Simonstone Hall Hotel

We stayed for a weekend in October, booking direct and stayed in the four poster bed with views overlooking the valley (Principle room) which was just stunning. The furnishings and decor were really lovely, even if there were some issues - mould over the window and stonework and windows which hadn't been renovated to a reasonable standard. Some lovely touchs in the room nevertheless. We ate in the bar as the restaurant was somewhat deserted so the bar seemed like a cosier option. One member of staff was exceptionally friendly and welcoming, a really nice chap. The other made us feel awkward by complaining about his girlfriend complaining which wasn't really appropriate conversation to two guests who have arrived for a weekend's stay. The kitchen clearly has some talent but the prices were too high in comparison to other places of decent quality. Stand out dish was a pork belly dish starter, £25 for a burger didn't reflect what we had - the portobello burger was just disappointing. Breakfast meanwhile was excellent. I had a slight with an underdone (to my taste) poached egg and it was dealt with efficiently and I got a replacement very quickly. The breakfast/restaurant room is lovely. In the evening we did get some noise from the bar as we were right overhead - one of the staff was talking and laughing very loudly and perhaps didn't realise. Not a huge deal but worth mentioning. I'd also suggest that if Simonstone Hall is aiming to be a boutique country house hotel of standards, the staff need to be trained in being more discreet and not spend an evening socialising with guests. We booked the hot tub and I phoned down to reception to ask if there were any slippers and got no response, so we went down to reception to ask. The initial response the woman on reception was "no they're not in their usual space", then "You can just walk out there and then dry off your feet". She was really unhelpful, curt and gave us the impression that our presence was an irritation. She then barked at us that she will go and check if it's ready "as you're here early". We were not early, we'd arrived at the time booked. So we waited in the chilly reception area whilst staff moved around outside doing what they could have been doing in the hours before our alloted time. The hot-tub once we got in there was a lovely experience, the tub was a little greasy from other people I guess but I'm not too worried about that and we were allowed to stay in the tub a little longer than our allocated time. After about 10 minutes of us being in there the woman from reception dropped off the slippers for us, after that she also dropped off a key saying she was leaving for the day. She actually gave us someone else's key and learnt that someone else had to be let into their room by housekeeping. You cannot have someone on reception who manages to be officious but not efficient. That was a really bad experience and after reading the review responses by the owner, we will not b

Excellent February deal for two nights BnB, Afternoon Tea on arrival and a 3 course dinner for two included. The food is quite exceptional and beautifully presented. It’s obvious that the team really care about Simonstone Hall and combine friendliness and professionalism on every level. Great location, real history and character, comfy beds and luxurious furnishings. This was our second visit and we’ll have no hesitation in returning.

Thought we would give it one last go but nothings changed unfortunately! Place still as tired as the managers rude comments and overpriced for what my partner called cafe grub! room was cold and again no hot water and the same excuse as when we last went" problem with the boiler" how coincidental!!!