We have stayed at the hotel many times over the years and it has always been our favourite place to go for a getaway for a couple of nights as a family of four, however, our experience on this occasion really disappointed I'm afraid to say. Although the receptionists were very pleasant at check-in and checkout and the woman who often helps organise everyone in the dining room was as always, very professional and friendly, it was the staff in the bar/restaurant area who did not meet the usual standard. Items were missed off our food orders more than once and when approached, they acted in defensive and unfriendly manner. It was clear that there was not an effective manager ensuring the smooth running of waiting staff and not one barman/waiter took responsibility for fulfilling an order. It was clear many other guests were experiencing the same frustrations as I observed displeased expressions and rolling eyes! The issue wasn't a lack of staff but rather a lack of good training.
Furthermore, we found the staff in the spa facilities to also have an impolite manner and lacked in professionalism.
We were put in room 101 I think on the ground floor corner, which we have stayed in before but this time the room definitely smelled of damp which was disconcerting as a health hazard.
Finally, we always normally dine in the restaurant at night but the prices are prohibitively high and given the poor service, we weren't prepared to eat there on this occasion.