Oddfellows On The Park

I have visited Oddfellows on the Park several times over the years for afternoon tea and special occasions, which makes it even more disappointing to be writing my first ever negative Google review.

We booked a Sparkling Afternoon Tea to celebrate an upcoming wedding. This was mentioned when we made the booking, so we were really looking forward to a special experience.

Unfortunately, the service fell well below expectations from the moment we were seated. Despite presenting our voucher and explaining several times that we had booked the Sparkling Afternoon Tea, our server still seemed unsure what we had ordered. We were served our drinks and afternoon tea, but the food was simply placed on the table without any explanation of what had been served.

When we asked what everything was, the waitress admitted she didn’t know. She went away to ask but still couldn’t identify the sandwiches or cakes correctly. We asked another member of staff who was equally unsure, even incorrectly identifying the lemon posset as the clotted cream and jam. In the end, we had no idea what many of the items were as we ate them. Every afternoon tea I’ve ever experienced, including previous visits to Oddfellows, has included someone talking guests through what they’re being served. It’s part of the experience.

Despite ordering a Sparkling Afternoon Tea, we also had to remind staff (3 times) that Prosecco was included before it was eventually brought to us.

Service throughout was lacking. Staff spent long periods chatting together rather than checking on guests. We couldn’t get anyone’s attention to ask for clean plates before moving on to the cakes, so we eventually helped ourselves to plates from an empty table. It wasn’t until we had completely finished eating that anyone asked how everything was or whether we’d like any more drinks.

Before leaving, we stopped at reception to provide constructive feedback. Rather than feeling listened to, the response focused on explaining that the serving staff were new and there had been a high turnover. While I appreciate recruitment and training challenges exist, that shouldn’t impact the experience paying guests receive. I would have expected someone to apologise, take ownership of the feedback, or ask a manager to come and speak with us. Instead, I was simply told the comments would be passed on.

This visit was particularly disappointing because Oddfellows has always been somewhere I’ve enjoyed visiting for special occasions over the years. Sadly, based on this experience, I won’t be returning. I genuinely hope management takes this feedback on board, improves staff training and customer service, and ensures future guests receive the standard of experience that Oddfellows was once known for.

26th June - SB

The room was comfortable and the bed and duvets were ali very comfortable.

Great hotel. Really friendly staff. Perfect breakfast made to order.

We liked the room which was most comfortable and very nice but could not turn the air conditioning off at night, so had a very disturbed night.

Lovely room and ambience, great friendly attentive staff (Lisa and Harry), great choice, delicious quality cooked full English breakfast. Also loved our room, great decor and facilities.

Staff were superb, friendly, helpful and very patient with my elderly uncle when he joined us for a meal!
The room was lovely, spacious and comfortable.

Location, actual building and grounds

Ideal location for airport. Good room upgrade, friendly & helpful staff. As flying early a.m. did not want full meal so kitchen staff able to provide a snack.

The drive into the hotel was lovely, and the park itself was beautiful. Arrival was smooth, and I was able to park directly outside the hotel, which was extremely convenient.

The reception was welcoming and efficient, and I really liked the room. It was quirky, full of character and entirely in keeping with the architecture and style of the hotel.

The staff were excellent throughout, friendly, helpful and welcoming.

Property was lovely, rooms good size, comfortable, well decorated and clean.

Amazing place, staff were excellent.

Lovely location, comfortable bed, great shower, staff in dining room, front of desk and in the bar were friendly and helpful.

The shower and bathroom was lovely.
Liked the fact there was a dab radio in room too.
Nice setting and lovely building.