Eastwell Manor - Ashford, United Kingdom     

On arrival we were very impressed witht the beautiful grounds and this hotel from the outside definatley has the WOW factor. On arrival we were a little early, the receptionist was rude and very unhelpful. We did not expect to check into our room but wanted to use SPA facilities (as we were advised we were able to when booked). We were made to feel unwellcome and was disappointed with the staff attitude. We went back to reception at 15.30, you are allowed to check in from 15.00. Once again we were made very unwellcome, no one asked if we knew what facilities were available. We were then shown to our room.... The Vicountness of Maidstone room. As the bell boy showed us in I was speachless, the carpets were grey, stained and thread bare, the bed was dipping in the middle where it was broke and worst out of everything the linen was dirty, it was stained and all freying at the sides. We were not expecting a modern room, we were expecting something inkeeping with the history of the manor. The only way to describe this room is to say it was the sort of room you expect in an OAP home. We contacted reception to express out disatisfaction we were told in no uncertain terms that, you have paid the ?220 not for the room but because you are staying at the manor. I challenged this by pointing out the pictures on the net were nothing like the room. The receptionist responded by explaining that they would not use pictures of their worst rooms to advertise !! Upon request the duty manager came to our room. As soon as she arrived she apolagised for the room. She stated that the roomwas not worth ?220 per night and the beautiful view of the laundry and kitchen was poor. in fairness to the manager she did not try to defend the hotel and was actually very embaressed by the state of the room. My partner and I decided to check out and stay at the near by Holiday inn. which was fine at least you know what you are getting !

Like others, having read the reviews, I approached my visit with some apprehension. I stayed at Eastwell Manor on business with 5 colleagues. It was a perfect June English summer day, and the hotel is undoubtedly a stunning building in a great setting. Reception staff were welcoming, bags were carried to our rooms (in main hotel, not cottages). The hotel seemed clean, not shabby, room was good size, bathroom was as big as I have had in a hotel in UK (save except Stapleford Park). Dinner was good in the main restaurant. Wine list was expensive. The prices of the proudly advertised large selection of single malts were stratospheric. Atmosphere was fair, although generally it was pretty quiet - which was not a problem. I would not want to be staying there over a weekend if there was a function in the main house, although that goes for any similar hotel. Breakfast was good - buffet selection of cereals, juices, fruits, cold meats was good as was the broad range of waitress served cooked dishes. Many of the staff were fair to good. Some were pretty "green" and had little understanding of how to look after hotel guests, and could do with more training. We, like another reviewer, had a bottle of wine plonked on our table for us to pour ourselves. We did not use any of the spa or golf facilities. In general, we had a good stay. It is expensive - London prices without London service, but overall nothing happened to spoil an enjoyable visit.