The Highfield House

Our  much anticipated dinner with friends was marred by some issues. The food was lovely and staff very friendly. So what went wrong?  We were seated late to our table It took a further 30 minutes to get drinks and food order taken When our mains arrived, my husband's didn't and I had to ask where it was - the mushroom sauce which he had asked to remove had been added to the plate and we had finished our mains before his arrived. The bottle of wine ordered was wrong.  As a result, we didn't feel like ordering dessert and left as soon as he had finished his dinner. Dont get me wrong, they sorted this for us but it is disappointing that this was our experience on this occasion as we had not had this happen before

My husband booked me a surprise night away for my birthday. I hadn't expected it as we only live around the corner, but wow, I was blown away. He had booked us into the Kingsland suite, which was amazing. It was warm and spacious with a beautiful view over the grounds. The bath was huge and fabulous. It was so nice to be able to have a nice hot bath and relax before we went down for dinner. Our evening meal was amazing. I had the vegetarian main, which was lovely. I'm not a veggie, but I fancied something different, and this didn't disappoint. The dessert was also fabulous. I had the new doughnut dessert. The chef had even written happy birthday on my plate. Such a lovely touch. The staff were all very attentive and so friendly. You really feel welcome here. Nothing is too much trouble. After dinner we went into the parlour. This is such a lovely cosy room. I love that all the rooms are so different. Wherever you look, there is something to see. The bed in the room is huge and was so comfy. It's one of the best nights sleep I have had in ages. The toiletries in the room are amazing. They smell divine and I bought some to bring home. Breakfast the next day was lovely and there is plenty of choice. Even fussy people are catered for. I would recommend a treatment with Sarah. I was surprised with a facial and massage after my breakfast as a birthday present and after I left her room I felt truly relaxed and pampered. She is a godsend and I will be booking in for more treatments now I have found her! My only negative was that I had to leave! I really didn't want to. I can't wait to go back. Hopefully it is a new birthday tradition.

A fantastic experience. The staff could not have made us and our dogs more welcome. Our room was extremely comfortable. We loved the design themes running through the hotel. And did I mention the food? Classic dishes with an imaginative twist, dinner was exquisite.

The Sunday lunch was excellent. I had the beef and my wife had the vegetarian. As well as being excellent quality the portion size was also very generous. I also liked the friendliness and attention of the serving staff. Because the house is old with a contemporary twist it also has a great atmosphere.

Some internal issues need resolved. Disappointed Had high hopes for this hotel. Arrived and there was nobody to check us in. Had to wait for the receptionist to return from the shop. Not a big deal really and receptionist was lovely. However we then didn’t get allocated the room we had booked, and found a bin full of used tissues and contact lenses in the room which we took to reception and received no apology. There was no hand soap, the toiletries were all half used little bottles and there was an empty tub of bath salts. We found the much vaunted communal fridge stocked only with milk and water, no snacks or other soft drinks. The flush on the toilet needed manually pushing into a certain position to stop the cistern refilling. We were so tired that we lived with all of these small things but it didn’t create an impression of strong quality control. Our train the next day was cancelled so we had to get a later one. We called reception to ask if it was possible to get a later check out and were assured this was no problem as the room was not booked the next day. When we came to check out, they attempted to charge us £60 for late check out. I was shocked and said that I never would have agreed to this if I had been told of the high charge. I was NOT advised of any charge. They said that I must have been advised of the cost (basically calling me a liar) and wouldn’t back down. I offered to pay £20 but this was refused. Did not pay the fee. All left a very bad taste in the mouth. Bed and room were extremely comfortable

Excellent Hotel and Restaurant Really nice one night break with dinner in the restaurant. All staff with whom we came into contact were excellent - well trained, efficient and very pleasant. Hotel was very nicely furbished with good attention to detail. Restaurant was particularly nice - good quality linens and crockery etc and nicely decorated. The upholstery throughout the hotel, including the restaurant was very nice and the main feature namely the food was very good indeed - compliments to the chef. Breakfast served in another of the hotel's rooms was also very good. Overall a very nice stay and a place which deserves to succeed.