The hotel changed hands in January, and is now under the Mercure, rather than
MacDonald brand, which means it will soon undergo extensive refurbishment.
The three star property was built in the seventeenth century as a coaching
inn. Many original features remain such as low ceilings, exposed beams and
the early 20th century sepia posters that advertised the hotel.
Since then the hotel has been extended – an unattractive modern wing takes the
bedroom tally to 83. There is also a large block housing conference
facilities, so the feel of a cosy market town inn has been somewhat lost.
Having said that, on a sunny day the walk along a pansy-lined path across the
back lawn of the hotel from the car park is pleasant – you see the back of
the original inn, its brickwork draped in ivy, and in-front of it an
attractive terrace for al fresco drinks.
A second terrace, in the original cobbled courtyard of the hotel, is another
nice spot for drinks and snacks.
The hotel’s communal areas were pleasantly redecorated by MacDonald last year
– the Coachman’s Bar has the feel of a Scottish shooting lodge, with elegant
striped armchairs and an open fireplace. Thackeray’s Restaurant next door is
more formal (the hotel is mentioned in Thackeray’s novel The Virginians),
with floral curtains, oil paintings and dark velvet chairs.
Move away from these areas though, to the bedrooms, and the wallpaper and
carpets become a little shabby (hence the imminent refurbishment). I
couldn’t fault the cleanliness of the hotel, but my room and the corridor
outside looked tired and dated, and in need of a refurb.
My room had a view of the car park and had horrible swirly carpets. Otherwise
features such as oriental lamps, architectural sketchings on the wall and a
huge fabric headboard were attractive, and there were all the mod cons too:
minibar, trouser press, hairdryer and Mercure toiletries with pleasant
scents. The television had various satellite channels and there was a CD
player and T-Mobile wireless internet access.
Everything worked – the shower, the television, the alarm call and the room
service breakfast the next day. We had fresh fruit, cereal, kippers and a
poached egg, which were all fresh and well presented. My only complaint is
that I was given only one poached egg, which seems a bit stingy. We had
planned to eat in Thackeray’s Restaurant for lunch but were told by the
receptionist that they only served Sunday lunch, but the bar offers all-day
snacks.
I had a mixed experience with the staff. A helpful night porter made us late
night sandwiches and a cup of tea, alongside jovial chat, but earlier that
day a harassed staff member manning the reception desk had tried to deal
with us and answer the phone at the same time, so giving neither parties his
full attention. A queue of impatient people built behind us and he continued
with what seemed an unimportant conversation.
The hotel has an average rating of 3.5/5 from Tripadvisor users. Reviewers on
the whole praised the service, but many complaints surrounded the lack of
space in the car park when the venue was used for a wedding, and also the
price of the food and drink. One reviewer, who agrees with my sentiments
said: “a lovely character hotel damage by commercial exploitation”.
Bottom line: rooms cost from £70 per night midweek and £50 at the
weekends
Best thing: the free parking
Worst thing: the room decor
Access all areas: The hotel is wheelchair accessible and a bedroom has
been adapted for guests in a wheelchair.
Need to know: Mercure
Bush Farnham, The Borough, Farnham, GU9 7NN; tel. 01252 715237;
H6621@accor.com
Food: 8 out of 10 (for breakfast)
Service: 7 out of 10
Room: 6 out of 10
Value: 6 out of 10
