Please select your travel dates to see rates and availability
Check In
Check Out
1 room2 guests1 room, 2 guests
Info
Summary of reviewsThe Shoulder at Hardstoft is a highly recommended destination for visitors seeking a charming countryside retreat in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. Its exceptional location provides a picturesque setting ideal for exploring local attractions and enjoying leisurely walks amidst natural beauty. The establishment offers a peaceful atmosphere with easy access to major transport links, accommodating those attending nearby events or visiting loved ones.
Renowned for its excellent hospitality, The Shoulder at Hardstoft features friendly and attentive staff who create a warm, inviting environment for guests. The cozy and clean accommodations, characterized by spacious and well-equipped rooms, ensure a comfortable stay. While the absence of a breakfast service is noted, the dining experience here receives high praise, with a versatile menu of delicious meals and a pet-friendly atmosphere adding to its charm. Evening dining is further enhanced by live entertainment, creating memorable experiences for diners.
Families and pet owners will find The Shoulder at Hardstoft particularly welcoming, offering ample space and conveniences for children and furry companions. The attention to cleanliness and comfort, combined with value for money, make this a perfect choice for a serene countryside escape. Despite some mixed reviews on bedding preferences, the overall sentiment is one of satisfaction, making The Shoulder at Hardstoft a top choice for travelers seeking a peaceful and accommodating retreat. Show more
Read review summaries for all categories
Categories
Hotel for Honeymoon
Family Friendly Hotel
Dog Friendly Hotel
Cheap Hotel
Small Hotel
Room Types
Deluxe Double RoomProviding free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a walk-in shower. This double room features a wardrobe, flat-screen TV with streaming services, garden views, as well as chocolate for guests. The unit offers 1 bed.
Deluxe Double RoomFeaturing free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a walk-in shower. This double room has a wardrobe, flat-screen TV with streaming services, garden views, as well as chocolate for guests. The unit has 1 bed.
Deluxe Family SuiteFeaturing free toiletries, this family room includes a private bathroom with a bath. This family room has a seating area, a wardrobe, flat-screen TV, as well as chocolate for guests. The unit has 3 beds.
Deluxe Double RoomOffering free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a walk-in shower. This double room features a wardrobe, flat-screen TV with streaming services, garden views, as well as chocolate for guests. The unit offers 1 bed.
Family Junior SuiteOffering free toiletries, this family room includes a private bathroom with a walk-in shower. This family room features a seating area, a wardrobe, flat-screen TV with streaming services, as well as chocolate for guests.
Four-Bedroom Holiday HomeThe unit offers 4 beds.
Guest Reviews
8.1
Very Good
Location
The Shoulder at Hardstoft boasts an exceptional location that caters to various travel needs, making it a prime choice for visitors exploring the picturesque landscapes of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. Nestled in a charming rural setting, this lovely pub offers an ideal starting point for those visiting local attractions such as the renowned National Trust Hardwick Hall and the scenic Heights of Abraham. It also provides a convenient base for guests visiting family and friends in the area or attending nearby events.
Its proximity to major transport links, including the motorway, ensures easy accessibility while maintaining a peaceful atmosphere. Guests appreciate the abundance of free parking, which adds to the convenience of staying at this quaint hamlet retreat. The location is praised as perfect for enjoying leisurely walks and discovering the surrounding countryside's natural beauty.
The hotel itself is a gorgeous little pub characterized by its friendly staff and delightful atmosphere. The establishment offers cosy rooms above with quiet settings, ensuring a restful night's sleep. The restaurant excels with its delicious food menu, adding to the overall positive experience of the stay. While breakfast is not available, guests are impressed by the quality of other meals. Overall, The Shoulder at Hardstoft's location and warm hospitality make it a noteworthy choice for travelers seeking an idyllic countryside escape.
Breakfast
The Shoulder at Hardstoft appears to be a charming place, though it notably lacks a breakfast offering, which many guests feel could enhance the experience. While some visitors didn't mind the absence of breakfast, others suggested that adding even a simple continental option could be beneficial. The idea of providing a basic snack tray with items like croissants or cereal bars surfaced several times as a potential improvement. Guests noted that there are alternative breakfast options located a short drive away, with the Hardwick Inn mentioned as a suitable choice. Despite this, the lack of an on-site breakfast did lead to some inconvenience for those hoping to start their day without leaving the premises. Supplementary offerings or a small breakfast service could potentially fill this gap, turning The Shoulder at Hardstoft into an even more attractive destination for travelers.
Dinner
Nestled in a charming, historic building, The Shoulder at Hardstoft offers a dining experience that regularly receives high praise from its guests. This quaint establishment boasts a delightful atmosphere where both the cuisine and service stand out as exceptional. Diners are consistently satisfied by the superb selection of food and drinks, with many noting the fantastic taste and thoughtful presentation. The restaurant provides a versatile menu that caters to varied tastes, featuring tantalizing dishes such as the best burger ever and a delicious Sunday roast.
The Shoulder at Hardstoft also plays host to live entertainment, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the evening meals. The combination of good food and engaging performances creates memorable nights for those who dine here. The attentive and accommodating staff enhance the overall experience, ensuring a warm welcome and excellent customer service throughout.
Pet owners will be delighted to find a pet-friendly environment, which adds to the homely charm of this family-run establishment. Beyond the delicious meals, guests can enjoy a well-stocked bar and outdoor space, making it an ideal spot for socializing and unwinding. Reasonably priced dishes make dining at The Shoulder at Hardstoft a value-packed choice for those looking to enjoy quality food in a serene setting.
Rooms
The rooms at The Shoulder at Hardstoft boast several appealing features, drawing praise from guests for their spaciousness, cleanliness, and comfort. Many visitors found the rooms to be well-equipped, meeting the needs of families and solo travelers alike with amenities such as en suite bathrooms, TVs, kettles, and fridges. Guests often highlighted the warmth and comfortable ambiance of the accommodations, providing restful sleep and a welcoming retreat.
Several reviews noted the contemporary design and pleasant decor of the rooms, further enhancing the overall experience. These rooms were consistently described as clean and tidy, creating a fresh and inviting atmosphere. Families enjoyed the ample space provided, with configurations suited for up to four people, ensuring a comfortable stay.
Although a few reviews mentioned that some rooms felt a bit dated, the predominant sentiment emphasized the good value for money and the loveliness of the accommodations. The attentive and friendly staff added to the positive experience, ensuring a pleasant stay. Secure parking and a peaceful setting with countryside views are additional perks that guests appreciated, making The Shoulder at Hardstoft a recommended choice for visitors to the area.
Beds
The beds at The Shoulder at Hardstoft have left guests with mixed impressions. Many guests found the beds to be comfortable, with several highlighting a large and cozy sleeping experience that promised a good night's rest. The presence of memory foam mattresses seems common, although opinions on these vary; while some enjoy sinking into the foam, others found this feature less than ideal. Although there are mentions of discomfort caused by too-hard or overly firm mattresses, it's noted as a matter of personal preference. The overall quality of bedding also came under scrutiny, with comments on mismatched linens and bedding arrangements. For some, narrow bed sizes coupled with sweaty flannel sheets and plastic mattress protectors detracted from comfort. Despite these varying perspectives, the comfortable beds, for many, remain a highlight that welcomes restful sleep even when other aspects do not meet their expectations.
Cleanliness
Nestled in a quiet countryside location, The Shoulder at Hardstoft stands out for its exceptional cleanliness, consistently earning high praise from guests. From spotlessly clean rooms to tidy, spacious accommodations, the hotel meets and often exceeds the cleanliness expectations of its visitors. Guests frequently describe the rooms as clean, comfortable, and cozy, with all necessary amenities provided, including comfy beds and quality linens. The property as a whole is described as very clean and well-decorated, maintaining a lovely and homely atmosphere. Complementing the immaculate surroundings, the staff are noted for their friendliness and helpfulness, enhancing the warm and welcoming atmosphere. Overall, the hotel's commitment to cleanliness and comfort renders it a highly recommendable choice for travelers seeking a peaceful and pristine retreat.
Staff
The reviews of The Shoulder at Hardstoft highlight a consistently positive experience with the hotel staff. They are frequently described as exceptionally friendly, welcoming, and helpful, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for guests. Visitors appreciate the staff's accommodating nature, making everyone feel especially welcome, including families with young children. The owners add to this friendly environment with their warm demeanor. Despite being busy, the staff and owners demonstrate efficiency and attentiveness, which guests find impressive. The combination of great service and good food contributes to the overall pleasant experience. A few comments note occasional issues with communication, but these do not seem to overshadow the general consensus. Guests also enjoy the clean, comfortable accommodations, further enhancing their stay. Overall, the staff's dedication to creating a welcoming environment stands out as a key element of the hotel's appeal.
Family
The Shoulder at Hardstoft is a fantastic choice for families seeking a comfortable and welcoming stay in the countryside. Guests appreciate the warm and cozy accommodations, which are particularly suitable for families with children, including those with babies and pets. The family rooms are consistently described as spacious, offering plenty of room for everyone, whether it's a family of four or larger groups.
Situated close to Claycross, the hotel serves as a convenient base for attending nearby events, such as weddings. Families have enjoyed the cozy apartment options above a pub, providing a unique experience in the picturesque surroundings. Travelers consistently mention the friendly and helpful demeanor of the staff, who go above and beyond to make guests feel welcome. This extends to children, who are greeted with friendliness, contributing to a relaxed environment that families can enjoy.
Overall, The Shoulder at Hardstoft provides a spacious, comfortable, and welcoming environment, making it a great spot for family gatherings or parties in the serene countryside setting.
Dog Friendly
'The Shoulder at Hardstoft' offers a delightful haven for travelers with furry companions. Welcoming dogs with open arms, this hotel has garnered praise for its pet-friendly atmosphere. Guests emphasize the exceptional hospitality of the staff and owners, who ensure that both pets and their humans feel right at home. The minimal pet fee, considered one of the lowest ever encountered by visitors, adds to the appeal.
Convenient access to nearby dog walking areas makes it an ideal spot for those traveling with pets. Many guests have been pleased to find ample space for their dogs, although larger breeds might need a bit more room. The overall experience is consistently highlighted as a positive one, with many visitors planning to return, drawn by the hotel's accommodating nature towards pets. 'The Shoulder at Hardstoft' undoubtedly excels in creating a welcoming environment for dogs, making it a highly recommended choice for pet owners.
No, The Shoulder at Hardstoft doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at The Shoulder at Hardstoft.
Yes, The Shoulder at Hardstoft welcomes dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at The Shoulder at Hardstoft.