De Vere Latimer Estate, Exclusive Hire

Myself and my partner stayed on Sunday in room 115 (one of the deluxe rooms). Unfortunately our experience didn’t live up to what we were expecting. It started off poorly when there was no receptionist in the Mansion House and no indication of instructions that we need to head to the main reception to check in. We were eventually told this by another guest, as we were looking everywhere for a way to summon a member of staff (i.e. bell) to the reception desk in the mansion house. We both had to have cold showers as there was no hot water to the shower (we tried turning the tap both anticlockwise and clockwise) and it didn’t change the temperature in the shower. However, the sink tap was hot? Also the room key cards had been deactivated in morning. I helped my partner to her car with her bags and when I returned to my room to collect my own bags to leave, the cards wouldn’t work. On explaining the issues we had faced there was no apology from reception just a comment that they would pass on to maintenance the issue with the shower. This was the disappointing part of the stay. I very rarely complain or write reviews, but in this instance I think it’s warranted as given the cost of the room, the customer service we received was lacking, and we have received better customer service from the Preimer inn.

Just had a 2 night stay, booked via Secret Escapes. Hotel location is great and the grounds are extensive. Check in was good, and our room was ready when we arrived at 1pm. A few things let it down and all are easily sorted out. Room has no A/C and heating is controlled centrally, so be prepared to be cold or boiling hot. Bathroom was small and narrow, no space for more than one person. Went to the Library for a drink the lunchtime we arrived - no table service, you have to order at the bar - would be good to have something on the menu or table to let you know Room is lovely and you can imagine being back there in the times of ‘The Spy House’ during WWII. Dinner the first evening, and we’d booked in advance, they had run out of 2 starters and no ‘daily specials’ left. Didn’t like the fact that where tables were being relaid after people had left, the unused cutlery and glassware was left on the table and set up for the next guests. Decided to have coffee in The Library after dinner. Asked for an Irish coffee, sorry run out of cream… Breakfast the first morning was OK, but again it’s the little touches, just told it’s a buffet and sit where you like, don’t check if we’ve had breakfast there before or explain where the various food & drink stations are. Had a great walk out locally and around the grounds - it really is a beautiful location. Stopped off in the Library for lunch and they’ve run out of Heineken…are you sensing the ‘running out’ theme. Dinner on second evening, ordered a bottle of wine, which was duly delivered, put in the table, not opened and usually you get an opportunity to taste. Dining Room and bar staff are young and friendly, but don’t seem to be very experienced or well trained and this is where it’s let down. Great location, some amazing features in the hotel, but a few things that need to be improved on