Lord Crewe Arms

“Lovely stay”

We stayed for one night in the Ridley suite. It was absolutely gorgeous but there are a couple of things that need attention. Firstly the sofa is very uncomfortable and very deep, as it is a sofa bed there is no coffee table or footstool in front of it, so nowhere to put a drink and nowhere to put … more

We stayed for one night in the Ridley suite. It was absolutely gorgeous but there are a couple of things that need attention. Firstly the sofa is very uncomfortable and very deep, as it is a sofa bed there is no coffee table or footstool in front of it, so nowhere to put a drink and nowhere to put your feet. I really think a footstool on castors would be a good addition then it could be moved if you need to pull out the sofa bed. Also a small fridge would be a good idea as there is no milk supplied with the coffee station. Yes you could ring for some, but if you want a cuppa in bed in the morning that is not really practical. The staff are amazing and couldn't do enough for you, the food was fabulous and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay, but I think theses adjustments could make it truly perfect.

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“Bitter sweet experience”

We visited the Lord Crewe a couple of occasions previously whilst walking my daughter’s dog. We loved the village, the setting and the history behind the old Premonstratensian abbey. Because we always had lunch while accompanied by a dog, we had to sit downstairs, leaving us intrigued about how e… more

We visited the Lord Crewe a couple of occasions previously whilst walking my daughter’s dog. We loved the village, the setting and the history behind the old Premonstratensian abbey. Because we always had lunch while accompanied by a dog, we had to sit downstairs, leaving us intrigued about how experiencing this place “upstairs” might be, so at the first opportunity we had we booked a one night stay, including dinner. When we booked, there was not any other availability than a Cosy room and no possibility to upgrade. We asked for a late check out and the communication with the reception was prompt and efficient and we were told that would be allowed. It is worth mentioning that the reception’s virtual communication remained efficient all through our stay, with us receiving the final bill whilst still having breakfast, on the day of our departure! During the days prior to our arrival, we were really excited about our stay at the Lord Crewe Inn and we were convinced this will be just the perfect away break which we needed before the Christmas rush. When we arrived and walked in the reception area, the receptionist was busy serving another customer. She did not greet or acknowledge us at all and she did not even apologise or invite us to sit while she went to take the other guest to their room. When she came back she was polite and checked us in and took us to our room which unfortunately was in a building opposite the main hotel/ restaurant. At no point when we booked was it made clear that the majority of the rooms are not in the main building. The room we were allocated was on the second floor and, as per its description, was cosy. For whatever reason there was always a noise present (we assumed that from a waste macerator perhaps?). The ventilation in the room was very poor so we had to keep the window open. There was no real view from that room except over the valley between two roofs. Otherwise the room was clean and well equipped and offered a wide selection of teas, coffee and hot chocolate. When we went for dinner there was also a mistake with our booking and we were initially sat in the downstairs area, next to the door. When we asked why we can not be in the restaurant area upstairs they realised that they booked us in as non resident guests and finally they agreed to move us, by which time we were feeling really disappointed and the mood was spoilt. The food was tasty and well prepared and presented in dainty portions. The venison was cooked blue. Luckily I eat very rare meat. The platter of three cheeses (at £17) just included 3 small slices of cheese and the rest of the plate contained some cheese biscuits and relish. The crème brûlée was served at fridge temperature and so were the poached fruits served with it. I found it strange that the poached fruits (obviously wet) were placed on a napkin which was placed on the plate under the creme brûlée pot. I managed to get most of the napkin off the fruit. The service was pleasant but lacking the professionalism expected at a four star hotel. The breakfast was just ordinary. The poached egg was overcooked and the bacon and sausage looked very pale. Just to add salt to our injuries, just after breakfast, while we were having a walk in the village, our car got scratched, we suspect maliciously, just in front of the hotel. At that point we found out from the Reception staff that there were no cameras covering that area. We want to thank Charlie for at least listening to us and seeming to care about what happened. As they say, happiness is equal to reality minus expectations so I am blaming my bitter sweet experience at this place on my high level of hopefulness. The location, the settings and history are creating the illusion of a magical, extra ordinary place whilst the food, accommodation and service are mainly ordinary (however sold at a price sprinkled with a magical touch!).

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“Unique hotel, and so unfortunately was our food.”

A unique hotel, but our meals were a let down. Unfortunately the breakfast porridge was under cooked, and the bacon was tough. At dinner the rib eye steak was full of gristle and of inferior quality. Finally afternoon tea was served with smoked salmon sandwiches and chocolate cakes when the hote… more

A unique hotel, but our meals were a let down. Unfortunately the breakfast porridge was under cooked, and the bacon was tough. At dinner the rib eye steak was full of gristle and of inferior quality. Finally afternoon tea was served with smoked salmon sandwiches and chocolate cakes when the hotel knew we were allergic to both! What a pity it undermined our enjoyment of a special place.

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