Bickleigh Castle

Booked room with private bathroom, but was in the hallway although I don’t think there was anyone in the other room, place is tired and lacking investment, shame as it has great potential

I absolutely LOVED my stay at Bickleigh Castle. Last week, management changed over to Peggy and her partner, but Peggy has been leasing garden space and making improvements for some time now. Based on recent reviews, I'll list everything they've worked on here. They've made stellar improvements to the garden and dining room. The continental breakfast was extremely fresh, the live plants in the dining room greatly improved the ambiance, the linens were crisp and clean, and service was warm and homely. The garden has tons of apple trees, vegetables (I spotted giant tomatoes), a pond with pretty fish, archways and seating, chickens (that they use the fresh eggs for during breakfast upon request), and warm lighting. Peggy also has bees down the road a bit and the honey is also used during breakfast (it's delicious!). In my room, the linens looked brand new, there were no bugs, and it was nicely stocked with shampoo/body wash, waters, tea, and biscuits. The TV did indeed work as well. I also want to give a huge shout out to Peggy for her hospitality. When she learned yesterday was my birthday, she surprised me with a personalized card and a chocolate treat at breakfast. She was also a pleasure to chat with during my entire stay, and really made me feel cared for during my first international trip. They need more business to be able to continue with improvements, so please book a tea and tour or a vacation here. They truly care about this place and deserve a chance.

A different experience, room in Thatched Cottage rather than Castle itself, we were only guests staying, so very quiet and peaceful location, just continental breakfast with limited range other than several fruits. A memorable experience but not a luxury experience befitting luxury price.

Let’s get it straight, this is not 4 star, in fact it’s not a hotel, a b&b at best, I booked a superior room with private bathroom, it was only private because no one else was staying in the neighbouring room (yes it was in the hallway) In the 2 nights I stayed, I never received a key for the room Breakfast is not until 8:30, and I’m told it’s just toast and cereal It has massive potential, but needs massive investment to get it there. Would be a great episode of the Hotel Inspector!!

I stayed only the 1 night of 2 booked. Upon arrival I found the reception area, rang the bell and was given a friendly slightly harassed welcome. I was shown to my room which on opening the door had not been made up, I was then shown to another room which had not been made up, third time lucky I was given a made up room. The cleanliness of the room was disturbing, carpets that needed a serious vacuum not just a quick go over, skirting and edges that hadn’t seen a hoover in a long time. The shower had black droplets hanging out of the head and the sealant had all seen better days. I didn’t have a shower. The bed crunched every time you moved. The telly didn’t work as no batteries in the remote, I got it so far but needed the remote. Just the nature of the property this one but you could hear everything from the person upstairs. Onto breakfast, lumpy off milk, strawberries that were discoloured and off, no hot water for tea, no standard breakfast tea bags in the tray, hard bread. Just awful. I got a cup of tea from my room and had that with a slice of toast. No one ate well that morning. It is staggering that none of this was noticed by the lady. I stay away a lot due to work and see a lot of hotels this was by far from start to finish the worst I’ve stayed in. I’m sure in its day it was wonderful as the setting and surrounds are great but it really has seen better days. I will not go back or recommend.