Hawkstone Hall Hotel & Gardens

We stopped one night to celebrate my mum's 89th Birthday. Had to phone hotel when we got to guest entrance gates as they did not automatically open as we expected. We then found there was an intercom button on a post a short way back from the gates but we hadn't seen it. The hotel is just so beautiful, stunning location in the middle of countryside, peaceful and relaxed. I phoned to book two rooms as, because of my mum's age, we like to stop close to her in case of an emergency. When we booked the lady told us that we would have rooms opposite each other. We didn't, we had rooms on different floors. In the end it wasn't a problem. Also on their website it says "All 37 of our bedrooms offer spectacular views of the rolling countryside to the front, or glorious Hawkstone Gardens to the rear". Mum's room (112) had neither view, she was overlooking a flat roof and the sides of the hotel. Our room (202) did have an amazing view of the countryside. I do think the website needs amending to say "most" of the rooms not "all" as that could be a huge disappointment. Having said all this this is certainly not a negative review, quite the opposite. It is one of the best hotels we have ever stopped in. It is beautifully decorated throughout, both rooms were spacious (classic rooms) with everything needed and very comfy beds and pillows, beautiful bathrooms. Both rooms spotlessly clean (as where all areas of the hotel). The gardens are beautiful and lovely to walk around, the donkeys and llama a lovely surprise and we enjoyed going to say hello to them. Do ask at reception for a map of the grounds as there are a few features you could miss otherwise. Personally I think a map should be put in every bedroom. Also the welcome glass of Prosecco was a lovely touch. The menu for the Saloon Restaurant wasn't to our liking but we were able to sit in there and order off the Hill's Kitchen menu which was perfect for us. Food was excellent as was service. But what really makes this hotel stand apart from others is the amazing staff (every single one of them) that are so friendly, informative and go out of their way to make people welcome. You get a definite sense that they all enjoy working there, know the history of the hotel and are proud of it. Would definitely recommend this hotel as it really does offer a peaceful escape and is easy to get to off the main road (A49).

We were there to celebrate our 57th wedding anniversary and stayed in the Keats suite. Everything about our stay, from welcome to departure, was first class but the standout was the meal. These days we tend to choose hotels first on the menu and that's what happened here. We both had the scallops and then the monkfish because neither was something we were likely to eat at home. Scallops, yes, we have those at home - but not in a nantua sauce because that requires a stock made from boiling down crayfish tails and who's going to do that at home? Bothe dishes were excellent.

Stated here for my partners birthday, little surprise night away. Beautiful place, stunning on the eye, the drive in really is special. Decor stunning, really feel like it’s an occasion when you’re there. We had dinner off the lunch menu which was just sandwich’s, lovely for what you’re getting. Massive bonus points for the cave, I was able to high this out for a few hours where me and my partner played pool, football table and even on the ps5 :) just us, grea lt touch. We had tea in the hills kitchen, very small part of the hotel and I did ask if it was possible to sit in the main hall as it’s beautiful, jist didn’t like the menu for that hall. Was told no only people who book tea and bed + breakfast can sit in there. Which was odd as that’s exactly what we paid for. Never the less it’s was a lovely little restaurant and the female waitress working was really lovely and went out of her way make it special. Steak was £31 so not cheap but the peppercorn sauce that came with it was the best I’ve ever had so can’t complain. Breakfast again lovely, the staff again very polite and welcoming, go out their way. Food was nice enough in the morning. The only slight negative comment I would say is the room. We had a standard double room, I asked if there was a view and was told a slight view of wales. When they say slight, it means you have to peak through the window coverings to see it as. The biggest negative was the room noise though. Walls are wafer thin, could hear what the next door room was eating let alone watching and talking about. Really are as thin as walls as I’ve stayed in. I’m sure the suites don’t have that problem but your talking double maybe triple the price. Overall though beautiful place, the setting and surrounding really make it. Not too sure if we will go back but certainly recommend

Beautiful building. Excellent staff. Food very good. Great gardens to walk around. As we had a dog with us we were restricted to the type of room we could have. The room was very small and not suitable for 2 people and a dog. We were very disappointed that the room didn't have a wardrobe for hanging clothes. Also there was no table and chairs. We had to sit on the bed all the time. Having said all this, we had a wonderful time.

From the moment you step into the building you are blown away by the beauty of the place. Attention to detail, welcoming staff, very professional and so beautiful. I can honestly say we were blown away by the architecture, gardens and the general feel of the place. I would return in the blink of an eye.

A truly outstanding hotel, set beautiful grounds, breathtaking interiors and staff dedicated to giving the best experience possible to guests. It was one of those special hotels where everything has been carefully prepared and you never have to ask for anything... everything is already in place.