Charles Cotton Hotel

Our experience here was awful – this is no longer a traditional steak and ale pub; it has turned into a low-quality Indian restaurant which is not particularly well run. It’s a shame, as it used to be good in its day with a consistent standard. Their website hasn’t been updated, so be warned. There is a terrible smell of drains or damp that is overpowering as soon as you walk into the building; the smell was so bad that I turned on my heel and went to the other local pub to see if they had a table, but alas, they had closed for the evening. Trapped without any alternative, and hungry after a day’s walking and cycling in the beautiful area, we had to brave it – I thought, “How bad could it be?” What refurbishments have been done are trivial and not related to infrastructure. It needs new toilets with towels, hot water and soap – and lights that do not switch off automatically. The tables are small and sticky; the laminated menus were filthy. There were no options for children’s food. The menu claims “Nepalese cuisine”, but it looked like the sort of menu you would get from a Just Eat Indian takeaway – nothing unique or specialist. All the food looked very similar. The pickle tray did not appear fresh, and the poppadoms were not fresh either. The drinks were acceptable, but there was no table service. Waiting staff simply walked off without collecting the full order. We had been there an hour before any food was served at all. When the poppadoms and pickles eventually arrived, we had no plates to eat them from. They also appeared not to have enough glasses.

Not a pleasant stay. Hosts lack hosting skills. We were left in reception a long time whilst duty manager appeared. (Were offered water though!) Felt very uncomfortable due to the lack of cleaning. The entrance hall and staircase looked as if it hadn’t been vacuumed for months. Dirty paintwork. Same with our room. Dirty cups. Ensuite filthy. Dusty. Bed ok but pillows very hard.( Bedding and towels were good and clean. ) Bedroom smelled all night of the cooking happening downstairs ( it’s an Indian restaurant) Breakfast: selection of cereals and two small jugs of milk. Toaster with jams and butter. Bread was very cheap, long life type. Help yourself breakfast table very untidily put together on a table with what looked like a white bedsheet thrown over it. Flowers in a jug still in supermarket wrapping! No menu-Just full English served up on a huge, slightly warm plate. Poor quality sausage. The very young girl on duty was very pleasant. Shabby furniture everywhere, cushions on sofa grimy. Smell of sewage in restaurant to left of bar. The whole place needs good industrial clean if full renovation not an option. Would NOT recommend and definitely would NOT return.

Booked in for bed breakfast and evening meal . The room was a little tired but didn't spoil our stay , evening meal was hot and delicious breakfast the same . Staff are lovely can't fault them at all . Hotel is in a beautiful location with lots of good walks .

Received a voucher for Christmas for a two night stay here with all contact details provided to make the booking. After over 30+ left voicemails from myself and parents, (who the Christmas and wedding Anniversary gift is for) numerous emails from both myself and parents and also leaving messages via their website and still alas no response. We have been calling everyday now since Christmas. The deadline for the voucher is now looming. Be mindful when booking this place as their is no point of contact when needed and we will loose all of our money.

This review focuses on the significant noise disturbances and poor customer service experienced during a recent weekend stay at Charles Cotton Hotel Positives: * The hotel itself possesses a charming and homely atmosphere. * The bar area is inviting, featuring a lovely open fire. * The quality of the food served at the restaurant was commendable. Negatives: * Excessive Noise: * Loud music emanating from the bar significantly disrupted sleep on both nights of the stay. * The music was so loud it vibrated through the room, even after a £40 upgrade to a supposedly better room. * A late-night "lock-in" further extended the noise disturbance on both nights * Disturbing Smoke Alarm Incident: * A smoke alarm activation in the early hours of the morning proved to be a false alarm, likely triggered by customers smoking in the entrance. * The lack of staff response to the alarm was concerning. * Appalling Customer Service: * Attempts to resolve the issue of the noise disturbance and request a refund for the room upgrade were met with complete disregard. * Numerous emails and a phone call were ignored, demonstrating a severe lack of customer service and communication. Conclusion: While the hotel initially presented a positive impression, the significant noise disturbances and the subsequent failure to address customer concerns severely impacted the overall experience. It is disappointing that such a basic level of customer service and communication could not be maintained, particularly given the expenditure on food and drinks during the stay.

Visited this hotel a few years ago, to which the standards have dropped significantly - on arrival, it was like the Mary Celeste, no reception or staff - eventually, around midday, one staff member turned up to advise me that the hotel is closed until 15:00, and despite staying here, I could not get a drink until then - the warm cosy atmosphere I had expected was non-existent - the room was tired and shabby, with DIY furniture - the bathroom was also dated and the shower was flimsy and noisy - on one occasion during our two day stay, we used the hotel’s public WC, they were dirty, and appeared to have had little attention for some time - only had breakfast, which was nothing special, if you need to use the toaster, give yourself an hour or two - due to the dreary atmosphere I eat across the road, at the Devonshire pub, which was a good move - Hartington is a great village, and is an excellent location for the area - will be back to Hartington, but will be staying at the Devonshire pub, and not the Charles Cotton