Wilson Lodge

I only write reviews when I genuinely think a place is either fantastic or horrific and this is a genuine review. In Feb 25 I contacted the Manager at Wilson Lodge and booked a King deluxe room for my husband's FIFTIETH BIRTHDAY in Aug 25 as we were visiting Heston's The Fat Duck Restaurant. Communication even then was a little iffy but the room was confirmed via email. 2 days before visiting I text (as I always like to triple confirm and this was an important visit) and received no response. Therefore THE DAY BEFORE I telephoned to confirm and I then also received a confirmation text. We arrived yesterday on my husbands birthday and we weren't greeted.... we were ignored for 5 minutes by the receptionist who a) could neither speak nor understand English or b) couldn't be bothered to try and found it clearly too much trouble for him to even look up. This obviously got my back up but it got worse, as we were eventually told there was no booking and he would phone the manager. We stood waiting approx 5 minutes whilst he concerningly used approx 3 mobile phones trying numerous telephone numbers. I then explained I had an email and that we had also been told a taxi to The Fat Duck would be arranged - at this point he pointed to a long list of numbers and told us to write one down and phone it and when I tried to show him the confirmation email I was told it didn't matter and was tutted at and then the following happened...... I asked my husband to step outside because I was then pretty miffed and a group of 5 men pulled up in a car and I'll just say I have no idea whatever they were doing if anyone is intelligent to read between lines. I felt quite frankly unsafe so walked around the side of the building to nearly bump into a guy who was stoned. We both then got into our car and I genuinely googled the place to ensure it wasn't a hostel or refuge and I'd mis-booked. We agreed we were not staying and so walked back into the reception area where an old man in lycra walked down the filthy stairs barefooted which was quite frankly enough to make me heave. Whilst we had been outside the manager had been successfully contacted and was passed on the phone to my husband who was told that the reason there was no booking was because I hadn't confirmed - which is the biggest load of pap I'd ever heard regardless of what BS may be written as a desperate comment by them to try to disagree with this review - but they had availability so could give us a room. I thank god had stayed just outside the door on my phone and had managed to get a room at the nearby travel lodge whilst this was happening and so we happily told them we would not be staying and left. We both agreed that even if we had paid and they had refused to refund us we wouldn't have stayed. The pictures shown were taken, I've no idea when by the owners as this did not represent what we saw. Half the curtains were drawn when we were stood outside and for the rooms you could see into,

The property was close to town, easy access to transport. Room was basic and bed very comfy. I had my own toilet which was great. The shared bathroom was only for 2 rooms which meant there was always access.

What hotel are the pictures of this place for? They make it look bright and airy and modern. Our experience was of a dim,musty smelling room that was in dire need of repairs/decoration and with a combined shower/toilet wet room that was very shabby. Beds were old and noisy. The members of staff we interacted with were pleasant and helpful and the Heath Robinson continental breakfast affair in the kitchen was ok for one morning. Did the job for one night but wouldn’t even consider going back under any circumstances.