Dunsley Hall Hotel

BEWARE- closed for the day and moved our booking to Harley’s Tea Room! So very disappointing and as a party of 8 we could not book an alternative at short notice. Having chosen Dunsley Hall Hotel for location, outlook and their sample menu, we were most disappointed to learn that they were not opening that day and we had been moved to Harley’s Tea Room. With its wipe clean tables, noisy milk shake blender and a totally different ambience, this was not what we had signed up for. We understand that there is no link between the businesses and Harley’s are doing a favour in accepting Dunsleys unwanted bookings (there were at least three other Afternoon Tea tables there too) It was unclear where the afternoon tea was produced, but did not include the coronation brioche or Baileys pot,(or anything which resembled an alternative) as mentioned in Dunsleys sample menu. It was very standard selection of products - disappointing! We must however thank Olivia at Harley’s for making us very welcome and doing her best with a set of disappointed customers. She and her staff were friendly, professional and saved the day. There were 8 of us, so of course we had a lovely afternoon - but just beware - you may not get what, or where you booked! Poor show Dunsley!

Terrible experience checked in left two hours later place was deserted not another guest in sight yet when we asked to change our room we were told they were fully booked! No restaurant service bar was in darkness a lone male porter who was extremely arrogant and did not seem very welcoming or helpful. Asked why the hotel appeared so empty he repeated “we are full tonight” so we asked when they were all due back as no cars in car park no sign of any other guests no sound in the place anywhere and then he started closing doors and turning lights off in communal areas. Clearly he was not being truthful there were no other guests and we checked out after two hours. We asked about a refund but he said no as it was not his fault the hotel was not suitable so we had to try and seek other accommodation for that night at gone 10pm at night. We had been out in the Delft room which was very creepy. The door opened all by itself even though it was shut. We had read stories about haunting and most activity had been in that exact room so we asked him and he seemed very proud of that fact and then said it was true and that other guests had regularly reported ‘something’ pulling the bed clothes off you at night and sounds of people walking up and down the hallway outside the room - even thought the hotel was deserted apart from us. Being two woman on our own he seemed delighted he had terrified us. We still not sure why he put us in that room but there was no way we were staying in there. He seemed pleased when we went downstairs saying we wanted to check out. No apology no worry of where we would stay at that time of night just a creepy smirk! Suppose to be five star but no five star service and no toiletries in en-suite apart from miniature bar of soap and miniature bottle shampoo - for two people!! Managed to get a bottle of wine £26 just plonked it on the table no opening it for us or pouring it - just walked away. Noticed creepy tea cups and saucers on the coffee table in lounge despite no other guests - possibly for the ghosts??! Certainly will never go anywhere near the place again!

Two of us stayed here with work and its a little hidden gem. Unfortunately we came in a taxi so didn't get to explore the area to know how good the location was but the hotel itself was lovely. I had the black and white room with two single beds and it was lovely! Very clean and atmospheric! The shower was fantastic and almost took my skin off (figure of speech). We had dinner and breakfast in the smokehouse next door. The food was lovely. Highly recommend the salmon. Breakfast was also in the smokehouse which again was very nice. Would recommend.