I booked two rooms for two nights so that my son and his girlfriend could spend the weekend with us, it was my son's birthday. The welcome at the hotel was excellent and I was very happy with my room and the scenic outlook. My son's room was nearby but not next door, which was perfect. The only comments I have to make about the room are the rather worn state of the sofa and the dim lighting. Lighting is often 'subtle' in hotel rooms but in this case it was inadequate in the bathroom and for dressing once dark. The hotel was very warm and once in our room we opened our windows and used the fan. In my opinion the heating was not required however they may have been ensuring that the hotel was warm enough for the wedding celebrations taking place the next day. We soon ran out of the provided tea bags and milk and further supplies were promptly delivered to the room on a tray with a pot of boiling water and extra shortbread – superb. My son had a birthday card, complimentary fresh fruit and chocolates in his room on arrival. I find that it's always worth telling hotels about any events you may be celebrating, Macdonald hotels especially like to acknowledge special occasions.
There was an abundance of information available at the hotel referring to areas and places of interest. Photocopies of local cycle and walking routes were free to take and the four of us enjoyed a twenty minute walk to the Savill Garden. Once there you can pay to visit this ornamental garden or explore the adjacent Valley Gardens for free. I'd advise that you read the visitor information online before visiting. Free Wi-Fi was available in public areas of the hotel or via an internet cable which was provided in the rooms. Mobile phone reception was poor throughout the hotel.
Staff were extremely accommodating throughout the weekend. The weekend break was booked as a two night package with an evening meal on the first night however I was allowed to change the evening of our dinner reservation by phoning them ahead of our stay. Incidentally, I'd asked my travel agent to change the evening of our dinner reservation but they could not make this change. I usually find that a phone call directly to hotels is often the best way to make special requests. On arrival at the hotel I made the Restaurant Manager aware there was a birthday celebration and he offered to provide a cake. Additionally he told us there would be entertainment (So Sinatra) which was an absolute treat. I was a little surprised that this hadn't been mentioned to us previously as I'd definitely have booked a meal for that evening if I hadn't already done so. There was a little confusion over the time of our meal reservation however the reception staff immediately offered us a complimentary bottle of wine for that evening. The evening was memorable from start to finish with staff making my son feel very special. Our wine and champagne was upgraded and the surroundings, staff, entertainment and exceptional food made it an evening to remember.
We ate light meals in the Forrest Bar. Although a pleasant and less formal environment it was difficult to eat seated on low sofas and chairs at low tables. I would like to have had the option to be seated at a higher table however more upright seating was available outside if the weather was suitable. The menu prices for the bar and the restaurant were relatively high but I had looked at these in advance via the Macdonald Hotels & Resorts website. Overall I found the food and drink bills to be very fair as they accommodated our varied requirements. We were allowed an extra hour in our rooms before check-out on the Sunday which enabled us to enjoy an hour in the hotel pool and Jacuzzi. We didn't have the time (or energy) to use the Technogym, tennis courts or the bicycles. This was our first visit to Savill Court Hotel & Spa however it won't be our last. I look forward to seeing the team again in 2014.
