Cavendish Hotel

Given the high standard the hotel tries to portray they slipped up very badly. Firstly, we had to struggle up a steep set of steps to get 2 buggies into the hotel, able bodied staff just stood by and watched us struggle. The reception staff was as effective and efficient as a wet blanket . We decided not to eat in the Garden Room but had drinks, scones and biscuits in the lounge. After a wait the ‘food’ arrived and as we cut into the scones it was evident they had been previously frozen and were still frozen . We brought this to the attention of the head waiter who apologised, took them away , and returned with more scones some 10 minutes later. This time they were warm to touch, it’s amazing what a microwave can do for frozen scones!! When we went to pay the reception staff were on publicorp mode and essentially ignored and discarded our observation as if to say’ that sort of thing doesn’t happen at the Cavendish’. Nothing further was said or actioned and we paid in full . We have been using the Cavendish for years for all sorts of dining/ teas etc. Standards have slipped alarmingly and they obviously feel they can get away with duping their clientele. I am a Devonshire Hotels Rewards member and must say it was an embarrassment to seek my points. You would no doubt get better freshly prepared food at the Yonderman Cafe nearby. Come on the Cavendish shape up and don’t patronise your clientele and expect them to put up with second best which you clearly expect them to accept. An apology from reception staff would have been appreciated, but she hadn’t a clue. Make your own choice as to whether you spend your hard earned cash here. We will be thinking twice before doing so again. Fresh is not always fresh particularly at the Cavendish.

We called in for morning coffee before visiting Chatsworth House and to see how the refurbishments had improved the public areas. The service was friendly and prompt; the cafetière was large; the coffee itself and accompanying shortbread were very tasty. The new furnishings and ‘layout’ in the Library/bar areas are a big improvement. We were also given a short tour of the Gallery restaurant and the new Annex room - both were very stylish with better furnishings. The remaining bedroom areas are still ‘a work in progress’ but a reveal of the ‘new’ Cavendish Hotel is we gather, planned in a couple of months time. We will return.

Probably the best place in the area. Beautiful refurbishment and ambience, great ( standard) room and delightful , helpful staff. My only complaint would be that service in the restaurant was very slow. The food was great and stunningly presented .They’d probably say that since the food is freshly cooked there’s an unavoidable delay and good things are worth waiting for etc etc , but things really seemed to be in slow motion.

We stayed for one night (Sunday) as a birthday treat for my husband. We left the car in the car park and had a lovely walk to Chatsworth. When we returned and checked in the busy Sunday lunch guests were leaving and the hotel was pleasantly busy. The staff were all very friendly and attentive during our stay and all seemed happy to take on any role to ensure attention to guests. Our room was lovely with fabulous view over towards Chatsworth. We ate in the Gallery Restaurant in the evening which has a limited fine dining menu but we thoroughly enjoyed all the fabulous food we ordered. Breakfast was another very pleasant experience. The hotel is ‘proper’ but without being old fashioned and stuffy. We couldn’t fault anything and will definitely return.

Visited at the end of a walk through the Chatsworth Estate for a drink and a bite to eat on a Sunday Receptionist directed us to the bar and we were greeted in the bar by a look that was what I can only describe as appalling (We were in walking gear with a backpack) and told it was table service only and we should sit outside really 😳. We left the bar and sat outside waiting for table service to arrive. IT NEVER ARRIVED. We sat there 10 minutes and no one came out to us The bar wasn’t busy so no excuses there Cavendish Hotel Really poor customer service and the lack of welcome was astonishing in the bar. I couldn’t believe we were customers and were dealt with in this manner “Customer is King” is an age-old mantra reflecting the importance of customers or consumers in every business. Maybe the bar staff need to embrace this mantra 🤔 We won’t be visiting The Cavendish Hotel again I can assure you

We have stayed here on several occasions & so were very interested to see the new refurbishment. We loved it. Contrary to other previous comments, we found the lounge & bar areas much improved by new decor & seating. In the past we found that there weren’t enough seats to accommodate guests but now there are more smaller tables, & the bar area is also more welcoming. The Gallery restaurant has been similarly modernised but has kept the original features of the old building. We loved the Dukes artwork in both areas. The food was excellent & staff friendly & accommodating. We have also eaten in the garden room previously which is also a lovely space. We look forward to our next visit.

One night stay, refurbished room very nice indeed. Dinner and breakfast both very good but service, sadly, was mediocre.....other than that of the lovely Ukranian lady at dinner. The restaurant team seemed to lack leadership and real focus on the diners. It's fine to ask if the meal is nice but far more important to have a constant presence and vigilance to ensure speedy and efficient service throughout the meal. An automatic 5% service charge on the total hotel bill is inappropriate......the guest should be at liberty to offer a gratuity only if truly earned by genuine superior service. in my view. Staff should be paid a fair income from the not insignificant hotel prices, without the need for the automatic "tip tax" that so many establishments are inclined to levy. Overall, an enjoyable stay but the level of service needs working on, based on my admittedly very limited time spent here.

The afternoon tea was of the finest we have had anywhere. The staff were most attentive to our needs - particularly in regard to making our afternoon tea a more "savoury" experience. Superb selection of food - with great attention to detail. Wonderful atmosphere

Recently had Sunday lunch in the Garden room and I would recommend it to anyone thinking of going. Refurbished to attract more diners who want a less formal atmosphere the Garden room is the ideal place overlooking the patio area and gardens. We had a warm welcome from staff who were friendly, attentive and down to earth. Didn't wait long to be served a deliciously cooked meal. If you don't want the full Sunday dinner, a selection of sandwiches are available. We retired to the lounge area for coffee which was busy and always a good sign that people are happy to go to the Devonshire Hotel. Carpark does get busy, perhaps along with hotel residents and diners, walkers were using the carpark as I was not aware of any entry control to the carpark. Enjoyed our afternoon in the hotel, a great warm atmosphere with up to date decoration giving the hotel a modern feel. Will certainly be back.