Marquis Suffolk

Having visited The Marquis for Afternoon Tea last week, I returned this morning to have a Gel manicure in the onsite Spa. The Spa, situated downstairs, has a welcoming and relaxing feel to it. I was greeted by Lauren H who led me through to one of the treatment tables. From start to finish, I experienced a professional and friendly service. Everything was very luxurious and comfortable. Lauren was very professional in all she carried out, frequently checking I was OK with the next part of the treatment. Other staff were equally as friendly and I was left feeling a very valued customer. This was a treat for me and one which will definitely be repeated. Afternoon Tea should also be mentioned. We were lucky the weather was hot and sunny and we were able to sit on the outside terrace. After a short delay our 'Tea' arrived and consisted of sandwiches, scones, cream , jam and a selection of exquisite pastries and cakes. I would definitely recommend a visit. The ambiance is such that you happily 'lose' yourself. The views across the countryside and Italian gardens add to the feel of a 'mini' stay, albeit only a few hours away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

I had booked a session in the spa followed by an early supper with a friend. The spa is elegant and well run. However we couldn’t really enjoy the outdoor pool as a loud and pretty drunk bunch of youngsters was out on the balcony above the pool. It felt odd with them looking down on us. We had been looking forward to our meal. We were lead to a table, but the seat and floor was covered in broken up bread roll and chips under the table. The waiter brushed the bread off the seat and gestured for me to sit down. I said I didn’t want to sit at a table with food all over the floor. He went to get a brush and we asked to be seated at another table rather than stand there, with only one table in use. However I could see the ripped lining of the banquets hanging down to the floor and the corners had stuffing coming out. Really very tatty. I counted 8 FOH staff not doing much when the restaurant was essentially empty, but no one had swept under the tables since lunch service. All the staff said ‘cheers’ as they left the table. It seems like there’s been no training. Untrained staff and tatty grubby furniture I certainly wouldn’t go back.

Poor service. Arrived 1245pm ignored at bar whilst staff argued how to make a Bloody Mary. Some kind of shift manager swooped in handed bar maid a few drinks orders who repeatedly moaned about this once manager had gone. Not professional. Headed to reception to see if we could use bar at other end, was treated by a petite blonde lady who had a mouthful of her lunch and tried to explain the lack of bar service was due to event taking place. Not sure if this really is a customers problem surely more staff when an event is taking place. Time 1.15pm still no drink. 2nd bar staff couldn’t find the Pinot Blush so went off to find it 1.25pm we left. Still no drink. An utter disgrace for a so called high end venue. Venue itself it’s beautiful but serious lack of attentive professionalism amongst the staff is evident and really needs addressing. The attitude of the short blonde lady in reception who we had clearly disturb her lunch was appalling. Front of house no way! She should not be in a job in a venue of this level.