Danesfield House Hotel And Spa - Marlow, United Kingdom 

Post HR Regatta this was a good place to return to. Utterly charming building and very well kept grounds. Stunning new pool. Quite a mixed experience though. I liked the barman's professionalism, the door staff's politeness. However... This place has a difficulty with temperature, white wine warm, tea cold, bar too stuffy, Some drinks we ordered never appeared. Orangery restaurant was very dissapointing, the food was mediocre and the staff almost unprofessional. Interesting at 9am Sunday morning the hotel chooses to do noisy maintenance work. Overall this place needs a little polish to make it really shine.

We have just come back from a Saturday/Sunday stay at the Danesfield. Some of the reviews had worried me before we arrived but those concerns disappeared as soon as we drove up the sweeping driveway. A concierge (Thomas) parked our car, and gave us a brief guided tour of the facilities en route to our (upgraded) room. We were given a family room which meant we actually had a split level 'suite' with a sitting room separate from the bed area. We were disappointed to find a rather grotty and not very clean mini bar containing one small bottle of water (someone came to clean it, without us asking). The bed was large and comfortable and the shower was a real drencher. The spa facilities were superb (pity some people cannot read and ignore signs about removing outdoor shoes before entering the pool area). Staff were continuously tidying, cleaning and ensuring that the ample supplies of towels, robes and slippers were maintained. In the evening, we ate in the Oak room - this is a true gastronomic experience - especially the taster menu which extends to 11 separate dishes being placed in front of you. Neither one of us normally slelects a terrine from a menu; after the squab pigeon, foie gras, pear terrine last night, we may consider selecting one more often. The meal was slightly spoiled by a couple who complained continuously throughout the second half of their meal before finally refusing to pay the bill - the staff are to be commended for persevering, and trying to address the situation with what was obviously going to be little chance of success. The staff in general are wonderful - high standards throughout. It was an expensive night away but anything to get away from Eurovision night! Seriously it was an extremely relaxing stay in a beautiful hotel with superb cuisine.