Gidleigh Park

I took my wife here for her birthday. It was the first night that the restaurant was open after a short break. Relatively quiet, with only five couples in the dining room. Service was a little quirky, the greeting on arrival could have been sharper, and some of the furnishings need a bit of a facelift But the food was absolutely delicious! We had not eaten under the chef before, and were very impressed. Certainly not cheap, and do wish they could at least include the coffee and petit fours with the very large bill. But overall, I think the food is just about worth it.

I realise places may change and what was good 20 years ago may be not so good now. Nevertheless I understand that Gidleigh Park Hotel is now in such a dreadful financial state that they are reselling rooms to those who pay more. BEWARE! We booked a long weekend stay two months in advance and two weeks before our arrival the hotel told us that they gave the hotel to "an exclusive use event taking over the property". Because of that they kicked out all guests and cancelled reservations with no valid reason. Just like that. The only remedy they promised - free bottle of Nyetimber if we rebook for later date. Pathetic disgrace! Never again.

We had a charming mini break at Gidleigh Park recently. Very pretty room named Merrivale after one of Dartmoor’s valleys. Pleasing and relaxing drawing room with a good range of reading materials and comprehensive menus. The staff were attentive and friendly. We walked up through the water gardens alongside the RiverTeign after breakfast the next day. Handsome landscaped gardens, lawns and putting green. Thank you and l hope we will return soon

I stayed just for one night - I was shooting nearby and it seemed a good point in which to stay. Our group included a wheel chair user, a few couples and couple of singles. We all had dinner in one of dining rooms. The food was very well presented, great flavour, all local - a bit rich in tasting for me but that’s a palette thing. Rooms were amazing, huge, clean, well appointed and if your at the front - stunning views. As a former hunting lodge, the location is a key driver. Getting there - yes. Well it’s a bit tight, up some lanes but it is remote (which is half the joy), so if you want direct 2 min access off a motorway - choose a dull corporate hotel.

It’s a nice place and the staff were lovely. The drive up to the hotel is very very narrow… we had heard great things about the hotel and it’s in a beautiful setting. However, we felt we were the youngest couple… at 48… the majority of guests in the lounge had to be in their 70s. There is no pool, sauna etc… you would have thought being in such a remote area that there would have some sort of spa especially after a long hike. The food was “good” but I can’t say it was worth the money…. One day I had a ceaser salad “pretty straight forward” but where was the romaine lettuce? It had little variety pieces of everything else but romaine… to be honest the staff make the hotel they were fantastic… for us I’m afraid we wouldn’t return… it’s to quiet, no spa and the food was good but not phenomenal for the money.