Barnett Hill

Barnett Hill, Guildford: A Comprehensive Review of a Michelin Key Selected Property

Barnett Hill, a splendid Queen Anne-style mansion nestled within 26 acres of manicured gardens and woodland in the Surrey Hills, offers a luxurious country escape near Guildford. Selected by the Michelin Key, this boutique hotel is often praised for its picturesque setting, stylish interiors, and attentive service, though some minor inconsistencies have been noted by guests.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Barnett Hill is overwhelmingly positive, with an average guest rating of "Good" (7.7 out of 10) based on numerous reviews. Guests frequently describe it as a "beautiful building set amongst stunning scenery" and a "glorious property of the period". The sentiment leans towards a tranquil and welcoming luxury experience, ideal for romantic getaways or quiet retreats.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of Barnett Hill:

• Location & Grounds: The 26 acres of beautifully maintained gardens and woodlands are a significant draw, offering breathtaking views of the Surrey Hills and opportunities for walks. The secluded setting provides a feeling of being "miles from anywhere" while still being accessible.
• Design & Ambiance: The hotel, originally built in 1905, blends its historic Queen Anne architecture with contemporary chic interiors. Many appreciate the "tastefully decorated" and "well designed internally" spaces, including original features and elegant styling.
• Service: The staff are frequently described as "fantastic," "very responsive," "excellent," "accommodating," "lovely and friendly," and "extremely pleasant."
• Amenities: Free parking and Wi-Fi are consistently available. The hotel is also noted as dog-friendly, offering designated rooms, beds, bowls, and treats for furry companions. Afternoon tea is a popular offering, often enjoyed in the lounges or on the garden terrace.

3. Room Quality

Rooms at Barnett Hill are generally well-received, described as "immaculate and bright," "clean, quiet and comfortable." They feature a blend of classic and contemporary design, with generous splashes of color and modern furnishings.

• Comfort: Beds are frequently highlighted as "very comfortable," often with Egyptian cotton sheets.
• Amenities: Standard room features include flat-screen TVs, electric kettles, hospitality trays with free biscuits and mineral water, and free Wi-Fi. En-suite bathrooms are modern and chic, typically offering rain showers and L'Occitane bath products and fluffy towels. Some suites also boast unique features like egg-shaped modernist tubs.
• Variety: The hotel offers a range of room types, from "Budget Double Rooms" to "Junior Suites with Garden View" and larger suites that can accommodate families. Some rooms located outside the main building are also noted as clean and comfortable.

4. Dining Experience

The dining at Barnett Hill is a significant highlight, particularly at the Oak Room Restaurant, which holds two AA Rosettes.

• Restaurant Quality: The food is consistently described as "excellent," "delicious," and "very good," with menus focusing on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients from the Surrey Hills. Dinner dishes are often praised for their taste and presentation, described as "like a beautiful painting."
• Breakfast: Breakfasts receive positive remarks, with guests mentioning a good selection and delicious options, including cooked breakfasts and cold buffets. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are also accommodated.
• Other Options: The 1905 Bar offers a selection of local gins, cocktails, and wines, along with a Bar & Grill menu for lighter meals and sharing plates. Afternoon tea is also a popular dining experience.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Barnett Hill is consistently praised, contributing significantly to the positive guest experience. Staff are described as "fantastic," "very responsive," "excellent," "accommodating," "lovely and friendly," and "extremely pleasant." They are noted for being "always ready to help, no matter how small the request," creating a feeling of being "well looked after." Guests appreciate the attentive and friendly service, particularly in the restaurant.

6. Location & Accessibility

Barnett Hill enjoys an "excellent location for a quiet time away from home," idyllically tucked away in the Surrey Hills.

• Neighborhood & Attractions: While secluded, it is only a "short drive from Guildford" (around 10-15 minutes from central Guildford). The surrounding area offers excellent walking routes directly from the property. Nearby attractions include RHS Wisley, National Trust properties, and several vineyards and distilleries like Silent Pool Gin Distillery.
• Transport: Guildford Railway Station, offering direct trains to central London, is about a 10-minute drive away. The M25 is also accessible within 25 minutes.

7. Value & Pricing

While specific pricing varies, the average price for a weeknight is around $140, and for a weekend night, it's about $190. September is noted as the cheapest month to stay, with March being the most expensive. While some guests rate the "Value for money" at 7.3 out of 10, indicating a generally good perception, one guest expressed that a "very average/insipid gin and tonic at over £17 is extortionate and that alone would put us off ever staying at your hotel again." Generally, the hotel is considered a good choice for those seeking a luxury country escape.

8. Common Complaints

Despite the many positive aspects, some recurring issues and criticisms have been noted:

• Staff Inexperience/Understaffing: Some guests reported that while staff were generally lovely, they sometimes seemed "quite new and inexperienced," leading to minor service lapses like not knowing where to get a newspaper or delays in service. Employee reviews also mention constant understaffing and unreasonable expectations, which could impact service quality.
• Room Maintenance/Service Inconsistencies: There have been instances of rooms not being cleaned or serviced after the first night of a stay, towels not being changed, and a lack of tea, coffee, or milk in the kettle. Issues with TV reception and difficult-to-control shower controls have also been reported. One guest experienced no hot water and a flooding bathroom.
• Restaurant/Bar Issues: While the food is generally praised, one guest experienced astonishingly poor waitress service, including incorrect wine, no ice bucket, and main courses served to the wrong person. Another noted the bar being "so bright and why is it on so many occasions it's so cold !" and criticized the "hideous paper" hung in the wood paneling of the restaurant, feeling it lacked warmth. Occasionally, the restaurant has been closed, which can be disappointing if not known in advance.
• Accessibility for Elderly Guests: A specific complaint mentioned a room on the second floor with no lift and a heavily sprung door that was dangerous for elderly guests due to additional stairs.
• Lack of Amenities: Some guests have mentioned the absence of a lounge or library to work in. The lack of a full-on day spa is also a point noted in the Michelin Guide review, for those who require such facilities.
• Value for Money (Specific Incidents): Beyond the generally good value rating, some guests felt overcharged at checkout, with offers not included or incorrect items added to the bill. The £50 charge for an early check-in when the hotel was not busy was also considered unreasonable by one guest.
• Grounds Maintenance: One review noted that the greenhouses looked "dangerous and in a state of disrepair."

Sources

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