Chewton Glen Avis 16

We had a wonderful stay at Chewton Glen and a fantastic evening in James Martin's "The Kitchen" to celebrate my wife’s 60th birthday, along with my cousin and his wife’s 12th wedding anniversary.
The food was beautifully presented and absolutely delicious, and the wine was excellent. Tim, who looked after us in the restaurant, was friendly, attentive, and couldn’t have been more helpful.
Our time at the hotel was just as impressive. The staff were warm, welcoming, and genuinely eager to make our stay special, with some lovely personal touches throughout. A special mention to Kristie Couzens, the Front of House Manager, whose professionalism and kindness really stood out.
Our room was fantastic, the bed extremely comfortable, and the whole experience felt relaxed and luxurious from start to finish.
A memorable stay and a perfect place for a special celebration.

“We had a delightful afternoon tea at Chewton Glen Hotel, and our host, Ami, made the experience truly memorable. Ami’s warm hospitality and attention to detail really elevated the entire experience. Highly recommended!”

This was our second visit to Chewton Glen, so my comments are based on both past and recent experiences. We previously stayed in the summer peak season, and this time we visited in autumn (October).

Firstly, a note for anyone booking …while Hotels.com or Booking.com may state “pay at hotel,” Chewton Glen’s policy is to take at least a one-night deposit in advance, which was also the case when we booked directly for our two-night stay last year. Understandable, but worth being aware of.

So we returned because the hotel has such a homely feel, more like a welcoming country house than a grand hotel with soft carpets in the hallways and both times, we were using CG as a base (in essence a luxury New Forest B&B), as we had family and friends to see locally.

We arrived around 4:30 p.m. with luggage, and while it was a little surprising that no one was there to greet or assist at the doors across the cobbled courtyard, check-in was smooth. On arrival to our room, we found a lovely birthday card and half bottle of champagne on ice, such a thoughtful touch that was genuinely appreciated. The porter also kindly declined a tip, explaining that service is already included and covered by the hotel’s discretionary 5% service charge shared among staff.

Our Garden Room was just as we remembered from last year, although now a touch tired, stained bedding, carpets and curtains but we were persuaded Front of House Manager on departure, but I must commend Jane for great customer service on the front desk.

We did find the Garden Room rather cold, with only one small radiator hidden behind the curtains impossible to adjust temperature. Understandably, it’s autumn, and at home we already have heating on mornings and evenings, so it felt chilly. The water pressure in the shower was also weaker than we’d expect from a five-star property.

For dinner, we chose to eat off-site at Barton-on-Sea, mainly because the Chewton Glen menus lacked variety for vegetarians. While the Dining Room offers a vegetarian tasting menu, it felt uninspiring, and “The Kitchen” mostly offers pizza and one other vegetarian option. For anyone staying, I’d recommend checking menus in advance.

Breakfast the next morning was, unfortunately, where the biggest changes were noticeable. We were told breakfast ran until 10:30 a.m. at weekends and arrived at 9:45, only to find guests queuing with no host on the door (as we then quickly remembered from last year!). We seated ourselves in the Atrium and requested a table be laid.

Previously, breakfast was a highlight an excellent hot and cold buffet with the best scrambled eggs I’d told many friends and clients about over the past year. However, since the Dining Room refurbishment, it’s now cold buffet only, and it felt sparse, with no replenishment of items such as butter, margarine, or juice. The few glasses available were unclean, and staff seemed to ignore the area, usually in a 5 star you see presence of a kitchen chef / staff checking everything is just so.

We ordered à la carte, but the food arrived cold, and the toast was overcooked and brittle. Tables were slow to be cleared, and overall the breakfast experience simply didn’t reflect the high standards we’ve come to associate with CG. On our second morning, we skipped breakfast altogether and checked out instead!

It’s clear some cost-cutting measures have been introduced, but they may have gone a step too far and I hope management reconsiders this, as breakfast used to be exceptional.

Last year there were issues with egg shell on my poached eggs served via À la carte menu, & tables not being cleared & lack of offer of more tea & coffee, so some repetitive issues are not being addressed.

On checkout, we were kindly asked if we’d like the car brought over (a thoughtful touch, and a first for us). Jane, who checked us out, was wonderful she offered us fudge and water for the journey and warmly encouraged us to share our feedback.

Overall, Chewton Glen remains a beautiful property with caring, professional front-of-house staff and a special charm that keeps guests coming back. However, the breakfast experience and housekeeping standards need some renewed attention to maintain the five-star reputation this hotel so rightly deserves.

Their very strict rules on using gift vouchers meant that I was only able to enjoy 2 hours of the facilities during the spa day, the lunch was average but not a great choice if dairy free and I missed out on my massage and an afternoon there due to my breastfed baby needing me. Waste of money and wouldn’t return after this experience.

We booked two nights in a Treehouse lodge and pre arranged celebration decor for my son's birthday at a charge.
Arrival was efficient and we were quickly guided to our lodge with dedicated parking outside and a golf cart taking our luggage in for our arrival. The lodges are wonderful, private and isolated. Spacious, clean and with a seperate bedroom and futon style beds for the kids in the main room.
We were greeted with chocolates, cakes, hand written cards, books with personal notes for the children, fruit and Lauren-Perrier champagne which were lovely touches. It's a beautiful set up with private hot tub and log fire. We went in January so it was ideal. The beach is a walk away through the grounds where we found games and football table. The beach was clean but being January was quite empty, the local area seemed empty with nothing in particular to see but very easy to get around. The hotel itself is quite dated and may suit an older crowd so we stayed mainly in the lodge and went to eat out locally and sampled the bar. Breakfast was included both in the restaurant and with a very adorable (very large) hamper which is delivered each morning through the hatch. It was full and more than enough for 4 with fresh pastries, fruit, milk, meat etc. Just out of curiosity with tried breakfast in the main hotel too which was wonderful. It is very expensive, we paid around £1,300 for 2 nights, but for a getaway it was perfect. We couldn't fault anything. We pre booked to use the pool which has seperate areas with a jacuzzi, sauna etc. It was large, clean and felt like we had private use apart from 2 other families. The staff here were very friendly.
The hotel do place a service charge on absolutely everything which i didnt realise until back home, including the turn down service but once I notified them, they quickly removed and reimbursed me where requested. It's perfect for some privacy and time away to celebrate special occasions. Would definitely recommend a visit to the Treehouse lodges.

What a fabulous hotel! My husband, daughter and Granddaughter were at the hotel for afternoon tea yesterday to celebrate our 50th Wedding Anniversary. Everything was perfect. The sandwiches, the cakes the scones all fresh and a beautiful selection.
Most of all the staff were all very attentive.
A lovely experience! Thank you!

Easily the best hotel in the UK - never disappointed when we stay here!

We went for cream tea at £46 pp to celebrate a birthday, we expected it to be exceptionally good, we were sadly disappointed.
The hotel was very busy due to half term which may explain the quality of the service, which was not what we expect of a 5 star hotel. The staff were very pleasant and charming but not to be found when we needed them.
The meal started beautifully with a really delicious amuse bouche but the sandwiches were a bit dry and thin on the ground, the cakes were very nice and the scones were not too bad.
We had very nice tea but the hot water for the second cup was very slow in coming.
We had been for their cream tea before lockdown, which also was not exceptional. There are local hotels which do a better treat.

Nestled amidst the serene landscapes of the UK lies a true gem of hospitality and luxury: Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa. From the moment you step foot onto the property, you are enveloped in an atmosphere of refinement, relaxation, and sheer indulgence.

My experience at Chewton Glen was nothing short of extraordinary. From the impeccable service to the lavish amenities, every aspect exceeded my highest expectations. This is not merely a hotel; it is an experience tailored to elevate your senses and soothe your soul.

The first thing that struck me was the unparalleled level of quality in every detail. The rooms are elegantly appointed, offering a perfect blend of comfort and sophistication. Whether you're unwinding in the plush bedding or gazing out at the picturesque surroundings, every moment feels like a luxurious escape.

The highlight of my stay, however, was undoubtedly the spa experience. The jet pool spa is a sanctuary of tranquility, where stress melts away and relaxation takes center stage. It's truly a haven for rejuvenation, and I found myself utterly captivated by its allure. I can confidently say that Chewton Glen's spa is second to none, offering a retreat unlike any other.

But what truly sets Chewton Glen apart is its exceptional staff. From Corey to Tom to Adam, each member of the team exudes professionalism and warmth. They are not merely staff; they are ambassadors of hospitality, ensuring that every guest feels welcomed and cherished. Their attention to detail and commitment to excellence are truly commendable, and they play an integral role in making Chewton Glen feel like a home away from home.

I cannot praise Chewton Glen enough. It's a place where high-class luxury meets genuine warmth, where every moment is infused with joy and relaxation. Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat or a fun-filled weekend escape, Chewton Glen delivers on every front. I've visited in all seasons, and each time has been nothing short of magical.

So, if you're looking for an unforgettable experience in the UK, look no further than Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa. Don't hesitate—book your stay today and embark on a journey of indulgence and bliss. You won't regret it. J & Eva

Attended wreath and table decoration workshop. The venue is gorgeous and the staff attentive. Unlike previous years, the workshop lacked inspiration, the results were pretty average and the table decoration cannot be used as a table centre piece (too tall and boring in its plastic pot).
The lunch was even more average with an exquisite mince pie saving the day.
An OK experience more akin to a local village hall fayre than a luxury brand and definitely not worth the money.

Lovely short stay with my son, the staff like always were very helpful and friendly.
We also had an afternoon tea, great value for money with a great choice.
The spa staff were also friendly and helpful.
Well worth the money

We had a lovely evening at CG at the Born Free Event and was greeted by friendly staff offering us champagne and canapés which was delicious. The event itself was great and the string instrument classical music was the best we had ever heard. The staff was warm and welcoming 🙏 and we enjoyed our overall stay. Only a slight thing which is being resolved and we will be back next time to stay at the hotel and use the spa. It's a shame James wasn't there to put the polish on an almost perfect evening...x

We bought our Daughter and Partner a voucher for 2 Afternoon Teas last September , valid for one year . Three categories , we bought the most expensive . Today upon arrival they were told prices had gone up so they could only have the one below the previous level .
Not honouring a voucher tells everybody what to expect from this establishment - poor morals and low standards .

Lovely hotel, worth every penny!

I’ve been a guest of this magnificent address for over 35 years celebrating family events, enjoying their cuisine in the hotel and their recently opened James Martin Restaurant.

The staff are always amazing and the experience second to none.

Booked lunch at 'the kitchen' Chewton Glen left after 20 minutes. No food order taken and at least 4 tables waiting for food. Appears to be short staffed. Hot food waiting on counter to be taken to the tables Only two servers we could see so estimated our food after ordering it would be a long wait. Very disappointed