Summer Lodge Country House Hotel

A luxurious couple of days for my birthday left us feeling pampered and spoilt. The staff were charming and engaged, ensuring we had everything we wanted. The gardens were beautiful, pool and spa were spotless. The bed was huge and very comfortable. Our package included a 3 course meal at the hotel and a 3 course meal at the Acorn Inn in the village .. both were superb. Home made shortbread in the room was delicious as were the special birthday chocolates and welcome glass of fizz. Quintessential old style charm in abundance.

Summer lodge is a perfect English countryside escape. It maybe a little heavy on the chintz (which I’d normally avoid) but it all adds to that English country manor escape it’s trying to portray. The staff in general are lovely, so welcoming and friendly (breakfast waitress on our last day could’ve have been a little more helpful) but I can honestly say the others are so lovely and go out of their way that just 1 member of staff can not undo all the others best. The cocktails and drinks are superbly made and very delicious. The food (our favourite part of any stay away as we are big foodies) was very mixed. Breakfast was average, although we did find it odd that an English country manor does not offer a full English breakfast, and the toast was unfortunately far to thin and crispy that was cold by the time we got it. What we did have was nice but nothing to write home about, which surprised us greatly as dinner was absolutely amazing, they were able to cater for my fish allergy too and the menu was informative to for all types of allergens. Hubby would go as far to say the desserts was some of the best he has ever eaten. The cream tea was also lovely, with a good choice of teas available although we had coffee, and being illy coffee that was served it went down very nicely with the scones. The common areas through out the hotel are inviting and comfortable, open fires in some areas, staff discreetly nearby if you need anything without being over bearing or intrusive. Now on to our room, We booked a courtyard suite. It was big and airy, with a huge bed. A small walk in wardrobe, and good size bathroom. There was also a small patio area outside but being January it was a bit to cold to make use of. The decor was pleasant, and the bed comfy. We also made use the spa, it was a clean peaceful area with fairly good facilities, however the treatments we felt were average. Both hubby and I had full body aromatherapy massages and a facial each. However i found my facial left my skin dry and sore, hubbys however left him with dewy soft skin so very mixed reviews and experience with those. We did find the heating was always a little to high, 30 degrees in the spa which did feel a little to warm, and our room was set to 24 degrees on arrival which was also a little too warm, room was easily adjusted though and also had good aircon (good for the ladies at certain points in there life). Breakfast in the conservatory was also a little warm but only had to ask and it was cooled down to a more comfortable level. After staying at several red carnation properties, summer lodge has become one of my favourites and I’m looking forward to returning in summer and seeing the beautiful gardens alive with flowers. The village it’s set in is very quaint and beautiful, I highly recommend a walk around to appreciate the area. The local bakery is also another place definitely worth a visit, the cakes are amazing, As is the local pub (the acorn) full of friendl

We arrived on Friday 11th, not ample parking but just enough. The sun was shining, and the hotel looked amazing, we were greeted by the concierge who helped with navigation to the reception, where meet and greet took place, and a familiarization tour . Our room was air-conditioned a long with a welcome pack. Everyone was nice welcoming, professional, and above all, nothing seems to be any trouble. Therest of the day was atmospheric divine, balling water features croquet lawns, the list is admirable. And I must add, on departure we had a travel pack gift for our home journey. Thank you. Enjoyable hundred. We will be back.

From arrival to departure, just perfect. We simply did not leave for the first 24hrs and why would you when everyone is welcoming, friendly and tailor every gesture to your own wish. From a relaxing cream tea, to a perfect cosmo or whiskey from hundreds to choose from to a delicious dinner with perfectly temperatured wines. You can find a place to read, go for a walk, enjoy a relaxing spa treatment or a swim in the pool. Or just have a nap in your room that offers the comfort of your own coffee/tea selection with home baked short breads or just some fresh complimentary fruit or beautifully wrapped home made truffles with a handwritten note just saying how nice it is that you are just here. I can go on and on. Very relaxing, a perfect hideaway from the reality outside and just an escape without the rules and regulations of day to day life. Here you can just be yourself.

What a fantastic stay. My wife and family stayed for my wife's 60th Birthday weekend. We stayed in the garden suite. Amazing room. The fantastic bathroom and extra space to host the start of the party, before dinner, was brilliant. The special menu created for our birthday celebration was amazing. So many thoughtful touches by the hotel team. Everyone in the team contributed towards making this a special event for my wife. Alex was attentive and attention to detail was perfect. This was followed up by Phil and his restaurant team, who just gave perfect service. We can only say, thank you, thank you.

I’ve just stayed here for two nights and I just had to leave a review. There are many places in the UK that are beautifully furnished and in wonderful locations BUT there are very few that have such a wonderful team of people looking after you. As a solo (widowed) traveller it’s often tricky manoeuvring single residency and dining. So many times I’ve had to endure the “ is it just you?” syndrome every time I’ve frequented the bar or dining room making me want to scream “yes I’m all on my own!” Summer Lodge know how to spoil all their guests and they oozed welcoming understanding vibes throughout my stay. The food is just insanely good and they have so many extra little touches like the fresh shortbread in your room, the cookies and water for your journey home and the constant human touches of people being in the right place at the right time saying all the right things to make you feel welcome. This was my first visit but it won’t be my last.