The Devonshire Arms Hotel at Bolton Abbey

Our stay at The Devonshire Arms was exceptional. Everything was as near perfect as it could be. The positivity, professionalism and passion of ALL the staff we encountered was a credit to the group. From check in to departure we could not find fault with any single aspect. When we booked we baulked at the americanisation of tipping in advance but on reflection found it to be a sensible solution to a complex situation. We had not realised that guided tours were on offer and had planned our day around exploring independently so when the opportunity to be taken around the estate by Jane presented itself we snapped it up. To find out we were the only ones only added to what we both described as a thoroughly entertaining and informative three hours. Jane typified all that was good about your hotel. Her friendliness, passion, depth of knowledge and positivity were a delight and certainly the highlight of the trip. Well done management and staff of the Devonshire Arms Hotel and Spa

We have been coming every year for the last 6 years to celebrate our anniversary. Unfortunately, this year, it felt different, as if they had been through a cost cutting exercise. On arrival, no one offered to take our bags to the room. Previously, someone has always insisted. I am not that pretentious, but it is just an example in the change in attitude. In the room, the snacks were trimmed back. The service in the bar was lax. In the afternoon, we had to go and search for someone after waiting for 15 minutes, and the lovely roaring fire was left to ebb away. After dinner was the same although but this time we sat for 20 mins with dirty cups on the table waiting for some to arrive at the bar. They ran out of Pinot Grigio in the afternoon, but at dinner, I heard they went down to the Brasserie to get another bottle. We always have a veggie or pescatarian taster, and while the food was good, we left feeling rushed and hungry. our wine arrived after the first course, the next course arrived before I had finished the first and we had all five courses plus breads and cheese in a little over an hour. Breakfast was the exact opposite. Our coffee pot arrived after 30 mins and the cold toast after 50 mins and our breakfast after 55 mins. My breakfast consisted of a tablespoon of beans, the smallest hash brown I have ever seen, half a mushroom, half a tomato and a couple of veggie sausages. We mentioned it on checkout, and they were very apologetic and took the service charge off the bill. I doubt we will be back next year, which is a real shame.

Had a meal deal as a couple. Meal very basic, little choice and no veg included. You had to buy these as extras. Salmon starter should have been served with bread or toast. . Sauce same on salmon starter as on minuscule portion of smoked haddock main dish. Main dish very small like tiny starter. The portions overall were really small. We did the same event last year and it was very good. Wouldn’t recommend meal deal. Basic. Coffee in lounge previously included little shortbread biscuits. Real cutbacks here from a very fancy venue which isn’t cheap, No complaints about the staff who are very friendly and pleasant.