Howard's House Hotel

This is a poor excuse for a hotel. We booked it for a much needed break without children, last weekend. We arrived, there was nowhere for us to sit, clearly greed got the better of them and they had overbooked it. The bins were lined up outside at the front, which were not only unsightly but also smelly and didn't exactly scream country house luxury. The room they showed us was filthy. We were ushered into a cold dark side room, the only thing to do was look at their "ornamental" collection of old batteries (very weird). Were there papers to read? No. Could we sit by a fire? No. We were asked to order our food for the evening at lunchtime as they had "significant staff shortages". This is a classic example of a tired hotel, with apathetic management and greedy owners. Although, it's rare to find such a lack of empathy and hospitality in this day and age. Rereading the website tag-line is laughable in hindsight: "a genuinely warm welcome from proprietors whose pride and passion shines through every aspect of their hospitality. Life’s pressures will soon seem far away." I’m afraid this statement could not be further from the truth (and is almost certainly in violation of The 1968 Trade Descriptions Act!). The whole experience was so bad we had to move to another hotel. I gather Howard's House is about to be taken over- Good - it can't come soon enough. Noelle and Simon should be ashamed of themselves. Do NOT book this hotel - go to the Beckford Arms (10mins down the road) instead it's much much nicer and the food is lovely.

We loved our stay here with our friends. Whilst I know there are some areas in the hotel which are beginning to show their age, we were very impressed by the setting, our rooms and, above all, the superb dinner. The venison was wonderful, declared a winner by the two husbands, the hake delicious (chosen by both wives). As for the desserts, they were all exceptional. The service throughout was excellent, and we all agreed this was one of the best meals we'd had in a long while. Breakfast the next morning was very pleasant, and we were sorry to leave. I do hope the owners (who intend to take over and renovate the hotel) don't change the ambience. Or the chef and lovely staff!

This Country house hotel is exactly as its title. Its not modern and contemporary - it’s beautiful and comfortable. So very peaceful and lovely garden to enjoy. Ideal for time together, to focus attention on each other rather than other distractions. The room was clean, cosy and comfortable, the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, welcoming and nothing too much trouble. We had the tasting menu (8 course), and after watching the latest series of Masterchef - we actually felt as if we were experiencing it! The food was absolutely delicious, it was cooked to perfection and tasted amazing. Great choice of wine, and a fabulous lounge when you could chill out and kick your shoes off!! Breakfast was perfect too. We will 100% be returning - thank you to everyone x Dawn & Helen Crossley-Knowles

I have just returned from 2 nights at this hotel. Don't be fooled by the lovely picture of a table set for afternoon tea in their garden. The place is overrun by wasps. You would stand no chance of eating your afternoon tea uninterrupted. The wasps were bad enough with just a cup of tea. The staff did not seem at all concerned that their guests could not enjoy the garden. Breakfast inside the dining room this morning was also plaqued by wasps. They were all over the butter, jam and marmalade already out on the tables. Another guest exclaimed they had never had so much exercise at breakfast before, as he attempted to keep swatting away the numerous wasps. I also queried why my bill for 2 night single occupancy was £300 when my friend who stayed the same 2 nights was only charged £216. We booked on the same day. The lame excuses from the staff were first of all that the rooms maybe different... well not that different to justify and extra £84; and the second excuse was that I must have booked a double occupancy room... well £42 per day for an extra breakfast would have been extortionate, however my booking clearly showed single occupancy! The staff member did not seem concerned until I told her I was not happy and that my unhappiness would be reflected in this review. All she could offer was that I should contact **********! The property was also a bit tired in a few places, and certainly does not justify the price. I will not be going back.

1st time visitors to this beautiful hotel for a birthday treat of afternoon tea. The setting is beautiful and so quiet, the choice of tea was superb with plenty of refills, the scones were light as air and went beautifully with the homemade jam, the rest of the food selection was divine and our waitress, Georgina was attentive and knowledgeable about the local area and the wildlife. A perfect way to spend my birthday afternoon, we will definately be visiting again.

We had been looking forward to this trip, but should have noticed that most awards had been given a few years ago - I had assumed this was the impact of Covid. On arrival, the paint on the sign was scruffy. A tiny issue, but gave a clue. We were told where our room was and given the key . In high quality boutique hotels you get shown the facilities. Setting delightful but much of decor rather tired. Dinner - excellent friendly waiting staff, but pre-dinner nibbles in the lounge seemed a bit stale / probably had been defrosted. Identical offering both nights. That is really poor - and the amuse bouche was the same both nights too. Indeed - the whole menu was identical for both nights. I would expect that in a chain hotel, not in a luxury country house hotel. Large group in dining room one evening which made it unpleasantly noisy and like we were an unwanted nuisance. And it is totally unacceptable to charge £11 for a cafetière of coffee after dinner. Breakfasts were excellent and staff were friendly and helpful , but we regret choosing this as a luxury break. It wasn’t.

Desperate to spend a Xmas gift voucher with only a 6 month time limit, my wife and I enjoyed a wonderful and comfortable overnight stay at this rather special hotel in the Wiltshire countryside providing a fine dining experience. In fact the dishes they served us were on par with the Chewton Glen Hotel standards which we regularly visit. We passed on our comments to the chef via the proprietor.

I have just returned from a most disappointing visit to Howard’s House Hotel. I was given a champagne afternoon tea voucher as a birthday gift and was very much looking forward to it. Howards House is undoubtedly beautiful, if a little in need of some tender loving care. It is also in a beautiful setting. However the hotel has a rat problem. A gentleman across from us complained to the staff member that he had seen a rat come across and enter the hotel. The staff member replied we sometimes get them as there is a river near but they don’t go in the hotel. I hadn’t seen it so was a little anxious but prepared to enjoy my gift. A few moments later a rat ran out of the hotel and across the courtyard into a bush. I could not continue having eaten one sandwich and asked for a refund. After some time the staff member came back out with my voucher and said you will have to contact the purchaser and he can contact the hotel and get a refund. That was all very unfortunate. I think what upset me most though was the call I made to the manager when I returned home. As soon as I started explaining the situation he said oh you want money. I was most offended as I do not want money. I would like my brother refunded but that is now up to my brother, which incidentally it shouldn’t be. I said I would be giving a review as I am so disappointed and he then went on the explain how damaging a poor review can be for the staff jobs etc. I do not wish to put anyone out of a job, but it is only right that people know there is a rat problem. I have said all this to Simon but his attitude was condescending and quite rude.

This is a charming, quiet, shall hotel set in the depths of the Wiltshire countryside. We found the kitchen outstandingly good with some interesting wines at amenable prices. We have stayed here several times. The one gripe is that the beds are too soft.