The Elms Hotel & Spa

Just got back from a weekend of staying here for my birthday. Was a lovely weekend and so so so relaxing. The place is gorgeous ! The decor is really well done and the whole hotel is stunning. Only thing that let it down was the room as it was very tired looking (I.e missing paint on walls, damaged furniture and mould on windows). Also, there wasn’t many chairs next to the pool. My partner and I got the last chairs available at the time but couples were turning up after us with no where to sit so I can imagine this being quite frustrating if you’re left with no seat. But other than that it was lovely. Staff were also very friendly and breakfast was nice (had a continental table with fruit/ cereal/ pastry’s and a menu with your typical English breakfast / eggs Benedict etc) Overall, we had a lovely time, but not sure if I’d return to stay over night with the price tag, as I’d expect the room to be a bit of a higher standard. I’d definitely return for a treatment though :)

We popped in for a light lunch on a Thursday afternoon and were told to go into the bar whilst availability was checked. After a fair while waiting, I spoke to another member of staff at reception but after another wait with no information, we left. Very disappointing.

Lovely trip to the The Elms spa. We arrived for the Friday night. I had an exfoliating leg massage, would highly recommend. Food was delicious and service from all staff attentive. Only downside being the big aircon unit in our room with piping out the window. Not very convenient or quiet.

I wouldn’t normally write a review of this nature. But I feel it may help people booking in the future. I used to be a regular of the elms before it changed hands/ staff. It was always the best hospitality you could ever receive. You were always made to feel welcome. I’m not sure what has happened since. Myself and my business partner arrived to get a bride ready for her big day, who had hired the room to get ready, (having stayed there the night before.) We were greeted by a frosty receptionist who looked like she didn’t want to be there. She didn’t know “who the bride was” or what room she was in. After looking us up and down, she reluctantly gave the info we needed. Reception staff very unhelpful. Reminded me the bride needed to be out by 11 and to return the key. Even though the room was allocated til 12. Upon leaving, the party made various attempts to walk up and down the stairs with heavy bags whilst they looked on, with no offer of help. Only stares and comments of the key! No comment to the bride of wishing her well or how wonderful she looked. Just stares and the need to get us out. It was probably the worst venue I have ever held a bridal prep in. The lighting was shocking, they have spent to much time on adding everything “extra” to the room. But you will need a torch on your phone to actually see what you’re doing. Overall experience for us just as a guest artist was awful. I would not recommend this hotel to future brides, nor would I return myself to stay. Reception staff need training in what front of house management actually looks like.

This is my second visit and I thought I should give it a chance in case the first visit was a one off. Was here with family for an afternoon tea. Once again the food was really poor. It’s a shame as the surroundings are lovely and the staff pleasant. The drinks were perfectly nice but the food has obviously been out for a long time. The sandwiches were like cardboard as had dried out. The cakes were not fresh and also dry as a bone. Was the worst food I’ve had in an afternoon tea. Such a shame as it has so much potential.

3 stars, because more good than bad and would visit again. A cream tea at midday, followed by a spa experience 1pm to 5pm with back massage. GOOD - Super friendly staff who moved our massage to 1.45pm after spotting our cream tea was midday, and the hotel staff who served us immediately. Great attention to detail. - good products in the shower (decent conditioner, hair Bbobbles, Dyson hairdryer) - Free tea(s), coffee, flavoured water Good selection for cream tea (veggie n meat) - Lovely swimming and outdoor jacuzzi area - Impeccably decorated and super relaxing. NOT GOOD - Diety utensils for cream tea (see photo) and a stale sandwich. Not once did a staff member stop by so we could alert them. - Sauna and steam room hotter than the sun, no one using them - Massage of variable quality (mine was a 25-minute poor quality back stroke despite asking for firm. My partner had a full 30 mins, working on his knots, and included a foot massage. Same package booked). Only two showers, see next comment - Guest check-in at 3pm, by 3.30pm, the pool area is packed, and not enough chairs - Children allowed in 4pm to 5pm, forget any idea of relaxing - 5pm, changing room packed, families leaving, only two showers. OVERALL I would visit again, but book massage for 4pm, then leave at 4.30pm to avoid the crowds and children. Also speak up if cream tea utensils are dirty (I didn't want to create a fuss however)