The Inn at Emmington impresses with its picturesque and strategic location, nestled in an idyllic English village. The serene and tranquil setting, coupled with its proximity to major attractions like the Chinnor steam train station, Thame and the Chiltern Hills, make it an appealing retreat for a variety of stays. The inn's location is ideal for wedding attendees at nearby venues like Notley Barn and Notley Abbey, as well as adventurers walking The Ridgeway. Despite minor noise from a nearby road and some parking challenges, the welcoming atmosphere and charming backdrop leave a lasting positive impression.
A highlight for many guests is the inn's breakfast, frequently described as excellent, superb and delicious. The offerings include a traditional full English breakfast with crispy bacon and perfectly prepared dishes, alongside other freshly cooked-to-order options. The friendly service and ample portions contribute to an overall positive breakfast experience. Similarly, the dinner services receive high praise for their quality and variety with traditional English pub fare like fish and chips and French onion soup standing out. The lovely atmosphere of the pub enhances the overall dining experience, making meal times at The Inn at Emmington memorable.
The inn's rooms, though mixed in feedback, are generally appreciated for being clean, comfortable and functional. Newly refurbished rooms receive praise, though some guests note that certain areas feel tired and dated with issues like cobwebs and noisy floorboards. Nevertheless, the reasonable pricing and countryside setting contribute to a satisfactory stay.
Cleanliness at the inn garners mixed reviews. While many guests commend the excellent cleanliness of rooms and bathrooms, some reports highlight areas needing more thorough attention. Despite occasional issues with cobwebs or odors, many found the facilities well-maintained and appreciated the neatness.
The staff at The Inn at Emmington are frequently lauded for their friendliness and helpfulness. Guests consistently highlight the warm, welcoming atmosphere created by the team with many reviewers noting exceptionally friendly interactions with the owners and staff. This dedication to excellent service significantly enhances the guest experience.
While the Wi-Fi connectivity leaves much to be desired with limited signal and coverage mostly restricted to the bar area, this is one of the few drawbacks at the inn.
The beds are another strong point, often described as clean, comfortable and conducive to a great night's sleep. High-quality mattresses and bed linens contribute to the overall comfort, ensuring guests rest well during their stay.
Lastly, The Inn at Emmington is highly praised for being dog-friendly, offering a welcoming atmosphere for guests traveling with pets. Dogs enjoy special attention, such as sausages for breakfast and are allowed in the dining area, making it a lovely and accommodating place for dog owners and their furry companions.
Overall, The Inn at Emmington stands out for its serene location, exceptional breakfast and dinner offerings, friendly staff, comfortable beds and pet-friendly environment, ensuring a pleasant and memorable stay for its guests.
Mercure Thame Hotel receives overwhelmingly positive reviews with frequent commendations for its prime and serene location near the M40 motorway. Guests appreciate the hotel’s tranquil environment despite its easy accessibility, making it a convenient hub for various local activities and events. The picturesque and rural setting enhances its appeal, while the friendly and helpful staff further contribute to a pleasant experience.
The hotel's breakfast has a generally positive reception, highlighted by a variety of well-cooked options, including an excellent English breakfast buffet. While most guests find the breakfast both satisfactory and enjoyable, some note issues like chaotic service and food temperature inconsistencies. However, commendations for the accommodating staff who make special efforts, such as providing veggie sausages, underscore a strong service experience.
Dinner at the hotel is highly praised for its quality and service with standout dishes like the pork chop in mustard sauce and the Sunday Roast receiving special mention. Despite a limited menu and slightly higher prices, guests find the evening meals to be good value for money with overall excellent service, though a few isolated incidents of service chaos were reported.
Rooms at Mercure Thame Hotel are noted for being spacious, clean and comfortable with modern amenities and thoughtful touches like lovely toiletries. Despite occasional minor critiques regarding room lighting and temperature, most guests report a restful stay supported by comfortable beds and tranquil surroundings.
Cleanliness generally meets guest expectations with many describing the rooms as clean and well-appointed. However, some guests noted areas needing better housekeeping, such as dusty spots and mould in bathrooms. Maintenance issues, including non-functional lights and room door gaps, were also mentioned but did not overwhelmingly detract from the overall positive assessment of the hotel's cleanliness.
The staff at the hotel are frequently lauded for their friendliness, helpfulness and professionalism with specific mentions of outstanding service from individuals like Aga and Adrinal. The team's commitment to providing a welcoming atmosphere is a recurrent theme in the reviews.
Parking facilities are well-received, offering ample free parking with the convenience of monitored spaces and an EV charging point, though occasional issues arise during busy functions.
Lastly, beds at the hotel are generally praised for their comfort, contributing to a good night's sleep. Though most guests find the beds very comfortable, a few mentioned issues with mattress firmness and quality.
In summary, Mercure Thame Hotel stands out for its serene location, high-quality service, comfortable accommodations and attentive staff, making it a highly recommended choice for travelers seeking both convenience and relaxation.
The Oxfordshire Golf & Spa Hotel is a beautiful hotel located in stunning countryside, offering a peaceful retreat for guests. The location is convenient and easily accessible with breathtaking views of the surrounding nature and golf course. The breakfast received mixed reviews with some guests finding it lacking in quality and selection, while others enjoyed the range of options and well-cooked food. The food at the hotel's restaurants and bars also received mixed reviews with some guests finding it tasty but expensive, while others complained about small portions and poor quality. The rooms are generally clean and spacious with comfortable beds and good-quality furnishings, although some are outdated and in need of updating. The staff received mixed reviews with some guests praising their helpfulness and friendliness, while others found them lacking in customer service skills. The spa and golf amenities are a great addition to the hotel, although some guests noted that they need maintenance and updating. Overall, The Oxfordshire Golf & Spa Hotel offers a lovely getaway with impressive facilities and friendly staff, although improvements could be made in certain areas.