Pontlands Park Hotel, Chelmsford

The hotel rooms were superb, with complimentary glasses of prosecco and chocolate strawberries for Valentine's, a large high-quality comfortable main bed, beautifully decorated, but they had a strong food smell. The service was helpful at the desk, especially with our nearly 3-year-old grandchild, but there were delays in replenishing the buffet. The location was fantastic with lovely decorations but had issues with noise from wedding parties. The dining experience was lovely with a great selection and well-presented meals. The facilities were clean and comfortable.

The hotel had rooms with varying temperatures, from very hot with a provided fan to sub-tropical preferences. The rooms were spacious and comfortable with lovely field views, but some were small yet functional for a workout. The service was friendly and accommodating, with a room overlooking the lake garden offering good amenities. The location was beautiful and quiet, though there were noise issues during events. The dining options were excellent, especially with freshly cooked breakfast. Overall, the hotel provided a pleasant experience with some minor temperature and noise concerns.

The hotel offers big, comfortable rooms at a reasonable price. While it requires updating, it's a great choice overall, especially with the above-average breakfast.