Matfen Hall Hotel, Golf & Spa

Matfen Hall is an absolutely beautiful building. From arrival we were met at the door and assisted with our luggage. We were then invited to take a seat in the Great Hall whilst reception sorted out our keys and our luggage was taken directly to our room. We had opted to stay in a balcony room which was pleasantly situated with a view over to the church and beyond. The bathroom was quite large with a very good walk in shower. Apart from the rainfall shower (a pet hate of mine) there was also a smaller hand type shower which was fitted on to a rise and fall bracket This for me was very good. There were bottles of still and sparkling water supplied in the fridge along with a small bottle of milk. Ample tea and coffee and excellent shortbread. Two downsides to this room were (1) It was very warm, albeit a Dyson fan was provided and (2) the bed. The bed was an obvious zip and link but for some reason a quilted mattress cover was provided for each mattress rather than a large cover which should more or less stop you feeling the "join". It made the bed rather uncomfortable. I would also add that for me I found the mattress to be a little too soft. We had originally booked to have dinner on both nights of our stay in Cloisters. However, several days before we arrived the menu had changed from a la carte to table d'hote in that particular restaurant and we felt the range of food on offer was a little limited for us. We then opted to have dinner in the Keepers Lodge, which is really the golf club, a couple of minutes stroll from the main hotel. The lodge was a delightful building with very friendly and helpful staff. Regrettably it seemed that only one chef was on the evening of our visit and being quite busy this did reflect in the food and the lengthy waits to be served. On our second evening we did dine in Cloisters and were absolutely delighted we did. The whole atmosphere, staff and quality of food were very good indeed. Top marks to the chef who put together the exceptional and imaginative menu. The 1832 bar was also a delight to visit and I would definitely recommend their own Matfen Gin! There is also The Emerald restaurant for those who wish to partake of a tasting menu. Many reviews referred to breakfast and the service. I would say it obviously depends when you go down to breakfast. It did seem to get busier after 9am and perhaps a little slower. We perhaps were fortunate as we arrived around 8:45 each morning and we had no issues with being served or with the quality of the breakfast provided. Rather nice not to have to stand around a very slow toaster. Overall, this is a first class establishment and despite my issue with the bed we will certainly make a return visit at some point. I would add that the grounds are delightful and for those golf enthusiasts do not forget to pack your clubs.

We were playing in a golf tournament at Matfen. This was an all female competition. We were exceptionally disappointed that the clubhouse had a very limited menu. There were no scones, teacakes or other cakes that are usually a favourite with lady golfers. Undeterred we went up to the Hall and were more than pleasantly surprised when enquiring if there was the possibility of tea and scones the answer was a resounding yes, even though it was almost 4pm. What we didn't know was the Chef was make a new batch just for us. They were delicious and the price didnt break the bank. The staff that we encountered were all exceptionally friendly and in particular Perez, who looked after us in the lounge. Thank you Matfen Hall staff for making us feel welcome. Lovely surroundings, decor and people. Perhaps the Chef could make scones for the clubhouse...

I waited a month to write this review as I highlighted our issues when we checked out of the hotel and they had promised to email me with an explanation. We chose Matfen Hall for its location, 5 star rating and the opportunity to try out the tasting menu at the Emerald Restaurant. In the week leading up to our stay we had email confirmation of our room and restaurant reservations, along with a clear warning that if we wanted to cancel our restaurant reservation 24 hours notice was required or we would be charged in full. Understandable with it being a tasting menu where the ingredients were no doubt brought in specifically. This was followed up by a phone call from the hotel confirming the restaurant reservation and again reminding us we had to pay in full if we didn't show at the Emerald for the tasting menu. The approach to the hotel is through stunning countryside and we pulled up with very positive thoughts as we drove through beautiful grounds to be greeted at the entrance by a very polite concierge who took is to a grand hall, where we were seated and left to an equally polite colleague who brought us a welcome drink and completed the check in process, whilst he parked the car. During the check in process the reservations we had made were once again confirmed, and again we were told that if we didn't show up at the Emerald we would be charged in full. We were shown around the hotel facilities and taken to our room. Our room was lovely and quaint, however it lacked a full length mirror or suitable make up mirror. I will point out there was no air conditioning but fully understandable given the age of the building and the difficulty in retro fitting it, we were provided with 2 fans. On the the desk in the room was a letter, confirming our restaurant reservations and also re iterating that if we didn't show we would be charged. Before dinner in the Cloisters Restaurant we went for drinks in the 1832 bar, which has panoramic views over the golf course. The service was slow and the choice of drinks were limited for 5 star hotel with 5 star pricing. Dinner in the Cloisters was nice the service was fine. On getting back to our room we found there had been an evening turn down which was very nice. The bed and bedding were very comfortable and we had a good nights sleep, despite it being a very warm evening. Breakfast is served in the Cloisters, it was around 30 mins before we were offered a coffee. Breakfast when it eventually came was very good. After a morning exploring the local area we came back to the hotel for refreshments, ordering drinks in the 1832 we were asked to take our seats outside and they would be brought to our table. 25 minutes later they turned up, we asked if they had any bar nibbles (like most 5 star hotels provide) nuts or crisps or olives. The olives turned up another 25 minutes later by which time we had finished our drinks so we left them and set off back to our room. We were chased by the barman to pay £5.6

Cloisters Dinner and Breakfast service variable .The ethos of the venue is GUESS. Enquiring about web page got no reply - phones not answered - one night of three no shower as no hot water .Crumb debris between cushions in restaurant gross. The keeper venue a pleasant contrast but not included in Dinner/Bed/ Breakfast deal.

stayed en route to edinburgh from london so arrived after a long drive. amazing house and setting, really good friendly trained staff, very good cocktails in the bar pre dinner, good food well served in the less posh restaurant (tho the finest dining restaurant also looked good). Spa for a swim with excellent sauna and stream room was great. Breakfast v good. All in all couldn’t fault it and really lived up to luxury tag. special mention of young men serving in the bar and the restaurant staff.

It’s a shame the service doesn’t live upto the 5 star rating- we booked this as a family night away and from the moment we entered reception we were let down by the service from staff from start to finish. Waited 45 mins to order food in an empty restaurant, waited 40 mins to order breakfast in an empty restaurant, no arrival drink as suggested in our package, no cutlery with our room service, service charges added onto all bills which is ironic given the level of service provided. Food was mediocre. On checkout we were not asked how our stay was which is pretty standard of any hotel. I sent an email with some concerns about noise in the night which woke my children (the noise persisted for 3 hours) and 5 days later I still don’t have a response or acknowledgment to my email. Don’t waste your money- £450 per night for a family room was 100% not worth it. I have stayed at far better 4 star hotels

Excellent from start to finish , we were a group of 15 golfers who were made to feel like Royalty on our short visit. Golf course is fantastic but Challenging. New Bar and restaurant is on another level with staff very helpful and food excellent. We will be back.

Fantastic visit to Matfen Hall Hotel. Staff were very attentive to our every need. We were looked after extremely well during our stay. We'll worth the taster menu experience in the Emerald restaurant. Really enjoyed a round of golf and the new club house.