Without doubt this is a very classy, stately, elegant hotel in an idyllic setting. Furnishings, decor and atmosphere are absolutely right for the age and prestige of the building. Staff are equally good, all being courteous, attentive, and friendly without informality. So full marks to management for their obvious care in recruitment of high calibre staff, and their attention to detail in thorough, correct training and supervision. So why only 3* ? 1) The price of rooms is simply too high. A very small room for over £500 is too much, even given the up market surroundings and service. 2) Their 1870 "fine dining" restaurant is terribly overrated. I've reviewed it separately, but it's just not very good for various reasons. Can't comment on their more casual Bo & Muk Brasserie, but I reckon we probably should have eaten there, or elsewhere. 3) Breakfast is not very good either, and service in the morning is utterly dreadful. A 20 minute wait between finishing cereal to arrival of cooked breakfast would be unacceptable even in a cheap hotel, but at this level and price it's simply inexcusable. And no they weren't busy at that time. So all in all this is an excellent if very overpriced hotel, let down by its restaurant in both evenings and mornings.