Haslemere, Branksome Place (De Vere)

The history of this site seems a little bizarre, leaving an Edwardian couontry house backed by a futuristic training centre. But, the staff were very friendly, dinner was excellent (really!) and the bedroom was an odd shape, but well decorated and smart. The only downsode was that the bathroom, although clean and functional was rather small and in need of refurbishment.

We booked to stay for two nights, the first room we had upon further inspection there were cracks present on the walls and celling in the bathroom dirty marks on the wall to the right side of the doorway and a poor television signal which was in black & white and only covered half the screen.

The inside bottom of the door was dirty also, and we later discovered the air conditioning wasnt working, there was also a unplesant smell coming from the bathroom, And due to a stuffy room we didnt really sleep that well.

We couldnt open the windows as outside our room was the fire escape and therefore there would be a security risk which could result in a break in so we left them closed overnight.

This wasnt helped by a couple arriving later on during the night having a baby constantally crying and having poor parenting skills and we heard no signs of the mother of father doing anything to consule the baby, Useless parents if you ask me !!!

We asked if we could have a differnet room the lady on reception said they are fully booked an only had a room in the cedar suite across the way.

We went and took a look at the room and were told its tiny but thought we would look anyway, Upon entering the building there was a horrible smell and the room was far from appealing so had no choice but to wait until the next morning.

Breakfast was fine everything was available and later on that morning were shown a couple of rooms and everything was fine the room looked better maintained a better television picture and a nice view.

On the second evening i couldnt but help notice water dripping through a live light fitting so immediatally went to reception to report it being rather concerned about it, and so nothing further could develop.

I also noticed a few wet paint signs there also a dodgy bit of plastering in the surrounding area doesnt really live up to other De Vere standards i have experienced elsewhere !!

The second evening we chose to eat in the resturant having a starter and main each well presented meals but not long after we had to order some chips still feeling hungry !!

Went to breakfast the next morning there was a wait to find everything available no eggs or beans etc..

I asked the lady running front of house if there were any fresh eggs cooking, She very bluntly replied "Yes there eggs" Think she must have had a bad night or sometihng ? I could clearly see through to the kitchen there was a tray off eggs already cooked but they were hoping we had the last two manky eggs that were left.

Not only myself but a few others declined the two eggs left and wanted to wait for some freshly cooked eggs but it was too much to ask for i guess !!

What ever happened to service with a smile the prices they charged its not much to ask for good service and decent warm food, Having gone up for a second serving my food soon went cold not long after sitting down.

Upon leaving i reported the female member of staff concerned and even the lady on reception said she can be a little brash, Not exactally the response i was expecting as she is representing the hotel and giving it a bad name.

Maybe a customer service course may help a little to develop her personal skills or failing that a P45 !!