Holbrook Manor & Spa

Placed in a brick single story bedroom come lounge . Very grubby carpet. Vertical blinds hanging from runners. Area generally in poor repair. Hot and and cold tap in bathroom constantly running. Garden view. (REALLY) £83 No breakfast. Reception no real interest and the garden cafe closed at 1600, despite being told it would offer some simple foodstuffs and drinks. Forget it. Spa users some were very rude and clearly guest staying over were well done the list..

When I booked afternoon tea for my daughters 21st birthday, I checked that we could sit in the actual Manor House section, as it states on the website, they will do this for intermate groups. I further explained, it was really important to do this as we had been some years before, with a family member who is no longer alive. They confirmed that this would be fine as we were only a small group. Upon arrival, after waiting for attention at reception, we were told to go to the Garden Cafe, part of The Club. I explained this was not what I'd asked for at the time of booking. The gentleman seemed uninterested and just kept saying it would need to be in Garden Cafe. We sat down, in a very hot uninteresting room. The fan was on, but aimed at the serving counter and the window was open directly behind it, making the room even stuffer. We confirmed that we had paid extra for one of the afternoon teas to have a glass of prosecco with it. I was pointed to the fridge to get a miniature bottle myself. We were not offered any top ups on the hot drinks, and the one with the prosecco, didn't even get a hot drink! The small sandwiches were fine, but very boring. The scones were all identical sizes, and looked exactly like the ones we buy from Asda in a packet. The jam in an individual serving glass jar and the cream in an individual serving plastic pot. The Little cakes, had obviously been bought in frozen and defrosted, as most had damp bases. 100% NOT HOME MADE. At no point did we get asked if everything was alright by the person serving us (there was only one) who was often not present anyway. When we finished, we didn't know where to pay as the person serving had not been present for sometime so walked back to reception. I was given our bill price by the gentleman, who asked if everything was alright. I said that "it definitely wasn't worth the money" and explained what was wrong and again mentioned the disappointment in not being in the Manor House. I went on to show him the page on the website that said it was available for intermate groups. He said intermate meant 10 -20 people! He did not apologise, offer any discount, or even look interested in what I was saying. We then had to go back into the cafe to pay. We got the impression they were used to people complaining. My daughter then went onto have a prebooked Spa treatment, which she said was OK, but not great. Really disappointed. Will not go back, and will not recommend to anyone.

The house and surroundings are beautiful, our room looked freshly redecorated and the bed was really comfortable. I loved the old furniture in the rooms it added to the quality of the place. Unfortunately the shower situation this morning tainted our stay as we initially had no hot water lol and then no water at all! We used the pool, the sauna and steam room and the jacuzzi and they were great. It was a bit tired but did not detract from the lovely peaceful start to our day. The gardens are gorgeous and the whole place is idilic for weddings. We would have stayed for coffee but could not find the staff to make it! All in all it is definitely somewhere we will return to. Also no restaurant which is a shame if you wanted to stay a couple of days but there is a superb pub called the Nog Inn in Wincanton where we had a fantastic meal!

Suggest that anyone considering booking here, first reads the reviews and then makes a considered decision. Strangest stay ever. The hotel is a staff desert. The room was massive, with a bed, but only one desk chair. The tv was miles away from the bed, at right angles, high up above a fireplace. Unwatchable from the bed and no chairs? Breakfast was similiar to a travel inn, but much worse. Lovely health club, terrible hotel.

Would like to that the housekeeping team and club cleaners exceptional cleanliness lovely rooms Reception staff unpredictable and confusing always on mobile phones Night porter wants to deep clean the poolside Cafe staff disappear or nowhere to be seen

I booked the afternoon retreat as a present for my friends birthday. After reading the reviews the morning of going, I was hesitant. However, the experience was amazing. The facilities were clean, the staff were super friendly and helpful, and the treatments we got were amazing. Nicky and Cassie were so great at what they do and made the experience pleasurable and worthwhile. The afternoon was also delightful, Jo (I think that’s her name), was very attentive and bubbly. This made the experience even better! We felt no pressure to leave when our day was finished, they were very accommodating and made us feel welcome till the very end. I also booked this experience for my mother in law which she attended today with a friend - she said it was fabulous. Thank you again!