Manor House Hotel - County Durham

Staff were friendly but very difficult to locate and the spa reception area was often deserted. On arrival I was only given a small hand towel which looked like it had seen better days and a robe which had a brown, hair dye-like stain on the front. Slippers had to be bought. Facilities weren't equal as the female changing room had facilities which the men's didn't. For example, locker keys came as standard for females but males had to go back downstairs and ask and pay extra which we found confusing and unfair. Atmosphere in the spa area was nice but could do with a little mood music. The ceiling/walls really need re-painting as it was brown and peeling in areas. We had coffees which were nice but if you want to have a glass of wine or a beer you have to go sit downstairs or outside which didn't make sense. We had afternoon tea as part of our package but we had to walk outside right across the courtyard to the other side of the hotel in our robes to access the restaurant which was awkward as there was a wedding taking pictures on the lawn. We were sent to the wrong room and sat there 20 minutes before we saw any member of staff to take us to the correct place. Another couple were also aimlessly wandering around looking for staff so that they could order a meal. We knocked on what we thought might be the kitchen door but nobody answered. Afternoon tea was very disappointing. One small pot of tea and if we were able to 'fill up' we didn't as there were no staff to ask. We had more milk than tea! Scone was nice but we got a tiny amount of jam and whipped cream instead of clotted cream. We had 3 sandwiches but not much variation as 2 were tuna and one was cheap orange grated cheese and pickle which had gone hard and all were on the same bread. Same with the cakes. 2 out of the 3 were lemon and unfortunately none were particularly nice. The massage treatments were very enjoyable and the young therapist was very professional and thorough. She explained everything before she started and checked I was happy throughout without spoiling the relaxation. The treatment room/massage table were comfortable and the atmosphere relaxing. Overall we were really very disappointed! Especially as I booked this using the Spa Breaks vouchers my boyfriend had purchased for my birthday treat so we both felt let down.