Best Western Rockingham Forest Hotel

Was told by family and friends in Corby, not to book it, but thought we would give it a go. Never again! We checked in, got to the room - no shelves or storage, went to speak to reception and a man and the answer was "no" - no offer of help. Saturday afternoon 4pm went to the bar to get a couple of drinks - the barmaid - was too busy singing along to songs, she didnt listen to our order. When we went outside the tables were a state - all the left over lunchtime food was still on the tables attracting flies and wasps. We couldnt sit outside for long as there was an event at the Rugby Club, opposite which was far to loud, as staff said "sorry about it - will finish about 11pm". Not sure how they know that you have been for breakfast as no room number taken when you walk in. Sunday morning breakfast was out of Fawlty Towers. The scrambled eggs on the hot plate were cold, told the waitress she said "sorry about that". 10 mins later she came out with a plate of freshly cooked scrambled eggs (I presume) and proceeded to mix them with the tray of cold eggs. This is a breach of Food Hygiene Standards. Moved on to yoghurt/cereal - no bowls; went to get orange juice - no glasses; went to do the toast - well gave up after 15 mins. No spoons on the tables. I mentioned all this to the waitress and all she said was "sorry about that". If I had a £1 for everytime I heard that over the weekend I would be happy. Sunday breakfast was just as bad - the waitress did not look happy when we asked for orange juice. Sunday lunchtime we asked about the made up rolls in the Deli to be told - "they are freshly made up; these were made on Friday"!!! Needless to say we didn't get any. On Sunday the bathroom flooded - the nice English speaking cleaner sorted it. Speaking to other guests, one lady said that it looks like a jumped up Travel Lodge - as we have never said at a Travel Lodge we cant comment. It might be easier to accept if the hotel/restaurant was busy, but it wasn't. I was glad to see/hear another guests complaining, but getting nowhere. Understand that £4M has been spent on doing up the hotel - thing IHG have missed an opportunity. The staff looked so miserable. Their "couldnt care less attitude" left a lot to be desired. No one was interested. I always believe if you have an issue at an Hotel, raise it whilst you're there, so they can fix it. I did this to several members of staff only to be told "sorry about that" and they walked away. The hotel could be so much better. Staff definitely want changing or training. Won't be staying again - definitely not worth the £349 we paid for 2 nights - got there Saturday 4th and checked out Monday 6th July. You then sent me an email at 14:30 on the 6th to remind me that check out is at 11am! You have to be having a laugh. But we were warned not to stay so should have listened.

The food and service at the Embers Restaurant were terrible, and I cannot recommend it at all. Seated promptly and then ignored. Other tables were entered and ordered drinks and food. The beetroot small plate was like a dip from the supermarket, and the crab was not to my taste. I would consider our group to be polite and patient, but everything that was asked for seemed like an inconvenience. The team just seemed sarcastic and sharp in their service style. The menu looked appealing, but the food did not look appealing and did not have a pleasant taste. This may have been impacted by the fact that we were hungry and had more than two and a half hours from being seated to paying when we had one course. I would also highlight that it was not busy and plenty of team members on duty. Will return to the nearby Premier Inn or Hampton next time, as the food is tasty and as expected.

We chose the Voco Rockingham for its proximity to Rockingham Castle, and didn’t realise it had been fully refurbished and no longer a Best Western. What a surprise it was, since everything was brand new and sparkling clean. All the comforts you’ll ever need in a room, and very friendly service. Convenient, free parking and full bar. Really good value too.