Best Western Normanton Park Hotel

We stayed at the Normanton Park for a much needed break away. We arrived to a very tranquil spot, despite the rain on the first day, and were warmly welcomed in. Our room wasn’t ready (we were early) so we sat and waited in the small bar/lounge area and had coffee, made by the very professional and very lovely, Serge. (hope that’s the correct spelling). The two rooms my friend and I had were quite spacious and a bit dark due to their location with a glimpse out to the lake, and although a little tired looking (the curtains needed a good wash as had gone grey), the beds were comfy and the bathroom was spotless. It was our base, so did not mar our stay at all. It costs a fortune to renovate a hotel so we were mindful that it was our base and not to expect 5 star grandeur which would have cost us much more. The hotel has to be thoroughly recommended for its staff. The friendliness and professionalism of all the staff (even under pressure at breakfast – one lad working on his own) was hugely evident. I think this is what was our most memorable feature about this hotel, and for that we would definitely return. The young ladies on Reception (Rosie particularly) were helpful and smiling (it does help if you extend the same courtesy to the staff), they do their best obviously under short staffed situations. The food in the restaurant was excellent. Presented beautifully, and of very good quality. We had no reason to be disappointed with anything that came out the kitchen, especially being such a change not to have to cook ourselves… The drinks were not overly expensive and presented well also. Breakfast was a little busy and some food had shriveled a little under the warmers but it was no trouble at all to ask for fresh to be brought out. Maybe we got up too late ! We had an afternoon tea on the lovely terrace overlooking the water, and in the warmth of a July day, felt as if we could be abroad. From the terrace it’s a short stroll to the gate that opens up to the delights of Rutland Water, especially the beautiful little church on the water. Peaceful, tranquil and on the doorstep. The Normanton Park is not a five star hotel but then the price reflects that, so we didn’t go expecting full on luxury, but what we did get was a warm friendly welcome, a great base to visit the locality (Stamford is a place we will go back to) and receive some genuine hospitality from the staff, you don’t always get that in a five star hotel…. Would definitely stay again, and hope that we would meet the pleasant hard working staff again. By way of this review, we would like to thank them again. I hope they know who we are as we will be back ! less

I stayed at this place with my family as part of Burley Horse Trial visit . It’s a pleasant place to visit outside the hustle and bustle of Burley at this time of year yet close enough . Not the most luxurious place to stay but good value for money . Staff were pleasant and helpful . The place looks a bit tired and can do with an in depth cleaning and a good coat of paint . less

Positives - great location over looking rutland water,can walk from the gardens along the lake to the historical Normanton church. Came here with a group of 10 for a family meal, we were sat in the conservatory and although views were lovely the decor was very tired, dusty and lots of wasps dead and alive around! Queued a long time at small bar to get drinks to find a dead fly in one - gross! No real apology but drink was swapped. Food was ok, good pub grub we had a variety of things from menu including children menu, all were ok nothing too special. Overall I’m not sure we would come again unless popping in for a drink in beer garden. less

Hotel is tired but in a wonderful spot I’ve only paid £70 B&B although single occupancy was for two I would suggest that you upgrade to a better room I did get a free upgrade as a reward member but still not brilliant But don’t write it off entirely as it is in a great location I only had Fish and Chips in the bar and was ok So just a three star in a beautiful spot you get what you pay for less

My wife and I had an overnight stay at the Normanton Park Hotel (Best Western). When we arrived we saw a small heap of rubbish in the carpark, near the entrance, which still hadn’t been cleared the following day. We settled into our room only to find that the reading light on one side didn’t work – fixed by hotel maintenance. We found later that the TV remote wouldn’t work – had to be replaced by a new one. I checked the restaurant, around 5pm, where a group of guests had just seen a rat outside the restaurant door. One said it was either a rat or 'a very large mouse'! The manager confirmed that pest control was calling the next day. One waitress was not friendly and there was confusion over who was serving which table. One meal sent back by a guest (too salty) – he was offered an alternative but didn’t eat anything in the end because his friend would have finished eating long before him. My wife’s meal was extremely poor (£5 off the bill). No Merlot, despite being in the wine list. The net curtain in our room had black mildew around the bottom. The matresses too hard (little sleep). The paintwork in the corridors needed attention. We chose not to have breakfast there the next day and left early. On the brighter side, the planters and hanging baskets were quite impressive, however, we would never return to this hotel which is a shame because it's in a great location, beside a lake. less