“We stayed in the Douglas Fir for 5 nights. From start to finish it was an excellent experience. The lodge was beautiful, very clean and comfortable for our family of 4. The farm shop on-site is amazing and we found lots of activities for the kids nearby. Would definitely recommend.”
“We arrived 40 minutes early and went in search of our lodge to sit outside and wait, a cleaning staff member said we could go in as she’d mopped and it should be dry by now. Another staff member, Susan, appeared at our door with such a look of disdain and told us that “we were told that there was no early check-in”. I informed her that a staff member had told us it was ok to enter and we hadn’t simply taken it upon ourselves to go in! This got the break off to a very shaky start.
The communication from staff was terrible, I had to walk half way around the park to find a staff member to speak to with help from a shop staff member, only to be thrust into a sales office with very unfriendly looks from all your staff.
To be sold a holiday that was "dog friendly" and then being told (rudely) by staff that we were unable to go into any of the shops / cafes on site was ridiculous. The only seating area being outside (which I wasn't going to subject my 80 year old mother to) we had no alternative but to go elsewhere to have lunch / dinner / coffee and cake – you really need to address this – ostracising dog owners after taking their money for the lodge stay makes no sense.
Also, although the lodge was nicely decorated etc, the absence of a welcome pack was disappointing, we have been to much more budget accommodation and costlier accommodation and have always received a welcome basket including milk to make a cuppa on arrival (especially as you have a farm shop on site!).
Also, more importantly, your staff member that checked the hot tub each day just let herself in to the garden to do so, you really need to be aware that some dogs are nervous / may be aggressive if a stranger walks in without notice - you are putting your staff member at risk and this needs to be assessed immediately.
There is also a safety issue that need addressing – there is a hole in the floor by the armchair with an extension lead bent into it, this is a fire risk and needs to be removed. I have taken pictures if you need them.
I would also have been grateful if we had been made aware that there were workmen on site using JCB’s all day, not very conducive to a relaxing break for my elderly mother recovering from an operation.
A couple of housekeeping things that would help – your cups are too small for the coffee machine you provide resulting in spilt coffee on the worktop, No bins in any of the rooms, this is usual in any lodge / hotel setting, a hard copy of the lodge instructions etc. would be extremely helpful, not everyone finds it easy to refer to the website all the time.
All in all, as a premium short break, it fell short of the mark. I would ask that a partial refund would be suitable, having sold us a relaxing and dog-friendly break that was anything but.
Incidentally, we have yet to receive our £200.00 deposit back either.”
“Lovely stay in very nice accommodation. Jessie Young was very helpful in arranging birthday banners and balloons. She did an exceptional job and everything was perfect.”
“The Hollies provided a great environment and experience we really enjoyed our stay in this quiet location.
The staff throughout the site were happy and friendly and gave great service.
The lodge was comfortable and the location was quiet and relaxing.
They seem to be working on upgrading and refreshing the lodges and the area around the lodges and it was nice to see that they are working update things that are looking tired and used.
A good range of things provided to make your stay easier.”
“We have had a lovely weekend break celebrating our son's birthday in the Grand Fir Lodge. Over a period of time this has been our third visit to the Lodges. It is so peaceful and the decor really is first class. As my son keeps saying, we have made some very happy memories and will not hesitate in returning in the not so distant future.”
“5* Stay at the Hollies Forest Lodge, already done 2 bookings for next year 2024. Stayed for 5 days, we stayed on site the whole time it’s that peaceful, we shopped in the farm shop as there’s choice of food. Lodge staff are so accommodating, nothing is too much trouble.”
