The Rudloe Near Bath - Marco Pierre White

It's really hard to rate this hotel as it's not really like any hotel I've stayed in. Locating it wasn't easy nor was working out how to find reception. When I finally found it, the lady checking me in was excellent but overstretched meaning a long wait. There were however a few very comfy lounges (yes at least 3 rooms) which if you were lucky enough to find the bar were nice albeit eccentric places to sit (unless you don't like deer heads and weird art) Finding the bar didn't mean anyone was there to get you a drink. Dinner was reasonably priced at £45 set menu except they charged extra for sides and I was not allowed to take my dessert back to my room. What a ridiculous rule. My room was in a second building that again had no signs so I just guessed where to go and greeted with tacky paper signs including the one for the broken lift. Nice big and comfy room but very dark and broken lock Stunning views and scenery especially if in shepherds huts. In short this hotel could be epic. Is a nice place to stay I just didn't enjoy staggering around with my bags trying to find help or even a drink let alone the toilets. And my last gripe. Breakfast doesn't start till 8:00 so I didn't get to try it. With lots of guests going to badminton you'd think they'd try and support them by starting earlier Except for the receptionist lady nothing about it suggested they cared about the guest experience.

On arrival I was greeted by an unmanned reception, no staff to be found anywhere. Telephoning revealed the reception phone was on mute, which also explains why I couldn’t get any answer in the days leading up to my stay to confirm a dinner reservation. Nobody at the bar either, eventually I wondered into the kitchen and asked the chef to find someone to check me in. The menu is very limited on choice and is no better than any other gastro pub in the area. The drinks prices, when you finally get served, are some what disproportionately expensive given the service. £10 for half a pint of canned lager. The room we had was a bath only…no shower, no tea or coffee in the room, no television either. Nor is there a phone / room service (not that it would be answered!) the garden / terrace was closed (looks permanently decommissioned / abandoned). Style over substance. The woeful service quickly diminishes any novelty value the decor should provide. I wouldn’t bother with it again.

When I visited the property was being rennovated and therefore covered in scaffolding. The inside was still excellent as was the food (of course) but the outside was compromised - however this was reflected in the discounted price. I would like to go back when the scaffold is down and the work completed.

Room was huge, spotless, with a very comfortable bed. Frendly staff.

There are some very up and down reviews out on the Rudloe arms. However my advice would be ignore them this place is excellent almost unbelievable value. The main building is quirky comfortable and the service is friendly and professional. It’s only 10 minutes into bath so a great base for a city break.