Charlton Hall Estate

Stayed here for my wife’s birthday weekend. The hotel was perfectly situated for us to explore the area. In arrival check in was fast and efficient friendly staff the hotel is decorated beautifully. Decided to book for evening dinner to save us going out far, so glad we did the food was amazing. Next day we got up early and went to a local parkrun however breakfast finishes at 10am and we thought we’d miss it. We got back with 10mins to spare and the breakfast staff were lovely attentive and friendly, we were able to order and eat without feeling rushed and yet again the food on offer was really good. If you’re staying here I highly recommend you eat here it is bloody good stuff!. Our experience was very positive we found all the staff in the restaurant were really attentive and we lacked for nothing.

So disappointing- we booked a room with a hot tub for two nights at the end of summer. The room itself was smaller than expected and very dark, but nicely decorated. On opening the bathroom door you could immediately smell drainage. We used the hot tub once when first got to the room, but unfortunately couldn’t even bare to open the patio doors later in the evening, night and mornings due to the smell of drainage/sewage. We did go to reception the first morning to highlight the smell and concerns. I was told the manager was in a meeting and to come back. I did go back before we headed out for the day but the manager was still in a meeting. When I went back that evening I was told that the manager would come to my room at 9.45 that morning before checkout as she is extremely busy she needs a set time. I explained we had booked breakfast so could just come when at main building for breakfast but I was told no she would come to us (I thought odd but also thought at least she wouldn’t be able to deny the smell!) The manager did not come to our room, so we checked out and mentioned that she hadn’t come. I was told to wait, which I did despite feeling rather uncomfortable standing in reception. The manager came and asked if we could take a seat in the lounge. I was then given what I’d describe as a dressing down as she was told I would be coming to see her at 9.45, I was also told her meeting was with housekeeping and was interruptible! I asked if she expected me to stand at reception and demand the receptionist drag her out of a meeting - most guests do not like to complain so this was beyond me but on reflection this was all a distraction to the actual issue she’s probably aware of. I was then told in the most condescending manner that the countryside has smells. I could not believe the rudeness , there was no apology, no how did we out it right … despite me giving her praise of the restaurant and hotel over all which is have stayed in again as there was no smell at the main hotel (not countryside then! The smell is without a doubt the septic tank) I was so upset and told the manager I’d leave it there. She did say she would look into my rate and follow up on email. I therefore gave her a week to email me and nothing so I sent an email which was responded to and a night stay was refunded. It’s a shame as although disappointing stay, the restaurant and bar are lovely and I would have returned to eat there but definitely will not return due to service .

A very modern boutique hotel and frankly, pretty luxurious. The decor is beautiful but quirky with some very bold prints which work wonderfully well. The staff are all very professional, helpful and friendly, giving tips on where to go locally. The food in the restaurant is delicious and I highly recommend the Asian spiced belly pork. A fabulous place to stay, well positioned for visiting Bamburgh and Alnwick.