The Deddington Arms - Banbury, United Kingdom     

we were very worried after reading several bad reviews here on trip advisor but decided that as we had already booked and got a good deal on the price we would risk it . the booking staff were very helpfull and when we arrived so were the reception staff . heading over to our room we were very pleased. it was very clean , perhaps in places it could have done with a touch of paint but nothing drastic . we had a 2 storey suit room , no extra charge , as there were 3 of us .2 adults and one 5 year old . the sofa bed downstairs and our double bed upstairs in a gallery room . tv's in both areas . one small moan the bath room was very small and had a sloping roof in part causing me to bang my head twice during our stay. into the restaurant where previous reports had described terrible meals , we were not very relaxed . we ate early because of our 4 year old ,in fact we were the first to be seated at 6.30. very satisfied at the bar prices , we dont do booze but with diet cokes at only ?1.20 very acceptable. in the restaurant we got great service and when i told the waitress i had a food alergy she imediatly got me the restaurant manager.what a smashing guy he was , robert . my alergy is garlic and he explained most of their sauces contained garlic but as all meals we prepared fresh from scratch it would be no problem to leave it out . the food was very nice ,certainly worthy of their AA roset. service through out very attentive but not intrusive. the childrens meals were certainly a great bargain, main course ?3.99 for chicken breast mash and veg . our rate for the break was ?52 per person including 3 course dinner and full breakfast .with only ?10 for the 4 year old including his breakfast . would certainly recommend the hotel to our friends . when we mentioned the bad reports to the restaurant manager he told us he had been there for about 6 months and had been changing things around in that time ,well from our point of view he has been very successful . certainly 10/10 from me .

When I first contacted the hotel by phone to make the booking, I was quoted a much higher price than I could see online. I mentioned I was a guest at an event for which the organiser had block-booked some rooms, and was told this was the rate the hotel were charging for the block booking! I got the same room for a much cheaper rate by booking online with Best Western. The organiser was none too impressed when I told him later! The best I could say about this hotel was it was clean. Right from the start, the hotel staff exuded attitude you wouldn't believe; strange for a small hotel in a small village that prides itself on friendliness and charm. During a meal at the hotel on our first night the waitier insisted on taking cash for the wine before he would place the bottle on the table! The food was instantly forgettable, and the rooms were small, basic, and the bed was uncomfortable. If you have to stay there, you'll be OK, but if you have a choice, steer clear of this hotel.