The website shows the hotel in an excellent light but in reality the hotel disappointed immediately.

Arrival entrance and car park are actually at the rear of the property. Entrance would be difficult to define had it not been for the red carpet leading up the steps to the main entrance. Relatively long walk through covered, tiled room, up more stairs to bar. Strange reception is a very small desk in the bar area.

Asked for afternoon tea in library. Told no chef so not available - only availbale in summer. Asked for tea and snacks - may be able to offer some crisps or nuts. Asked for tea and home made biscuits - don't have those. "What no biscuits in the hotel?" Just tinned - so took that option. Loud rock music playing in bar ok but also piped into library so difficult to read or have conversation.

Booked a room for overnight, via website, with a view to making a larger booking later in the year. Had booked a twin, with bath/shower and garden view. Taken to a small double with shower and garden view. Receptionist did offer another room which was a twin with bath/shower but overlooking the kitchen on second floor. Took the second option as no other rooms available.

On entering room, first noticed the dust and cobwebs on the two low hanging ceiling lamp shades. One small tacky bedside lamp. Large fabric headboard with inset light swithes which did not work. Wood work in window dirty and dusty behind double glazing panel.

Very small bathroom with new wall light fittings. Only shelf available was an old small drop leafed wooden table shoe-horned into a corner. Toilet tightly wedged beside bath.

Spare bedding thrown on floor in a heap inside old walk in wardrobe, no plastic coverings. In the cupboard was another door which lead into eaves of roof - old wellington boot in-situ. Hoped no mice would be running around in the night!

Another door with broken latch lead to private staircase to first floor - all dusty. Could only exit from this room but someone with correct key cold enter therefore placed bedside table in front of the door to prevent unauthorised entry.

Pleasant background music playing in library pre dinner. A la Carte food excellent . Young waitress had pleasant smile and manner - this couldn't be said for manager. Following such an excellent meal had expected coffee and petit fours but only foil coated chocolate mints available.

Breakfast service disappointing. Unappetising tinned fruit on offer. No breakfast menu available. Depended on manager asking if we wanted a cooked breakfast .

On checking out, no smile or pleasantries from reception. couldn't wait to leave. Reception staff would benefit from customer service training. Will definately not be returning in the summer or anytime and would not recommend this hotel to anyone.