The Montagu Arms Hotel

We enjoyed everything at the hotel. The rooms are a bit dated but I didn't mind that too much - it added to the charm because everything worked absolutely fine (shower, TV, kettle). The dining room is very grand and the food exceptional. The staff in the restaurant were super. Most of the staff elsewhere in the hotel were very good and welcoming. However, the service at the bar was the weakest point. I think maybe the woman was just having a bad day but she a) didn't know how to make the cocktail I chose from their menu (which isn't had issue but did mean a bit of a wait) b) when she asked for guidance from a colleague he seemed to be quite irritated with her and it was made from a pre-mix (which surprised me for £16:50) c) I had to go back up to the bar to get it as she reached across the bar and said "here" which considering the bar was very small and there were no other customers seemed a bit 'off' - I think she could've just served it to us in our seats (as the other staff had previously done). She was also very abrupt to other customers and it just meant the experience wasn't very relaxing as these conversations were being had at volume in a tiny bar. We just decided to leave and go in early to dinner (which we really enjoyed). There was a new bartender in the Monty Inn and he needed help with processing a voucher - but unlike the bar in the main hotel - he was very professional and we were able to relax while he got things sorted for us. We were impressed.

Absolute gem of a hotel. One night was not enough, from the sumptuous breakfast, delicious dinner and outstanding friendly staff, we had a truly memorable stay.

Beautiful property in a very pretty village in the New Forest

Delicious breakfast, clean room, everything we needed. Excellent location: Beautiful gardens.