Cliveden

It's 11:43 pm -- and, for £472 a night (yup, that's $600 US), no sleep for us. Cliveden has found a new way to make (even more) money! The lawn area right next to the Garden Wing has been leased to a pop-up company and is now an open-air movie and music venue six nights a week until July 11th. Ten feet from our single-glazed windows. Was there any mention of this when we reserved? No. In the follow-up emails from the hotel? No. Only when we were shown to our room was there the first hint -- a marquee with sofas and tables right outside our window. It was presented as a benefit ("you don't have to look at the spa renovations!" said Alex, our check-in clerk). She said she'd look to see if there was anything on tonight and call us ... but, in any case, it would be quiet by 11 p.m. Right. It's 11:58 pm now and the Beach Boys are telling us how nice it would be to "spend the night together." (And, oh, she didn't call us.) We should have said NO but were too shocked and tired after a long drive here. Forget any genteel first impressions -- I've had quieter hotels next to freeways.

After a not terribly positive review ...well I've decided to be humble and say sorry Cliveden . We had the best evening at the PopupPiccture event on Wednesday .. just lovely. A superb drink in Astor's first and then just a joyous evening . So well managed and I can't bang on enough how super it was . Lovely people , delicious food, charming service and huge fun . Thank you for an unforgettable evening x

We have just returned and had a fantastic time. Room stunning (we stayed in the Chinese Room), Astor Grill's food was beautiful. Highly recommend the boat trip on the Suzy Anne - the skipper was just lovely. Only sad part is the pool was closed due to the refurb but these things happen. Also I was charged twice - Even though Id already paid 4 months ago - so check your bill

We were so looking forward to a special birthday treat. We booked this last October and warning bells rang then - I booked a room with a hot tub, as I thought it would be wonderful in June. We then needed to bring the date forward by a day Tuesday to Friday, and had to wait until March to be told this was not possible, as all the rooms were then booked. (Should have walked away then) Were given an upgrade to. junior Suite, so thought that was a good gesture. Then we realised, by reading Trip Advisor, that the pool would be closed for refurbishment. The hotel did not let us know until two days before our departure, but we were so looking forward to it, we decided to come regardless (big mistake) On our arrival we were first greeted, not by a row of smart cars along the driveway, but a huge array of workmens vans. We had to lug our cases in ourselves, no one greeted us. On entering the house, it was quite a shock. It was absolutely full to the rafters with people having afternoon tea, at £67 per head. Not residents, visitors to the house. We were shown to our room, the Sutherland suite, but it wasn't really a suite, just a large room. The most noticeable thing, on the hottest day of the year to date, was the stuffiness. No windows open, no fresh air at all. There were French windows leading onto some stone steps and the lawn, and I asked if the door could be opened, to get some air. The chap said he would ask the manager, but it was for our own 'safety.' I said I was perfectly capable of looking after my own safety, and would like to open the windows. We then found our way to the residents lounge, where more people were sitting round having afternoon tea. Eventually we were approached by a waiter who asked if we wanted anything - we replied, yes, we would like to eat and drink something. He said "what do you want?" I said a menu would be helpful, so he gave me a drinks menu with all the whiskey. I found another menu, but it was for the lunch, like steaks etc. When he finally came back, I said I only wanted something like a cup of tea and a sandwich, so he then gave me the set afternoon tea menu - £67! Finally he understood and I had one sandwich and a cup of tea - no tablecloth on our table like the others. My husband had the tiniest crab salad (about two mouthfuls) which cost £20. We then went back to see the deputy manager to see if he had any luck with the key. He had completely forgotten and said quite abruptly that he had been very busy and the manager was dealing with other guests in the park. We went back to the room which was stifling. After some time I phoned again and he said straight away that "we don't have a key - there isn't one." The temperature was over 30 degrees. There are no chairs anywhere to sit outside, unless you are eating in the restaurant. No recliners, no pool, no shady area anywhere. No flowers. I like flowers in a hotel. None here. The worst thing is, they didn't care. They fill this place with tourists and corporate hospitality and people paying a lot of money for an afternoon tea. Don't try and find a seat in the place from 2 - 5 as you won't get one. Even the little library had a notice "meeting in progress". Even though one night was costing us £700 we had to get out, could not stand being in that place a moment longer. Were they at all bothered? No. The sad thing is that a couple like us, who had planned for such a special birthday in a special place - we are not important to them. We don't make a difference. They make their money anyway and will continue to do so. The only positive was lovely Rob in the Astor Grill, where we went to get some fresh air. He was a great chap. We drove away and I couldn't wait to get home. I think of that place now with a shudder.

This was a surprise present from my wonderful Fiancée ,everything about this Hotel exceeded our expectations. The moment you enter through the gates , a magical experience awaits you as you drive past a very ornate fountain and clock tower towards the hotel. Once you go through the doors the staff are there to ensure your visit is both relaxing and comfortable with service that is second to none. We stayed in the Prince of Wales Suite which oozes pure class and has the most breathtaking views overlooking the formal gardens and Thames. As this is a Dog friendly hotel,our 3 small dogs had so much room to run around , We loved the real attention to detail the hotel apply to ensure your pets feel as pampered as we did. There wasn't a room that wasn't beautifully decorated and filled with the most beautiful antique furnishings. The Andre Garrett restaurant food was out of this world , and everything we ordered was a Food masterclass . What stood out were the staff who were attentive, friendly and knowledgable. One lady especially stood out her name was Barbara ,you could see that she had a real passion for service. The grounds are breathtaking and are all part of the national Trust , a dream for Pet owners with acres of Forestry and Picturesque walks for you and your Dogs to enjoy for Hours. My fiancée and I cannot praise this hotel enough , and the staff and hotel management really do this hotel proud. This is now out favourite hotel and I can't wait to stay there again. Thank you to all the staff for making our stay a most memorable and unforgettable experience and we hope to see you all again soon.