Summer Lodge Country House Hotel

Had the most wonderful meal at Summer Lodge this evening. Everything we ate was both pleasing to the eye and mouth wateringly good . The chef came to our table to describe the Turbot dish, highly recommended. And then proceeded to serve the accompanying sauce. Max was outstandingly attentive and knowledgeable throughout. Enjoyed it so much we shall return on Saturday

The service at this hotel is amazing! Katrina checked us in (and out), and we were lucky enough to get a cottage suite. A little walk from the main building but we loved it! Buster took care of us and explained a little of the history and Thomas Hardy’s connection. The service at meal times was impeccable and there is a very large variety of dishes to choose from. Spa has everything that you need from a spa including a large indoor pool. We only stayed one night, but this hotel is definitely on my list for a return visit.

An extra friendly greeting in reception and a short guided tour around the buildings so we can get our bearings during our stay, set the scene for what was a very enjoyable break. When staying in a five star I find myself moving into ‘super critical’ mode. There are certain expectations considering room rates that one expects whether or not it is a qualification for those stars. Standing in a fairly narrow bath to have a shower and disappointing pillows on an otherwise comfy bed, having to move a kettle to find a plug rather than have a dedicated station to make a coffee and a what I consider a limited buffet breakfast are where my criticisms begin and end. I must be clear, these are not things that I consider aggravating they are just critical observations I make when comparing to other places I have been lucky enough to stay on a similar level. The wife really enjoyed the spa and treatments on offer and it must be said that all the staff were great, attentive and considerate, faultless to a person. Now, there is something quite extraordinary about this hotel that I feel more people should know, and that is its restaurant, we were lucky enough to have made a reservation on Saturday night, it was not fully booked but it should have been if the food they served to us was a typical example of their fare. Every aspect of our dining experience was nothing short of brilliant, the service was perfect and the food was astounding, my Salmon / Beetroot starter has to be one of the best things I have ever eaten , it really was that good! I wanted to give the chef a big hug for making my day, the food and service was of a level that many other five stars should aspire to. Well done the Summer Lodge Hotel.