Summer Lodge Country House Hotel

Summer lodge is a perfect English countryside escape. It maybe a little heavy on the chintz (which I’d normally avoid) but it all adds to that English country manor escape it’s trying to portray. The staff in general are lovely, so welcoming and friendly (breakfast waitress on our last day could’ve have been a little more helpful) but I can honestly say the others are so lovely and go out of their way that just 1 member of staff can not undo all the others best. The cocktails and drinks are superbly made and very delicious. The food (our favourite part of any stay away as we are big foodies) was very mixed. Breakfast was average, although we did find it odd that an English country manor does not offer a full English breakfast, and the toast was unfortunately far to thin and crispy that was cold by the time we got it. What we did have was nice but nothing to write home about, which surprised us greatly as dinner was absolutely amazing, they were able to cater for my fish allergy too and the menu was informative to for all types of allergens. Hubby would go as far to say the desserts was some of the best he has ever eaten. The cream tea was also lovely, with a good choice of teas available although we had coffee, and being illy coffee that was served it went down very nicely with the scones. The common areas through out the hotel are inviting and comfortable, open fires in some areas, staff discreetly nearby if you need anything without being over bearing or intrusive. Now on to our room, We booked a courtyard suite. It was big and airy, with a huge bed. A small walk in wardrobe, and good size bathroom. There was also a small patio area outside but being January it was a bit to cold to make use of. The decor was pleasant, and the bed comfy. We also made use the spa, it was a clean peaceful area with fairly good facilities, however the treatments we felt were average. Both hubby and I had full body aromatherapy massages and a facial each. However i found my facial left my skin dry and sore, hubbys however left him with dewy soft skin so very mixed reviews and experience with those. We did find the heating was always a little to high, 30 degrees in the spa which did feel a little to warm, and our room was set to 24 degrees on arrival which was also a little too warm, room was easily adjusted though and also had good aircon (good for the ladies at certain points in there life). Breakfast in the conservatory was also a little warm but only had to ask and it was cooled down to a more comfortable level. After staying at several red carnation properties, summer lodge has become one of my favourites and I’m looking forward to returning in summer and seeing the beautiful gardens alive with flowers. The village it’s set in is very quaint and beautiful, I highly recommend a walk around to appreciate the area. The local bakery is also another place definitely worth a visit, the cakes are amazing, As is the local pub (the acorn) full of friendl

My friend bought me a spa experience at Summer Lodge for my birthday. We were both very disappointed in the overall experience. On arrival, we noticed that the reception at the hotel had not changed since we last went over 20 years ago, as regular diners at the hotel for many years. It is dark and dingy and we were very surprised it had not been refigured and updated. The spa reception is also very small and uninviting and the changing room is appalling. It is very small and dingy with very poor facilities and can only comfortably accommodate 2 people at any time. Two more ladies came into the room while my friend and I were there and we all commented on how inadequate the space was - we were all bumping into each other and another lady had to go out until we had finished dressing. The massage was adequate but not memorable and the lounge area around the pool was a bit like 'God's waiting room'. Water and fruit was provided free of charge, however if you wanted a coffee there was a very small (domestic style) coffee machine with a card saying that coffee is £3.50. Considering that my friend had paid £85 each for basically a half hour massage and cream tea consisting of just scones, jam and cream with tea and use of the pool snd gym for just 4 hours, we thought this was utterly disgusting. The cost to this establishment would be negligible. We would certainly not return. The only positives were the extremely nice staff and lovely pool but the jacuzzi water was very murky and the strong chemicals in the water stung my eyes. I felt very badly for my friend who had spent a lot of money to give me a lovely experience, which sadly fell short of what we expected from such an expensive hotel.

My husband and I have just had three wonderful nights here. The staff were really friendly, kind, and efficient. Breakfast was really good in the conservatory, our evening meal was excellent, coffee afterwards in drawing room peaceful, quiet, staff so lovely, even had surprise treat of sweets . We enjoyed the pool too. The grounds were so peaceful and relaxing, loads of seating in lots of little quiet areas. Lovely to walk around, swing seats for more relaxing. Drinks on patio lovely and with complimentary biscuits. Our room was lovely, with a lovely comfy bed too. We can't wait to come back..

Visited the hotel after seeing that the hotel has recently won the 'Small Hotel of the Year: award in 2025 so our expectations were high! We had booked to use the spa as we had been staying in The Acorn in the village. We thought the use of the swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna and gym was extremely good value for £15 each if you stay at the Acorn. Towels, robes and slippers were supplied. The spa facilities were immaculate, with a gorgeous clean pool and sun loungers in an orangery style conservatory. Lovely, relaxing, fantastic!! So we had high expectations for our afternoon tea but sadly these were not met. We were advised not to have our tea outside due to wasps even though it was a lovely day. So we were sat in the drawing room. The chairs we were placed on appeared quite grubby on the arms and the chairs were covered in flies which we thought could be a problem when the food came out so we asked to move pointing out to one of the bar men and a man believed to be the manager the reason why. We were moved to the bar/library area. We felt we were being moved out of the way when others had been sat in the lovely looking restaurant. In the area where we sat was a loud, rattling fan which was turned off by a man I assume was the manager with him commenting how loud it was. We were served our afternoon tea. The sandwiches were underwhelming with several of the crusts quite stale/crusty. The scones were good but the desserts again were underwhelming and extremely sweet. Sadly whilst eating the afternoon tea we could hear one of the bar men ( a northerner) swearing quite a lot. On receiving a large drinks order we overheard him say "let's tick this s**t off", several times he used the words "s**t" and "bulls**t" and could be heard slagging off some customers of another ethnicity. Really really poor to be saying this in the first place, let alone in earshot of customers. Surprising for a hotel who has won such an award. That kind of behaviour is really shameful. Also for £40 each for an afternoon tea, it was overpriced for what we received and the quality of the food. A real shame as was thinking about coming back to stay but don't want to hear staff slating customers and swearing. Also we were both unwell after the tea. Sad for a hotel that has won such a prestigious award. Won't be back and would advise that staff observe the exemplary, hospitable service that their colleagues demonstrate at the Acorn. Their service was fantastic and they were welcoming and polite. Sadly would only ever return to use the spa.

Had a wonderful t2 night stay at the The Summer Lodge Hotel. A beautiful country house hotel and really welcoming to dogs. The staff are very attentive and nothing was too much trouble. Excellent dining experience so we will definitely return.

We arrived on Friday 11th, not ample parking but just enough. The sun was shining, and the hotel looked amazing, we were greeted by the concierge who helped with navigation to the reception, where meet and greet took place, and a familiarization tour . Our room was air-conditioned a long with a welcome pack. Everyone was nice welcoming, professional, and above all, nothing seems to be any trouble. Therest of the day was atmospheric divine, balling water features croquet lawns, the list is admirable. And I must add, on departure we had a travel pack gift for our home journey. Thank you. Enjoyable hundred. We will be back.