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Summary of reviewsHempstead House Hotel & Restaurant is highly regarded for its myriad offerings and exceptional hospitality, set in a beautiful and serene location. This charming old manor house, nestled amidst well-maintained gardens, serves as an excellent backdrop for exploring the local area, including historical Faversham, Maidstone and the nearby Whitstable Beach. Despite Sittingbourne being relatively quiet, the hotel's peaceful atmosphere and convenient accessibility make it a favored choice.
Guests rave about the breakfast experience, praising the variety and quality of the food, from continental options to freshly cooked full English breakfasts. The dining experience extends to dinner at The Lakes restaurant, where the well-executed and beautifully presented meals, along with attentive service, leave a memorable impression. Although some feel the dinner menu could be more diverse and that prices are on the steeper side, the overall dining experience remains commendable.
The rooms at Hempstead House are celebrated for their spaciousness, cleanliness and stylish decor, blending historical charm with modern comforts. Descriptions highlight their pristine condition, attractive furnishings and restful beds, although there are minor mentions of narrow beds and occasional heating issues. The property is notably dog-friendly with facilities and services dedicated to making pets and their owners feel at home.
Cleanliness stands out as a prominent feature across the hotel, from the immaculate rooms to the well-maintained facilities, including the spa. The spa and pool facilities are particularly praised, offering a range of luxurious treatments, a warm indoor pool, a hydro pool and other wellness amenities that contribute to a rejuvenating stay.
The staff receive accolades for their exceptional friendliness and helpfulness, ensuring a welcoming environment and excellent service. This high level of hospitality extends from the reception to dining areas, significantly enhancing the overall experience.
Hempstead House Hotel & Restaurant encapsulates the essence of luxury, providing an opulent atmosphere without pretension, backed by superb facilities and decor that hint at a higher rating than its official three stars. Its historical charm, luxurious offerings and romantic ambiance make it a perfect retreat for special celebrations and intimate getaways. The delightfully dog-friendly policies further seal its appeal, inviting guests to return for another memorable stay. Show more
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Categories
Country House with EV Charging Stations
Luxury Country House
Historic Country House
Year erected:1850
What is the history of the property? It was the estate house for the surrounding farmland and was built and owned by the Lake family who have now emigrated to New Zealand but have provided a lot of history about the house and the family all of which is available at the hotel.
What was the era and/or the architectural style in which the property was built? Early Victorian
Is the property surrounded by other historic buildings? No but it is in the village of Bapchild which is where the pilgrims baptised their children on the pilgrimage from London to Dover.
Has restoration work taken place? Yes. We have extended the house over the years to provide 35 bedrooms, a 60 c0ver restaurant, a 150 seater function suite and a spa.
Are there any elements of particular historical importance at the building? The old stable building which was built in 1845 is now a large entrance and bar. It contains the original breathing tower for the horses.
Are there any important guests or previous owners worth mentioning? The Lake family
Are there any significant events that took place at the property in the past? No
Has the property received any certifications for its historical status? No
Would you describe your property as (or has it ever been in the past) a:
Farmhouse
Is there anything that you would like to highlight, add or clarify? Beautiful original rooms with high ceilings and some original features.
Answers last updated by Hempstead House Hotel & Restaurant
Deluxe RoomLarge, individual rooms with canopied beds, situated in the traditional Victorian Country House. Some can accommodate 1 or 2 children.
Executive RoomLarge rooms with spacious bathrooms. Situated in the newer part of the hotel or in the traditional Victorian Country House. Some can accommodate 1 or 2 children.
Superior RoomSpacious room with views over the gardens and surrounding countryside. Can accommodate 1 or 2 children.
This room can accommodate an extra bed.
Standard RoomThis en suite room is individually designed.
SuiteBoasting a private entrance, this suite comes with 1 living room, 1 separate bedroom and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower and a hairdryer. Guests can make meals in the kitchen that features a refrigerator, a dishwasher, kitchenware and an oven. This wheelchair accessible suite has a tea and coffee maker, a seating area with a flat-screen TV and a shower chair. The unit has 2 beds.
Guest Reviews
8.9
Excellent
Location
Hempstead House Hotel & Restaurant is set in a beautiful and scenic location, making it an excellent base for exploring the local area. The stunning old manor house is surrounded by gorgeous, well-maintained gardens, providing a peaceful and quiet atmosphere. The property, though conveniently located off the A2, offers a serene escape with excellent facilities, including a well-regarded spa.
Its proximity to Faversham, a town rich in history and Maidstone, as well as being only a 25-minute drive from Whitstable Beach, adds to its appeal. The grounds are not only lovely but also spacious, making it suitable for various needs, including family events. Despite Sittingbourne itself not offering much to do, the overall location of the hotel is charming and convenient for many visitors. The hotel is easy to find with well-equipped rooms and very friendly staff, ensuring a comfortable stay.
Breakfast
Hempstead House Hotel & Restaurant offers a breakfast experience that has garnered a wealth of positive feedback from guests. Described as great, tasty and lovely, the breakfast is highly praised for its quality and variety. Many guests highlight the excellent, full choice of options available, from continental fare to a full English breakfast cooked to order. The breakfast menu offers an impressive range of foods, ensuring that every guest can find something to their liking.
The quality of the food is frequently commended with particular mentions of the breakfast being hot, tasty and of very good quality. The staff receive accolades for their friendly and helpful service, contributing to the overall pleasant dining experience. The option to enjoy breakfast in the hotel’s charming decor and beautiful gardens adds to the atmosphere, making it a delightful start to the day.
However, there are occasional critiques, including undercooked sausages, a closure time that some found too early and a preference for a buffet-style setup from some guests. Despite these minor issues, the overall sentiment towards breakfast at Hempstead House remains overwhelmingly positive with many guests describing it as amazing, exceptional or even akin to dining in a luxurious setting. Whether enjoying a hearty meal or a simple continental spread, guests appear to leave satisfied, often noting the breakfast as a highlight of their stay.
Dinner
The dinner experience at Hempstead House Hotel & Restaurant has generally been well-received by guests with numerous mentions of excellent, lovely and delicious food. The Lakes restaurant in particular stood out for its exceptional and well-presented evening meals, accompanied by pleasant service. Guests appreciated the attention to dietary needs, including options for those with lactose and gluten intolerances.
However, while the quality of the food and the service were often praised, some guests noted that the dinner menu was limited and could benefit from more diverse options. A few also felt that the food and beverages were somewhat overpriced. Despite these minor criticisms, most guests were impressed with the overall dining experience, citing fantastic dinner choices and a brilliant evening ambiance. The high quality extended to both dinner and breakfast, making the culinary offerings at this hotel a memorable aspect of their stay.
Rooms
Hempstead House Hotel & Restaurant offers an inviting array of rooms praised for their spaciousness, cleanliness and comfortable ambiance. Many guests highlighted the rooms as great and magnificent with stylish decor that beautifully blends historic features with modern touches. The furnishings are of good quality and the rooms are well-appointed, featuring newly refurbished bathrooms and all necessary facilities.
The rooms are described as lovely, spotlessly clean and ranging from big to very spacious with some providing nice views. Families find the accommodation practical with ample space for both adults and children. The beds are consistently noted for their comfort, contributing to a restful stay.
A notable aspect is the dog-friendly policy, catering well to guests traveling with pets. Despite a few mentions of narrow double beds and occasional room heating issues, the overall impression remains overwhelmingly positive. The friendly, helpful staff further enhances the experience, ensuring guests feel welcomed and well taken care of.
In summary, Hempstead House Hotel & Restaurant's rooms are not only beautiful and characterful but also provide a comfortable and enjoyable stay for various types of travelers.
Beds
Hempstead House Hotel & Restaurant generally receives high marks for the comfort of its beds. The majority of guests praised the beds as very comfortable with spacious sizes and high-quality pillows contributing to a good night's sleep. Many highlighted the luxurious and cozy nature of the beds with some describing them as the most comfortable they have ever slept on. However, a few reviews conveyed mixed experiences. Some guests encountered issues with mattresses being a bit hard or lumpy and there were instances where two single beds were pushed together to form a king size, which was not ideal for some. Despite these occasional concerns, the overall consensus points to a positive experience with many appreciating the soft, large and extremely comfy beds, ensuring restful nights at the hotel.
Cleanliness
Hempstead House Hotel & Restaurant consistently receives accolades for its exceptional cleanliness and attentive service. Guests frequently commend the hotel for being spotlessly clean with rooms described as immaculate and well-furnished. The establishment’s dedication to cleanliness extends throughout the entire property, which is well maintained and presented to a high standard.
Visitors appreciate not only the pristine condition of their accommodations but also the friendly and attentive staff who contribute to a welcoming atmosphere. The hotel’s facilities, including the spa, are noted for their cleanliness and professional upkeep. Rooms are described as spacious, comfortable and equipped to meet guests’ needs with a decor that exudes charm, although some furnishings might feel a bit dated.
Overall, the impeccable service and emphasis on cleanliness, along with the hotel’s luxurious and well-kept amenities, provide a pleasant and comfortable stay, underlined by a unique, castle-like decor that enhances the guest experience.
Staff
The positive feedback from guests of Hempstead House Hotel & Restaurant highlights the exceptional quality of its staff. Reviews consistently praise the team as incredibly friendly, courteous and helpful. Guests note the reception staff's warmth upon arrival and commend the entire team for being approachable and professional. The staff's readiness to assist with any issues, including resolving room concerns promptly, is frequently mentioned.
Service at the hotel is not only efficient but goes above and beyond expectations, which has left a lasting impression on many visitors. The hotel and spa's personnel are recognized for their thoughtfulness, further enhancing the overall excellent experience. Their collective effort contributed to making rooms feel extra special and delivering an outstanding dining experience.
In summary, the Hempstead House Hotel & Restaurant stands out for its exemplary service, provided by a team described as fantastic, lovely and superbly efficient. This level of hospitality has ensured that guests feel welcomed and well-taken care of throughout their stay.
Pool
Hempstead House Hotel & Restaurant boasts exceptional spa and pool facilities, consistently praised for their quality and variety. Guests have enjoyed the superb indoor heated swimming pool alongside a relaxing jacuzzi, sauna and steam room. The pool, often described as warm and lovely, provides a pleasant swimming experience, complemented by the commendable cleanliness of the amenities. The addition of an outdoor hot tub and two inviting pools, as well as a hydro pool, enhances the resort's appeal.
Visitors have repeatedly highlighted the excellence of the spa, noting it as amazing and fantastic with superb offerings that include a steam room and jacuzzis. Despite occasional mentions of busyness, the overall feedback paints a picture of a serene and rejuvenating environment, perfect for relaxation and wellness.
Historic
Hempstead House Hotel & Restaurant offers a seamless blend of historical charm and modern comfort. Housed in a stunning old Manor House, the property boasts beautiful classical furnishings and many preserved historic features. Guests can enjoy the unique experience of staying in a period property rich in history with parts of the estate dating back to the 1300s. The hotel's location is convenient, close to Maidstone and it maintains a charming style throughout its rooms and garden. This setting provides visitors with a sense of stepping back in time while still enjoying the amenities of a contemporary hotel.
Luxury
Hempstead House Hotel & Restaurant offers a luxurious experience, accented by excellent facilities and wonderful spa amenities. The luxury rooms and beautifully furnished interiors create a sense of opulence that exceeds its 3-star rating, more closely aligning with a 4-star standard. The hotel and its picturesque grounds are described as beautiful with lovely decor and even charming details like a rocking horse.
Guests rave about the superb luxury and faultless experience from booking to departure. The clean and spacious rooms are presented with luxurious furnishings and decor, contributing to the overall feel of extravagance. The spa is particularly highlighted with many noting it was the best they had ever experienced, featuring hydrojets and a variety of top-notch facilities.
Friendly staff, especially in reception and the main restaurant, enhance the welcoming atmosphere, while the food receives high praise for its quality. The property’s luxurious garden adds to the serene environment, making it a perfect retreat that is both luxurious and inviting without feeling overly ostentatious.
Romantic
Hempstead House Hotel & Restaurant in the UK emerges as a perfect romantic getaway with numerous guests celebrating significant milestones like anniversaries and weddings. Frequent patrons acclaim it as one of their favorite hotels, attributing it to the exceptional attention to detail and personalized experiences. Celebratory touches such as room and table decorations, as well as thoughtful gestures like a Happy Anniversary plate after dessert, enhance the romantic atmosphere. Couples recount some of their nicest stays, highlighting special dinners and wines in the restaurant, making it an idyllic choice for those seeking a memorable and intimate escape. The hotel also hosts wedding ceremonies and receptions, further underlining its suitability for romantic events.
Dog Friendly
The Hempstead House Hotel & Restaurant offers a welcoming atmosphere for guests traveling with their dogs. The accommodation is genuinely dog-friendly, allowing pets to stay in the rooms and providing multiple cozy sitting and walking areas for dogs to enjoy without extra charges. The staff demonstrates exceptional care and dedication to both human and canine guests, ensuring everyone feels comfortable and valued throughout their stay. Guests appreciate the first-class service from check-in to room cleaning and the restaurant, although some note the absence of rubbish bins for disposing of dog waste as a minor inconvenience. Overall, visitors are highly satisfied with their experience, expressing eagerness to return and highlighting the hotel's pet-friendly vibe.
Yes, Hempstead House Hotel & Restaurant has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Heated Pool, Indoor Pool, Outdoor Pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Hempstead House Hotel & Restaurant.
Yes, Hempstead House Hotel & Restaurant welcomes dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at Hempstead House Hotel & Restaurant.
No, Hempstead House Hotel & Restaurant doesn't have a gym.