturesque setting. Guests consistently highlight the friendly and helpful staff, the overall cleanliness of the accommodations, and the enjoyable leisure facilities including a pool and sauna. The breakfast also receives frequent praise for its quality. This property is an excellent fit for couples seeking a romantic or peaceful retreat, families looking for a comfortable base with amenities for children, and business travelers or wedding guests attending events on-site. Dog owners will also find it accommodating. To enhance your stay, be aware that accommodation blocks are separate from the main building, so consider bringing a torch for evening walks on dimly lit paths, and be prepared for potential noise from events or other guests due to varying sound insulation in some rooms.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests generally appreciate the range of facilities available, particularly the swimming pool, which is often described as clean, warm, and enjoyable for all ages. The sauna and hot tub are also popular for relaxation, though some guests have noted that the jacuzzi can occasionally be cold or out of service. A fitness center or gym is available, though some reviews suggest the equipment can be a bit tired or basic. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi, although connectivity can be patchy in certain accommodation blocks. Additional conveniences include free electric car charging and dog washing stations for guests traveling with pets. The extensive grounds also feature outdoor amenities such as a tennis court, croquet lawn, and a cricket pitch, providing ample opportunities for recreation. Guests should note that some rooms lack air conditioning, which can be a concern during warmer periods.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Most guests find their rooms to be clean and well-maintained upon arrival, contributing to a pleasant stay. The comfortable beds are frequently praised, ensuring a restful night's sleep, though a few guests have reported issues with lumpy mattresses or two single beds pushed together. While some rooms are described as spacious, others are noted as being quite small or tiny, with limited storage and a general lack of drawers. The decor in some areas is perceived as tired or dated, suggesting a need for refurbishment. Feedback on heating varies, with some rooms being too hot or too cold, and radiators occasionally not working. Shower experiences are mixed, with reports of cold water, low pressure, or mould in bathrooms. A significant recurring concern is noise due to thin walls, with sounds from adjacent rooms, alarms, or early morning delivery trucks impacting sleep quality.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast generally receives positive feedback for its quality and variety, often featuring a popular pancake machine and a good selection of options. However, some guests have reported that the cooked breakfast items can be cold or not sufficiently hot, and there are occasional comments about a lack of vegetarian options. The tea and coffee service at breakfast can be disorganised or slow, with some finding the machine coffee of poor quality. For dinner, the restaurant food quality is mixed, with some praising dishes like Beef Wellington as magnificent, while others find portions small or certain items tasteless and overpriced. The bar food is generally well-regarded. A common point of contention is the expensive drinks, with many guests noting high prices for alcoholic beverages. Room service options are quite limited, typically offering only pizza or hamburgers, and there is often no menu available in the room.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a stunning location set within tranquil grounds, making it ideal for a quiet getaway. Its proximity to the Portsmouth ferry terminal is a significant advantage for travelers, and it offers easy access to nearby local towns and cities. However, some guests note that the property can feel quite remote, with limited public transport and challenges in booking local taxis. Parking is generally abundant and free, though it can become difficult to find spaces during large events or conferences, and some areas of the car park are poorly lit at night. A key aspect of the hotel's layout is that the accommodation blocks are separate from the main building, requiring guests to walk outdoors to access dining and other facilities. Accessibility can be an issue for some, with no lifts to upper floor rooms and poor signposting to rooms, especially in the dark.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise for being exceptionally friendly, helpful, and attentive, contributing significantly to a positive guest experience. Many reviews highlight their polite and welcoming demeanor, noting that staff members often go above and beyond to assist guests. The check-in process is generally described as easy and efficient, though a few guests have reported initial disorganisation or issues with room allocation. While the majority of interactions are positive, some isolated comments mention unhelpful or unsmiling staff at reception. Housekeeping is generally effective, but there are occasional reports of missed services or issues with towel replenishment. The restaurant and bar staff, while often praised individually, can sometimes appear understaffed or disorganised, leading to slow service during busy periods. Overall, the dedication of the staff is a recurring theme, despite some operational challenges.

Additional Information
The hotel is notably dog-friendly, a feature appreciated by many guests, with specific amenities like dog washing stations available. However, some guests have reported unexpected charges for pets if not explicitly booked. It is a popular wedding venue and also hosts numerous conference events, which can sometimes lead to increased noise levels, particularly in accommodation blocks with less sound insulation, and can make parking more challenging. The property's unique Lutyens architecture and impressive artwork collection are frequently mentioned as distinctive features. Guests should be aware that some rooms lack a telephone, which can affect services like wake-up calls. There is also a general lack of a service booklet in rooms, meaning guests may need to inquire about laundry services or meal times. The hotel offers free car charging, a convenient amenity for electric vehicle owners.