Hotel Endsleigh

I booked a lunch for my wife's birthday and had the most wonderful time, super food, lovely people looking after us and made to feel so very welcome. We sat and had lunch in the library with the fire going so it was a perfect few hours

Came here today with my partner, and I have to say from the get go it was an enchanting visit. The grounds are gorgeous and the little birds wondering around are adorable. The staff were perfect and very accommodating for our little pooch. We came here for Sunday lunch, and I nearly ate the plate where the food was so good. Next time we will definitely book a room.

Our most favourite hotel of all just continues to develop and improve its service. This time we had the newly opened suite 21 in the stable block. We were delighted by the decor, the size of the rooms and the little touches like the amazing home-made biscuits, the range of teas available, not mention the huge bath and walk in shower. The food, as always, is exquisite and deserves a Michelin star or three. Spring lamb was on offer, typical of the way the chef always chooses seasonal menues. I must mention the wonderful staff who really are ambasdsadors for Olga Polizzi's sophisticated and timeless elegance which is Hotel Endsleigh. Nothing is too much trouble whether you speak to the porter, the reception staff or the young people who serve the food. Special mention this time for young Harry whose family are local and who wants to manage a hotel one day. With the training he is getting at Endsleigh, I don't doubt he will succeed.

Rather dissapointing. Went there with my daughter for Mothers Day. Our table for 2 was against a wall - entrance of our left - bar on right - another dining room opposite. Continous coming and going of manager, sub manager and staff past our table. Not at all restful. Food was mediocre.

I guess it’s all about perspective. On paper, who wouldn't find the prospect of a weekend at a Regency fishing lodge with Grade I listed gardens in deepest, rain-soaked Devon irresistible? What kind of cold-hearted curmudgeon wouldn’t be seduced by the roaring log fires and the candlelit hallway and sitting rooms? There is definitely a palpable sense of magic about the Endsleigh: as soon as you arrive, you are instantly drawn into a bygone era of upper crust country house weekends from the pages of E. M. Forster or Evelyn Waugh. Having yearned to visit this much-lauded hotel for so long, I was slightly dismayed not to be met by anyone upon arrival and to be told, once I had found Reception, that “We have no porter today”. I don’t mind carrying my own bags but it was a slightly inauspicious start. Much is made of the hand-printed wallpapers decorating the bedrooms, reflecting Olga Polizzi’s style and exquisite taste but she must have missed Room 4. Yes, it’s spacious with a very comfortable bed and lovely views but it’s beyond drab: plain walls with the odd picture hanging at a bizarrely low height. Surely, the portrait of the Duke of Bedford should take pride of place in this room and not be hiding at the side of a chest of drawers as an afterthought? Even more baffling, there are rather cheap-looking lampshades which certainly didn’t come from Cotswold Interiors or Graham & Green! The bathroom - promoted as the Duke’s former chapel - may be quirky but the steps down to it are precariously steep and both the bath and tiles need serious attention. The perfect space to pray for a makeover! The staff are very friendly and laid-back and are never less than attentive and professional. There isn’t a huge choice at dinner and I can’t quite work out why the vegetarian menu seems to be such a closely-guarded secret but £67 for a mushroom risotto made us go elsewhere on the following two nights. Breakfast is a perfectly-orchestrated affair - full marks to the chef for conjuring-up exemplary poached eggs and to Jess for serving them so brilliantly - but don’t expect any kind of buffet or a massive choice. No doubt this is an economically-motivated business decision in the same way that the lack of tea and coffee-making facilities in the rooms is a tactic to make you order room service. Sadly, it leaves one feeling slightly short-changed. The pièce de resistance is, of course, the spectacular location and the Repton-designed gardens. It may be a bit over-priced and a little tired, but the Endsleigh still manages to captivate its guests with its quintessential English charm.

The Endsleigh estate is a very special place with long and interesting history. The hotel is perfectly placed in the middle of the grounds with spectacular views over the River Tamar. The hotel is a very relaxing place to spend time in. All the staff were very friendly. We particularly appreciated the tour that the GM gave us of the hotel, with a detailed explanation of the hotel’s history. The rooms are all of a very high quality. However, they are all individual and so well worth taking a bit of time to look at the various options available. A great hotel and highly recommended.

We have always wanted to see the magnificent Repton gardens here, but at nearly three hours away, used the opportunity of a small Premium Bond win to actually book in for the night. Despite taking a deep breath at the price, we were very far from disappointed, as can often happen. This is truly 5* luxury in a glorious setting. The hotel is accessible, and Suite 1 on the ground floor affords level access throughout. The French doors open to the gardens, and the view from the sitting room is wonderful also. The furnishings and décor are obviously personally chosen and sumptuous. The staff are friendly and attentive. No hospitality tray, but staff will deliver upon arrival (to supplement the complimentary champagne), and provide an ample tray upon request. We decided to picnic there that evening due to the wonderful weather and variable restaurant reviews. The only slight, and I mean slight, letdown was the breakfast. Bacon (asked for crispy fat) so hard in total I could not eat it with a fork, veggie breakfast lovely but grit in the greens. Everything brought to your table by efficient staff. We went on to stay at Bossington Hall luxury B&B (Exmoor) afterwards and their breakfast was better in many respects, see review. The Polizzi breakfast team can learn from others as well it would appear. In summary, budget allowing, we would return here in a heartbeat. If not to stay, another visit to the beautiful gardens (similar in parts to the glorious Stourhead) are worth a trip on their own. Just utterly fantastic.

Such a lovely place. Afternoon tea in a cozy lounge with the family. Quality of food very good and service was excellent. Have been many times and never had a bad visit. My only tiny comment would be it would be nice to have a few more finger sandwiches as how can you omit a cucumber sandwich with afternoon tea!

Second stay and just as good as the first time. Very relaxing, food excellent, staff very friendly. This time had a room overlooking the stables the only down side was the early morning deliveries. Will return to recharge our batteries and been on a diet!