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.

Stayed at this hotel on business . Food out of this world up to London standard. Restaurant manager a bit aloof at times when needed .

What a beautiful Hotel, set in stunning grounds myself and my partner stay here often to get away and the rooms are out of this world.
The service from all staff and the food is fantastic...I cannot fault this hotel.

Thank you very much

Sarah & Simon

We visited the hotel for a 2 night mid-week break in early February as we wanted a relaxing break, but close enough to Norwich.
The reception area is strange - a desk placed close to the bar area, but we were nicely welcomed and shown to our room.
Room lovely, beautiful four poster bed, nicely furnished, flat screen tv etc, although on closer inspection there were some stains on the bedspread. It was the bathroom that badly let everything down.
It was minute - a door from the wardrobe takes you into something no bigger than a broom cupboard covered from floor to ceiling in green formica, complete with mould. An attempt had been made to cover up the bad bits around the bath with new sealant, but even this could not disguise how bad it truely was. The lighting was terrible and the ceiling so low that there was not room to put a mirror above the sink - it was placed off to the right - not great when you are trying to shave! The shower curtain (thought these had died out in the 70's) was mouldy.
The saving grace of the whole place is the restaurant. It was one the best meals I have ever eaten - certainly better than some top London restaurants. The food, wine and ambience is great. Lovely library area to have a drink over dinner too.
It appears like the place is under a programme of refurbishment, which where it has been done is good. I find it strange that a room is done without doing the bathroom at the same time.
Overall, well worth trying for the food alone!