While reviewing the Bishopstrow Hotel and Spa, I’m not sure whether to begin this post with the anecdote about my fiancé accidentally setting fire to a menu, or the one where, smooth talker that he is, he tried to woo me at dinner by telling me that the dots on full-length glass doors are there as a legal requirement to stop people banging into them.
Both made me laugh a lot.
Fortunately, the menu incident happened the next day, when we were visiting Lacock Abbey, rather than in the luxurious surroundings of The Bishopstrow Hotel and Spa, although it was at The Bishopstrow that my fiancé had an awkward moment with the duty manager.
He had come over to have a chat with us at dinner, and to be fair, it was a little bit noisy and he did have an accent.
“I understand from my colleague that you’re from the media,” he said.
“Very pleased to meet you too,” said my fiancé.
Cue both of them looking slightly confused.
Anyway, you’re not here to read about that – you want to know if there was decent tea in the room, and what the bathroom was like, and things like that, don’t you?
Yes and ace, would be the answers to those questions.
First impressions on arriving at Bishopstrow Hotel and Spa were good. We sat for a little while in one of the beautiful guest lounges, and greedily eyed the splendid-looking afternoon tea being enjoyed by another couple. The rooms were nicely done out, with real fires and lovely views onto the gardens.
Then we were taken up to our room, where we were in for another treat.
We stayed in the Oval Room, which I imagine must be one of their nicest rooms, as it was absolutely massive. As well as the en-suite bathroom, our room had a raised platform behind the main bedroom area, where a pair of roll-top baths sat overlooking the gardens. The room, as its name suggests, is oval shaped, and so the view comes from three huge windows across one curved edge.
In case you might be worrying that everyone strolling in the garden would be able to see you lounging in the bath, then fret not. The room is on the first floor and as you can see from this exterior shot, no bathing is visible!
As well as the twin baths, the Oval room has a separate en-suite with a fabulous walk-in shower, and lovely toiletries. I am very partial to a mini bottle of shampoo, and so was very pleased with these.
I really love it when hotels include little extras that, although actually pretty small, make you feel special. At The Bishopstrow these were fluffy bathrobes, slippers, fresh fruit, and a little dish of chocolate truffles. Nobody can fail to feel special sat on a massive bed, munching their way through a dish of chocolate truffles.
And let’s face it, as lovely as the gardens and surrounding area might be, the fun bit of staying in a hotel is lying around on a big bed, perhaps watching a bit of TV whilst having a cup of tea. For half an hour at least. Surely? No? Just me?
Well, fortunately for you, we didn’t just do that, we also checked out the Bishopstrow Spa facilities. There are lots of treatments on offer, but we contented ourselves with using the pool, sauna, steam room and fancy showers, designed to make you feel like you were in a tropical storm. I couldn’t take pictures in there of course, not without looking like a right weirdo.
After some intense relaxing, we got dressed for dinner in the restaurant downstairs. There was a function in the main dining room, so we were sat in the smaller dining area – a sort of conservatory, with large glass windows looking out on the garden. (The glass had spots on – did you know that’s a legal requirement?)
Dinner was beautiful – the sort where you almost don’t want to eat it for fear of disturbing the arrangement of tiny vegetables – and breakfast the next morning was just as delicious. Breakfast is one of my absolute favourite bits of staying in a hotel, and I always go for something that I would never cook at home to make it extra special.
I have very exacting standards when it comes to poached eggs, and these were perfect.
So overall then, a rather lovely mini-break was had by all at the Bishopstrow Hotel and Spa. A comfy bed, sweaty sauna, chocolate truffles, and perfectly poached eggs.
What more can you ask for?
We were guests for one night at Bishopstrow Hotel and Spa. All opinions are my own.
What a treat! It looks like a seriously lovely place to unwind. Adding to my list of potential places to go for a weekend away with the husband once the kids are a bit older to leave with grandparents!
oh those baths!!! I could use a day at a spa -this place looks goregous
Roll. Top. Baths. WINNER! Looks lush – could do with a few nights here! x
Last time I stayed in a hotel like this I ended up with kid number 2 lol (not suggesting for a minute that’s how you spent your weekend) It looks a beautiful place to stay, and it sounds like a great night away :)
This place looks RIGHT up my street! The bedroom! The food! The Elemis products. Lovely pics xx
oh woooow! this place looks so wonderful/fancy!
Wow, that really does look amazing – all of it!! I could do with a little break here myself!
Oh this place looks amazing! I could really do with a hotel break with the Hubster…we need a little baby break! x
This place sounds nice and I love your fiancee’s anecdotes! xx
Wow this place looks stunning and the perfect couples break. We actually visited Lacock last year, just fore the day but we want to come back and will be keeping this place in mind
Laura x
I’ve never seen a hotel with twin baths before! I totally would have wondered about people peeking in too if you hadn’t said that! Looks fantastic, it might be a while until we have a weekend away since the newborn but when we do I’ll keep this in mind x
Author
I haven’t either Fritha! It was quite something!
We had arrived at this property and were pleasantly surprised by the room and all round amenities. I had booked dinner in the evening for my family.,
Arriving at The Mulberry Restaurant at 7.45pm, we placed our orders. At 8.30pm a young lady approached our table and said, “ Sorry, but your dinner will be delayed by half an hour”. I couldn’t believe it. I was frustrated, which reflected in the tone of my voice.
I said, “ we have been waiting three quarters of an hour. Please tell me why the delay. She then said.” I will not tolerate being spoken to in that manner”, and walked away. A few minutes later she returned and said, “sorry it was a mistake, wrong table”.
By now my six year old was crying his eyes out. I asked to speak to the restaurant manager. He arrived at our table and explained how long it took too cook my ordered, in a very condescending way.
There was no consideration made in relation to our young child. His order could have been bought out much earlier, if there was a delay.
My wife then calmly intervened in the conversation. The restaurant manager then said, “ the meal is on me”. I said, “this is not what we are after”.
All we wanted in respect of the delay, was some consideration, that we had a young child.
I am sorry that I have had to put this in writing, but I feel very disappointed in what could have been a wonderful evening experience. Some of the staff looked as if they didn’t want to be there. There are other reviews to confirm the dreadful service.
On leaving this property I was asked if I wanted to speak to the duty manager, but it was too late. He should have been proactive and known what chaos was occurring in the restaurant.