Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire, England

After always wanting to take my partner to The Four Seasons for afternoon tea, I finally booked for his birthday, he loves a traditional afternoon tea. The tea-room was situated just off the reception so was pretty noisy and disruptive, people coming into the tea-room from reception for photos at tables that were not being used.. was weird and off-putting. The service was slow, I only saw 2 members of staff trying to handle the whole room. Sandwiches were dry and food overall slow to arrive. Very very average scones, something that could pass as shop bought... One of the biggest problems was the heating - it was absolutely boiling. We actually moved our chairs around the table to try and get away from the heat coming from underneath, was really unpleasant and just made us more uncomfortable. When trying to collect our coats, nobody was around so we walked to reception who seemed pretty confused, disappeared with no communication, just our ticket and then 10 minutes later our coats appeared. We were in and out in just over an hour, which having paid a fairly large amount of money for the pleasure, left a pretty bad taste in our mouths... Was a disappointed end to a birthday weekend.

Having previously stayed at this hotel a few years ago and been very impressed, we recently stayed again for one night. The grounds remain as impressive as ever and access is easy, with various activities possible. The welcome was friendly and efficient The room, Heritage type, was well equipped and comfortable. The dining room however was a disaster area. It seems to have been extended to an enormous cavernous space lacking in ambience. The staff were friendly, efficient and helpful. The food was fine but lacking in excitement. The whole experience of both dinner and breakfast was however destroyed by the noise and behaviour of many small children. There was one birthday party in which the children seemed very well behaved. But at other tables there were children who seemed out of parental control and were running around the room shouting. At times they almost caused the waiters to trip and drop their trays. This is not what one would expect in such an establishment. It was more as one would imagine a camping site or holiday camp communal restaurant. We did complain to the waiters, who were sympathetic but seemed unable to speak to the parents who obliviously studied their mobile phones! They did not charge us for breakfast which was a gesture. Advice would be that this is a hotel for outdoor activities and rowdy evenings. If you wish a quiet more refined atmosphere look elsewhere.

From minute one you receive great service for all your needs. Valet parking, bags to room, room service, lovely restaurant and bar with great food and drink choices. And then a room turn down for sleep. We were visiting for a family wedding and enjoyed the function areas, garden areas and hotel grounds. The food and drink with the event was amazing and both evenings we stayed were brilliant. We really enjoyed the wedding and the venue really added to the whole experience. We took in the gym, spa and the pool also whilst there and these were good. Everyone enjoyed their stay and I would highly recommend this venue.

The hotel property is nice enough, but we stayed on more well-maintained grounds during our time in England (Estelle Manor in the Cotswolds, in particular, was nicer and less expensive per night, for example). The staff here were really the highlight of our stay. They were very approachable and quick to provide anything we needed. Our flight was delayed, and they happily re-booked reservations at the restaurant. The room was clean and well-kept. The bed was comfortable. Our main issue was the number of unattended children running around this place. It was not the staff's fault; in fact, we felt very bad about how much the staff had to balance being a babysitter with their actual role at the hotel. During our stay, a child wet himself on a fabric chair (which was not cleaned) and on the floor in the La Terrazza. Later, at the main restaurant, after 8pm, another child pulled our tablecloth, wandering around unattended and spilt my husband's drink on our table. The staff was gracious and moved us to another part of the restaurant with fewer children. For how upscale the hotel is, we felt that our experience was closer to a mid-range family resort. However, if you have kids, this may be the perfect place for you. Pros - - Staff was great - Close to Stonehedge and Downton Abbey (Highclere Castle) - Wood-fired pizza was very good - Only a 1-hour drive from the London Airport Cons - - Too many children (VERY family-friendly property) - The hotel concierge was not great. He told us the incorrect time for Highclere Castle's hours of operation and also told us our tickets included 'line skipping' into the main building, but we were told that was no longer offered to Four Seasons ticket holders - The food at the main restaurant was mixed for the price. Apps were good, but both main courses weren't great..my husband's steak was incredibly salty but was cooked well. Potatoes had an overwhelming amount of truffles. - The property is very rural and the restaurant/bar were ghost towns for weekend evenings, so there was not much in terms of entertainment In the end, we felt there were better hotels in England for the same price and would not likely return here.

Overall, we really enjoyed our stay. I have awarded four stars because I hold Four Seasons to a higher standard than other brands, and in a few respects, our stay didn’t quite meet the standard we’d expect. We stayed for one night. The positives: 1. Staff were universally friendly, and really sweet with our little boy. Staff were also very attentive. Services in Wild Carrot was professional and formal but also friendly and personable. Shout out to Jamar from GR for his hospitality and friendliness. 2. We really liked our room, and appreciated the upgrade. The bed was very comfortable. The shower wasn’t the best, but the bathroom was of a good size. 3. Location is beautiful. We look forward to returning in the autumn. Lots of space for children to run around outside and let off steam. Also, lots of places for a nice walk. 4. We didn’t have time to check out the amenities/leisure favcilities, but did enjoy a trip to the spa. The spa complex is large with an outdoor and indoor pool, plus a separate kid’s pool. 5. The food in Wild Carrot was excellent - both breakfast and dinner. Couldn’t fault it. Areas to address: 1. We had requested early check-in for 1pm, as we had spa treatments booked from 2pm, so we wanted to enjoy the champagne in our room before going down to the spa and so our son could take a nap. Upon arrival we were informed the room wouldn’t be ready until just before 2. I would’ve expected a phone call prior to our arrival to inform us of this, especially as I had received an email from FS informing me that our amended check-in time was 1.30pm (and FS understood why we were requesting early check-in). This was disappointing. We got into our room just before 2, so I had to rush for my first spa appointment. Not the relaxing start to our stay I had envisaged. 2. The spa was nice. Perhaps because I was stressed from having to run to make my appointment, I found it hard to relax. The dressing gown provided had a stain on it - not great! The spa complex could probably do with a refurbishment. It didn’t seem like it’s in tip top shape - lots of scuff marks, and floors needed cleaning in the men’s locker room. The treatment was nice, and my therapist was polite and professional. But I’ve had better and I’m not sure I’d pay for it again were we to revisit. My husband enjoyed his treatments, however. Would we return? Yes, we would, notwithstanding the above but I personally wouldn’t use the spa.