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Summary of reviewsThe Old Hall Hotel in Buxton garners significant acclaim for its prime location, providing easy access to the Buxton Opera House, Pavilion Gardens and a variety of shops and dining options. Guests consistently appreciate the beautiful park views and the convenience of nearby parking, making it an excellent choice for exploring the town. The hotel's rich historical ambiance adds to its charm, often highlighted by visitors.
The breakfast offerings receive positive remarks for variety and quality, especially the freshly cooked full English breakfast and well-stocked buffet. Guests commend the friendly and helpful staff in the breakfast setting. However, some note occasional issues with lukewarm food and inconsistent service. Dinner experiences are mixed with praises for taste and presentation, especially dishes like steak pie and fish and chips. Nonetheless, slow service, small portions and inconsistencies impact the overall dining experience.
Rooms at the Old Hall Hotel are noted for their spaciousness and comfort, particularly those with views of the Opera House or park, maintaining the hotel's historical charm. Cleanliness is generally praised, but some guests encountered issues like dusty conditions and outdated decor. The beds are often described as very comfortable, contributing to a good night's sleep, though there are occasional discrepancies in guest satisfaction.
The staff receive considerable praise for their friendliness, efficiency and accommodating nature, significantly enhancing the hotel's hospitable atmosphere. However, there are isolated reports of slow service during peak dining times. The free WiFi service is appreciated, though it can be unreliable in some areas of the hotel.
Families find the Old Hall Hotel welcoming with spacious family suites and pet-friendly options adding to a positive experience. The hotel supports family activities and gatherings and its nostalgic appeal resonates well with returning guests.
Despite its historical allure, the hotel presents challenges in accessibility for disabled guests due to architectural limitations like steep stairs and uneven floors. While some modern conveniences are available, enhancements in accessibility could further improve guest experiences.
Business travelers appreciate the hotel's blend of historic charm and business-friendly amenities, though some feel it falls short on certain conveniences and up-to-date facilities. Communal areas and business services receive mixed feedback with suggestions for modernization.
In summary, the Old Hall Hotel’s central location, charming historical ambiance and friendly staff make it a favored choice for many visitors. Attention to dining service consistency, cleanliness and accessibility could significantly enhance future guest experiences. Show more
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Categories
Hotel near Golf Courses
Listed in a golf breaks context and located in Buxton, this historic hotel provides access to nearby golf courses such as Cavendish Golf Course and Buxton and High Peak Golf Club.
Historic Hotel
Claimed to be the oldest hotel in England, dating back to 1573 with an earlier fortified tower. Housed Mary Queen of Scots multiple times and is a Grade II* listed building retaining Tudor elements.
Family Friendly Hotel
Located in Buxton, this historic hotel provides a family-friendly atmosphere with comfortable accommodations. Its central location allows easy access to local attractions and activities suitable for all ages.
Dog Friendly Hotel
The Old Hall Hotel is the oldest hotel in England and is known to be dog-friendly. Its location is central and convenient for accessing parks and shops and cafes.
Hotel with Free Wi-Fi
This hotel provides free Wi-Fi. It offers a historical setting with modern amenities, ensuring a comfortable and connected stay for all guests.
Business Hotel
This hotel provides standard business amenities and services.
Accessible Hotel
Room Types
Standard Double RoomA private bathroom, satellite TV and tea/coffee making facilities are included with this room.
An extra bed is not available in this room.
Classic Double or Twin RoomA private bathroom, satellite TV and tea/coffee making facilities are included with this room.
Classic Double RoomA private bathroom, satellite TV and tea/coffee making facilities are included with this room.
Executive Double or Twin RoomSpacious room with elegant decor and a seating area.
Four Poster RoomSpacious room with a four-poster bed and a seating area.
Budget Double RoomProviding free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a hairdryer. This double room provides a wardrobe and a TV. The unit offers 1 bed.
ApartmentThis apartment provides a TV. The unit offers 2 beds.
Standard Double RoomThe unit offers 1 bed.
Standard Twin RoomThe unit offers 2 beds.
Family Room
Family SuiteThe unit has 3 beds.
Guest Reviews
7.4
Good
Location
Old Hall Hotel boasts an exceptional location, centrally situated in Buxton. Guests often highlight its proximity to the Buxton Opera House and Pavilion Gardens, making it an ideal choice for theatre-goers and park enthusiasts. Rich in history and character, the hotel offers easy access to a variety of shops, restaurants and bars, all within walking distance. Visitors appreciate the beautiful views of the park opposite the hotel and find it perfectly positioned for exploring the charming town of Buxton and surrounding areas. Additionally, the convenience of parking nearby and the welcoming, friendly staff enhance the overall experience. The hotel's setting in the heart of town, combined with its historical ambiance, consistently receives high praise from guests.
Breakfast
The breakfast experience at Old Hall Hotel receives mixed reviews from guests. Many guests commend the breakfast for its variety and quality, describing it as excellent, lovely and plentiful. Guests particularly enjoyed the option of a full English breakfast, which was frequently noted for being freshly cooked and delicious. The self-service buffet also received praise for offering a good selection of cereals, fruits and hot items with some reviews highlighting the breakfast as one of the best they've had in a long time.
However, some guests found the breakfast less satisfactory, citing issues such as food being lukewarm or cold, the buffet not being replenished promptly and overall disorganization of the breakfast service. Several reviews also mentioned that the breakfast quality and service could be inconsistent. On a positive note, guests appreciated the friendly and helpful staff and the breakfast setting, which some found to be pleasant and well-organized.
Overall, while the breakfast at Old Hall Hotel has its strong points, some areas could benefit from improvement to enhance consistency and service quality.
Dinner
The dinner experience at Old Hall Hotel gathered mixed reviews from guests. On the positive side, many diners praised the hotel for serving excellent and well-presented meals with particular highlights being the steak pie, elderflower panacotta and roasted mushroom cream bread. Guests frequently mentioned the food in the bar as being good, fresh and tasty, especially the fish and chips. The bistro also received commendations for great service and a good menu.
However, the restaurant service was often described as slow with some diners facing lengthy waits between placing their orders and receiving their food. Several guests found the portion sizes to be on the smaller side and some menu items unavailable. The quality of the food did not always match the expectations set by its high price with instances of dishes being overcooked, bland or not served at the appropriate temperature. Furthermore, some guests reported that the evening meal menu could be more inspiring.
There were also numerous complaints about the restaurant being closed during some stays, forcing guests to find alternative dining options. The absence of a children’s menu and the dated decor added to the overall mixed reactions. While some guests enjoyed their meals, others were left disappointed by the poor quality and limited dinner options, as well as the inconsistent service.
Rooms
The Old Hall Hotel offers a variety of room experiences, ranging from beautifully refurbished and spacious suites to more dated and quirky accommodations. Many guests appreciated the spaciousness and comfort of their rooms with several mentioning the comfortable beds and beautiful views, especially those overlooking The Opera House or the park. Rooms were frequently described as clean, warm and cozy, maintaining the historic charm of the hotel with features like antique furniture and four-poster beds.
However, the hotel shows signs of wear and tear and some rooms are in need of refurbishment. A few rooms were noted to be small, dark or overly warm with some guests experiencing issues such as dusty conditions, outdated decor and insufficient cleaning. Communal areas, including the restaurant bathrooms, also require some attention and updating.
Overall, while the hotel's historic ambiance and spacious rooms receive high marks, consistency in room quality and cleanliness seems to be an area for improvement. The unique, charming atmosphere coupled with the hotel's excellent location makes it a noteworthy stay, though potential guests may want to consider room specifications before booking.
Beds
The Old Hall Hotel appears to offer a range of experiences when it comes to their beds. Many guests remarked positively on the comfort of the beds, often highlighting how very comfortable they found them. The large and spacious beds were frequently appreciated, as were the clean and comfortable bedding and towels. Some guests even described the beds as the most comfortable hotel beds they have ever stayed in, praising the addition of new deep mattresses and the four-poster beds for their comfort.
However, the reviews indicate that there were inconsistencies. While many guests enjoyed very comfortable beds and slept well, others encountered issues such as beds being too soft, lumpy or even needing new mattresses. Some found the beds too small for a standard double and noted problems like creaky or uneven beds. A few guests mentioned the need for updates with some beds described as extremely dated, poor or shocking.
Despite these discrepancies, the general sentiment leaned towards the beds being clean and comfortable with frequent mentions of good quality sleep and the cozy, pleasant feel of the rooms.
Cleanliness
The reviews for Old Hall Hotel present a mixed picture regarding cleanliness. Many guests praised the rooms for being spotless, super clean and comfortable. The hotel is described as very clean and well-maintained overall with clean public areas and facilities. Cleanliness in individual rooms often impressed guests and many noted the rooms were serviced daily.
However, several reviews pointed out significant issues. Complaints include dusty rooms, dirty carpets, unclean bathrooms and an overall feeling of inadequacy in upkeep and thoroughness in cleaning. Some rooms were described as tired and in need of refurbishment. In more negative remarks, the hotel was described as filthy in certain areas with communal spaces feeling worn and neglected. Specific points of concern include musty smells, stained carpets and untouched cobwebs.
In summary, while the Old Hall Hotel garners positive feedback for its clean rooms and general upkeep, it also faces criticism for inconsistent cleanliness standards and an urgent need for refurbishment in some areas.
Staff
The staff at Old Hall Hotel have received considerable praise from guests for their friendliness and helpfulness. Many reviewers describe the staff as very friendly, welcoming and accommodating with numerous mentions of their efficiency and professionalism. Whether it’s the reception team or the waiting staff, guests consistently highlight the exceptional service and enthusiastic attitude.
Several reviews note that the staff went out of their way to assist with any requests and provided an excellent welcome. Specific mentions include helpful and pleasant bar staff, efficient receptionists and attentive restaurant servers. The word 'lovely' frequently appears in assessments of the staff, reinforcing their positive demeanor and willingness to help.
There are, however, some reported areas for improvement. A few guests experienced less engaging or slow service, particularly in the dining areas. Instances of service delays during breakfast and dinner were noted, suggesting occasional staff shortages or inefficiencies.
Overall, while there are minor criticisms, the majority of guests have had positive experiences with the staff at Old Hall Hotel, contributing significantly to the hotel’s hospitable and welcoming atmosphere.
Wi-Fi
The Old Hall Hotel offers a mixed experience when it comes to WiFi connectivity. Many guests appreciated the free WiFi service, describing it as very good or strong in certain areas. However, there were also consistent mentions of the WiFi being unreliable, intermittent or patchy. Some visitors noted that the WiFi was only available in public areas, making it less convenient for in-room usage. While a few guests opted to stay longer if the WiFi was faster, others found that the signal was either too weak or not secure. Overall, the WiFi at Old Hall Hotel provides adequate service in certain spots but can be a hit or miss depending on the location within the hotel.
Family
Old Hall Hotel presents a welcoming environment well-suited for families, offering modern and spacious family suites that cater to the needs of guests with children. The accommodations include a variety of family rooms, though some reviews mentioned that attic rooms could feel a bit cramped. In general, the hotel is noted for being child-friendly with staff and facilities that are accommodating to younger guests.
Guests appreciated the hotel's ability to facilitate family gatherings, providing ample space for activities such as card games in cozy lounges and dining areas where children can play. The family suites and apartments come with beautiful views, enhancing the enjoyment of the stay.
The hotel is also pet-friendly, allowing families to bring their dogs along and offering separate dog-friendly rooms. Some guests noted fond memories from childhood, adding a touch of nostalgia to their visits. Despite some minor inconveniences, such as the lack of assistance with luggage for older guests, the overall family experience at Old Hall Hotel is positive and memorable, making it a great option for family trips and gatherings.
Business
Old Hall Hotel offers a blend of business-class amenities and old-world luxury, creating a conducive environment for business stays. The historic charm and great decor complement the excellent business facilities, including conference rooms and meeting spaces. Though the business center is not as modern as expected, the hotel provides business-friendly services and ample nearby parking.
The staff, known for their professionalism, are described as helpful and friendly, although it's noted they may appear overworked at times. Despite the historic appeal and professional service, some guests feel the accommodation is overpriced and the amenities limited for business travelers.
Communal areas like lounges need updating and there have been mentions of long waiting times at the bar. Additionally, some inconveniences such as no lunch service, crowding during lunch times and the need for better parking arrangements were highlighted. Despite these issues, the hotel remains a viable option for business travelers looking for a historic setting combined with essential business facilities.
Accessible
Old Hall Hotel offers a mixed experience for guests with disabilities due to its historic nature and architectural features. While centrally located with easy access to the Pavilion Gardens, the central shopping area and other attractions, the hotel's accessibility options are limited. Moments of modern convenience, such as lifts and rooms with wide doorways, provide some respite for less mobile visitors. However, steep stairs and creaking floors can pose challenges, especially for those with mobility issues.
The lift is a welcomed feature, especially for elderly guests, though it can sometimes be unpredictable. While the hotel does offer accessible parking and can accommodate electric scooters and dogs, accessing rooms—particularly on higher floors—can be difficult without the lift. Unfortunately, the lower floor rooms aren't always assigned to guests with mobility difficulties. Additionally, the hotel's public areas might feel unwelcoming to some and the overall environment could benefit from more accessibility improvements.
The en-suite bathrooms are modern with plenty of hot water, adding a touch of comfort, though the lack of air conditioning can make the rooms uncomfortably warm. Historical charm comes with its downsides, such as steep staircases and an aged infrastructure, making it less suitable for those with significant mobility issues. Temporary solutions like fans are provided, but they may not suffice during hotter nights.
Overall, the Old Hall Hotel's location and historic charm are appealing, but it currently falls short in fully meeting the needs of disabled travelers. Potential enhancements in accessibility could make a significant difference in accommodating all guests.
Historic
Nestled in the heart of Buxton, the Old Hall Hotel stands as a testament to time with its rich historical ambiance. Renowned as the oldest hotel in the UK, it charms visitors with its traditional and characterful decor that pays homage to its storied past. The hotel’s fascinating link to historical figures, such as Mary Queen of Scots, adds an intriguing layer to its already compelling narrative.
Guests frequently praise the hotel's preservation of its old-world charm, from quirky artifacts displayed in the hallways to its Victorian style and period features. The building itself, dating back to the 1500s, offers an immersive experience akin to stepping back in time. Its well-maintained grandeur and nostalgic charm make it a unique stay for history enthusiasts.
The hotel's quiet, central location in Buxton, coupled with its historic character, provides an ideal setting for significant celebrations or a tranquil retreat. Despite the building's age, visitors appreciate its comfort, noting the cozy and large beds that complement the classic atmosphere.
While some reviews mention that the decor might be a bit tired, the overwhelming sentiment is one of adoration for the building's historical significance and charm. The Old Hall Hotel is not just a place to stay, but a historical treasure that offers a genuinely unique experience amidst the timeless allure of Buxton.
Dog Friendly
Old Hall Hotel stands out as a notably dog-friendly establishment, welcoming pets with open arms. The hotel goes above and beyond to provide a comfortable stay for canine companions, offering specific pet-friendly rooms, dog bowls and even welcome gifts for furry guests. Located centrally in Buxton, its proximity to the Pavilion Gardens makes it an ideal spot for dog walking, adding to the convenience for pet owners.
Guests have expressed their appreciation for the genuinely warm treatment of their dogs, noting that the environment felt very accommodating and relaxed. Dogs are treated kindly and the hotel makes special efforts to ensure they feel at home. For instance, some guests were allowed to dine in lounges rather than the main dining area to stay close to their pets.
However, there are some limitations. Dogs are not permitted in the breakfast area and during busy times like breakfast, this rule can make guests feel a bit isolated from others. Additionally, there have been occasional disturbances, such as dog barking during the night, which might affect the overall peace and quiet.
Despite these minor setbacks, the impressive reviews highlight that the hotel’s location and amenities make it a perfect retreat for those traveling with dogs. With thoughtful touches and a welcoming attitude, Old Hall Hotel delivers a friendly and accommodating experience for dog owners and their pets.
No, Old Hall Hotel doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Old Hall Hotel.
Yes, Old Hall Hotel welcomes dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at Old Hall Hotel.