Down Hall Country House Hotel

Down Hall Country House Hotel descritpion

This 4-star country-house hotel is in a beautiful 110-acre estate on the Hertfordshire/Essex border. Featuring elegant rooms with garden views and tennis courts, it has a gym with a wide range of innovative exercise equipment.
The modern Grill Room Restaurant serves international cuisine, with vegetables from the hotel’s own garden. There is also the Terrace Restaurant providing an open-air dining space. Afternoon tea is served in the traditional lounge, or you can request a picnic on the grounds.
Each room at the Down Hall Country House Hotel has a flat-screen TV and a marble bathroom. The hotel has a cocktail bar for guests to enjoy, free Wi-Fi, a conference center and free parking.
Down Hall is well-located for Bishop’s Stortford, Harlow and London. The M11 highway is a 15-minute drive, leading to the M25 or Cambridge. Stansted Airport can be reached in 15 minutes by car. The gym at the property includes treadmills, cross trainers, and exercise bikes, along with a rowing machine.

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Facilities of Down Hall Country House Hotel

Outdoors ：Grounds | Terrace

Pets ：Pets are not allowed.

Activities ：Tennis Court | Sauna | Fitness Center | Spa | Massage

Food & Drink ：Restaurant | Bar | Breakfast in the Room | Restaurant with Dining Menu

Internet ：Free!WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

Parking ：Free!Free public parking is available on site (reservation is not needed).

Reviews for Down Hall Country House Hotel

Review 1：Parking was pretty far away. Especially considering how cold it was. To get to the elevators was a bit of a hike as well.

Review 2：Loved the garden style tub in the bathroom. It also had a bidet but it didn't work. The view was awesome from our room. It looked out on the front gardens and courtyard. Very old world and charming. On the drive towards the hotel we even spotted some bunnies on the grass running around. Everything was very clean and the front desk staff was attentive and helpful.

Review 3：No phone signal and poor internet connection.

Review 4：Executive rooms met our expectations, although have stayed in similar places with fruit and chocolates in upgraded rooms.

Review 5：Maitre D and his staff were very good - addressing guests by their surname, which is a neat but simple thing to make them feel special. The room was very clean and spacious although not quite fully sound-proofed. Food was pretty good.

Review 6：The price of dinner, faux period art, lack of robust wifi, level of party music allowed by the hotel.

Review 7：The spacious room, beautifully appointed bathroom and the breakfast.

Review 8：Room very small for "deluxe double". The breakfast buffet had run out of several things which were not replaced. The room door and one of the blinds was broken.

Review 9：Nice, clean bathroom with very nice shower and toiletries.

Review 10：Was woken up at 8 in the morning to the sound of building work in the next door room. Would have been nice for a lie in, as was at a wedding the night before

Review 11：Had to climb a lot of stairs to reach our room

Review 12：Room 203 was very nice, newly refurbished and very clean with a large extremely comfortable bed. Breakfast was excellent

Review 13：got upgraded to a nicer and more spacious room on arrival one of the lady members of staff, recognising I had a shocking cold, brought me hot fresh lemon and honey without me having to ask! Fabulous.

Review 14：Not enough hot water! I had a cold shower. A lot of stairs to the second floor....is there a lift? Tables not re-dressed at breakfast.

Review 15：The building itself was magnificent; wonderful entrance hall, beautifully decorated for Christmas. Food was good.

Review 16：Breakfast was a bit average. And prices for what things were seemed a little excessive. there was a service charge in our bill, I still don't know what it was for. Dinner was much better than breakfast. Our room had quite a number of lady birds in it no less than 7, I'm grateful they weren't spiders. We also used a do not disturb but the cleaner still felt it was ok to come into our room. we then received a call from the reception asking when we were leaving. this was before the check out time. It was all just a bit hostile. left a bad flavour. It was nice to spend a night away, it just wasn't that friendly

Review 17：We enjoyed use of the sauna/ steam room dinner was nice.

Review 18：the corridors, stairs were still waiting to be refurbished and were a little shabby

Review 19：fabulous meal in restaurant, newly refurbished rooms on 2nd floor and lovely staff

Review 20：Staff did not explain facilities or lay out of hotel on arrival. Dinner was ok but not amazing for the price. We should have eaten in the bar instead of the grill room.

Review 21：Very good breakfast, lovely bathroom and large bedroom.

Review 22：Hotel restaurant unable to provide a table for 2 dining at 7pm even though the dining room was half empty and stayed half empty all evening? Bar food menu limited (only 2 main dishes). Inattentive staff.

Review 23：Great venue hotel for weddings, parties, etc. Visited for a relaxing getaway and it didn't really work as big wedding party taking place.

Review 24：Check in felt a little terse, whilst it is normal to give a credit card for insurance it does not have to feel its due to a lack of trust!

Review 25：Wonderful country house hotel big executive rooms would be an excellent weekend stay. Good food and ambiance

Review 26：Breakfast is expensive but you can get it down to £10 each if you book it beforehand. The breakfast is very nice.

Review 27：The long driveway, the beautiful building and the interior.

Review 28：We did have a little problem when we couldn't find a lamp, but this issue was promptly resolved

Review 29：This is such a stunning place and the rooms are also very clean with attention to detail .. Great place

Review 30：I stayed in room 109 one of the small double rooms. The door opening was cramped and difficult to enter with bags. The extractor fan in the bathroom was very noisy and would take about 10 mins to switch off, even for a quick switch of the light.

Review 31：A beautiful country house hotel, with very good facilities. Room was clean and comfortable.

Review 32：Small bottle of water for £4.75, with a extra 10% service charge, is a rip off. The older parts of the hotel are in need of renovation.

Review 33：It's a lovely building, and the newer parts of the hotel appear excellent. The restaurant food was great.

Review 34：There's nothing not to like.

Review 35：From the moment we checked in we were looked after brilliantly. The refit is stunning. Food was gorgeous along with excellent breakfast was fantastic and plentiful.

Review 36：lady at desk was rude confusion with the payment as it was being sorted she was rolling her eyes to another staff worker with guests watching was embarrassing and my husband is disabled ruined our anniversary night. toilet would not flush took 15 tries. found electric outlets a big inconveniance only had one for regular outlets and no mirror present so getting ready for dinner was ruined. Finally if it all was not enough we had a even harder time getting the door un locked to get in an out if there would of been an emergency would of been difficult as it was very hard to work lock and key.

Review 37：the room was very clean however I did find several medium length hair in the bed on sheets as soon as we arrived so it was not ours we never even sat on the bed yet at this time and after being embarrassed at desk we dare not said a word. Breakfast was beautiful and the staff there was exceptionally friendly.

Review 38：Very little bad to say here, but my room was located on a fire escape. Honestly, other than it being a little unusual, it didn't take from the comfort.

Review 39：The building is beautiful and the room I stayed in was very spacious and well equipped. The food was amazing, and the staff- particularly in the restaurant- were top class. The large living room/ hall was so comfortable with its soft couches and open fire, and all this for a very low price. Honestly I don't know how it was so reasonable. 5 star comfort in an affordable hotel, and close to the airport.

Review 40：Food prices excluding breakfast outrageous. Location rural and difficult to find.

Review 41：Nice room with comfortable bed. Having two doors to the corridor made for a quiet night.

Review 42：The room 114 was very poor tired in need of decorating The wallpaper was ripped the carpet and chairs were dirty & the bathroom needs renewing

Review 43：The staff were very good The lounge and bar were wonderful Beautiful grounds A good location for exploring

Review 44：Shower was OK but cold water bath tap did not turn on. Hinge on wardrobe needed tightening so the door dropped a little when opened.

Review 45：Booked very last minute and to my surprise was the best ever check in that I have experienced.

Review 46：woken up in middle of night hearing a fellow guest being ill next door

Review 47：great sized room, lovely toiletries and tea/coffee facilities, nice furnishings, great breakfast - a chef who actually made good porridge!

Review 48：On the Saturday there was a wedding some of the guests made us feel uncomfortable that we shouldn't have been there,that we were in the way.

Review 49：Beautiful building, friendly staff, excellent service, very comfortable room, beautiful grounds to walk in.

Review 50：Ordered a morning newspaper but it was not provided. Reception area very cramped and insufficient seating eg for awaiting taxies. Main car park too far away with a long ,pedestrian-unfriendly trek to the reception.

Review 51：The quiet, rural environment. The generous size of the rooms which gave the impression of living in a stately home.

Review 52：The "classic" room that we originally chose was tired. We asked to be moved because the bathroom extractor fan was very noisy and did not stop for over 10 minutes after switching it off.

Review 53：The executive room we had was very comfortable and good value. So much better than the "classic" room.

Review 54：Had to change rooms because the lights did not work in the first room - the second room was next to an extractor from the kitchen so was quite noisy. I also thought the food from the bar was very average considering the high price

Review 55：Staff were friendly especially the chap working in the cocktail bar that evening

Review 56：I had to look at four rooms before a suitable one was found. The first one I was allocated was a downgraded one from what I'd booked which hadn't been refurbished and was rather tatty, the second was having building work done next door, the third one (once I'd upgraded from my original booking at a cost to me) had windows that were duck taped up and wouldn't open. Luckily the fourth one was wonderful - lovely view, comfortable and I was finally able to relax - which was what I had gone away to do!

Review 57：The location and setting of the hotel was wonderful.

Review 58：Delightful. Beautiful Country estate, in stunning surroundings. Staff extremely welcoming and friendly. Room was lovely and with large well equipped bathroom. Cannot fault this hotel in any way at all.

Review 59：food was ok and the bar was a little pricey for us as it was a 69/70 years of age do.

Review 60：very lovely room spacious and clean. grounds are wonderful free parking is good

Review 61：Most expensive room service I've ever come across (£18 for a burger and chips + £4 tray service) plus the menu was extremely limited. Gym small, decor out of date. Whole place needs a revamp.

Review 62：Spacious room

Review 63：We did book a twin bedded room and found a double bed which wasn't suitable (Father & Son). house keeping did change this but the bedding wasn't really suitable.

Review 64：Superb building in fantastic grounds. normally we wouldn't stay as such grand places but after this we may make it a priority. Breakfast was to an exceptional standard and plentiful, the only problem was keeping the quantity to a level were my waist line could cope.

Review 65：Room was small but great for the quick stop we needed xxx

Review 66：Comfy room... The most Delicious burger I have ever eaten served to her room for only an extra £4... Nice and close to Stansted.... Absolutely beautiful building

Review 67：I thought a place as good as it was, would have had a swimming pool, even if a small one.

Review 68：Loved the rooms, bright spacious and clean. The staff were very friendly and helpful at all times. The food in the restaurant was excellent, with spacious and beautiful surroundings to the location.

Review 69：no heating in bedroom (a cold evening); 'tired' fittings - shower head fell off when water turned on.

Review 70：interesting sitting rooms with good paintings

Review 71：Made a booking through booking.com normally happy with reservations and the deal . On this occasion its was awful we understood it was a small double but it was like being in a prison block no mobile signal at all which in this day and age is important didn't see anything when booking that it was a problem . Staff we felt were very stuck up and were not very helpful and felt that we booked with booking .com so lol you got what you paid for ! Very over rated didn't feel it was 4 star. Will for sure not stay again or recommend this hotel

Review 72：Wifi was good but made up for the poor quality of the hotel. Nothing else was good about this hotel.

Review 73：Wifi could be better (very important for work). The age of the building is started to be noticed and there is some need for refurbishment.

Review 74：Old and classic building, genuine and cosy. Well prepared for meeting events Breakfast Gorgeous gardens Quiet and very calm

Review 75：We have stayed at this hotel previously and chose to go back because we had found it to be a very relaxing comfortable place to stay. On this occasion the hotel was hosting a wedding party and the music from this event was really loud. It dominated the corridors near our room. Also we were disturbed by guests returning to their rooms late at night banging doors and chatting. I appreciate that the hotel can do little about guests disturbing each other but if we had known in advance we would have asked for rooms away from the party and party guests rooms so that we could have had a more relaxing time. Also, the WiFi was poor.

Review 76：The rooms are beautifully decorated and the beds comfortable. The bathrooms are luxurious. The breakfast was varied and plentiful.

Review 77：Standard double room, bed is quite small (used to a king). Feel we had an older room too (still had a key, most were keycard).

Review 78：Wonderful building, food and staff.

Review 79：dirty room Worn out mattress Very old and tatty furnishings Very dim lighting Stained and worn carpets Bathroom in need of up-date with noisy drainage Toilet not flushing well Old bath VERY noisy wake up at 8.30 from workmen drilling outside View over bins & kitchen extraction units. Bins emptied at 8.45 am Cool welcome at reception Service charge automatically added to dinner costs Very expensive wine list Very expensive supplements to the menu

Review 80：Nice location dinner main course was nice

Review 81：The WiFi signal was very poor that I couldn't watch anything from YouTube.

Review 82：We booked a double room and we were amazed at the size of it. The bed was king sized and extremely comfortable. It's nice to have new facilities to use like the sauna and steam room. The breakfast was very pleasant. The hotel is gorgeous and has lovely grounds to walk around.

Review 83：I didn't know there was free wi-go. The breakfast arrived in good time but my toast was cold.

Review 84：The room had been recently renovated, it was very large, clean, nicely decorated and had a beautiful view. Room service was very prompt, good selection of food and drink. Staff extremely helpful and efficient and friendly.

Review 85：The room was decorated in a beautiful traditional manner which matched the spleandor of the grounds. We were on the ground floor and could still see the amazing gardens and architecture. Shower was amazing and the bed was very comfortable. An amazing nights stay.

Review 86：Shower , unable to control , too hot ! Couldn't turn down on control !

Review 87：Friendly helpful staff on arrival. Great service in restaurant and lovely food !

Review 88：I came to breakfast 10 mins before it ends. I know breakfast almost ends so only asked for pieces of smoked sa lmon because I am Moslem, don't eat pork. Firstly, they "asked" if it was alright if I don't get any because the chef is moving on to prepare for wedding (FYI the menu has loads of hot offerings,I really dont expect smoked salmon need any cooking). The staff reluctantly obliged. Secondly, the staff decided they would mooch around for 30 mins before they start tidying up and they didn't offer me a hot drink. I was made to feel guilty for coming so late. I have traveled min 6-8 times a year, staying at various places from 6* hotels to cheap B&B. I never once got rejected for breakfast before the official time ends, never! I paid £164 for 1 night and had much better treatment when I paid £50. I left with bitter taste in my mouth and sadly won't be returning ever.

Review 89：It is a beautiful manor with lots of history to it. The room are very clean and gorgeous. Location was in the middle of nowhere, nothing around. But regardless beautiful.

Review 90：Beautiful hotel in a beautiful setting. Was lovely sitting outside having a drink in the sun. Rooms were great and bed was so comfortable, had a great night's sleep. There was a wedding on when we stayed but we didn't hear any noise from it in our room.

Review 91：Its a shame there is no where to eat if you just want a bar snack and not the a la carte restaurant?

Review 92：Beautiful building with comfortable rooms and plenty of parking. Helpful and friendly staff.

Review 93：Firstly it is miles from Bishops Stortford. When directed to our room,from the smart reception, we were directed up a staircase that was notonly very shabby, but grubby too. Our room was very tired, curtainsfalling off the pole, dingy net curtains, overlooking the carpark.Enormously creaky floorboards! Rationed teabags and milk. The soundsystem in the bar was faulty so we were treated to awful screechy music.For breakfast, we ordered smoked haddock with poached eggs, first, theorder was misplaced, forgotten. When it did eventually arrive thehaddock was completely tasteless and unpleasant, clearly a differentchef on duty from the previous night. The cost was totally unjustifiedfor our room and the overall experience. Stay away.

Review 94：The hotel is in a nice location, the grounds at the front of the houseare well cared for and pretty, gives a good initial impression. The foodwe had for our evening meal was beautifully cooked and delicious.

Review 95：Food was tasteless and grossly overpriced, and the only vegetarian option in the restaurant was the same in the bar. The disabled room for my in-laws was at the furthest point possible from the main areas - defeats the object of an "easy access" room!

Review 96：Beautiful building and grounds

Review 97：Not all TV channels worked. Breakfast - superb on Sunday but not so good on Saturday. Over charged initially.

Review 98：Setting in lovely grounds and spacious, elegant bedroom. Big bathroom.

Review 99：Nothing really terrible but would recommend you park outside to offload your luggage even though the sign says no parking. We had just flown in from the States and driven from Heathrow so we were exhausted it would of been nice to have concierge waiting for us.

Review 100：Lovely setting and fine dining was very good.

Review 101：Rooms very old and dirty phone in room did not work very smelly rooms bathrooms have old dirty appliances the hotel needs all room done up like the west wing

Review 102：The breakfast Saff was very nice and welcome you and table service very good

Review 103：Receptionist asked if we would like help with our bags, but neglected to mention that we would have to climb 3 flights of stairs as there was no lift. Bath edges were a bit mouldy. Dinner is expensive. Breakfast is normally very expensive (£17) but we had it included in the price of the hotel so wasn't so bad. The quality of the food was poor especially considering the price (bacon, etc was very dry).

Review 104：Beautiful grounds. Restaurant staff were friendly and helpful. Parts of the bedroom were more modern and new.

Review 105：The location is excellent for flying from Stansted and much better than an airport hotel! Superb historical main house with beautiful grounds - tranquil & serene.

Review 106：This is a beautiful country-side estate, but its getting a bit frayed at the edges... It has everything you expect from such a country mansion, but an upgrade is overdue. The rooms are not modern, the furnishing are frayed/chipped, the hallways are a myriad of narrow hallways and staircases (no lift)...

Review 107：This country estate has a lot of charm, and the setting in rolling green landscape is gorgeous.

Review 108：The room was pokey and too hot, a fan was provided but it was still uncomfortable. It was also very tired and shabby. That said we only paid £60. Bar snacks were very expensive.

Review 109：Loved the location and the staff were very efficient and friendly. Would still stay there again as close to Stansted.

Review 110：Room was unrefurbished, unlike the shiny ones in the photos. Looked like hadn't had a refurb in over 20 years. Everything worked ok though. Go for a West Wing Executive room if you want the newest room as in the photos.

Review 111：Quiet surroundings close to Stansted Airport. Stunning entrance hall and original part of the house.

Review 112：Staff were busy and stressed as we arrived they forgot to book taxi! I know they are paid the minimum wage and I believe this creates a stressed climate !

Review 113：Warm welcome by Phil at 4.30am as we left

Review 114：The fact that there was a School Prom in hotel on the night of our stay which was noisy with banging doors, kids hanging around in the corridors etc etc. Not wheelchair friendly, difficult to find, impossible if you can't climb stairs! or if walking is difficult. Long corridors and walks inbetween places.

Review 115：Not alot

Review 116：Could not get the Wi-Fi to connect even though I correctly followed the instructions - The Reception could not help. Having been to another 3 \Hotels in the previous days Down Hall Wi-Fi was NOT user friendly compared to others

Review 117：Excellent Room

Review 118：Don't sell cigarettes at the bar but sell cigars!!!!!

Review 119：Room was lovely, the view was beautiful, food great but not big portions so eat before u arrive!!

Review 120：Great old hall, much in preference to the modern, stereotype hotels, really good to see it being given further makeovers which will further enhance this older style hotel, with modern facilities.

Review 121：Lunch menu was limited

Review 122：The food in the grill restaurant was the best fine dining we have tasted. The fact we could have breakfast in our room all weekend was a luxury. The grounds and location of the hotel was perfect. Caught the tube to London from Epping which is just 20 min drive from the hotel and only £2 to park all day at weekends

Review 123：Not organised, staff have no clear direction. Any request seems a hassle or is misunderstood. Just seemed chaotic at best.

Review 124：Its lovely looking on the outside.

Review 125：The noisy neighbours who had a loud argument and other goings on, but a dire situation was rescued by some very hard working staff.

Review 126：We had a lovely meal and a lovely room all spoiled by some very noisy neighbours, so noisy that we had to move rooms at two in the morning! High praise to the night staff for rescuing us. All the staff were friendly, and welcoming. The food was excellent.

Review 127：Small menu choice for bar food and expensive. However does not deter me from stopping.

Review 128：Fantastic hotel & grounds. The quality, space and luxury of the rooms. The staff friendly and helpful.

Review 129：The breakfast buffet was fairly standard fayer , a bit of a let down

Review 130：The room was lovely , great view across the gardens , very comfortable bed , large bathroom .

Review 131：All the photos gave the right impression but the hotel just didn't live up to the image. The staff lacked the charm that the building provided...everything a bit cold and sterile. The room was extremely dark and the breakfast was big hotel buffet, nothing charming...

Review 132：There was a wedding at the hotel. We were woken by several people banging on doors and shouting at each other.

Review 133：The room was a small double but we had a very good rate for the night. No breakfast included. Very comfortable.

Review 134：The staff were very young and rude not attentive at all. Waited for a coffee at the bar area was first in the que when a wedding guest appeared the bar staff came out and served them first even though knowing that I was first. Very poor service.

Review 135：The surrounding area and venue

Review 136：Restaurant sraff very unnattentive, we were sat down for 15 minutes before wine list or menus were offered, then no finger bowl spoon or side plate for shellfish broth?

Review 137：The only down let was how fare the walk to the room was had disabled wife that can't walk that fare and no parking for disabled nerer reception a little bit of a walk

Review 138：The room and shower as wife disabled the food is very good as well

Review 139：Phones didn't work in room so when breakfast in bed was late I had to call the hotel main number from my mobile. Told reception who didn't seem bothered and didn't really apologise either.

The Fine Print

Please note that taxi fares to and from Stansted Airport are GBP 20 for 1 way and GBP 40 for a return journey.The hotel recommends that dinner reservations are made before arrival. A limited service operates over Christmas and New Year.The additional cost for children up to 12 years old includes breakfast when sharing a room with their parents.