Champneys Henlow

I booked and paid for a superior room based on your offer, as I have stayed in this room before. However, I was given a shabby, small room, number 14. It seems rooms 14 and 15 are reserved for guests you no longer wish to see. The explanation from the friendly receptionist was that the hotel was fully booked, which was not true. She tried to make up for the situation with a practical gift from Champneys, but the claustrophobic room and the difficulty of accessing it with a large suitcase after a long journey were unpleasant. The hotel incorrectly judged me based on my attire, even though I intended to use their facial massage services, which were very professional, as were their massages and the products they use. Everything that was old seven years ago is now seven years older and even more worn out. Breakfasts are modest but healthy. They could use more fresh herbs, which they once grew in the spa gardens, now overgrown with weeds. Guests leave their plates and glasses on the lawn, and no one picks them up promptly. The spa lacks organization, except on weekends when older women step in to help, solving problems more quickly and efficiently. I am disappointed because it is not fair to deceive customers regarding room types. While the room lacked nothing and was regularly cleaned, it was next to a smelly toilet, and I was promised a superior room but given a standard one, as indicated on the temporary card received upon arrival. However, I must commend the lady who has diligently worked there for 30 years. It would be nice if she were friendly even when not promoting their services. If improvements are not made to the facilities and surroundings, there is no reason for me to return specially after the room switch and no difference in the price.

Thank you for such a wonderful weekend So peaceful, quiet and calm. Lots of places inside and outside to sit and relax. The gardens and woodland are perfect for a mindful walk or more energetic run All of the staff were amazing. Particular thanks to Lisa, Maddie and Clare from the housekeeping team Chloe and Virginia - great beauty therapists Toby and Jackie in the restaurant Andrew at reception All perfect

Beautiful grounds and spa.. unfortunately lacking important attention to detail. I had a nice day at the spa and using the facilities, the grounds are stunning and are well worth a walk around. Lunch was also very tasty (although it is open buffet and unfortunately the beetroot salad had flies visibly on all the food... Yuck!) if providing a buffet service it would be more hygienic to provide food covers to stop this. I started my stay with the gym and at first found the building very difficult to navigate as a day guess, there is a map but it isn't the easiest to read and unfortunately the day guest changing rooms are very far away from the spa itself. Found the gym after a short while and did feel a bit disappointed that this was quite small considering the size of the place and the pool. Pool itself was lovely, as we're the facilities, I also had a facial which was very relaxing and could not fault. I was not given any robe on arrival and having not been to champneys before had to ask the staff where to get one. I was told that they would be in the day guest changing rooms to which I replied they were not. Instead of offering to help, the member of staff I chose to ask just told me to go to reception and ask there, which didn't feel as though generally the staff were particularly willing to help when you are meant to be there on a relaxing spa day! Anyway, finally got given a welcome bag which had a robe in but then found no towels in changing rooms anywhere. There was such a distinct shortage I would recommend people just bring their own as they were nowhere to be seen, not really acceptable considering it is known for being a spa? Other small details just made me trip generally mediocre at best, small attention to detail is lacking, such as no locks on disabled toilet in day guest changing rooms, flickering lights which aren't working in changing rooms, several lockers which do not work with key fob. I feel standards have slipped to what people have previously said which is a shame as the reputation has always been very good.