Sweeney Hall Hotel

I’ve never left a review having been lucky enough to stay at some of the world’s best hotels over the last 40 years but I couldn’t wait to complement Sweeney Hall - don’t be put off by the formal ‘appearance’ - it’s as warm as a family run hotel can be - including log fires - dog friendly - amazing food served quickly - great ale - attentive staff who couldn’t be more helpful - they also have the biggest walled garden which is perfect for a naughty yorkie like ours who likes to run but often in the opposite direction to us - just fab and we are staying there again in 3 weeks - can’t wait!

The whole hotel was a joy, the location, the building and the gardens, and the staff who carnt do enough for you! A joy to stop there, great food and the comfy bed! I absolutely love the place and will be back again been a few times for the same reasons. It's a great place to relax for a couple of days. Welcomes dogs and our fella loves the gardens! Will most definitely be back soon. Very good price, great breakfast and totally recommend to dine in the restaurant in the evening, the food is fantastic, great selection of beers and spirits the bar for a hotel is superb! All in all, it is a fantastic hotel. Changed the 9 to a 10!!

Nothing!

Excellent breakfast; interesting, historical venue and grounds. Very friendly, helpful staff. A good shower, comfortable bed and ample tea/coffee and bottled water provided in room.

Unfortunately our room, 10, was situated by the kitchen extractor vent and as it was so hot during our 2 night stay, we required the window open all the time, so it was rather noisy until 9.15pm and started up again at 7.10am. Be aware also, that it's a dog friendly hotel, which is fine, unless you're next to one which barks...

The staff were warm and friendly, the place was amazing, a big old rambling hotel and incredible grounds. I loved the “shabby chic” vibe and would love to go back again. The staff were very accommodating as one of our party wanted a sandwich on arrival, (there are dietary problems), and it was brought no fuss, no bother.

The signage to find the place was not easy. In the daylight it would have been fine but in the dark well nigh impossible. Found it more by accident than design. I reported it and the gentleman seeing us to our rooms said it should have been lit up and he would contact the electrician the next day to check it out.

Grand house; attractive grounds; well appointed and tastefully furnished. We appreciated the warm towel rails and generous towels ( why do most hotels scrimp on that even those with higher charge rate? It is really irritating so a good point for this hotel.) We enjoyed the east wing suite as a family unit. It was spacious and very clean. I would think recently refurbished. The staff were friendly and efficient. Nice change from the buffet style breakfast with table service instead. Quiet location.

Breakfast range perhaps shorter than expected eg limited continental style.

The staff were friendly and helpful and the process of checking in was straightforward. The location in amazing and the grounds of the hotel are large and well maintained. The bedroom was well appointed with a comfortable bed, several chairs and ample storage for cloths. The shower was powerful and there was plenty of hot water

I had to return to reception to get the code for the WiFi, which worked well in the main part of the hotel, but there was little or no signal in my room. This was compounded by the fact that there was little or no mobile phone reception in or around the hotel. I needed to take breakfast at 7:30, which is the start of their breakfast service, so I was asked to pre-order the night before. Despite doing this, my breakfast was not available on time and other guests, who did not pre-order received their food promptly. I had to leave having only had a cup of coffee.

on arrival the the property is a magnificent building very well kept for its era 1805 one of my particular favourites style of properly and a rather beautiful nice country setting, the rooms are larger than average with high ceilings and large windows overlooking stunning countryside, and nicely decorated in keeping with the property. the bed was very comfortable.... bathroom was larger again than I expected - the grounds are generous and we ate out side on a lovely terrace area - the menu was thoroughly delightful, the breakfast was served in a very unusual ornate room very beautiful and the food it self very very high quality and lots of choice. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay here and was a last minute visit, rather disappointed I not found it before! Staff also very pleasant faultless!

cannot think of a single thing I did not like -

Once my bedding was sorted out, I had a good night's sleep in a comfy bed. The breakfast was delicious and the staff were kind. The hotel is beautiful and the dining facilities lovely.

I had made a special request not to have feather bedding because I'm allergic to it, however, at 11 pm I found that the pillows were duck feather and the duvet goose feather. Staff changed this for me, but it delayed me getting to bed. I had had an email (20 May) that the message had been received by Sweeney Hall, but they said that they hadn't received it. Not sure what had caused the confusion?

Seemed to be no clear check in desk, and no-one around to help. Did not know what to do. Same with paying- were not asked to pay at checkin as expected. Did not end up paying till last day and WE had to do the asking. No real problem - just a bit quirky, but then that was the what we liked about the hotel. Large interesting grounds to wander in, but again no one to ask where I could and couldn't walk. On request they provided a fan which was very handy as it was very warm during our stay.

Clearer procedure for checkin and paying.

• Marvellous old building with interesting grounds to explore • Friendly & helpful staff – although seemed to be haphazardly deployed at times • Covered terrace area an excellent place for leisurely evening meal • Food at both breakfast & dinner was good quality & nicely cooked • Room 5 is spacious with a comfy bed & extensive countryside views (even from the loo) • Bar had a reasonable choice of beers & ciders plus a vast range of spirits • Would definitely stay here again when next in the area.

• Lack of a proper reception area means guests left standing about in the hallway until they manage to catch the attention of passing bar / restaurant staff • Weak & variable water pressure in Room 5 bathroom made morning shower “interesting” (scalding hot / then freezing cold / then just a dribble - all on the same setting) • Minor niggle – bar staff served post-dinner drinks (exotic & expensive spirits) in paper cups giving an excuse of all glasses being in the dishwasher – not very professional.