Top 10 Tennyson House Hotels

We had high expectations after reading the website and based on the price. Overall we enjoyed the stay but it wasn’t quite 5*. The welcome at reception was efficient / lukewarm. There was also working going on in the lobby area. Our Chic room was on the first floor no mention of a lift or a help with the bags. The room itself was nice and the bed comfy, but the bathroom was pretty small for the price and perceived room standard. Our room was near the stairs and at the intersection of 2 corridors so a little noisy at times. My wife said the spa was wonderful. We ate in the bistro and thought the food was good an reasonably priced but the setting was quite functional. (Please invest in some vinegar!) Breakfast was fine but not special given the hotel. One or two areas are starting to look a bit tired. In general the staff were friendly and helpful. So in summary very nice but could do better. Would we stay again - probably, and it might help that our expectations will have been tempered.

The emails I was bombarded with told me that ”A warm welcome awaits you” but this wasn't the case, the welcome was actually cold and slightly awkward. Stayed on business for 2 nights, room was very very noisy (at front on to main road) with badly fitting windows. I got almost no sleep for two nights. I'd stayed in town because I wanted to be well-rested for work, next time I'll just get up at 4am and drive the 3 1/2 hours to St Albans. The whole hotel was in need of an update/refurb. Yes, I know it's an old building, but you can still keep it clean and up to date. Mattress was horrendous, lumpy, dirty and shapeless - years past it's sell-by date. There is really is no excuse for this sort of thing. The toilet had a macerator which was very noisy, and went off automatically when I used it at 3am. I think I woke up the people in the next room as I heard grumbling voices and then someone come out of their door and walk to mine and listen, presumably wondering what all the din was. Really sorry if this was you! The room was cluttered, with an excess of old furniture and heaters. Cobwebs and filth behind the bed. The sink was separate, actually in the room. Bizarrely, the tap was on a stalk and didn't quite reach over the edge of the basin but just ran onto the lip, which meant water went everywhere. Bar staff seemed friendly and helpful enough. I didn't sample the food. Would've been a one-star review, but for the really great central location, opposite St Albans Cathedral. Won't return.

Every nook and cranny in The White Hart oozes grand antiquity and contemporary retrofitting has ensured comfort instead of a dated environ usually synonymous with aged structures. The White Hart hits the right buttons with tasteful decor and attention to details. There’re ‘gargles’ from old pipes probably and a cranky air-conditioner but I’m too tired to take note. I’m aware only because I’m a light sleeper. The only drawback was the overly long prep time for my breakfast, which I had to miss unfortunately due to a lack of time. Nonetheless the manager on duty exercised discretion for not charging me for a take-out lunch requested when I’m seated for breakfast.