Top 10 Smith and Western Hotels

We received an Afternoon Tea Voucher as a Christmas present and decided to book for my husband's birthday in June. Upon arrival at the hotel reception desk, we only had to wait a few moments before Donna showed us into one of the lounges where a table was set up for us by a window overlooking the lake and grounds. As it was a beautiful sunny afternoon I asked if we could have tea on the terrace. Donna apologised and said that unfortunately this was not possible so we were initially a little disappointed, however, we were still able to enjoy the view. Our selected coffee with hot milk arrived swiftly and the selection of sandwiches, scones and patisseries quickly followed. All were freshly made and quite delicious. Donna ensured both the coffee and hot milk were replenished as required and looked after us superbly throughout the afternoon. After tea and feeling rather full we took the opportunity to have a walk around the hotel grounds seeing the fish in the lake and the deer grazing amongst the trees on the adjoining golf course. All in all, a very enjoyable afternoon made even better by the June sunshine!

We stayed for 3 nights from 19th-22nd May, we were attending a wedding in the area and wanted somewhere to extend it to a weekend break. The staff were friendly and helpful throughout however, the initial investment to move away from a conference centre needs updating. The first room we were allocated had carpet I would expect to find in an office and bed that squeaked everytime I shifted my weight to the extent that it woke me and my husband up throughout the night. Having told the reception staff after the first night I was advised they would let the maintenance team know. We returned very late that day and it was clear nothing had been done about the bed but just went to bed because of the time. When I complained the next day that I was told that the maintenance team don’t work weekends. We were not initially offered another room because the hotel was apparently full. The second morning we were offered another room, which was smaller than the first, and that was not very big! We were offered a third room which was larger than the first two, but had ants near the window and you could tell the bed has not been updated for a while as the spring could be felt in the mattress. We gave up and slept in the room and it was a better night than the first two. We also found a detection card of some kind under the bed of the first room that was dated from 2001! And there were other signs around the hotels main building and additional buildings that they just don’t have enough staff, things like beer glasses around from events the day/night before but still out at midday. The overall impression is that outside weddings and conferences it’s trying to compete with a mid-range hotel market, however, despite paying more it didn’t feel like we got a room or bed that couldn’t be matched in a chain of hotels who would guarantee a good night sleep and ensure the beds were regularly updated. The breakfast was included but nothing that couldn’t be had in a well-known chain and with less choice/options. We wouldn’t recommend it unless you were staying overnight as part of a wedding package/party. Ok for one night but disappointing as a weekend getaway.

We're a little up to two thoughts when assessing the hotel. From the arrival: the parking space was large but full. We had to look for a place. Check-in went smooth, there is an old, small lift for 1 person with luggage. The room was filled. There was no refrigerator, no air-conditioning, and the seat on the photos missed. There were two chairs, there was a TV with few broadcasters, a bathroom with small bathroom and a separate fine shower. The room is clean, but room cleaning, clean towels etc is not standard. That's why you need to ask. Breakfast is in buffet form. There is service for coffee, toast and special orders. The hotel was dead in the evening, no one was confessed to give a drink or anything. On the day we left, we found there was another bar, which apparently had been open. You just need to know ...

We stayed for a night while making a motorcycle trip through the UK and picked the Camden Arms when looking for a local hotel. The hotel has everything needed for a good nights rest and a nice pub. The hotel has a convenient parking next to it and a large beer garden attached to the pub. Rooms were fine and the food served in the pub as good. We would recommend this place to others

The room is quite big, the bathroom is oversized