The Tasting Room at The Vineyard

Our stay at The Vineyard had some lovely aspects, but also a few areas that could be improved to meet the expectations of a 5-star hotel. When we first entered our room, it felt like it may have been very elegant in the past, but it is now showing signs of wear. A few details such as a cracked sink with peeling enamel, some mould on the curtains and patio doors, a dusty bedside table, and a shower window that could have been cleaned more thoroughly - made the room feel a little tired. I’ve included photos for clarity. Something else guests should be aware of is the 12.5% service charge that’s added to all food and drink. The pricing for cocktails and wine is already on the higher side, and the additional charge isn’t immediately obvious. It’s mentioned in the menu, but on the storyboard pages rather than next to the individual drink prices, and staff don’t always point it out when ordering. It’s worth keeping this in mind to avoid surprises on the bill. I’d expect a service charge on a food bill but not when you’re having a drink at the bar throughout your stay. During our two-day stay, the spa hot tub was unfortunately out of order for one of the days, and all massage appointments were fully booked despite us calling ahead two days prior. This may simply reflect how busy the hotel was with racecourse guests that weekend, but it did mean we weren’t able to fully enjoy the spa facilities. Most of the staff we encountered were genuinely lovely, warm, welcoming, and very professional. We did have a small interaction with a cleaner who asked us to return in ten minutes when we needed to use the bathroom, which felt a little abrupt, but this may have just been a timing issue on a busy morning. On a very positive note, the bar and restaurant were outstanding. The atmosphere, the team, and the quality of the food were all excellent, and these were definitely highlights of our stay. Overall, The Vineyard has many wonderful elements, especially the dining experience, but there are a few areas, particularly the rooms and communication around service charges where a little attention could really elevate the guest experience to true 5-star standards.