Disappointing. Doesn’t meet expectations. Positioned as a luxury hotel, featured in johansens (Conde Nast), but in reality it’s a marvellous building that houses a jaded hotel with relatively unkempt grounds. Most fixtures and fittings are from the 90’s with few meaningful updates. It reminds me of the architectural refits of old buildings in the 80’s/90’s with an oversupply of security-glass fire doors, oddly dissected rooms and nasty carpets. Maintenance clearly keep on top of this well - a Herculean task - but that’s not enough. The hotel needs money spent on the aesthetic. Most importantly, coordinated by a fresh and dynamic pair of eyes. Wasn't expecting Lime Wood…
The exterior is imposing and grand. Unfortunately the arrival experience was weak. The entrance to the hotel features a council office style rubber welcome mat, half obstructed by a plywood ramp that might be suitable for a slimline golf trolley or roller cabin bag? Reception welcome was underwhelming. Not intuitive or engaging. Oddly, if you book a master suite (the best room/suite, but with dubious allocation) you get given a room number, no acknowledgement of a suite booking and you’re sent off with the porter. Nothing special, person centred or rate appropriate about the experience.
Did I complain during my stay? No. I felt the reception staff were disinterested. On check-out, did they ask if we enjoyed or stay? Any conversation at all? No.
F&B staff is good.
More to say, but there’s no more space.