Absolutely beautiful hotel. Lots of charm and ambiance. Like stepping back a century in time. Staff was friendly and helpful. Very large room, tastefully decorated. Wish we had spent the whole week here. We paid around $100 a night for a double that we booked with Expedia. Would definitely stay here again

Booked this hotel through expedia - then read the reviews. I was therefore dreading it. The bad reviews are entirely unjustified. It is a great place, fantastic loaction and I got a very good deal on expedia (£45 per night for single room - actually ended up with a triple room) I can't fault the place - from reception to room to breakfast. Room was exceptionally clean, modern and bed was comfortable. I agree it is not "5 star" but then it does not claim to be. The breakfast was a buffet with a mixture of hot cooked breakfast, cereal, fruit, yoghurt etc. All staff were courteous and helpful. Bar area is lovely. To be honest had I read the reviews on this page before I had booked it, I wouldn't have gone ahead - but I would have missed out and probably ended up staying in one of the very over-priced, over-rated local B&Bs. I don't know why so many of the other reviews are so negative - I would definitely stay again, and I do like to be comfortable and in pleasant surroundings.

We arrived by accident, lost out the back of Bath about 10pm at night.The Hotel was a Best Western, an old historic Manor House, set on the top of a hill and covered with Ivy. It looked wonderful all lit up.

The hotel must have been fabulous when it was last refurbished, however I'm guessing that this was a while ago as the very nice furniture in the lounge really neeed some attention.

There was a group of people from the Tourist Bureau I think evaluating the hotel and a large group of men attending a get together function, drinking in the bar.

I was taken through grubby corridors up three floors and offered the last room no 36 left in the hotel. The room was tiny, not unclean, it was well worn and just felt grubby. There was a view accross the hill from a small window. The bathroom smelt of old sulphur coming up through the pipes, a lino floor, the room definately needed refurbishing. It was pretty awful.

I told the girl on the reception that the room was not very good and that it smelled, she said it was all she had so we decided to leave. Out in the carpark my husband said he could manage the room if I could and as it was nearly 10.30pm we decided to take the room and leave first thing in the morning.

We had soup and a snack which was ok in the dining and we headed for bed.

I had a shower and tentatively got into bed. I had my hand towel over the pillow. The bed was 2 old singles tied together with old bedding.

I decided to make a cup of tea and the kettle was broken. Looking in the teapot there were 2 old teabags. Yuk!

We were up early and were in the dining room at 7am. We had decided that if is looked bad we would forgo breakfast and just head off for Bath to find another room. Breakfast surprisingly was served in a nice breakfast room. (needed a bit of work but was ok) There was a huge buffet selection of fruits, yoghurts, and a hot selection of bacon, eggs, mushrooms, etc all in large silver covered trays. The staff service and the quality of the food was very good.

I noticed the Tourism people having breakfast and was tempted to speak to them but decided against it.

We still shudder when we think of the night we spent in that awful room and I just couldn't recommend it to others however I hope that this once fabulous old hotel is given a new makeover.

Having read previous reviews, many of which miss the point, think carefully before you book this hotel. If you want the worldwide uniformity of the international groups, then do give it a miss!

If you value the atmosphere of a building in a stunning location & close on 250 years old & showing it's age then go for it!

We stayed there for a wedding this month. Like stepping back in time & all the better for it. The room was old fashioned in decor (good!) but spotless & lacked nothing of the modern world. Service was good too.

The point is that this place is old & English, with the attendant eccentricities. Anybody is entitled not to like that. I do.