Bestwood Lodge

Great old building that needs some serious investment. Room has furniture from the 1970’s, had cobwebs and bathroom had not been cleaned properly. Not on the list to return when back in the area.

Perfect hotel for families , couples and friends . Staff are super friendly and helpful . The most luxurious beds you won’t even want to get up to leave . Very quiet for a peaceful stay

Great venue but do not trust this place to organise your wedding or event! My parents renewed their vows here and quite frankly, the whole event was a disaster. • My parents pre-paid for a drinks package for guests of beers, orange juice and prosecco. After the ceremony, there were no drinks ready and the bar staff took it upon themselves just to establish a tab, offering ANY free drinks to guests, costing my parents much more than originally agreed. When I was at the bar, I made it clear to bar staff what the package was after they told me I didn’t need to pay for a spirit and mixer I ordered. They continued the tab, handing out free drinks after informing them of this. • We provided our own catering and chair covers/ room decoration, which was agreed that staff would flip the chapel after the ceremony, ready for the reception. This was not done correctly as we had sentimental table decor that was scattered all over the room after clear instructions were left and the decorations were individually bagged up to help the staff get this right. • The food was NOT moved to the reception room and we had to run around the hotel correcting their mistakes and sorting this ourselves when we realised the staff weren’t doing this. This then left us largely delayed in the night event where we only had a couple of hours for guests to enjoy the night. We also missed out on getting any professional photos with family and friends due to having to organise everything the staff were paid to do. My dad did not trust the staff to help after messing everything up so asked them just to leave us alone at this point and not to interfere anymore. • I requested a standard room during my stay which was reserved in a booking of those staying for the vow renewal. On the day, I was asked to pay £10 more because I was put in a superior room. A mistake also nearly happened with my stepsister whose family room was attempted to be charged at £40 more than originally agreed. These mistakes were corrected however added to the mismanagement and overall frustrations of the mistakes. Rooms dated but I actually liked it as it added character to the place. Standard cleanliness but I think people who would like a place to be perfectly spotless would have complaints. • My sister and I both had breakfast included in the booking. When we met and went down for breakfast the next day, the staff told us we’d only booked for the room and my parents had to leave everyone attending, to go and sort the situation out with management. • The attitude of all front of house staff was diabolical. Many guests commented on how staff were unwelcoming and seemed to lack professionalism. If I was working here and I was aware of the mistakes that occurred, I’d be mortified and would do everything I could to try and rectify the situation and go above and beyond to try and make someone’s day run smoother for the rest of it. • Bar service was not up to a standard. You’d be waiting 5 - 10 minutes to be served for one drink, which is incredibly slow when you have an event of about 50 people, plus other hotel guests. • A concierge was agreed to seat guests for the ceremony and organise the music timings. This person was nowhere to be seen and one of our guests had to sort the music for us. With all of this, the hotel management offered my parents just £50 refund, which when your whole event was mismanaged and your special day has been ruined, is laughable if you ask me. My parents got married here 20 years ago and have created many great memories here over the years as returning customers, but this has ruined the illusion of a special place for them now and they will never return to a location that once meant so much to them. It’s such a shame because Bestwood Lodge is such an amazing hotel and offers a unique location, but the way this place is ran is abysmal. If you’re wanting to book an overnight stay in a peaceful location, this place might be for you but I most certainly would not trust this place to organise your wedding or event unless you want your day ruined.