Bells Hotel

We were really looking forward to this stay as a family, and in many ways the hotel itself was lovely — which makes it even more disappointing that one experience ended up overshadowing it. We received a warm welcome on arrival from a lovely receptionist who made a real effort with our children, which gave us a great first impression. Our room was clean and well prepared with the cot ready, although the shower tray was quite worn and we later discovered the smaller TV was cracked and not working.) The rest of the room was well decorated, clean, lots of space and comfy. Breakfast was good, we asked to sit elsewhere as the guests that had been horrible to us the night before were eating breakfast, and we were kindly seated in another area with a lovely view.

Sadly, our evening meal ended up overshadowing the stay due to the behaviour of another group of guests. We had intentionally booked an early 5:30pm dinner as we were travelling with our young children (aged 3 and 23 months) and wanted to be considerate of other diners. They sat happily for over an hour, ate their meals well, and behaved exactly as you would reasonably expect children their age to behave in a restaurant. While waiting for dessert, they briefly stood beside our table laughing together. They were not running around or approaching other tables, yet a nearby group began making negative comments about us bringing children, repeatedly glaring and speaking in hostile tones about our parenting. It was uncomfortable and upsetting, particularly as our children had not been disruptive. Staff even offered to move that table, which made it clear the issue was not our family. Although the other guests eventually moved, the atmosphere had already been affected. In contrast, another nearby table smiled, interacted warmly with our children, and played with them as we were leaving, which reassured us that our children had not been a problem and highlighted how unnecessarily unkind the earlier behaviour had been. When my partner later explained how upset their behaviour had made me, the guests responded by criticising our parenting and snapping their fingers at staff to have him removed — behaviour that felt unnecessarily rude and quite shocking. We completely understand that some diners may prefer not to sit near children, and moving tables was absolutely reasonable. However, courtesy and respect should go both ways. Our children quietened immediately when asked, and we had simply hoped to enjoy a relaxed family meal like any other guests. Instead, I ended the evening in tears over something that felt entirely avoidable.

The room was clean and comfortable, the bed ensured a great night’s sleep, and breakfast was well organised and good quality. Excellent value for money overall, and the staff were friendly, welcoming, and helpful throughout.

The guest in the room next to us was quite loud late evening.

The food was great, the staff were very friendly and the location was good.

The bathroom smelt of drains, we had to run the cold water tap for a considerable time to get cold water, the bathroom was out dated and the toilet took 10 minutes to refill. The plumbing was so loud that when out neighbour flushed the toilet in the night I thought someone had used our bathroom.

The location was brilliant for us who was going to a near by wedding.

The floors were very creaky, at times it sounds like people were going to come through the room due to the noise it makes

Clean & spacious, could have done with a bit more storage but overall the room was lovely. Breakfast was good but the sausage were cheap rusk laden type. Good bacon n fresh eggs. Beans n fried bread. All good. Staff were very helpful and couldn’t do enough. Valentine’s diner was fabulous, fair play to the chef as he had a separate function on also . Overall very happy and would defo recommend and return again ,.

Sausage

Good location, just outside the main town centre and the complex was very nice, clean and welcoming. Clubhouse next door had a good range of food and drinks available. Room was clean, spacious and comfortable.

The reception staff were pleasant enough but not overly welcoming. They neglected to inform us that the WiFi had been down for the last few days and while there was a radiator in the room, it wasn't on at all although the radiators were on in the communal areas and hallways. That wouldn't necessarily be an issue, but this was February and it was very cold! There had been heavy rain and snow too, so after a day out exploring Puzzlewood and Clearwell Caves in near-freezing temperatures, we were cold and hoping to warm up in the room. Had a nice hot bath, but it would have been nice if the heating was on in the room! This is something I would expect (along with WiFi) when I'm paying £188 for a 2-night stay.

Very convenient location for visiting our family locally. Breakfast is very good, staff are nice and friendly. Very comfy bed.

Most things were okay, I loved having a bath as requested after a 300 mile drive. It was the decider for booking the Bells above Forest lodge.

Stay was fine except the room was cold and radiator didn't come on the whole stay - (The Thermostatic valve is stuck, the water in the pipe is hot but it doesn't make it to the Rad, Needs a new Valve - quite uncomfortable 13 degrees centigrade according to my phone.