Macdonald Forest Hills Hotel and Resort

So far it has not been an impressive visit, especially given the price tag. To start with the hotel booking website would not function, forcing me to pay more via a 3rd party website. This evening dinner service was incredibly unimpressive. It wasn't busy, but took 20 minutes to put in an order, no explanation given. I was given the wrong drink. The steak was over cooked and the frites cold. Thankfully they recooked it. When I finally got the bill, from potentially the manager, he was surprised to hear it had been so bad - blissful ignorance. He took the bill away and when he returned he had "generously" just taken off the optional service charge. At least the food was pleasant to eat!

On arrival, the grounds are truly stunning and create an immediate positive impression. The setting is beautiful and has the potential to offer a relaxing and high-quality stay. However, the experience quickly became inconsistent. Check-in was scheduled for 5:00 pm, which is unusually late, and unfortunately our lodge was still not ready upon arrival after a long journey from Manchester. While waiting, we visited the bar, only to find that there was no staff present to serve guests — an issue that recurred several times throughout our six-day stay. Once we accessed the lodge, it was a highlight of the trip. The accommodation itself was clean, well-presented, and very comfortable, especially considering it was a last-minute booking. During check-in, we were informed that the swimming facilities were closed for maintenance and that an email notification had supposedly been sent the day before. We did not receive any such communication, and neither did other guests we spoke to. This was particularly disappointing as we were travelling with a child, and it resulted in several unsuccessful visits to the pool area before it eventually reopened four days later. When it did open, the pool was cold, the jacuzzi was very small, and the steam room was missing tiles and appeared poorly maintained. We also dined at the Rafters restaurant. While the staff were excellent and attentive, the food itself did not meet expectations. A simple fish and chips dish consisted mainly of batter with very little fish. The arcade area was another area of concern. It is described as an arcade, but in reality it consists of very limited and poorly maintained equipment — a dartboard with only two darts and a pool table with damaged cues. The space was also not open every day. When we visited shortly after opening midweek, it was unclean, with leftover food and glasses that appeared to have been there for several days. The children’s play area similarly showed signs of neglect, with worn and marked equipment and generally poor housekeeping. In summary, while the location and accommodation itself are strong positives, the overall experience is let down by poor organisation, lack of communication, and inadequate maintenance of shared facilities. With significant improvements to service standards, upkeep, and management, this could be an excellent destination. At present, however, it does not meet the expectations set by its surroundings .

Stayed for a long weekend . Been many times before . Brilliant break again although the chairs/ sofa had seen better days in our apartment .A few other things needed updating . I think the hotel are in the process of renovating the rooms according the reception and we were in an older room . Otherwise loved our stay yet again . Staff always lovely and very helpful.Whole place so relaxing . Lovely spa treatments by Michelle in the spa area .Will be back again soon