Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire

I visited the Four Seasons Hampshire for lunch recently and discovered a policy so backwards it genuinely beggars belief.

The hotel has EV charging points on site. On this particular day, they were free and available - not a single car plugged in. Naturally, I asked whether I could use one while I ate lunch in their restaurant. The answer was no. Only hotel guests may use the chargers. I confirmed this not once but twice with reception, spelling it out clearly: "So you're telling me that even if a charger is free, and I'm here spending money on lunch in your restaurant, I'm not allowed to plug in?" Both times, the answer was the same. Yes, that's correct. Guests only.

And let's be clear - this isn't even a case of freeloading. The chargers cost £20 per session. I was perfectly happy to pay. They still wouldn't let me.

Let that sink in. In 2026, when every brand on earth is tripping over itself to signal its green credentials, when sustainability is the buzzword du jour, when hotels plaster their lobbies with leaflets about reducing carbon footprints - the Four Seasons Hampshire would rather leave its chargers sitting empty and earning nothing than allow a paying restaurant customer to hand over £20 to top up for an hour.

This isn't about revenue protection. The chargers were unused. It isn't about capacity. There was space. It's about a petty, gated mentality that treats a basic piece of modern infrastructure as some kind of exclusive perk for overnight guests, as though letting a lunch guest pay to charge would somehow cheapen the brand.

The irony is thick. You can almost hear the sustainability officer's PowerPoint presentation about the hotel's "commitment to a greener future" - a commitment that apparently stops the moment someone without a room key asks to pay £20 to use a charger that's doing nothing anyway.

For a hotel that charges premium rates and prides itself on service, this is remarkably short-sighted. The £20 I was happy to pay would have been pure revenue for a charger that was otherwise sitting idle. The goodwill generated would have been real. Instead, I left with a flat battery, twenty quid still in my pocket, and a distinctly unimpressed view of a brand that talks green but walks small.

If you drive an EV and you're thinking of popping in for lunch, don't bother. You're not welcome at the charger unless you're sleeping in one of their beds. Sustainability, it seems, is strictly for guests - and so is the right to pay for electricity.

1 star - and that's generous.

Exceptional service, Four Seasons deserves its reputation of bringing the absolute best service to their customers

Visited for 3 nights to attend a wedding in Winchester. The hotel is located approximately 45 minutes from London Heathrow and was easy to find despite its remote location in the suburbs. Arrival is via a long driveway to the building that was likely a manor of sorts in the old world. We were greeted promptly and warmly by the door staff and directed to the front desk who worked efficiently to settle our affairs. Valet parking was offered that I forlorn as the parking lot is just a few minutes walk away through a lovely garden.Lobby hosts the library with comfortable and inviting seating and is the locale for afternoon teas and quiet reading. First impressions were excellent - the decor throughout were aesthetic, warm and luxurious; I was enchanted. Assigned room (south wing) was a few minutes sojourn through nicely decorated corridors with good lighting and views of the adjoining gardens and courtyards that were pleasing to the eye and added to the sense of comfort and calm with this establishment. Room (and bathroom) was of good size, was beautifully decorated with period furniture that reflected the age of the building, was fully functional - in terms of offerings, viz, climate control, electrical outlets, lighting, wifi, bathroom amenities, water pressure etc. However, of note, our room on the second floor had a smaller window than those on the lower floors - a small detail but make make a difference to those who prefer more light. The south wing hosted the primary restaurants (Wild Carrot and La Terrazza) that provided a great selection of offerings for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Service staff at the restaurants and throughout were attentive, friendly and efficient - I appreciated their attention to detail during our short stay. Family also partook in their spa offerings that provided great service. The pool and play areas were also great that I could see provided good entertainment for younger guests. There were many other offerings of activities - that we did not engage because of time - but would consider if revisiting (which I plan to) that included, horse riding, clay shooting and fishing plus others - that I can see would make this a great destination vacation in its own right with families. The hotel is also conveniently located to many local attractions in Winchester and Salisbury for example that nicely complemented our visit prior to attending the wedding. This is a quintessential luxurious Four Seasons in an amazing locale for an entertaining and relaxing getaway with family and friends.

Very restful hotel, always has been because of its setting and staff
Fabulous beds

Everything is amazing! Good place for relaxing and perfectly fits for families.

Good facilities overall, with a wide range of activities to keep children entertained.

Do not go to this hotel if you want a peaceful, relaxing, calm escape! It is filled with unruly, noisy children who wake you up early and fill the dining room with constant shouting and noise. This is because it’s Four Seasons policy not to charge for food for under 5s or for their accommodation and so the hotel is over-run by families. Parents allow children to take scooters and footballs into the dining room and let them run around allowing them to spoil the environment for other guests. Seemingly the hotel staff can do nothing to stop this. They are able to stay in the dining room til 10pm spoiling a whole evening. A special birthday weekend was ruined. It’s a beautiful location, building and spa but all unenjoyable because it’s become like Centre Parks. Four Seasons needs to think about its policy or make it clear that this hotel is only really for families. The staff are kind and helpful but when you’re paying thousands per night this is entirely unacceptable. If you’re a couple wanting a romantic weekend getaway I suggest this is not the place for you. This is not a luxury or refined hotel as it’s become a children’s holiday play park.

The most beautiful resort , you feel you are in peace as soon as you enter this place , the staff were great profesional and the knew their duties , what ever we wanted was ready , the spa and pool is what a busy person need when he goes holiday
Last but not least I thank Eliot in reception who upgraded our room and made my Birthday trip extra special

Everything was perfect for our 2 night stay. The hotel is super luxurious and impeccable. The staff cannot do enough for you.
Jamar the Guest Experience Ambassador helped me arrange the perfect proposal, he was fabulous from start to finish as I planned it a month or so in advance.

What a lovely hotel in such a wonderful location.
The grounds are beautiful and perfect for a walk in nature. The room was spacious and elegant, and the amenities made our stay all the more fun. I came for my birthday and would recommend to all!

I want to mention Elliot Chaytor who took great care of us from beginning to end. We will be sure to visit again and hope to see him soon!

Beautiful hotel, service was outstanding, lovely food, room was gorgeous - housekeeping do an amazing job!! Also loved Sharkies reef with our baby.

The facilities and activities were great, such as the swimming pool, the pizza restaurant, and walking around the hotel.
The receptionist, Ronald, and another staff member from the luggage service (whose name I don’t recall) made the stay more comfortable and enjoyable.

I have just checked in. The service has been horrendous and I was given a room with an absolutely horrible view despite paying more than GBP 2,000 a night.

This is honestly insulting. Completely unacceptable for a property at this price point and nowhere near the standard you claim to offer.

I will never visit this place again.

Just wanted to recognize how lovely I’ve been treated by Clara, the assistant front office manager. Over the last couple of year Four Seasons has truly upped their game and that’s thanks to having people like Clara as part of their team.