Retreat Manor Spa Hotel

This is a difficult review to write but I’m going to be completely honest. Firstly the constant name changes, or the names they go by are a big red flag! We booked this hotel last minute so didn’t see all the different reviews. I’m not the first review… just under this name! The hotel is misrepresented as a spa hotel… I’m sure back in it’s day it was beautiful, but this hotel has not moved with the times, which is actually a real shame as it could have so much potential. The hotel felt like a ghost hotel, it didn’t feel open! Which was actually a bit unnerving! Lack of lighting, bar shutters closed, and we saw one other set of guests in the outdoor hot tub but no others throughout our stay. We booked this hotel specifically because of the spa, following the IOW festival, as an opportunity to relax and unwind. We literally spent less than an hour in the indoor pool and jacuzzi, the facilities were disappointing. Yes it has a swimming pool and jacuzzi which were nice enough but it was the smaller details that let it down and made it look tired and tatty which made me question it’s cleanliness. Details such as rusty lockers and a privacy film on the window from the bar into the spa which needed renewing. The sauna and steam room were not even switched on. Just felt like the hotel wasn’t properly open. Andy on the desk was really friendly, remembered our names, and takes pride in his job. He did say that they could open up the facilities, bar area etc if we wished to use them. It’s just a real shame all this wasn’t already open as it didn’t feel very appealing and there was no atmosphere. The room itself was clean but very dated, and tatty. You can see where they have tried to give things a revamp, it looked like it was recently painted which was nice and they have attempted to revamp the furniture, painting the pine furniture in parts (shiny paint though!) but it’s the things like the bed side lamps that looked tatty, dust on the picture frame above the bed and the mismatch dressing table and stool that really let it down. On first impressions I wanted to walk back out and had we have been staying for more than two nights I would have. Unfortunately I had much higher expectations, but it left me feeling really saddened, as I can imagine this was once a very beautiful hotel. I haven’t included any photos as there are signs saying no photos in the hotel on the front door. Lower your expectations, and see this as a room for the night and it’s more than good enough, however if you’re wanting a spa experience or somewhere with a holiday atmosphere, this isn’t your hotel.