On arrival, although the chap at Reception confirmed our booking was on their system, we were initially told we would not be allowed to enter without 'the voucher'. I had not been sent a voucher at any point. When I tried to find the confirmation email on my mobile phone, which I was informed would contain the voucher number, I was unable to connect to the hotel wifi. The voucher was then found in 'the folder' behind reception and we were allowed in.
I wish we hadn't bothered - this is not a spa, this is a hotel pool with a tiny sauna and steam room. As it was open to hotel guests, the place was packed, with lots of children playing - I have no problem with children using a pool obviously, but I do not expect it on a relaxing spa day, which is what we thought we had booked. The floors were filthy, there were not enough seats and some of them were broken.
We had attempted to book treatments both online and over the phone beforehand, but the website kept crashing and no one ever picked up the phone. On the day we enquired if there were any treatments available, and were told that we should have booked beforehand (see above), and that there were no appointments left. I noticed as we left the premises that the salon was actually closed though - so which was it??
Our booking included afternoon tea. When it arrived the sandwiches were dry and curling, like they had been made the day before, and the clotted cream contained a long hair as a little extra treat. The waitress gave us a couple of glasses of champagne when we complained but bar one lovely lady, the service wasn't exactly professional.
All in all I think we spent about an hour and a half there, when our booking gave us access for seven hours.
This simply does not compare to other spas in the area. Avoid if that is what you are after.
A friendly welcome in the spa even though they were short staffed that day. Good clean facilities slightly dated but perfectly adequate. Venue beautiful, lovely grounds to walk in. Afternoon tea excellent. Lovely day.
We went on the spa day and afternoon tea, offer worked out 2 for 1. Good spa facilities, Loungers though too low, bulky and dipping in middle, could also do with more tables and chairs in pool area. Afternoon tea in the restaurant comprised of sandwiches, cakes and lovely warmed scones to put on clotted cream and jam, bliss and as many top ups of tea etc as you want. Great building and gardens, will try a package with treatments next time.