Champneys Springs

Stayed for one night in June 2024 on a business trip. The good bits: - Lovely setting, peaceful surroundings - Warm and efficient welcome and check-in - Gym is well-equipped and maintained (used it), spa looked clean (didn't use it) - Generally young staff are friendly and spectacularly efficient (almost scarily so) That's about it for the good bits. Now on to the less good bits: - Hotel sections are tired with stained and threadbare carpets, battered woodwork, stained and patched paintwork - Standard room was extremely hot with no means to turn the heating down, and windows only open a couple of inches. I imagine it being unbearable in warmer weather - Room fittings were Travelodge grade, all heavily worn and in need of replacement. Paintwork stained, door hinges misaligned, a tiny TV from about 1997. Thin, solid mattress (which I was OK with) without a proper topper so it still had a gap between the two halves. Only one bedside table (slightly weird) - Room was not clean, cobwebs all over the walls and corners (I've never stayed in a room with so many that I felt inspired to take a photo), dust on most surfaces, dirty headboard - Restaurant is fixed price menu and must be booked in advance for both dinner and breakfast. The 'back' restaurant where I was seated was absolutely devoid of atmosphere, I'd be heartbroken if that had been a supposed romantic dinner for two. Service was too fast, I had three courses in front of me within 30 minutes of arrival - Sat down and then had to prise each item of cutlery off the sticky table. Made the mistake of putting my phone down, then had to prise that off too and clean it - Food was very poor for the money. A refrigerated caesar salad with what I strongly suspect was tartare sauce from a jar on it was weird. The lamb biryani was a small rice slop that was exactly like a dehydrated camping curry, it had the taste and texture of scooping the contents of a microwaveable pie into some cold rice and stirring it up. Paid an £8 supplement for a cheeseboard that had 3 small under-ripe pieces of cheese, a few biscuits and grapes and (even more weird) a small pot of mint jelly - Breakfast was a small, limited buffet of reasonable quality. Any cooked options are extra, and it's a really peculiar menu without any classics on it. As I left disappointed I noticed other guests coming from the main restaurant with warm porridge, which would have been nice to know about before I gave in on the food I didn't bother complaining at the time, the staff were doing a very efficient job of the things they did well and this presumably isn't there fault; and reception was closed when I did try to have a word. Definitely wouldn't stay again for what it cost - the spa looks great, but if all the rooms are like this, avoid staying.

Having visited all of the 'resorts' now, I think this is my favourite of them all. The best pool and facilities, as well as gym space. I understand the dining area is going to be refurbished soon, as is a little tired. But was such a lovely stay. And I have to make a special mention for Kristina, Massimo, Ella and Bryony from the restaurant team. Super friendly and more than happy to go above and beyond to make our experience as best as possible. Thank you 😊

I had a personal trainer session and gait scan with Deepak he was amazing and I recommend this trainer. His knowledge is exceptional and such an approachable and friendly mannerism ! At no point are you made to feel unfit or difficult this was fantastic