Peckforton Castle

Amazing lovely place

What is there not to love

Nothing. All was good

Uniqueness

Stunning castle and location - it’s a beautiful place set in the woods a short drive off the main road. We stayed here three years ago and really enjoyed it, we had a really super time and so decided to come back. That was a mistake as we would not come back again after our recent experience. They seem to be trying to cut costs at every turn which really impacts the overall experience. Charge a bit more money and do it properly - or dont bother at all.

A serious downgrade to the service and experience. On booking, the room rate seemed cheaper than before, breakfast an optional extra (£12pp) . On booking in, told the restaurant was full that evening, strange as not many cars in car park (discovered actually was closed). Pheasant Pub locally was good however. The receptionist booked us in the restaurant for the following night. We were asked what time we would be at breakfast - asked the hours 7-10am, however still had to give a time of arrival which seemed odd. Breakfast was a very basic continental buffet (cereals and greek yohurt and some fruit salad), cooked breakfast to order. Cappuccinos or non-filter coffee is charged extra (why? never had this elsewhere). Fruit juice is eventually brought to you by the staff in a glass filled with ice - clearly don’t trust their guests with self-service & trying to limit costs at every turn. Cooked breakfast took an age (40mins later), french toast was half cooked. Everything from butter for toast to ketchup was a request. Ketchup arrived in a lidded refilled small disposble type jar, to save cost again. Went to go to our room after breakfast- keycard didn’t work. Went to reception and told the receptionist who said we had checked out.. we said no, as we said "we cant get in our room" and are booked for another night. She told us we hadn’t said this and was quite rude. Receptionist asked how our stay was going and we explained we were disappointed - seemed not bothered and like they were used to a lot of complaints. We decided we didnt want to risk the restaurant that eve, came back at 6pm to cancel at reception only to be told we weren’t booked in anyway! Breakfast the next day, staff said we were not booked in and why weren’t we booked in? like we were naughty children trying to pull a fast one. Most staff seemed really fed up, with the exception of the checkout receptionist who was lovely.