Boundless Membership: A Mixed Bag
Owned by Boundless, previously known as the CSMA (Civil Service Motoring Association), membership comes with some modest perks like complimentary parking, spa access, and late checkout, altogether valued at about £60. Our arrival was warm, with helpful assistance registering our car for free parking, detailed explanations of room location, meal schedules, and a welcoming bowl of fruit and water—all quite unexpected for a 3.8-star hotel. The bar and restaurant are striking, and the external patio and faux lawn with loungers created a lovely holiday setting, enhanced by the glass-covered pool, which deeply impressed us first-time visitors. However, marketing aside, how was the stay overall? Did it live up to expectations? The hotel appeared fully booked, likely because as Boundless members, we had secured 'best available room.' Nonetheless, our third-floor room felt small and was missing several amenities, though there were facilities for tea-making, an iron with ironing board, a hairdryer, and a telephone. During our stay amidst a heatwave, the room was stifling due to the lack of air conditioning—a standard feature at hotels of this tier now—requiring us to keep windows open around the clock. The Vortex fan was noisy and ineffective, only providing relief within close proximity. There were no drawers, just a small unit with shelves and a wardrobe. Surprisingly, hotel information was limited to just one laminated A4 sheet, and there was no guide to local attractions. As other reviewers noted, a fridge would have been handy given the frequent high temperatures, along with a safe for valuables. With open windows, noise became a primary concern. From 4:30am onward, the road sounded akin to Silverstone, with modified cars and bikes zooming by, bed was comfy but sleep was unattainable. The bathroom plumbing, led to symphonic gurgles during hand washing, most pronounced at night. My wife, awakened by the combined sounds, found it quite disruptive. The tranquil spa, included in our Boundless membership, was delightful, though we were disappointed that discounted treatments were unavailable—the receptionist informed us they were booked weeks in advance due to their popularity. Despite receiving prior emails about this popularity, my wife and another frustrated guest wished to see the facilities before committing to treatments, highlighting the clash between commercial interests and club membership. Breakfast was a letdown for such a large hotel, the hot spread lacked appeal, being dry or overcooked—which diminished our overall experience. Public areas were well-kept, thanks to diligent housekeeping. The internal or external pool was enjoyable, but swimming lessons consumed a substantial portion, causing congestion during peak times and limiting our use. A senior Boundless member lamented that lane closures hindered her ability to swim laps, considering canceling her membership. Though changing areas were spacious, clearer locker instructions would improve experiences. As residents, we managed to keep our clothes together, but guidance would have enhanced the interaction. The bar area stood out for its well-stocked selection at surprisingly reasonable prices (cocktails £8.50, malt whisky £5). Friendly and helpful staff contributed to an enjoyable stay, although it didn't quite align with the Boundless Club membership expectations. Would I visit again? Possibly, but I’d likely consider other options in town first, or book via Booking.com, which offered lower rates for those using public transport.