Oakham, The Avenue52.673897,-0.658793(Show on Map)
8.3
Very Good
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1 Room2 Guests
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Summary of reviews
**The Barnsdale, Rutland** stands out as a picturesque and convenient destination, especially praised for its beautiful rural location near Rutland Water and Barnsdale Gardens. Guests enjoy the tranquil setting, charming grounds and lovely architecture that make it a perfect escape with abundant opportunities for outdoor activities. Its proximity to local attractions and ample parking further enhances its appeal, serving as an ideal base for exploring the broader region.
The breakfast experience is notably excellent, characterized by freshly cooked, well-presented dishes available in a variety of options. Guests appreciate the pleasant dining settings and the friendly, efficient service. Dishes like full English breakfast and French toast are favorites, though some guests suggest more variety for longer stays.
Dinner at The Barnsdale is generally well-received with many praising the delicious and well-presented meals in a pleasant dining environment. Despite occasional remarks about slow service and menu variety, most enjoy the high-quality food and attentive service.
Rooms are often described as comfortable, clean and charming with beautiful countryside views enhancing the experience. While some remarks point to inconsistency in room quality, such as minor maintenance issues and outdated decor, the overall ambiance and cleanliness remain appealing. Most guests find the beds comfortable, ensuring a good night's sleep.
Cleanliness across the hotel is commendable with many guests noting well-maintained rooms and public areas. However, there are isolated reports of cleanliness issues that suggest the need for more consistent maintenance.
A major highlight of The Barnsdale is its staff, who are frequently praised for their friendliness, helpfulness and professionalism. Their dedication contributes significantly to guest satisfaction, though there are minor mentions of variability in hospitality that could benefit from standardization.
Wi-Fi at the hotel is generally reliable, albeit with some reports of inconsistencies in connection quality. Most guests find the service to be adequate for their needs.
Parking facilities at The Barnsdale are excellent with ample, accessible and free parking spaces readily available, adding to the convenience and positive impression of the hotel.
Family-friendliness is another strong suit, as guests commend the welcoming atmosphere for children and the availability of family-oriented amenities. Despite some minor logistical issues, families frequently enjoy their stays, making special memories at the hotel.
Overall, The Barnsdale provides a stylish, cozy and generally positive stay with particular strengths in its scenic location, quality breakfast, comfortable beds and exceptional staff. Minor areas for improvement include consistency in room quality, service speed and Wi-Fi stability. The hotel successfully meets and often exceeds the expectations associated with its three-star rating, making it a recommended destination for both leisure and family visits.
Categories
Dog Friendly
The Barnsdale welcomes dogs in Heritage, Culture, or Royal rooms for an additional fee, which includes a dog bed, bowls, treats, and a towel. Dogs are allowed to dine in The Orangery or The Courtyard. The hotel offers a 'Wellie wall' with Muck Boot wellies and a local walking map.
Parking
The Barnsdale, Rutland has free parking available for guests. It is a hotel-style property that also offers breakfast.
EV charging stations
4 Star
This hotel is nestled close to the shores of Rutland Water, offering scenic beauty of the Rutland countryside. It offers free WiFi, free parking. The staff are friendly and helpful. The location is superb.
Family
Business
Accessible
EV charging stations
Honeymoon
Spa
Romantic
Room Types
Cosy RoomWith views of either the surrounding countryside or the picturesque courtyard.
Classic RoomOffering free toiletries, this twin/double room includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The twin/double room offers a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, a carpeted floor, heating and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. The unit has 1 bed.
Heritage RoomProviding free toiletries, this twin/double room includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The twin/double room provides a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, a carpeted floor, heating and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. The unit offers 1 bed.
Culture RoomOffering free toiletries, this twin/double room includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The twin/double room offers a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, a carpeted floor, heating and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. The unit offers 1 bed.
Family RoomProviding free toiletries, this family room includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The family room provides a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, a carpeted floor, heating, as well as a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. The unit offers 3 beds.
Royal RoomFeaturing free toiletries, this twin/double room includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The twin/double room features a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, a carpeted floor, heating and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. The unit has 1 bed.
Fort Henry SuiteThis suite is comprised of 1 living room, 1 separate bedroom and 1 bathroom with a bath and free toiletries. The suite offers a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, a carpeted floor, heating and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. The unit offers 1 bed.
Guest Reviews
8.3
Very Good
Review Summaries
Location
The Barnsdale, Rutland, boasts a picturesque location that guests frequently praise for its beauty and convenience. The hotel is set in a stunning, rural part of England, offering excellent proximity to Rutland Water and Barnsdale Gardens, making it a perfect spot for outdoor activities such as walking, cycling and boat rides. Many guests appreciate the peaceful and tranquil setting, which provides a relaxing escape with great views, often described as beautiful, stunning and absolutely gorgeous.
The hotel's grounds and architecture contribute to its charm, featuring lovely gardens, a quaint courtyard and attractive stone-built properties. Visitors also find the location especially convenient for exploring nearby towns like Oakham and Stamford and for various local attractions including the Falconry & Owl Centre.
With plenty of parking available and easy accessibility from major routes like the A1, Barnsdale is noted to be a convenient base for exploring the broader region, including nearby counties like Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire. The serene atmosphere combined with high standards of comfort, quality food and superb hospitality makes it an ideal destination for both leisure and short stays. Perfectly sited to enjoy the natural beauty and activities of Rutland Water, The Barnsdale is highly lauded as a great location for a memorable visit.
Breakfast
The breakfast experience at The Barnsdale, Rutland, received overwhelmingly positive feedback from guests. Reviews consistently highlighted the excellent quality of the breakfast, which was often praised for being freshly cooked, tasty and well-presented. Guests appreciated the wide variety of choices available with options ranging from continental selections to cooked-to-order dishes such as the full English and French toast, which were particularly commended. The dining setting also contributed positively with many reviewers enjoying their meals in the attractive conservatory and orangery spaces.
Service was frequently noted as being friendly and efficient, adding to the overall pleasant breakfast experience. The breakfast offerings catered well to different tastes, including vegan options and were recognized for using quality ingredients. Some specific delights mentioned include the exceptional cherry berry porridge, salmon and eggs and a variety of cereals and fruit.
Despite the many positives, there were a few constructive comments. Some guests felt the need for more variety, particularly for those staying multiple days. A few reviews mentioned minor issues such as slow service on busy mornings, overcooked eggs and a desire for additional menu items like fish. Nonetheless, the overall consensus is that breakfast at The Barnsdale provides an excellent start to the day in a welcoming and well-served environment.
Dinner
The dinner experience at The Barnsdale, Rutland, receives a mixed but generally positive reception from guests. Many reviews highlight the excellent quality of the food, describing it as delicious, superb and well presented. The restaurant environment is often praised as fantastic, bright, airy and well-ventilated, providing a pleasant dining atmosphere. Service is typically lauded as excellent with staff recognized for their friendliness and attentiveness.
However, some guests noted issues such as slow service, limited menu variety and the occasional haphazard service. A few also mentioned that the meal portions were small and prices were on the higher side. Despite these occasional drawbacks, the high quality of the food often compensates for these minor inconsistencies. Overall, while there are areas for improvement, the dining experience at The Barnsdale is largely positive, making it a notable aspect of the stay.
Rooms
The Barnsdale in Rutland offers a range of room experiences for its guests with many praising the comfort, cleanliness and charming decor. The spaciousness and quiet ambiance of several rooms provide a relaxing stay, coupled with comfortable beds and well-maintained facilities. Guests often highlight the beautiful views of the surrounding fields and countryside from their rooms, adding a picturesque touch to their visit. The showers and bathrooms generally earn positive remarks with a few instances of notable size and amenities.
However, consistency seems to be an issue with some rooms described as small, outdated and in need of refurbishment. There are mentions of rooms needing better lighting and heating solutions with some areas appearing tired and worn. Several reviews point out specific maintenance issues, such as malfunctioning fixtures and cleanliness concerns, including dusty and stained furnishings.
Despite these varied experiences, guests appreciate the attentive housekeeping, the welcoming atmosphere and the reasonable value for money. The quaint and rustic charm of the hotel, paired with the overall comfort and cleanliness of most rooms, contributes to an enjoyable stay at The Barnsdale, making it a stylish yet cozy destination in Rutland.
Beds
Reviews of the beds at The Barnsdale, Rutland, reflect a generally positive consensus among guests. Many appreciated the comfort and quality of the mattresses, frequently highlighting how comfortable the beds were. Descriptions such as "comfortable bed," "very comfortable bed," and "super comfortable bed" were common with some guests noting that the beds were among the best they had ever slept in.
However, there were occasional remarks about harder mattresses and uncomfortable pillows. A few guests mentioned that the beds were too hard for their liking, while the pillows received mixed reviews with some guests feeling they were too firm. Despite these isolated comments, the overall sentiment leaned towards a good night's sleep in a spacious and clean environment.
Aesthetic aspects also received favorable mentions. Guests liked the large and well-made beds and several highlighted the comfort of the rooms, complete with beautiful views. While there were minor issues such as bed canopies falling off or beds coming apart, these did not overshadow the high quality of many guests' sleep experiences.
In summary, The Barnsdale excels in providing comfortable sleeping arrangements with most guests praising the beds for their comfort and quality, despite a few minor criticisms.
Cleanliness
The Barnsdale, Rutland offers an overall clean and comfortable stay, highlighted by numerous positive remarks from guests about cleanliness. The rooms are often described as clean, tidy and comfortable. Many guests praised the property for being well-maintained and having clean public areas. Specific areas like bathrooms and bedrooms were frequently noted for their cleanliness with some reviewers particularly impressed by the bathroom hygiene and the well-stocked accommodations. Additionally, the location is quiet and serene, providing a pleasant atmosphere for visitors.
However, some issues were noted that detract from this otherwise positive experience. Certain rooms were reported to have cleanliness problems, such as dust, cobwebs and dirty carpets, which indicate that maintenance could be inconsistent. There were also mentions of small rooms, dated furnishings and some areas like bathrooms needing refurbishment. Feedback about the cleaning staff varied with some guests experiencing thorough cleaning, while others observed minimal efforts during their stay.
Despite these occasional lapses, The Barnsdale remains a commendable choice for travelers seeking a comfortable and clean environment, though it's clear the property could benefit from more consistent maintenance and periodic updates to enhance overall guest satisfaction.
Staff
The Barnsdale in Rutland has a notable reputation for its staff, who overwhelmingly contribute to a positive guest experience. The staff are consistently described as welcoming, friendly and helpful. Their attitudes are praised as fantastic with many going the extra mile to ensure an enjoyable stay. Guests frequently mention the professionalism and courteous manner of the staff, highlighting that they work hard to look after guests, often managing long hours with a smile.
The reception team, including standout individuals like Carol and Malissa, are noted for being particularly helpful and resolving issues without fuss. The night receptionist has also been commended for being exceptionally excellent, attesting to the high level of service provided 24/7. The bar and breakfast staff, while mostly well-received for their friendliness and attentiveness, have had occasional mentions of being less welcoming, indicating a potential training area.
Overall, the staff at The Barnsdale are a significant asset with many guests reporting that nothing was too much trouble and that their welcoming demeanor and excellent service made for an outstanding experience. There are minor inconsistencies with some staff members needing training to match the high standards set by their colleagues. Despite these few areas for improvement, the general consensus points to a well-trained, efficient and exceptionally friendly team dedicated to guest satisfaction.
Wi-Fi
The Barnsdale in Rutland offers a generally reliable Wi-Fi experience for most guests with many noting that the wi-fi worked well, particularly in their rooms. However, there are some concerns about the consistency of the connection. Instances of the Wi-Fi signal being patchy or weak have been mentioned and in some cases, the connection required frequent restarting. Despite these occasional issues, the overall feedback suggests that the hotel provides good Wi-Fi service, though improvements in stability and coverage could enhance the guest experience further.
Parking
The Barnsdale, Rutland, is praised for its excellent parking facilities. Guests frequently highlight the ample parking spaces and the overall ease of finding a spot. The large car parks are another notable feature, providing plenty of room even when the hotel is hosting events like weddings. Many appreciated that the parking is free and found the spaces to be adequate and accessible, contributing significantly to their positive experience. Though there was a minor mention of parking being challenging on one occasion and some comments about litter in the parking area, the overwhelming sentiment is positive. The convenience of having plentiful, good-quality parking facilities ensures that guests can park their vehicles without stress.
Family
The Barnsdale in Rutland emerged as a family-friendly haven based on various guest reviews, many of which highlight the positive experiences for children and families. Guests frequently appreciated the child-friendly ambiance, noting that children were allowed and seemingly welcome throughout the hotel. The kids particularly loved exploring the grounds and enjoyed unique touches in their rooms tailored to their younger guests.
The hotel offers various amenities conducive to family time, including a downstairs playroom equipped with pool games, which was a hit among families. The Barnsdale's family rooms and spacious accommodations further add to its appeal as a great place for family stays. It has proven to be an excellent spot for family gatherings and special birthday celebrations.
While some logistical issues were noted by guests — such as cramped family rooms and a less satisfactory experience with room allocation and breakfast handling — the overall sentiment leans heavily towards the positive. The staff's friendly and helpful demeanor, combined with clean surroundings and a pleasant location, enhances the family-friendly atmosphere.
Families visiting The Barnsdale often leave feeling satisfied with their stay, citing the lovely time spent with family and the hotel's capability to meet everything they wanted for a family-friendly stay. Despite minor service issues, the hotel’s welcoming environment and the staff's dedication have made it a recommended destination for family celebrations and gatherings.
3 Star
The Barnsdale in Rutland is a charming three-star hotel that excels in delivering a comfortable stay. Guests have highlighted the hotel's rustic charm and cozy, country house ambiance. The rooms, described as good for their price range, are spacious and comfortable, though some visitors noted that the décor could use a bit of refreshing and the windows are on the smaller side. Despite a few quirks, such as moody bar staff and pricey wines, the overall experience at The Barnsdale is positive, offering good value for money and exceeding the expectations associated with its three-star classification. Everything about this comfortable boutique hotel suggests it fits well within its star rating, making it a pleasant choice for travelers seeking quality accommodations without breaking the bank.
Business
The Barnsdale in Rutland is highly regarded for its suitability for business travelers. Reviews highlight its essential facilities and efficient design, making it perfectly suited for business trips. Guests appreciate the helpful and quick service, especially during breakfast and find the courteous staff adds to the overall positive experience. While some reviews note occasional issues with noise due to business functions and the need for additional staff training, the overall sentiment suggests that it meets the needs of professional work and is likely to be a repeat choice for those traveling south.
Accessible
The Barnsdale in Rutland offers a mix of accessibility features for guests with disabilities. The property has been commended for having rooms specifically designed for guests with special needs, including wheelchair-accessible rooms with wider doors and grab rails in the bathroom. Many areas of the hotel are wheelchair friendly with excellent access points and satisfactory arrangements for those with mobility challenges. Additionally, the staff have been noted for their helpfulness and willingness to accommodate guests' needs, including allowing for extended stays in rooms to support disabled guests.
However, the hotel does have some shortcomings. Rooms on upper floors are difficult to access due to the absence of a lift and the accessibility bathrooms lack some essential features. The lack of specific accessible bathrooms and some maintenance issues such as non-working fans, problematic showers and unclean bathrooms were noted. Furthermore, some guests found the presence of carpets in corridors and bedrooms, as well as the need for additional shelving, to be less convenient.
Overall, while The Barnsdale offers many positive aspects for disabled guests, it could benefit from some improvements in accessibility and room maintenance.
Dog Friendly
The Barnsdale in Rutland has made a strong impression as a wonderfully dog-friendly hotel, catering exceptionally well to both pets and their owners. Guests have praised the establishment for its welcoming attitude towards dogs, a sentiment reflected through thoughtful amenities like dog bowls, dog beds and designated dog-friendly rooms and areas. This pet-friendly environment is evident in the hotel's policies, allowing dogs in rooms, the bar area and even dining spaces.
The hotel's well-maintained grounds, reminiscent of an English garden, offer ample spacious areas for dog walking, ensuring that pets are well accommodated. Reviews highlight the pleasant dog beds and the clear, considerate policies that make the stay seamless for pet owners. The staff's friendliness and evident love for animals further enhance the experience, ensuring that dogs are looked after as well as their human counterparts.
While some feedback mentions that a few dog-friendly rooms appear slightly worn, the overall sentiment remains overwhelmingly positive. The hotel succeeds in being dog-friendly without compromising on quality, making it a charming and characterful place that warmly welcomes dogs. Whether one is traveling with a retriever or a smaller breed, The Barnsdale ensures that every visit is comfortable and convenient for all furry companions.
FAQ
No, The Barnsdale, Rutland doesn't have any pool.
Yes, a spa is available at The Barnsdale, Rutland.
Yes, The Barnsdale, Rutland welcomes dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at The Barnsdale, Rutland.
