Wortwell Hall Barn

Please note this review is not written lightly, and I have spent quite a few nights deliberating over writing this, because apart from warning other travellers, I anticipate it will not be received well. As a small business owner myself, I also understand the impact poor reviews can have. Especially if they are not deserved. I believe in my heart though that this one unfortunately is. The main reason for this review and our low score is largely due to our final morning. We only stayed for 2 nights, but our final morning was the last straw in what was overall a really uncomfortable and unpleasant stay for us. Part of this is on us, because I think we're not B&B type people to be honest. Especially not after this recent experience. On our final morning, I had poured myself coffee from the coffee press, and having never really used a press before, did not know to push the lid down. This resulted in the lid falling off an spilling coffee all over the white table cloth. This didn't happen the previous morning for some reason. I truly felt awful. Honestly I did. It was an accident and I apologised profusely. Clive and Jenny were quick to attend, and Jenny was lovely about it really. I could tell Clive was annoyed, but it's not like I could change what happened. He did make me feel very uncomfortable about it though. Perhaps not intentionally, but it's how he made me feel. We had only just started eating, and I understand the need to address the spill quickly. What really shocked me though was when Clive started spraying strong bleach all over the table cloth right next to us! While we were eating!!! My boyfriend who works in Facilities Management in the cleaning division as an Area Manager was appauled. He has done countless training courses around hygiene standards in the hospitality and retail industry and could not believe it. You just would never do it with customers around and especially not next to them while there is food. The smell was intense. There is nothing they can say that makes this okay. It is not okay, and it goes against H&S regulations and the cleaning standards taught and expected withinn their industry. Aside from that, as another review mentioned, it felt more like we were intruders in someone's home. I know that's the point of a B&B, but we felt more like an inconvenience than a welcome guest. My partner and I deliberated that this may just be down to Clive's demeanor. Jenny semmed lovely, although rather quiet. Clive gave the impression of being a prison warden. Of course he welcomed us and told us to ask if we need anything, but that didn't feel genuine. He also runs through the house rules as if you're not paying guests and he's doing you a favour. I would have put this down to me being over sensitive, but my boyfriend actually mentioned it. He's not the sensitive type at all and rarely complains. I also would not call this place dog friendly. Dog tolerant maybe, but dog friendly is a stretch. Our room was very warm, and the first left as you enter the B&B. It felt a bit stuffy with only a small window above the bed. Not sure how people would cope in the heat of summer as I doubt a desk fan will suffice. The bed is also on what appears to be wheels and would move on the floor everytime you got on it. The bathroom was nice and spacious though! We booked this stay as we had a £120 BuyAGift voucher. On top of that we had to pay supplements of £142. So all in all a whopping £262 for 2 nights. Out of season mind you and mid week - Mon & Tuesday. The breakfasts are pre-ordered the night before, and you choose either continental or cooked. You cannot have both, which I understood from the form, but when we sat down our first morning, Jenny said to help ourselves to any cereals or yogurts. We didn't, but on the next morning she said the same, so I took a yogurt. Thankfully I hadn't opened it yet because Clive saw it and said 'I'll not cook your eggs then shall I as I see you're having yogurt'. Strongly emphasising you cannot have both. Fair enough, but OMG at what essentially cost us £131 a night, you'd let your guest have a yogurt surely? Lol. I get it, watch the pennies and the pounds look after themselves. It was just the way it was handled really. It made me very uncomfortable. That being said, the breakfasts are lovely and well cooked. Deserving of their reviews. Anyways, this was my experience and I am sure it won't be the same for all. Especially not guests who pay full whack, in peak season without a voucher. I look forward to your defensive response Clive as is pattern for you on any negative or constructive feedback. Taking no responsibility whatsoever for any displeasure your guests may experience, because you can obviously do no wrong. It must be the guest who is at fault.

Wortwell Hall Barn is a charming and characterful property, with attractive rooms, and the owners are friendly and likeable. However there are a few things that you should bear in mind if you are thinking of staying here. Firstly, the barn is very open, which means sound travels and it doesn't always feel particularly private. I don't suppose there is much the owners can do about it now, so it's not meant as a criticism of them, but it's just something to consider when deciding whether to book. We did clearly hear snoring throughout the night which did ruin our sleep, and loud footsteps/creaks on the ceiling first thing in the morning. I don't know if every room would suffer with this, but it did happen both nights for us, and we did even wonder if it was one of the owners themselves that was snoring. Secondly, the owners have a dog who does loudly bark as you enter. It didn't affect the rest of the stay but I wouldn't say it's the most welcoming of arrivals at a B&B. Thirdly, the breakfast is pre-order with a time-slot, which worked okay for us, and meant it was delivered promptly, but wouldn't be convenient for everyone. The crumpets and poached eggs were a little overdone, but otherwise the breakfast was decent. It would be nice to have a vegetarian sausage option. One communal table isn't our preference, but others may like that. Fourthly, the room we stayed in (first left as you enter) had a very creaky bed and the TV was too small for the distance of the bed. These would easy fixes though. Overall, it did feel very much like staying in someone's home - more so than the average B&B - but I guess that's the idea. If we'd slept better then we would have given it a much better score.

Absolutely wonderful property. Set off any main routes made for the best stay. Silent peaceful sleep. The hosts were a wonderful couple. Attention to detail was lovely. The room we had with an en suite bathroom was modern and well kept. Our morning breakfast was cooked to perfection. All in a flawless and positive experience. We will be revisiting this amazing hidden gem. A must for anybody visiting Norfolk or just wanting to relax. Thank you to our hosts. A pleasure.