The Dower House Hotel

Had dinner at the Dower House on Monday 22nd, eight of us in the private dining room. We had been before so knew that the food would be good, however this visit was made exceptional by their outstanding staff and in particular Caprice. She is the hotels sommelier and not only suggested which wines would best accompany our food choices (excellent recommendations by the way), she joined in with the conversation and banter. Nothing was too much trouble and she certainly enhanced the evening with her presence. Excellent - highly recommended. Thanks Caprice and Amy.

Nice quiet location. Easy walk into the village and to the famous Kinema in the Woods. Breakfast was good, catered for vegetarian/vegan requirements. Check in experience wasn’t particularly good. Not a very warm welcome, no explanation of where breakfast would be served, etc. No “how was your journey here?” No “have a nice stay.” Card details taken in case of damage. Could have been handled a bit more “lightly”. Mistake with my booking - I’d paid for breakfast but that hadn’t been noted on the hotel’s system. I was told it wasn’t a problem and that I could pay for breakfast… until I showed my reservation details. Every time I walked past reception during my stay it was either closed or I wasn’t acknowledged. Check out was functional, no “glad you’ve enjoyed your stay” or “have a safe onward journey”. Breakfast staff were good, but I don’t like being asked “will anyone be joining you?” when I’m clearly on my own. Shower heads need a good deep clean, one light above desk wasn’t working and I would’ve liked 2 big towels. But nice big room with patio doors which I liked. Overall it was a nice experience, but with a few tweaks could’ve been wonderful.

We visited as 4 couples and everything was perfect except the weather. The rooms are clean and modern in the accommodation block. Two of our party had dietary needs and the chef went out of his way to help. Ethan in the bar/restaurant is a star. He Looked after us with an equal balance of professionalism, good service and humour. Thank you for all your help and service. The food was excellent. Would definitely stay again.

We chose this hotel because we wanted somewhere special for our wedding anniversary, yet close to where we live because of family in hospital. We stayed in the Bracken suite. The staff were all very friendly and accommodating, a credit to the hotel and the selection process. The food was really excellent, we had both breakfast and an evening meal. It was a little pricier than we would normally choose, because it is more high end (to us anyway), but not so much so that you didn't feel comfortable. Very homely and pleasant. No road noise because it's secluded. I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a relaxing and special break, We also looked at the wedding and conferencing facilities because we're nosey, and they look absolutely spot on. The village (small town?) has everything you need and is within a couple of hundred yards, as are the woods for a pleasant walk around. If we stay in Woodhall Spa again, this is where we will return to.

Along with two friends we had a meal at The Dour House Hotel. It was one of the best presented meals we had ever eaten & well worth the hour & a half journey to experience. I had the braised beef shin as did Sue my partner. The sweets complimented the perfect night. Beers were well kept & complimented the delightful time we enjoyed. Staff were attentive & pleasant. The hotel is a credit to management & is spotlessly clean. Good car parking facilities. We will be back later in the year to hopefully once again experience a memorable occasion. Thank you to all concerned.

On a previous visit about a year ago we rated 5*. This time it felt less special and on enquiry we find the hotel has changed hands. Briefly, no bulb in bedside light and replacement not available; curtains hanging off runners; poorly made bed. In the restaurant, a fantastic scallops starter followed by a disastrous dish of overcooked mussels, dry and shrivelled, although in a lovely sauce. Burnt toast and leather mushroom at breakfast. Although in many ways somewhat disappointing it was still an enjoyable stay in a lovely building with superb gardens and the service was unquestionably excellent.

Was very disappointed. Cold plates. Starters was disappointing pigeon breast was cold and rubbery the whole dish was cold sent it back came back with new plate again was cold I couldn't eat it. The mains I was looking forward to chicken pie puff pastry etc well to be greeted with bonus warm plate warm food bonus but no puff pastry was basically a chicken Wellington rolled pastry was soggy with mushroom base no pie in sight I did explain to the waitress this isn't a pie she said well it does say like for like I'm like what does that mean....it says chicken pie with puff pastry for the price was was very shocked and pie or shall I say like for like was cold in the middle. We came previously with family and had the same cold plates missing food on the plate etc but give them another chance yet again let down. Lunchtime menu we have been before in the summer and amazing it's a shame the evening meals let us down when my parents gave us a voucher for Xmas such a big let down.

Having moved to Woodhall spa in October we visited for a coffee to explore the hotel for the first time, the young lady who served us was new herself but made us feel very welcome and made beautiful hot drinks, a very nice place, Harry’s bar will become a favourite of ours along with lunches and dinners, can’t wait to try the food and visit again, very reasonable prices.

Went for a special birthday treat. We found the staff to be helpful and friendly. Facilities were good and food was of an acceptable standard. The experience was not overwhelming as thought it would be. Even though booked as a January deal it was overpriced for what is offered. We only have afternoon tea as an extra this was ok and happy the manager took our opinions on board on what was offered. The suite we booked was ok, spacious but below what we would expect especially for the price. No real extras or special touch. We enjoyed the ambience in evening sat by the fire. Glad we experienced this hotel but wouldn't choose it for another stay