Pensthorpe Natural Park

It started badly when, upon entering the room, there was a smell of cigarette smoke. Clearly, the room should have been decommissioned until it could be properly cleaned and fumigated. As the property operates on an automated basis (the key is retrieved from a key safe with a code supplied by email), there was no receptionist on duty. Luckily, we managed to find a helpful cleaner who was still on the premises, who was able to arrange for an alternative room. Although better, the room did not excite; the net curtains were torn and dirty, there were empty soap/shampoo dispensers, the toilet and bathroom ceiling were both stained. However, I would say that the kitchenette was of a good standard. A telephone number and email address are supplied for any issues. However, the telephone is operated by AI and, no matter which selection you make, you are fobbed off by patronising and unhelpful comments, never getting to speak to a real person. Similarly, I sent an email but never received a response. We paid for the room weeks in advance. However, a few days before our stay, we received a demand for £96 deposit, to cover possible damage and theft, refundable on the day of departure. We did not receive notification of repayment until 6 days after we left. Instead of leaving the deposit as “pending” on your account, as is normal, it is fully processed meaning it takes even more time to refund. In short, despite visiting the area on a regularly, we shall not be using Number 10 again.

Ein wunderschönes altes Hotel in bester Lage. Zwei Kritikpunkte: mein Zimmer war ohne Möglichkeit das Fenster zu öffnen. Ausserdem, gegenüber vom Hotel ist ein Lokal, das an Freitag und Samstag offenbar Livemusik anbietet und das enorm laut. Als Frühaufsteher würde ich das Hotel daher leider am Wochenende meiden. Ansonsten habe ich mich dort sehr wohl gefühlt.