Hotels near Aynsley China Works, Stoke-on-Trent

I was visiting the University on business. From the minute I walked in you could feel the customer service culture was very good and very natural. Every team member from reception to the team that we’re looking after the bar and restaurant. I’m sitting here writing this after my breakfast. Again a really friendly and genuine environment. I felt compelled to write this review. I managed a customer service driven environment for many years and I know the work that goes on behind the scenes to keep what you have worked hard to achieve. Well done to all. I’m glad I joined Bonvoy. I will be back 100%. Have a good day.

Great receptionist who was very welcoming and friendly. Good location for access to the A500 and A34 roads as well as a bus stop only a 5 minute walk away. Unfortunately, the hotel itself is very dated and lack on soundproofing between the rooms is a major issue. I could hear the guy in the room below talking and could also hear the room next door opening and closing their toilet seat! I was awoken at 1am with an inconsiderate neighbour with their tv on very loud and coughing loudly. There is a main wing and smaller wing to the side. I stayed on the 1st floor in the main wing but I would recommend you ask for the 1st floor in the small wing to minimise the number of people around you and source of external noise. View from the room was nice however.

The price increase in a days spa has prevented me from being able to go to the spa as often as I used to, however, we managed to get an autumn glow package, which included a 7 hour visit, lunch, free drink on arrival and one hour treatment. The same package last year also included the salt room, but this was not in the package this year. I’ll start with the pros, there are many. The staff were fabulous, really helpful, welcoming and friendly. As a vegan, I was more than happy with my vegan mezze platter and the new outdoor/indoor restaurant area is really lovely. The treatment was excellent, we had a facial and back and feet massage. Again the staff were lovely and we had camomile tea in the relax room afterwards. The swim up pool is great however, I found the water a bit too hot. Cons: The day we visited the spa was quite busy and we didn’t get around all of the outdoor rooms/areas but here is my experience of the ones we did visit. The steam room, both my friend and I and two other people noticed that the seats were slimy in places. I don’t know what causes this it might be quite natural but it wasn’t pleasant, it was mostly at the edges. From here we went to the cold bath. I love the cold bath experience and the exhilaration you feel when you get out, however, the bath had black lumps and white gooey pieces floating in it. Again not pleasant and I don’t know what it was but it certainly wasn’t nice. The paving around the swim up pool, was green in places and needed a good cleaning. We noticed stains on the day beds, the edges and the cushions. The floating beds in the indoor pool had black mould on them and one in particular smelled of mould. The cons didn’t ruin our day, but, we noticed them and other people will too. They need attention because the price for a day spa is high and I do expect everything to be perfect as it has been in the past.

This spa consists of an outdoor jacuzzi, an indoor plunge pool & cold shower, a small steam room and sauna. There is another room but we didn’t pay for that experience. It was £50 each for 3 hours. We had lunch whilst there, as a more limited menu is provided. Points knocked off for tepid Jacuzzi and sauna. A few off the guests we engaged with commented on the fact that neither were hot enough, or as hot as expected. The steam room was the hottest place to be and we had been on a cold hike prior and really wanted to be warm. A private area to change would’ve been nice. I appreciate I had the “small plate” dish of gluten free mushrooms on toast (£8) but gluten free bread is the size of a postage stamp and I had to ask for another piece because even for a sandwich you expect 2 pieces of bread not one. They did bring one but it was too late for my toppings as I’d eaten it in 4 seconds. We didn’t think there was an option of a side order of chips on this menu or I would’ve had it. I would say it all looked clean though to end on a positive! Wouldn’t rule out returning. It’s more like a mini spa experience and I did say we could’ve got a guest pass for a gym that wouldn’t been a similar experience.

The hotel surpassed my expectations. It was clean, well- supplied, good presentation, etc. The first person I met was Olga at the front desk. She was everything you might expect & more. She presents herself with a smile & makes the guest feel welcome. I went downstairs several times to ask her questions and she was always helpful. I'm from Orlando, Florida. I grew up in the largest vacation/customer service culture in the world so I understand quality & professionalism. This young lady has it all. Promote her or at least don't let her get away! Thank you for a very pleasant stay.