Stapleford Park

Stapleford Park, a magnificent Grade I listed country estate nestled in 500 acres of Capability Brown-designed parkland near Melton Mowbray, offers a luxurious and tranquil escape. This 4-star property has been recognized as a Michelin Key Selected hotel, signifying an exceptional stay.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Stapleford Park generally receives very positive feedback, with an impressive overall rating of 8.4 on Agoda and 8.3/10 based on 62 real reviews on Trip.com. Guests frequently describe it as a "stunning" and "magnificent" property, evoking a sense of grandeur and a feeling of staying in a swish family home rather than a typical hotel.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently praise the stunning location and atmosphere of the hotel, along with its beautiful building and grounds. Key highlights include:

• Design & Ambiance: The hotel boasts grand public spaces, including a library and drawing room with high ceilings, antique furniture, and a welcoming atmosphere with roaring log fires. The Grade I listed mansion showcases architectural styles from Tudor to Victorian.
• Amenities & Activities: Stapleford Park offers a wide range of facilities, including a spa (housed in a converted Victorian stable block), a 22-meter indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, tennis courts, and a championship golf course. Guests can also enjoy activities such as falconry, clay pigeon shooting, archery, horse riding, and hiking/biking through scenic trails.
• Seclusion & Peace: The sprawling country estate provides a peaceful and tranquil setting, ideal for relaxation.

3. Room Quality

Stapleford Park features 55 beautifully appointed, individually designed rooms and suites, some of which are named after their interior designers, such as Osborne & Little, Nina Campbell, and Crabtree & Evelyn.

• Comfort & Design: Bedrooms are described as "lovely," "grand but comfortably so," and "less ostentatious than the rest of the hotel." They are furnished to a high standard, with high ceilings and big feature windows. Some rooms even come with a fireplace, adding a touch of warmth and coziness.
• Amenities: Rooms typically include a flat-screen TV, DVD player, hairdryer, satellite/cable TV, Nespresso machine, and a selection of tea and biscuits. Thoughtful touches like a complimentary bottle of Champagne or sloe gin have been noted by guests.
• Family-Friendly Options: The hotel offers connecting rooms and cottages, making it suitable for families.

4. Dining Experience

Dining at Stapleford Park is a significant part of the guest experience, with the hotel's restaurant holding two AA Rosettes for culinary excellence.

• Grinling Gibbons Restaurant: This fine-dining restaurant, named after the Dutch sculptor who crafted its exquisite mantelpiece, offers modern British cuisine in a majestic period setting with views across the gardens. Dinner is often highlighted as a memorable experience with fantastic food and superb service.
• Breakfast: Guests can enjoy a sumptuous breakfast buffet with a wide selection of hot and cold dishes, including freshly baked pastries and made-to-order omelets. A continental breakfast is also available. However, some recent reviews have mentioned issues with the breakfast, citing it as "very poor" or lacking table service.
• Afternoon Tea: Afternoon tea is a popular offering, described as a delightful way to experience the hotel's charm.
• Bar Dining: A bar menu is available in the Drawing Room, offering options like Scotch eggs and Melton Mowbray pork pie.
• Quality: While generally praised, some guests have found the food to be a letdown in certain instances, with meals being bland or afternoon tea being substandard. Dinner in the main dining room, however, is often noted as delightful.

5. Service & Staff

The staff at Stapleford Park are generally described as attentive, welcoming, and genuinely interested in providing an excellent experience.

• Hospitality: Guests have appreciated the "attentive service delivered with a relaxed yet professional style." Staff have been noted for being great at distracting children and offering tours.
• Areas for Improvement: Despite the positive feedback, some guests have expressed significant concerns regarding service quality, staff attitude, and occasional chaotic service.

6. Location & Accessibility

Stapleford Park is located in the picturesque village of Freeby, near Melton Mowbray in rural Leicestershire, known as the "Rural Capital of Food" for its pork pies and Stilton cheese.

• Setting: The hotel's 500 acres of Capability Brown-landscaped grounds provide a secluded and tranquil environment.
• Local Attractions: It is a short drive from Rutland Water and within a five-minute walk of St Mary Magdalene's Church. Twinlakes Park is also a 12-minute drive away.
• Transport: Grantham train station is just over an hour's train journey from King's Cross, with a cab ride completing the journey to the hotel. East Midlands Airport is approximately a 55-minute car ride away.

7. Value & Pricing

Stapleford Park is considered a luxury experience, and pricing reflects this.

• Price Range: The average price of a room is around $280, though rates can vary, with some starting from £229. A one-night stay in a family suite with breakfast has been noted to cost from £378 for four people.
• Perceived Value: While the hotel offers exceptional value for discerning travelers seeking a lavish experience, some guests have raised concerns about the overall value for money, especially regarding additional charges and certain dining experiences. Sunday lunch, however, has been highlighted as an affordable way to experience the award-winning dining, at around £32.50 for three courses.

8. Common Complaints

While many guests have wonderful experiences, some recurring issues and criticisms include:

• Service Inconsistency: Significant concerns have been raised about the service quality, staff attitude, and at times, chaotic service, particularly at breakfast.
• Cleanliness & Maintenance: Some reviews mention issues with cleanliness and that certain facilities, including bathrooms and dining areas, are outdated and in need of refurbishment. Specific complaints include poor shower pressure, sink drainage issues, and loose toilet seats in some rooms.
• Dining Quality (Inconsistent): While fine dining is generally praised, some guests have found other meals, like afternoon tea or specific dishes, to be bland or disappointing.
• High Costs for Certain Aspects: Some guests have found the dinner to be overpriced.

Sources

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2. trip.com
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8. hotels.com
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11. standard.co.uk
12. hitched.co.uk
13. leicestermercury.co.uk
14. luxuryrestaurantguide.com
15. expedia.co.uk
16. highteasociety.com
17. michelin.com