Bovey Castle Reviews 19

I was really disappointed with the general quality of our room for the money we paid and while the service was, in some ways acceptable, the welcome and general feel of the hotel did not say 'luxury. On arrival the reception staff were not overly attentive and the lad who showed us to our room, via the tropically heated rear stairwell, did not offer to carry out small bag. The room itself was generally shoddy with a torn curtain, broken window slat, grubby and damaged table lamp and a general feel of being uncared for. The kettle, bizarrely, was inside a cupboard which itself had the door panels hanging off. The shower was mouldy round the edges and not particularly powerful, as my wife said 'everything just missed the mark really'.
I've stayed at other top class hotels, The Royal Crescent at Bath for example and Bovey could learn a lot from their attention to detail, level of service and general attitude to their customers.
Even more disappointingly, when asked by Bovey Castle to review my stay i highlighted the issues identified here and received no response from them.

Really disappointing stay, would not recommend or return. We booked this thinking it was going to be a luxury lodge stay - however, it was far from it.

Our lodge was shoddy, grubby and in need of refurbishing and a deep clean. It was advertised as all 3 bedrooms having en suite’s - however one “en suite” had no shower, which is not convenient when 5 adults and 1 baby are sharing.

The master bedroom’s en suite cold water tap was not working, meaning we couldn’t clean our teeth or wash our hands in there. The shower door in the master en suite also did not close properly, so the bathroom flooded each time you used it. The shower in the downstairs en suite also had black mould!

We also ordered an Easter cake to be delivered to our lodge as an Easter treat - however this didn’t arrive until we chased twice, despite already paying £45!

What was even more disappointing was the fact every time you asked staff for basic things (like ordering a drink at breakfast) you are met with attitude and resistance as if everything is too much effort. We ordered an iced coffee at breakfast and was told “I don’t know how long that will be, you might be waiting a while” but they served a hot latte minutes later without a fuss?

I booked an 85 minute massage which was lovely - however, it was definitely not the full 85 minutes by the time they completed a consultation, talked me through the treatment, prepared the oils, talked through the recovery process etc. It was a glorified 60 minute massage.

The swimming pool changing rooms were worse than my local leisure centre and also had no baby changing facilities. The pool was cold, dark and uninviting.

The food at Smith’s was simply not acceptable. The pizza we ordered was quite literally a frozen pizza which had been heated up and cost £22! The staff in here were also abrupt and unaccommodating - we stated we had a baby/buggy when booking and yet we were met with resistance and difficulty when we placed the buggy at the end of our table.

Overall a really bog standard stay which is a shame as the grounds/views are exceptional. They really let themselves down with poor service and facilities which are in need of upgrading.

I've been here probably about 10 times over the last three years. It's a stunning venue, staff are super helpful from the moment you arrive, 5* service. Lovely food. I have stayed in the lodges which are currently being refurbed, but are nice even without the refurb in my opinion. Pool is warm and clean.
I can't understand why there are so many complaints here - maybe speak to the staff onsite rather than leaving grumpy reviews? We had one issue with food delivered to the lodge and they were really responsive in resolving the issue.

Booked a festive afternoon tea, a special occasion to celebrate my wife retiring. We requested the vegetarian option for sandwiches. The pictures on the website showed images of the tea being served in front of the fire in the lounges. Two days before we get a message to say we won't be in a lounge, we'll be in the grill room instead, to leave the lounges free for all guests to enjoy. This was very disappointing as this room was just a bog standard restaurant with zero atmosphere.
The sandwiches were awful. one lettuce and tomato, which was completely tasteless - really? Can't a chef come up with something better that's vegetarian! Then a cheese and cucumber and an egg - hardly any filling at all. We were charged the same price as the non vegetarian version . Quite shameful, To add insult - on our way out we passed two lounges and in there were people having - yes, the afternoon tea! Obviously residents who were more important than us who were only spending a mere £100. Unfortunately my wife wouldn't allow me to complain at the time as she didn't want the occasion spoilt anymore for her. We certainly won't be returning.

Golf morning followed by a drink and sandwiches.
Beware cost of drinks £19.50 for a gin and tonic.
But sandwiches very poor beef was tough and egg mayo was dry and sparse, even bread was poor.
Won’t be going back

Very disappointing spa, the pool was cold and the Jacuzzi is the same water as the pool so also cold. For the price the facilities really weren't good enough.

A beautiful building, in idyllic surroundings. Overpriced desserts, beware the cost of drinks, coffee is bitter, some of the worst I've had, suggest change the blend or further barista training required.

The dining experience at Bovey Castle is as enchanting as the castle itself. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with a refined yet relaxed ambiance that perfectly complements the historic setting.

The service is impeccable—attentive without being intrusive. As for the food, there’s a wonderful variety of choices, whether you’re after a light, flavourful lunch or a more indulgent dinner.

It's not just a meal- it's an experience that feels personal, inviting and special.

We arrived over Halloween and spent three days at Bovey Castle, this was our third visit.

Our room was on the ground floor, and overlooked the beautiful grounds, even though the car park was in front, with the obligatory Range Rover's, S Class, Mercedes, Lexus etc !!
Beautiful ensuite room with lots of room and extras including still in sparkling water, popcorn, a selection of tea and coffees and because it was my birthday, a birthday cake.

We ate at the hotel for the three days, this is where the hotel let's itself down, the dinners and wine are incredibly expensive. On the first and second nights, the food was microwaved, and also kept in the kitchen so it came out barely warm.
The staff do not top up your wine, which was not such a big deal to me, but to others it may be.

On one of the evening of Halloween we went to a cider tasting and talk about bats, and a very interesting chat about the stars and solar system.

My partner also went Clay pigeon shooting for the two days.

Overall a very relaxing stay at the castle.

Rather than produce sandwich fillings that nobody really wants, why not give the customer a choice of either arty farty fillings or decent normal fillings.
I consider myself normal I didn’t like the posh nosh on offer I would have preferred a sausage roll or cheese sandwich or egg & cress sandwich. The scones and jam & cream were nice but the cakes weren’t. No complaints about the staff or surroundings but I won’t be rushing back at £45 a head.

Perfect and fantastic. What more can I I say. Brilliant absolutely worth every cent. Staff lovely, rooms amazing, food fabulous. Totally loved the stay. Thank you.

Visited for a spa afternoon and decided to have lunch beforehand in the brasserie. Food was ok, didn’t get asked how our meal was until right at the end and wasn’t offered water either for the table. We didn’t have anything fancy, just a burger and a pasta dish. Right at the end my husband bit down on what he thought was ham, it was a hard bone. Told the waiter, his response oh sorry would you like to see the pudding menu.
Spa facilities ok, pool/whirlpool cold and steam room has no steam at all. Bonus it was really quiet. Went for my massage, which was a 25minute treatment. Appointment at 14.00pm, I didn’t get in the room till 14.03pm and when it finished, it was 14.22pm. So in total 19minutes. I queried this at the desk, she said 25mins includes consultation and aftercare. Consultation? Me filling out a form in my own time? Aftercare? Giving a leaflet of the products they use and handing me a paper cup of water, which I can get myself from reception area. Can also hear the lady on reception on phone calling customers quite loud. So not relaxing.
I said thank you on way out to lady on reception and know acknowledgement was given.
Myself and my husband have visited a lot of 5 star hotels, so we know what to expect unfortunately the staff have let down our visit today. The only good thing is the interior and exterior. The grounds and views are amazing. For the price we paid for the spa facilities and massage, it was definitely not worth it and I would rate this experience 3 star on the edge of a 4, as we certainly did not get 5 star treatment.

AFTERNOON TEA: Bovey Castle never fails to impress. I adore the afternoon tea which was particularly lovely this time. We moved out to the terrace afterwards for a couple of hours just taking in the exquisite location and the peacefulness. Staff are very efficient without being over the top. Valet parking sets the standard. I am however always amazed at what some people feel is appropriate dressing for afternoon tea. Jeans, trainers and a T shirt……..

Was bought a gift for Christmas for an afternoon tea. What can I say..... But what an absolutely fantastic experience from start to finish.
Cannot fault anything or anyone.
Highly recommended 5 stars ++++

We have just returned from a 2 night stay at Bovey Castle. As previously mentioned the staff are welcoming, friendly, helpful and very smartly dressed. Our bedroom and bathroom both comfortable and immaculate, and the sitting rooms and bar were maintained to a similar level and just lovely - especially with the open fires and Christmas decorations. We'd planned to play golf, but sadly rain stopped play. However, we have played there a couple of times before, and its a lovely course - although I find the first 9 are deceptively challenging!

Lunch in the brasserie very disappointing. Not what you expect from this type of establishment or based on previous experience eighteen months ago when the menu and food was fantastic. Yesterday’s offering was uninspired and extremely disappointing. What has happened? £20 for an awful pizza, starters, pasta, all unexceptional.

We stayed two nights with our grown up sons at Bovey Castle and had all an amazing experience : beautifully decorated and very warm bedrooms, stunning beds, very considerate and helpful staff and despite all the negative comments of the past, the food in the brasserie was excellent with lots of choice for all tastes and diets. on top It is located in a wonderful part of Dartmoor with extensive walks. The swimming pool is a real plus. The staff was more than helpful, considerate and attentive.

We spent a weekend here after winning it in competition at work. The place is lovely very beautiful and peaceful. I wouldn't have spent that much of my own money to stay there though. The room was very clean and well presented. The only real complaint I would have is that when you didn't want something no one listened. I asked for fried egg for breakfast and they still brought scrambled out. We didn't want turn down service, bit they still did it. I just think for £600 per night they need to listen a but more. Other than that the stay was lovely

We made the detour to 'Bovey Castle' on our return to South Kensington, after a wonderful staycation in Salcombe.

On arrival we were greeted by a terribly smart looking chap, all countrified and resplendent in his tweeds; what a fabulous welcome and the start of a perfect experience.

It's such a beautiful hotel, and the staff were all just lovely. Our lunch was had in the very smart dining room, the food absolutely delicious. We then took coffee in a reception room, so grand, we could have stayed there hours; Downton fantasy come to life.

We have plans to stay nearer Christmas, as that we were told, is when "the Castle" is at it's best, complete with a 30foot Christmas tree!