Top 10 Boars Head Hotels

We spent the most beautiful weekend here in early December 2023 - for my sister’s 60th birthday. From the moment we entered the hotel we were made to feel extremely welcome. The reception team were warm and friendly and went out of their way to make our stay perfect. Upon arrival we were informed that we had been upgraded to the stunning October suite which was such a beautiful surprise. My sister received handcrafted chocolates and a bottle of bubbly from the Hotel Manager, along with a card wishing her a wonderful birthday - kind, thoughtful, gestures that went such a long way and made her feel so special. We had the most amazing food during our stay - breakfast superb - spoiled for choice and such a relaxing environment, overlooking the stunning grounds. Lunch was at the spa and our evening meals in the bar area. Food was just sensational no matter where we dined. An amazing restaurant team who were so attentive and polite - nothing was too much trouble. A very special thanks to Victoria in the spa restaurant and Dan in the hotel restaurant/bar - both went out of their way to make our stay even more enjoyable. We had 3 blissful days of treatments at the Spa. We can highly recommend the mud rasul, salt scrub and massage combo, luxury facial and luxury pedicure. All of the spa therapists were superb and provided first class treatments that we didn't want to end as well as having exceptional knowledge of both the treatments and products. We adored the spa shop and the fabulous selection of skin care products that we were able to purchase along with some beautiful christmas gift sets. The spa facilities were spotlessly clean, and we thoroughly enjoyed the pool area especially the jacuzzi and relaxation room - sheer bliss. Rookery Hall is truly a magical place that we would highly recommend to anyone who is looking to escape and indulge in blissful pampering. We look forward to returning later in the year for another amazing spa break.

One night stay whilst visiting the area and booked with Great Little Breaks so we got a good deal for B&B with dinner & wine. Lovely rooms, very clean and quiet despite a large function. We pre-booked a table for Dinner which is a good idea as the restaurant was very busy. Food was very good although not a huge choice. No ice available for drinks in the restaurant but there was in the upstairs bar!!!! Surely they can share - same hotel just a flight of stairs to go up to get some?? Breakfast service however was shocking, very poor. We were a table of 4, not shown to a table when we arrived and we couldn’t find a cleared one available. We put the dirty stuff onto another table and claimed it but no-one around clearing any used tables at all. We had to ask for bowls for cereal, glasses for juice, someone to bring us cutlery, plates at the hot food area, butter for the toast, brown sauce!!! No one checking or replenishing these areas at all! The fried eggs were undercooked, bacon leathery, no mushrooms, half tomatoes floating in water! When plates were brought out eventually they really cold. The staff looked stressed and never smiled or acknowledge guests - we visited in July and I’m afraid the breakfast experience was similar then which is a shame because everything else in this hotel was really quite nice. Sorry for negatives but with improvements in these areas it could be great.

We stayed at the Hartford Hall for one night which was way more than enough. The hotel looks really nice from the online pictures and most reviews are pretty positive although I have to wonder if they stayed in the same place as we did. We arrived at the hotel around 4.30pm on a Friday afternoon and waited to checkin at a small booth in the main bar. No one was there but the barman was friendly and told us someone would be with us soon. The guy who checked us in was very friendly and gave us our room key for ”Clotton” room. We made our way through the bar towards an outbuilding which was where the rooms were located along a smelly corridor with filthy carpets. There were lots of dogs in the bar and some very small children (toddlers) just wondering around, it felt like a kennel come creche!! Our room cost £105 breakfast not included, and was quite spacious with a large bed and was nice and warm. But within minutes we could smell a musty damp aroma which was coming from the bathroom. All appeared clean and dry so we turned the bathroom lights on and the extraction fan started. This controlled the smell. We popped down to the bar for some light food as we were going into Northwich for dinner later. We ordered garlic bread with cheese, buttermilk chicken and fries. This small plate selection came to just under £19. The food arrived and the buttermilk batter was burnt, and we are still looking for the cheese that was supposed to be on the garlic bread. The food was really poor and the whole place seemed to be trying to be something that it's not. We came back to the room for a shower and this was when we realised why the room was musty. The shower try is too small and there was no glass screen at the end of the shower so water sprayed everywhere. We had to use all the hand towels to keep the floor dry. It was a real mess. We went out for the evening and came back to the hotel at bang on 11pm and were looking forward to a few drinks. We went to the bar only to be told ”we are closed”!!! So off to bed we went. Our room was right angles to the pub which was located on the very end of the building and parallel to a very busy road. The room had old and ineffective double glazing and so we had constant road noise all night. Neither of us slept and was one of the worst experiences we have had in a hotel. At 8.30am we checked out. We mentioned to the lady who was at the check in desk that we had had an awful night to which she replied ”yes the road is noisy”. We also mentioned that we couldn't get a drink last night and her reply was ”we are a pub with rooms, not a hotel”. We will never eat or stay here again and definitely would not recommend. It's awful.

We stayed at the Castle over Valentine's Day / Night on a room and dinner package. Our stay included afternoon tea which was disappointing due to lack of service and very few options provided, e.g. tea flavours, etc. However, we did not allow this to spoil our special occasion. The four poster room was delightful although a little tired in its decor. It did have all the amenities and included a heated bathroom floor. Fresh milk for our morning cup of tea/coffee was available upon request and was delivered promptly. The dinner was included as part of the package although the staff were not aware of the free glass of bubbles included. The maitre d' honoured it without fuss for which we were grateful. Upon departure, they confirmed that this was part of the package. The food was excellent for dinner including an excellently cooked chateaubriand with plenty of it. We indulged in a starter which was excellent too. Service was just right with no rush which suited us. We were seated in a booth which we requested and it was very comfortable. All credit to the gardener, also, who manicured the lawn so well. Our only adverse comment would be the staff paying attention to detail which, perhaps, would come through better training.

Better local hotel, overall satisfaction

An excellent base for an early train from Crewe station. Friendly staff, superb food and lovely pool . Rooms could do with a refresh - looking a bit dated. Perfectly adequate for our needs though with tea and coffee and the usual iron, hairdryer etc. As it was on the ground floor, you could only open the windows a tiny bit, so it would become very warm in the summer even with the fan that was provided. I do think that air conditioning should be standard in all hotels now. Access to the pool was quite restrictive with specific times but the pool area was lovely although the steam room was out of order. Access to the full spa was at extra cost. The Stables Grill was excellent - food, service and cocktails - couldn’t fault and the breakfast equally as nice. Would definitely stay here again.