Carden Park Hotel - Cheshire's Country Estate Reviews 

Great bar service by Alex

My husband and I recently visited Carden Park to celebrate my 40th birthday, a special occasion that he had carefully planned. While our overall stay had many positive moments, particularly our wonderful afternoon at the spa, I regret to say that our experience at The Vines Restaurant was deeply disappointing.

We had eagerly anticipated our dinner, especially the 8-course tasting menu with wine pairings, as we both enjoy fine dining on special occasions. However, the experience fell far short of our expectations for several reasons:

1. Misleading Menu Descriptions: We were quite surprised to discover that a slice of bread and butter and the chef's snacks were counted as part of the "8 courses." In our experience with other fine dining establishments, these items are typically considered accompaniments and not part of the main course count.

2. Inadequate Wine Pairings: We opted for the wine flight expecting a pairing with each course, as is customary. Unfortunately, we received significantly fewer wine pairings than the number of courses. The wines that were provided often did not complement the dishes, and two of the wines were unpalatable to the point that I left them untouched.

3. Confusing Dessert Options: When it came to dessert, we found the options confusing. Both desserts were listed on the menu, yet we were told we could only choose one or pay extra for the second. Additionally, the wine pairing for the dessert was incorrect, further detracting from the experience.

4. Value for Money: For an 8-course taster menu with wine pairings, we expected a full and cohesive dining experience. Instead, we received only 4 small glasses of wine for £85 each and a menu that, by our estimation, was closer to 4 courses for £95 each. This left us feeling that the experience was not worth the price paid.

On a positive note, the staff were lovely and attentive, and the complimentary birthday chocolates in our room were a thoughtful touch. However, the disappointing dining experience at The Vines cast a shadow over what was otherwise a lovely stay.

I love this place. It is a sanctuary from the madness that exists beyond its grounds.
Although I have never stayed ( I live close by ), it is a great escape for a meal, a drink etc and a game of golf if that's your thing.
The grounds are glorious, the spa outstanding and if I had the resources I would move in.

Overpriced and over rated.
My wife and I stayed overnight on friday 16th feb. We had b and b via a voucher as a present from my brother in law. Room was hot with no A.C. and no view.
We went and used the leisure facilities. The pool was rammed with kids. So so noisy. Even though there is signs saying no children under 16 to use the jacuzzi , there were kids under age using it. Hotel.was very very busy. Full of families and lots of them wearing shorts. sports gear and generally dressed very casual. We originally booked the Redmond for dinner, but after seeing how many people were staying we changed to fine dining at the vines. This was superb and more like what we expected. Food was amazing as was the service.
Had breakfast in morning at the Redmond. Again, rammed with families with kids! Buffet breakfast which was good.
Overall this hotel is NOT exclusive and definitely overpriced (.£190 for one night) drinks in bar are very expensive too. Would not recommend here and would never book here again. Like being at the zoo! Roy and Debbie from Runcorn in Cheshire

The hotel was far too warm, I get it was cold outside but the hotel was unbearable with the heating on full, our room was the same we had to sleep with the patio door open as even though their was a dial on the radiator it did not work and the radiator was on full throughout our entire stay, the spa was nice but again unbearably hot, everyone was complaining in the restaurant, also the outside garden area could be better lit, it was a health and safety nightmare, steel hot tubs which made the stairs slippy when getting out and the pods weren’t well lit which resulted in my husband banging his head, which ruined our evening as he felt unwell. Didn’t stay for breakfast as it was warm in the hotel and a queue a mile long, overall for over £500 for a one night stay quite disappointed at our entire experience.

After contacting the reception after leaving the hotel I was made aware over the phone that via the CCTV system in the hotel they also record audio at numerous locations around the hotel including the reception. I asked if the audio was recording all of the time and a manager confirmed it was. So in essence private conversations are being recorded throughout the hotel which is contrary to the guidance set out by the Information Commissioners Office which states in relation to audio recording using surveillance equipment "You should not usually use surveillance systems to directly record conversations between members of the public. This is highly intrusive and unlikely to be justifiable in most circumstances". So please be aware that your private conversations may not be so private!

Had a 3 night stay over Christmas 2023.
Overall everything we hoped for. Service exceptional. Food very good. Accommodation over looking sculpture park 2 double beds pricey but worth it.

Would suggest making a conference room available to families especially on Christmas night as there were no quiet spaces for adults only. Sorry to be bah humbug.
The doors need to be soft close especially with families around and in and out of each others rooms until 2pm.

However in the interest of balance it was a fab experience and thank you to the team for the efforts.

The reservations team are a nightmare!!
Being the first point of contact guests have to this company, you’d expect at bare minimal professionalism and enthusiasm. Sadly, the booking team lack both. The sub-standard level of customer service and excruciatingly poor attitudes makes this spa extremely off-putting just from that initial correspondence. This team in-particular lacks integrity and certainly do not all ‘sing from the same hymn sheet’. Different staff have very different knowledge as to what is available or not and what treatments are doable or not.
The communication amongst themselves is non-existent or diabolically poor like playground chatter, and when communicating to potential customers they are not forthcoming with the truth. Naturally causing unnecessary confusion, issues, stress and lack of trust in the establishment as a whole.

Asking to speak to management, you face the predictable obstructive responses. Until it is made very clear how unsatisfactory the service is and a formal complaint would be issued should I not speak to management. Suddenly and miraculously managers finished their lunches (15:15 in the afternoon) just at that time and were available, wanting to ‘solve’ the issue themselves yet speaking over you in doing so.

The hotel general manager is extremely helpful and seems to be solution driven. Unfortunately, however, he relies on less motivated, competent and honest individuals to ie) manage bookings etc. So despite himself deflating a situation and pushing for solution, you’re then faced with staff less forthcoming with the truth to aide in booking. Rendering you back to square one.
Something none of the staff seemed to grasp.

My experience alone with the reservations team made the company appear utterly incompetent and untrustworthy. I don’t expect to be fibbed to by staff when attempting to book a simple spa day, nor when I highlight a lack of transparency (to put it politely) in saying “you just said___”, to receive further lies in a bid to amend the first. After this, the general manager to then called with a totally different version of events… Utterly ridiculous! And reminiscent of a circus act!
You either want custom or you don’t!

-This is an establishment that is supposed to be a ‘safe space’ for attendees to relax and destress from everyday life (and the reservation team) yet the booking staff make it seem anything but!

Resolution: I google searched top spa’s in the area and had much more pleasant telephone correspondence with those staff and teams. Naturally I will be taking my custom there.

I provided feedback, that seemed to merely be dismissed, so I doubt they will learn and grow from the experience. Typical of those lacking integrity to also fail to acknowledge their short fallings.

Personally I wouldn’t bother attending. Especially reading reviews now about the standards within.
-> Find somewhere that has integrity and puts their customers first at the very least.

I recently had a disappointing experience at this hotel, which I found to be severely overpriced for the quality it offered. Upon entering our room, it became evident that cleanliness and maintenance were not a priority. Coffee splatters adorned the ceiling, while hairs on the bed left us questioning the room's hygiene. The moldy curtain nets and the state of the bathroom only added to our dismay.

With a hefty price tag of £229 for the room and an additional £200 for the spa experience, we had expected a level of quality that was sorely lacking. In fact, we chose to forgo the spa altogether, opting to leave the premises and secure a refund for the room. It's worth noting that the reception staff were apologetic and courteous, but their efforts couldn't make up for the room's deficiencies.

A suggested room upgrade to a suite didn't hold much promise either, as it exhibited the same issues we encountered in the initial room. Consequently, we declined the upgrade and proceeded to obtain a refund. Our disappointment extended to the bar area, where an unpleasant odor hung in the air and food debris littered the floor.

In summary, this hotel fell far short of our expectations, given the exorbitant price we paid. While the staff's professionalism was commendable, the dire condition of the rooms and the overall cleanliness of the establishment indicate a pressing need for a thorough refurbishment. Until such improvements are made, I would caution against booking a stay here, especially if you seek a truly enjoyable and hygienic experience.

I recently had the opportunity to stay at Carden Park to celebrate the sale of my PR company, coinciding with our anniversary. Unfortunately, our experience did not meet our expectations, and actually left me in tears.

Upon arriving at our Gourmet dinner in The Vines, after an afternoon in the spa, we encountered some challenges. Despite sitting quietly and looking at the menu, we were loudly informed by the staff that they were unable to serve us any wine due to concerns about our level of intoxication, which they perceived after we had enjoyed champagne in the spa. This led to a highly embarrassing situation in front of other guests, and the other diners staring at us, forcing us to leave.

It would have been more professional if the staff had handled the situation more discreetly, perhaps by offering us a more private dining area or suggesting a break from alcohol until after we had eaten, considering our long day in the sun. They could have explained their legal obligations as licensees and found a solution that would have accommodated us without causing embarrassment or ruining our special occasion.

Alternatively, they could have suggested a later dinner time or explored other options to demonstrate consideration and cooperation. At the very least, I would have appreciated a level of care and empathy. We were informed that there was no food served in the downstairs area at the spa, so we were desperate to eat having been there from 3pm to 6pm with no sustenance.

Throughout the evening, we encountered further challenges. Although there were other patrons who appeared more intoxicated than us after a day on the golf course, we were flagged by the staff outside the bar. Our friends were not permitted to purchase drinks for us, which seemed inconsistent and unfair. The lack of consistency in enforcing their policies was frustrating and contributed to our disappointment. Additionally, the bar staff whispered and pointed at us, despite our quiet behavior in the sofa area.

Furthermore, when we attempted to order room service after being forced to leave the dining room, we were informed that it was not available during the night. This came as a surprise and left us feeling hungry as we retired for the night. Despite our significant expenditure, including £600 for the experience and an additional £500 on alcohol (which was gladly accepted at the time), we only received a partial refund of £180.

In addition, the stairwell leading to our room was unclean, with bird droppings, which was unpleasant. Our room overlooked a digger and a building site.

The treatment we received at Carden Park was disappointing and left us feeling embarrassed. We have never encountered such poor treatment or felt so unwelcome in any establishment before. The overall experience fell far short of our expectations, and it is disheartening to witness such a lack of professionalism and hospitality. Moreover, our special occasion was marred, as selling a business is not an everyday occurrence.

Considering this mortifying experience, we expressed our request for a full refund, considering the substantial investment we made. However, we only received a partial refund. It is my hope that Carden Park takes these matters seriously and endeavors to enhance their customer service and cleanliness standards. Future guests should not have to endure the embarrassment and subpar treatment that we experienced during our stay.

What i want from a spa is to relax & have a few treatments & unfortunately you can't do this here without booking one of their packages including food or overnight stay....which means it's all a bit rushed & pricey, or having to eat quickly to attend THE treatment on time....all a bit to conveyer belt booking for me & overpriced..... unfortunately, not the place to go if you're just after the spa 😔

The Carden Park Spa is the Jewel in the crown of the Hotel
It is a stunning to look at , and the staff try there best
But careful when entering outside jacuzzi , very very slippery ..

The issue is the management. Which is appalling ..my wife has been a member of this place for 18 years , paying every year
The level of mistrust is unforgivable ..and to add insult to injury we were total lies regarding refunds ...even though we question it at the time and given total verbal assurance
The good day ruined by poor management. I will not be going again

I went with 3 other friends for a day’s spa. We were extremely disappointed with the arrival refreshments, also very poor lunch menu option. £230++ day spa, inclusive of a 50 mins treatment, we only got a few leaves on my Caesar salad. Had to pay £8 for a salmon to be included into my salad and another £8 for a tiny portion of sweet potatoes fries. Even had to pay for a cup of tea! We thought it was a joke!!! Not funny!
The massage quality was poor. Not very experienced and seems to be more keen in trying to sell the spa products. Would we go back again?? NO!! There are many other spas that provide better quality of service and are better value for money too. It’s a shame to see such a nice spa run itself down in this way.

Fantastic service - Whilst they do not smother you as some hotel staff tend to do, they are attentive and can't do enough to make your stay special. Great service at a great hotel.. Definite return trip on the agenda..!

This has been my favourite place for a few years but I’m sorry to say it getting far too expensive. Today we had half day thermal spa experience which included brunch and a glass of water but had to pay for coffee or a drink which I though was rather disappointing I thought that at least a drink could be included !! Sad times and goodbye carden park

absolute shambles
booked in for family wedding 7 weeks ago and could only book for one night, wanted two due to golf with the groom and others, and spa day with the bride. was told to call back after new year, called today only to be told that all rooms are fully booked up. how disappointing that this has been allowed to happen for a wedding that has been booked for two years. we go every year for golf and spa but will never use this place again

Just got back from a two night stay including a half day and treatment at the spa.
Positives first
Friendly welcome and very clean tidy room
Food very good and served in a good time
The Spa at Carden is a must as a 45 year old male never been to a Spa in my life and was nervous and unsure on what to expect but the staff and facilities are top class. Had a magical treatment from Charlie (Charlotte) who made me feel at ease and would with out hesitation go again!

Here's for the not so good part.
On leaving the restaurant on the second night having taken two steps from the table what I presume to be some sort of manager or senior staff ( I wouldn't know as he didn't introduce himself) proceded to lecture me and my wife whilst walking that we should be wearing a face mask as this was now law before carrying on walking past us before we had chance to respond.
We were taken aback by the rudeness of the way he seemed to seek us out to tell us this not request or actually stop us to inform us properly more of a I can't be bothered to speak to you properly so I will ramble at you as you walk past me.
On leaving the restaurant rather shocked still we meet numerous guests and staff that were not wearing masks and nothing seemed to be said to them.
On leaving Saturday morning again guests checking out interacting with staff and not one comment made about masks. Whilst we have no problem with the wearing of masks if required we felt very much singled out and spoken to in a manner we do not expect by anyone let alone by someone somewhere we paid very heavily to be.
Apart from this very rude man all staff were fabulous,although it may seem petty I don't we shall return

Should have been great but left disappointed. Plagued by technical problems, spurious fire alarms whilst in the pool on day 1and short power outage. Another outage on day 2 whilst in the gym that lasted around 3 hours. No coffee or hot breakfast and had to shower and pack in a dark room. (Luke warm shower due to defective temperature safety lock.)

Lovely grounds, decent hotel building and bedroom. Very good facilities, indoor pool with jacuzzi, sauna and steam room, well appointed gym. Wasn’t able to book into the spa but it looks amazing. Tried Vertigo and archery activities with my daughter, these were fun and well run. Staff were friendly and dinner service was good, food was also good at dinner and at lunch.

Considering we’d paid £1000 to stay over in the Bollinger suite for one night, plus lunch and our evening, we are currently sat in the restaurant feeling very underwhelmed. Medium fillet steak arrived well done. The 10 minute waiting time turned into 25 minutes whilst my friend continued to eat hers....for such a high end, high priced venue, the service was not attentive. The high light was the facial... and who puts boiled egg in a Cesar salad wrap! 🤣🤣 not value for money and won’t be back.

Amendment - Julie the hotels customer relations manager did apologise, she welcomed our feedback and kindly made an amendment to our bill. She exceeded our expectations and for that we are grateful and have amended the review.