Step back in history and experience this gracious if faded hotel.
I loved this hotel-- it was like walking into history. The hotel was beautifully designed for a past era of grace and comfort, and now trying to cope with modern times. You'll either love it or hate it-- we LOVED it. I loved the formal breakfast room with lovely views of the large garden. I loved our enormous bathroom with bidet and double sinks and huge multi-faucet bathtub. The room was soothing and well appointed with historic furniture. Part of the carpet in our room was literally threadbare, but for me it felt appropriate-- this is a hotel that has been truly lived in and loved, and it doesn't diminish its charm. Original paintings and tapestries hang on the wall atop grand staircases. The indoor pool was large and fun, and we walked around the largely unused treatment room area after, and you can feel the ghosts of past generations taking the cure. The staff are pretty heroic-- they are understaffed, and yet somehow the hotel was really clean and welcoming, and the breakfast and dinner (we did half board) were well-cooked and courteously served. This hotel is well located for both daytime spa activities and the evening concerts in the park. l will be back, sooner rather than later, because I am afraid that some management consultant will come along and either close it or gut this faded but gracious grande dame into a faceless, overpriced chain hotel. Staying in this hotel was a singular, memorable experience, and I hope others have the opportunity!
Bad: The sauna was broken-- clearly they don't have a huge renovation budget, but I'd like to see them give that some priority. The great pool deserves a good sauna!
Laurel on Booking.com, 01.08.2019
