Barceló Billesley Manor Hotel

No overall comment. (3304999149)

When we arrived on the Sunday afternoon a wedding was taking place which made it difficult for us to enter the building with our luggage - unfortunate timing, we realised, with a coach and horses about to bring the bride. A ceremony then took place actually in the hotel and we had subsequently to walk across the rear of the event to get to the stairs to our room. As a result, my wife and I, on our thirtieth wedding anniversary felt on arrival, and for much of our first day in the hotel, like intruders on others' celebration, despite the excellent champagne on ice in our room on arrival. This was compounded by guests talking loudly directly below our window until 1.30 am. I contacted reception three times, between 12.45 and 1.30 and on each occasion they were asked to move but it just kept happening. We even tried ( on a warm night - July 30th) to close the window but that was physically uncomfortable and didn't greatly reduce the problem, which included for example shouts of 'oi, oi saveloy' and a fair amount of alcohol-induced obscenities. We fully recognise why the hotel is such an ideal venue for marriage celebrations - it is excellent in its setting and the overall quality of service - we discovered later from reception how heavily booked they are and we have no wish to take limit others' enjoyment. However, we were not told at the time of booking that there was a major wedding celebration (actually a double event) and hadn't expected one on a Sunday. By the Monday, the hotel was much quieter and became everything we hoped it would be when booking for our own special event. Staff were excellent, and service, including champagne felt special. Even so, our disappointment about the Sunday night was only briefly acknowledged. I suggest that, when major functions are taking over the hotel, the needs of guests present for other reasons be more carefully considered, especially in terms of where they are located. Despite this problem, the many positives of our stay far outweighed our initial disappointment and we were made to feel very welcome. (3304288339)

The room itself lived up to our wish to celebrate our thirtieth wedding anniversary in attractive surroundings. The restaurant and service were excellent: prompt, very friendly and attentive without being 'fussy'.

The noise of wedding celebrations affecting our sleep.

In general the Hotel was very comfortable, clean and we had excellent service from all the staff. I believe that there should be more Bar Staff especially on evening when there is a function. Indeed it would be useful to be aware of functions as they do tend to take over the Hotel facilities especially in the evening. (3304530493)

Very clean and comfortable.

Not enough light in the Bathroom. Difficult for shaving purposes.

No overall comment. (2478389)

Modern, clean and well equipped. The RSC posters and pictures were an excellent addition to brighten up the rooms. In addition, the grounds and other facilities were excellently maintained and helped to further improve what as an exceptional stay. Top Marks to all the staff!!

No improvements need to be made, the hotel really is fantastic.

I would have liked to know that we would be staying in the room that we actually booked for. I would not have stayed in this hotel if I had known not enough food for breakfast was going to be available. we were very put out that we also had to have our limited breakfast in the bar. We were very disappointed at the overall service during breakfast. (2347093)

comfortable

correct booking

we were very impressed upon arrival, we were a little worried that we would get a tatty room as we had got such a good deal but the room was great with a lovely view of the topiary garden. we stay in hotels on a regular basis and our standards are very high we were not dissapointed. one member of staff particularly impressed us as she had finished her shift in the spa (which was great) when we looked a bit lost she made sure we could find our way back to our room. (2348807)

excellent staff! nothing was too much trouble, very attentive without being obtrusive

bar prices a bit over the top

I can't fault the hotel or the staff, it was a fantastic break and good value for money. I will definitely be recommending the hotel to friends, and will be looking to stay in the other hotels in the group. (2332251)

Beautiful rooms in a gorgeous hotel. The food was also excellent.

Our check-in was delayed for half an hour to about 3.30pm, but this wasn't really a problem. Other than that, the whole experience was excellent.