Needs a good clean!!!

Stayed here on 26 & 27 February. On arrival we were allocated room 26, we had booked through Laterooms. On entering we found the toilet was dirty (I won't go into too much detail here!), the bathroom floor had obviously not been cleaned as there was hair all over it, the shower cubicle was disgusting (it seemed as though the tiles had not been cleaned in ages, there was scum all over them and black mildew everywhere) and one of the bath robes had a lot of make-up on it and reeked of cheap perfume! The glass tops on the furniture were sticky and on sitting on the sofa I found a 9-inch tube of cream cheese stuffed down the side!!! The wallpaper was peeling away from the wall as well. This was all despite us having arrived at 1.30pm and being told that the room would not be cleaned and ready until 3.00pm! So then - after complaining - we were moved to the "Humberston suite" only to find another dirty toilet - including the seat. Dust everywhere and a sticky top on the dressing table. The shower, again, was also scummy.

I have honestly stayed at cleaner B & B's in Blackpool!!!

This hotel is DEFINATELY not worth the money and has drastically gone downhill from only 12 months ago.

I would just like to add that I am not the sort of person to complain usually, but I feel that the standards at this hotel were so bad I just had to write this review.

Still impressed

having stayed at the crabwall 3 years ago and booked again for this w/end i was slightly concerned after reading the last reviews.we arrived early friday evening and were checked in very quickly; we were offered help with our luggage and quickly shown to our suite. whilst i agree that the rooms could do with a refurbishment and updating they were still of a good size, comfortable bedding and furniture and plenty of towels and toiletries. we did not eat in the restaurant that evening but did eat breakfast there the following morning. we found the staff to be very attentive and helpful, a great fresh selection of fruit and hot breakfasts cooked to order. the manager spoke to us on a couple of occasions to ensure that we were happy with everything. having booked 2 nights for the price of one we found this hotel to still be very friendly, excellent spa facilites and great value for money.

Poor Service in the Restaurant

We live in the Chester area and so did not stay at the hotel, but visited for a Saturday evneing meal in the restaurant. We have been twice before. On the first occasion we were very impressed by both the food and service. The second visit was not quite up to the earlier standard. After this visit I can say that we won't be going again.

The menu was limited. The food tasted bland. The service was not what you would expect of this kind of establishment. Overpriced and disappointing.

We asked for the wine list but it never appeared. We decided to order two glasses of white wine instead. They didn't appear either, although they were on the bill at the end of the meal. The service was not particularly attentive, and we had to actively seek out a member of staff at the end of the meal in order to settle the bill.

I read Michael Winner's Sunday Times review of the restaurant and thought at the time he was being unfair. However, following this recent visit I have to sadly agree with him. Very average.

'Dinner included' a con trick

My wife and I stayed in the Chester Crabwall Manor based on the ratings in the AA Hotel guide. We booked over the phone on the morning of our stay and were given a "Dinner" inclusive stay. When we checked in later that day we were told that this actually meant a 'credit' that was not enough to cover desert or coffee - what a con.

The service was not up to red star or rosette rating in the AA Guide.

Could all of this be due to the fact that it has been taken over by the Swallow Group?

On the plus side the leisure facilities were as promised.

Fantastic!

Managed to get a good deal at £75 B&B for a double room for my boyfriend's birthday. The exterior and interior of the hotel are impressive, the friendly service from all the staff was excellent. Can understand why the restaurant is award-winning. The food was absolutely wonderful with good wine - not the cheapest but so worth it for a special occasion. Will definitely stay here again and recommend it to anyone.

Not Impressed

I used to visit the Crabwall Manor on a regular basis before I moved away from Chester. I decided to take my wife back to the Crabwall Manor for our anniversary, to my dismay I discovered it had been bought by the Swallow Hotel chain.

This hotel, once winning "Wine Cellar of the Year" award, and having 3 AA red rossetes, is now nothing to shout about. When I visited, the A la Carte menu was not running, so I could only choose from 5 starters and 5 main courses, and the wine list had been shortened. It was about 5 pages long and had no variety what so ever!

I also noticed that all over the hotel were brochures for the Swallow Hotel chain, none of which even contained Crabwall Manor. I am shocked and disappointed, I am also very sad to say I shall not be returning to Crabwall Manor in the near future.

I would also like to mention that my room, "Room 4", was tired and dated, the furniture was faded, the quilt was ripped, and the room was generally not 4 star standard. I think now that Crabwall is owned by such a large firm, they could do with investing in a refurbishment program.

Quality, Quality, Quality

Booked a last minute bargain through the Marston's Website and had two wonderful days, B&B at this hotel.

The best hotel we have stayed in; paid about £50 B/B and it was worth it, though it does appear to be extremely expensive at the usual rack rate.

Like anything though, wait for the bargains and enjoy!

Too much for too little

My partner and myself attended a wedding here in August 2004 and we were both disapointed at the outcome.The staff levels were low and this reflected in performance output as the service was slow at best and no smile apparent.We complained regarding a strong smell of drains in the bathroom and were promised a service call which did not happen.The breakfast was scant and lukewarm.We were charged for two phone calls made to other guests rooms;and the bar prices were sky high!

The only saving grace was the fitness club which was well equiped and well staffed

I appeal to higher management to stop these penny pinching policies and take the long view before short term turnover destroys a potentially fine venue

Overpriced

Just attended a very beautiful wedding reception at this hotel but have one thing to say. It is incredibly overpriced! When the price is £40 per head, with a glass of wine at the bar priced at £6.75, I was disappointed to find we were asked to pay extra for a glass of squash for our son during the wedding meal. It smacks of greed and an inflated opinion of their services. I complained to the duty manager and they came up trumps with jugs of juice for the children.

Beware of this trap, hoteliers! Don't price yourselves out of the market! Your customers are important!

Recommendation

We spend a midweek break at the Crabwall and were thoroughly impressed. The hotel is located close to Chester centre but is far enough awat to be in a country location. The rooms are large and very comfortable, the staff were excellent and the food impressive. The leisure centre is one of the best I have seen at a hotel. We will be going back!