Summer Lodge Country House Hotel

A luxurious couple of days for my birthday left us feeling pampered and spoilt. The staff were charming and engaged, ensuring we had everything we wanted. The gardens were beautiful, pool and spa were spotless. The bed was huge and very comfortable. Our package included a 3 course meal at the hotel and a 3 course meal at the Acorn Inn in the village .. both were superb. Home made shortbread in the room was delicious as were the special birthday chocolates and welcome glass of fizz. Quintessential old style charm in abundance.

Summer lodge is a perfect English countryside escape. It maybe a little heavy on the chintz (which I’d normally avoid) but it all adds to that English country manor escape it’s trying to portray. The staff in general are lovely, so welcoming and friendly (breakfast waitress on our last day could’ve have been a little more helpful) but I can honestly say the others are so lovely and go out of their way that just 1 member of staff can not undo all the others best. The cocktails and drinks are superbly made and very delicious. The food (our favourite part of any stay away as we are big foodies) was very mixed. Breakfast was average, although we did find it odd that an English country manor does not offer a full English breakfast, and the toast was unfortunately far to thin and crispy that was cold by the time we got it. What we did have was nice but nothing to write home about, which surprised us greatly as dinner was absolutely amazing, they were able to cater for my fish allergy too and the menu was informative to for all types of allergens. Hubby would go as far to say the desserts was some of the best he has ever eaten. The cream tea was also lovely, with a good choice of teas available although we had coffee, and being illy coffee that was served it went down very nicely with the scones. The common areas through out the hotel are inviting and comfortable, open fires in some areas, staff discreetly nearby if you need anything without being over bearing or intrusive. Now on to our room, We booked a courtyard suite. It was big and airy, with a huge bed. A small walk in wardrobe, and good size bathroom. There was also a small patio area outside but being January it was a bit to cold to make use of. The decor was pleasant, and the bed comfy. We also made use the spa, it was a clean peaceful area with fairly good facilities, however the treatments we felt were average. Both hubby and I had full body aromatherapy massages and a facial each. However i found my facial left my skin dry and sore, hubbys however left him with dewy soft skin so very mixed reviews and experience with those. We did find the heating was always a little to high, 30 degrees in the spa which did feel a little to warm, and our room was set to 24 degrees on arrival which was also a little too warm, room was easily adjusted though and also had good aircon (good for the ladies at certain points in there life). Breakfast in the conservatory was also a little warm but only had to ask and it was cooled down to a more comfortable level. After staying at several red carnation properties, summer lodge has become one of my favourites and I’m looking forward to returning in summer and seeing the beautiful gardens alive with flowers. The village it’s set in is very quaint and beautiful, I highly recommend a walk around to appreciate the area. The local bakery is also another place definitely worth a visit, the cakes are amazing, As is the local pub (the acorn) full of friendl

Trying not to go too "over the top" our visit to Summer Lodge was a truly picturesque experience, from the moment we arrived in the village to settling into our room. The meticulously maintained grounds blend seamlessly with the surrounding countryside and its charming, winding green lanes. The hotel exudes timeless elegance, and we were fortunate to be welcomed by a team that made our stay feel genuinely warm and personal. Special thanks to Jack (General Manager), Peter (Deputy Manager), Philip, Tom, and Asher, whose hospitality added a distinctly homely touch to the refined atmosphere. There was so much we didn't get a chance to experience, we cannot wait to return.

Exceptional staff. Pleasant surroundings. Excellent accommodation. It would have been five star but, in our opinion only, the dinner menu was not very appealing.

My partner and I have just spent two nights at Summer Lodge, a lovely Country hotel in the Dorset countryside. The initial welcome and throughout our stay from the staff was very warm and attentive. We were shown to our Principal King room (16) which was roomy, with a comfy bed, fluffy pillows, superb bathroom with two wash hand basins and walk-in shower. The hand made shortbread in the room was delicious. Dinner in the restaurant was excellent, albeit small portions (fine dining) and limited choice menu. Special mention goes to Phillip, who was continually checking all was ok and Kinga. Breakfast was also excellent, with a good choice, looking out over the lovely garden with its deckchairs and swing seats. We would certainly stay there again, but had a couple of minor gripes, hence the four stars. A fridge in the room would have been nice, to keep the milk cold, especially as it was warm outside and our milk had turned. Our room decoration was dark and not brightly decorated as shown on the website for a Principal King ( the reason for booking that type of room) We looked out mainly at the wall of the building opposite and only enjoyed a vista of the gardens and countryside as advertised. As part of the break, we were expected to eat at the Acorn Inn, which we had assumed beforehand was another restaurant on-site, but is actually a pub in the village. We weren't happy about this and, to be fair, the hotel allowed us to eat in the main restaurant again. Charging £5 each for green beans and potatoes though was unnecessary, especially as the three courses were £85 each. I stress these were minor issues and would not prevent us from returning . To summarise, Summer Lodge is a wonderful hotel and well worth a visit for a relaxing break, cared for by excellent staff.

My husband and I have just had three wonderful nights here. The staff were really friendly, kind, and efficient. Breakfast was really good in the conservatory, our evening meal was excellent, coffee afterwards in drawing room peaceful, quiet, staff so lovely, even had surprise treat of sweets . We enjoyed the pool too. The grounds were so peaceful and relaxing, loads of seating in lots of little quiet areas. Lovely to walk around, swing seats for more relaxing. Drinks on patio lovely and with complimentary biscuits. Our room was lovely, with a lovely comfy bed too. We can't wait to come back..