Best Western Plus West Retford Hotel

The hotel, a historic building set within beautiful, well-maintained grounds, offers a charming and peaceful retreat that many guests find memorable. Its signature feature is its blend of traditional elegance with modern comfort, making it an ideal choice for various travelers. Guests consistently praise the spacious, clean, and comfortable rooms, the excellent food served in the restaurant and bar, and the friendly, helpful staff who go above and beyond. This hotel is particularly well-suited for couples seeking a quiet getaway, families attending events or meet-ups, and business travelers looking for a comfortable and convenient base. For an enhanced stay, consider requesting a room in one of the quieter annexes if sensitive to noise, and be sure to check the room's heating settings upon arrival as some rooms can be quite warm.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel's immaculate grounds are a standout feature, providing a serene environment with gardens and a pleasant patio area perfect for enjoying drinks. Guests appreciate the ample free parking, often highlighting the added security of barriers. The bar and lounge areas are described as comfortable and inviting. While the hotel offers Wi-Fi, some guests have reported issues with connectivity or speed. A recurring point of feedback concerns the lack of walk-in showers in many rooms, which can be an inconvenience for guests with mobility challenges, as most showers are located over a bath. Some accommodations are situated in separate buildings, such as the cottages or Georgian block, offering a distinct experience.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be clean, spacious, and comfortable, providing a pleasant environment for their stay. The beds are largely reported as comfortable, contributing to a good night's sleep, though a few guests found mattresses to be either too soft or too hard, and some noted them as dated. While bathrooms are typically clean, some are described as tired in appearance, with occasional mentions of mould on ceilings or issues with low water pressure in showers. Noise can sometimes be a concern, particularly from wedding parties or neighboring rooms due to thin walls. Many rooms are noted for being warm, with some guests finding it difficult to adjust the temperature. In-room amenities commonly include tea and coffee making facilities, an ironing board, and a hairdryer, with some rooms featuring a sofa.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining experience receives largely positive feedback, particularly for dinner served in the restaurant or bar. Guests frequently commend the food quality, describing meals as excellent, fresh, well-prepared, and offering good value. The Orangery is a popular spot for dining. Breakfast garners mixed reviews; many guests enjoy the cooked-to-order options and good variety, finding it very good, while others describe it as basic or average, with occasional comments about rubbery eggs or food being served cold. Service during meals can be inconsistent, with some guests experiencing slow service or difficulties with drinks orders or obtaining dessert menus. Bar snacks are available, and the Sunday lunch is often recommended.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's convenient location is a significant advantage for guests, offering easy walking distance to the town center of Retford. This makes it an excellent base for exploring local attractions or for those needing quick access to town amenities. Many guests find it a suitable stopover point for longer journeys. A major highlight is the ample free parking available on-site, which is often praised for its convenience and the added security provided by access barriers. The hotel's setting is also noted as ideal for family meet-ups or events, providing a central yet peaceful environment away from main road noise.

Staff & Service
The staff consistently receive high praise for their friendly, helpful, attentive, and professional demeanor. Guests frequently highlight the quick check-in process and the staff's willingness to accommodate requests, such as room changes or assistance with specific needs. The efficiency of housekeeping and bar staff is also often commended. Many reviews mention staff going "out of their way to help" and being "caring and sensitive," particularly during events like wakes. While the majority of experiences are positive, a few isolated incidents of inconsistent service have been noted, primarily concerning delays in the restaurant or minor issues with billing.

Additional Information
The hotel is a popular wedding venue, with numerous positive comments regarding the wedding coordination and the smooth execution of events, though some non-wedding guests reported noise from parties. Guests can access a hotel guide via a QR code, and there's an option to decline room servicing in exchange for a reward, although this system occasionally experiences glitches. The hotel's historic charm is enhanced by WWII memorabilia displayed in certain areas. Accessibility for disabled guests is a point of concern, as the single "accessible" room may not fully meet all needs, particularly regarding the absence of walk-in showers and appropriately placed handrails.