The Retreat, Elcot Park, Newbury (Berkshire)

The hotel offers lovely, comfortable rooms of a good standard, with the fantastic four-poster bed on the first floor providing a charming view of the garden. However, some rooms appeared a bit shabby. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful, creating a memorable Christmas party atmosphere, but there were issues with misinformation regarding service timings and blame-shifting incidents. The location was central and well-positioned, offering stunning surroundings, though some staff interactions seemed overly formal. The dining experience had some hiccups, especially during peak times, with breakfast options appearing average and not the best value for money. Despite these drawbacks, the homemade yogurt was a highlight.

The hotel offers a lovely place to gather and chat over bar meals without disturbing other guests from wedding parties. While the rooms were clean and tidy, the evening meal atmosphere falls short for a four-star experience. Some areas of the hotel are in poor condition, needing refurbishment.

I stayed at the hotel recently. The rooms were comfortable and warm, although a bit dated for the price. The staff were friendly and helpful, but there were some issues with service inconsistency. The location was nice for relaxation but needs updating for a better experience. The dining experience was a mix of good and bad, with some value for money concerns. Overall, it was a decent stay with room for improvement.