Well, I'm not one for reading too many reviews (there are some very fussy people out there of course) so pitched up here for two nights while visiting the New Forest and Poulton's Park. It's about 30 minutes from the park but as it does not open until 10 we thought it was worth while. Oh, I'm very glad we did!

The room was clean, plenty of space for clothes, bags (and children!), the wifi was free and fast compared to other hotels. As there was a long wait for dinner due to covid, we were asked if we would like room service so we had that delivered to the room - excellent idea. Did not eat dinner in the restaurant, too pricey for me personally but the menu looked great.

The swimming pool we had to book a slot in the afternoon, but not in the morning - very clean, organised well with covid (one way in and out etc) and refreshing pool.

Breakfasts - no self service, but we asked for things like toast, yoghurts, cereal several times and staff were efficient and careful with masks etc. Cooked breakfast was very nice and filling! The Bristol Room by the way, wow what a lovely room with some fine artwork.

Lovely grounds too, the treehouse (closed sadly), cricket pitch, woodlands with plentiful bird life. Very relaxing. Overall a great stop off, very clean and covid aware, and offered us everything we needed.

Finally, if I could award service 6 stars, I would. ALL the staff were kind, chatty, polite and helpful, even told me about the history, paintings etc. Thanks!

Read all the reviews before visiting. Had a great stay. Read about the basic rooms. They have everything we needed good bed ,clean bathroom , tea and coffee (bottle of water might have been good but hey the water from the tap is drinkable) Noted complaints about lack of drawers! There are shelves in the wardrobe!! Would say though a shelf in the bathroom would be good but made do with the shower chair. Breakfast now served in dining room couldn’t really complain perfect poached eggs black pudding also added on Sunday. Toast was soggy (Minor point)think they probably stack them rather than standing after toasting was able to ask for jam. Had noted comment about small portions for dinner after 3 courses absolutely full so no complaints there. Also noted several comments about tough steaks(did avoid) but think the problem may not be the meat as it would mean even the broccoli is tough I would suggest it’s the cutlery is very blunt . Had no problems with either the pork or chicken when eating but cutting was difficult. We had booked with Great little escapes £9 dearer than secret escapes but includes 3 courses and a lovely bottle of Prosecco. Hotel VERY Covid aware could suggest some seats under the outside waiting area for reception as can be a long wait but may not be permissible. Had booked for our wedding anniversary was presented with a special plate at dinner. For me was a little disappointed though on the night not very romantic as put in the brighter room with piped pop music for me it wasn’t at all romantic when the hotel sells itself as a romantic get away. However we didn’t pay 4/5* prices we paid Gt little escape/Secret escape prices therefore have to balance this with value for money and would still recommend a stay. Noted complaints about getting wet going to dinning room hey that’s what researching before hand prevents , took a brolly. I didn’t like the bar for me it’s just brown no colour some modern out of place lights. Just had new painting a brown portrait , has beige curtains , beige furniture. lights over the paintings rather than on the ceiling would give some ambience Didn’t feel cosy/welcoming but that’s my opinion My husband didn’t agree. It was clean. However service very pleasant. Forgot to mention as no checkout due to Covid that shower heads could do with some attention although working the rain shower only worked through some holes and the lower shower head leaked out from the join. Would go again though.