Balmer Lawn Hotel & Saltus Spa | Brockenhurst | New Forest image

Balmer Lawn Hotel & Saltus Spa | Brockenhurst | New Forest

Restaurant Hotel Spa Wedding venue Fine dining restaurant Swimming pool Conference center

One of the Most Reviewed Fine dining restaurants in New Forest


Address

Balmer Lawn Hotel, Lyndhurst Rd, Brockenhurst SO42 7ZB, United Kingdom

Website

www.balmerlawnhotel.com

Contact

+44 1590 623116

Rating on Google Maps

4.40 (959 reviews)

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Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: stay (23) staff (20) good (20) hotel (19) great (19) room (18) lovely (18) friendly (13) wedding (13) breakfast (12)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 clive s. 1 year ago on Google
    From the moment we arrived (for 3 nights) until the moment we left, my wife and I had a perfect stay. Without exception the staff were brilliant, always helpful and very friendly. Our room was large and the view superb. The reception staff were particularly attentive and made us so welcome. Special thanks go to Maria and Philip who couldn't do enough to make our stay beyond expectation. We will certainly use the Balmer Lawn again.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cressy I. 1 year ago on Google
    I have stayed in the main hotel and also, just recently, in the Lawn Lodge self catering cottage which is in the grounds and has full use of hotel facilities. (Perfect if you're travelling with kids or dogs!) I'm always very impressed. The staff are polite, friendly and helpful, the food is fab and the facilities are excellent. Brockenhurst is in the heart of the New Forest making it a great location for getting out and about. Highly recommended!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mark J. 6 months ago on Google
    A long weekend for us (3 nights) at the Balmer Lawn Hotel. The breakfast was great whether opting for the "full English" or opting for the continental alternative. I had the generous Sunday roast whilst my wife trusted the chef and went with a cod dish that she thought was excellent. The pool can be busy esp if the weather is bad outside so do choose your timings. A final mention for the hard working team (seen and unseen). Thank you.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Kay S. 6 months ago on Google
    Just back from two nights at the Balmer Lawn Hotel. It was decorated brilliantly for Halloween 🎃 I had asked for a quiet room which we received. It was very clean and good housekeeping. There wasn't any heating in the room. There appeared to be a boxed in radiator under the window, which wasn't on, and nowhere to adjust it! There was a heated rail in the bathroom, thankfully. The plug in the bath was stuck in the plughole, so we had to use a spoon to release the water after bathing. We did notify reception. The staff were all very nice and the hotel is situated in a lovely location. Although the presentation and evening meals were delicious, there was a long wait. We were told the first evening by the young lady waitress that she would not put our order through as she did not want to overload the kitchen staff. At that point, there were only five tables seated in the main restaurant. On the second evening, we ordered two cold desserts, one being ice cream. We waited thirty minutes and had not received them, so we cancelled our order. Overall, it was a nice stay.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Alex D. 9 months ago on Google
    We stayed at the Balmer Lawn Hotel for a week in July. Overall we really enjoyed our stay and want to give a balanced review of our experience. Firstly, the good points. The hotel is in a lovely location situated in the heart of the New Forest within easy reach of Brockenhurst village centre. It is quiet and peaceful and you only have to walk through the side gate of the hotel to be amongst the wild ponies - perfect for walkers and cyclists. The facilities are excellent - two pools, both clean, a small sauna and a jacuzzi. Plenty sun loungers, gardens with a zip line and outdoor games for kids. Iced lemon water is provided FOC outside for users of the pool and sun beds. They also have a secure bike shed which is great for anyone wishing to store their bike (remember to take your own lock). There are two restaurants with different menus and two bar areas. The food and drink really are the crowning glory of this hotel, both were excellent. We ate in the restaurant most nights as it was part of our package and weren’t disappointed. Food and cocktails were fantastic, beautifully presented and delicious. We also had champagne afternoon tea which was delicious. Breakfast was great - hot and cold buffet, lots of food, all tasty and plenty of choice. The staff - really lovely, polite and were as helpful as they could be during our stay, particularly the restaurant staff. Now onto some items which needed improvement. Upon arrival the welcome was rather underwhelming. No one told us about breakfast times or gave any other information than our room was on the first floor. In the room there was no welcome note or folder with any hotel specific information in it either - breakfast times, pool opening/closing times etc. The bedrooms (well certainly ours was) are tired and need updating. There were paint splashes in the bath, the headboard was peeling and the wallpaper was coming off the wall in places. There was very little storage space in the bathrooms for toiletries and the ones provided were in cheap looking plastic bottles attached to the wall. There were very few coat hangers in the wardrobe - fine if you’re staying for one night but not ideal if you are staying for longer. The rooms do not have a safe or a fridge though they do have tea & coffee making facilities and complimentary biscuits and water. The towels/robes were stiff and cardboardy. The first night of our stay we were told we were eating in the Lodge. We entered to find a DJ playing dance music at a volume high enough that there was no way you could have a conversation. There didn’t seem to be any escape as the music was blasting through the speakers even in the side room. As a young family we found it quite bizarre that anyone would want to eat their dinner in what was basically a club minus a dance floor. Apparently this is a thing on Friday and Saturday evenings. We saw numerous people enter the Lodge only to turn around and walk out again on hearing the music. We opted to eat in the restaurant for the rest of our stay which was much more civilised. On the second night the fire alarm went off at 2.30am. Granted I’d rather have a false alarm than no alarm and there be a fire but there was no explanation about why it had happened and no apology from anyone. Overall we enjoyed our stay, would we stay again? Probably not.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Fleur K. 1 year ago on Google
    Location is fantastic, it's a beautiful hotel in the middle of the beautiful nature reserve that is the New Forest. But. We were there for a wedding, told them about my dietary requirements months in advance and come the day, they said they couldn't make me a starter because of my allergies. Even though they did manage a main course and the dessert. The rooms are alright, but very outdated. The beds were old; a spring was poking out through the top of one of our mattresses a spring. Not very comfortable. And the bathroom wasn't as clean as I'd like it to be for the price we paid for the room. We were also not told what time breakfast would end, and it wasn't anywhere in the papers we got at check-in either, so on our first morning we nearly missed it. The same goes for check-out, no-one mentioned what time we needed to be out of the room and we had to enquire about this ourselves. Not a major effort, but not what you expect from a place like this. Staff are all very friendly, but too many things were off to give a really good review. Neglecting a guest just because of allergies is not okay. Having limescale come out the tap when you're running a bath is not okay. Having springs poking in your back when your trying to sleep is not okay. And all of these are made worse by the fact that we spent a lot of money on staying here. Kind of a let down. Edit after response from the hotel: We have had a few conversations with the bride and groom about my dietary requirements and in all of those leading up to the day, there was a full menu planned for me. So it was not a pleasant surprise to see, on the day itself, that no starter was available for me. Even though my allergies stay the same, if I'm having a starter, main or dessert. I felt unwelcome and that is not the feeling you want to have in a hotel. And it shouldn't be the feeling you want to give guests when running a hotel. I'm very let down by your response as well, clearly my feedback isn't wanted. Even if I'm only trying to make things better for the next person with allergies. The rest of my points are all minor issues, like I've said in my initial review. It just added up to too much to let it go. I hope you take my points to heart and if we do ever make it back there, I hope our next stay will be more pleasant.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Annalyz F. 9 months ago on Google
    The staff was really nice and friendly. The food was very good, varied buffet breakfast options. Superior rooms perhaps not as much value for money, but still good and lovely view.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 John F. 9 months ago on Google
    We were meeting friends for lunch, we opted for the restaurant, which was a good choice. Great service, excellent food (except my fennel which I could not cut). We would definitely visit again when in the area.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dan W. 1 year ago on Google
    So I booked a room here for the night as I took my partner here to propose. From the minute I made the booking online I was looked after straight away, first class service from Charlotte who made sure our stay was every bit special. Charlotte arranged for a private dining area with champagne, open fire and candles making our dinner an intimate time ready for proposing. All the staff here went above and beyond to make everything perfect. We stayed in room 30, lovely room, only disappointment was the shower as first glance we thought we were walking into a power shower with the big glass entry but it was just an electric shower over the bath which wasn't the best.... other than that the service we received was outstanding and memorable.... Great food also.... The next day afternoon tea, plenty of the staff coming to congratulate us with hugs etc, the staff seem to create a nice family culture between them. We will definitely visit again and remember our time with fondness.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Robert G. 9 months ago on Google
    The good: Great location, walking distance to Brockenhurst town centre. Facilities were good, great breakfast, indoor pool not huge but decent enough, outdoor pool felt nice and warm but had the cover on the second day we were there for some reason. Staff were friendly and attentive. The not good: Feels like it's well overdue a refresh. Our room was an ok size, but a locked connecting door to the next room didn't block much of the sound. Bathroom had a cracked sink, broken extractor fan, cobwebs in the corners. Bedroom furniture is from IKEA and doesn't scream of quality, wardrobe doors felt very rickity. The desk top had loads of ripples in it from water damage. One of the double glazed windows had blown so was misted up. Restaurant has deer antler chandeliers which on mildly closer inspection are all plastic. Little things like this just don't scream quality. Given local competition like Carey's Manor they need to up the quality. We paid around £280 on average for our room for 2 nights and I wouldn't have said it was worth that given my comments above, probably 15-20% too high in hindsight. Hate leaving reviews with negativity and hope they progress. Would stay again if they had a refurb
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Goldie L. 9 months ago on Google
    The staff here couldn't be better. Mike and his team are top notch but still easygoing, went over and above and made our stay perfect. Comfortable, stylish, clean and cozy rooms in a beautiful quiet area of new forest that is easy walking distance to nature and various pubs and little shops for the necessities.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Veronica C. 8 months ago on Google
    Gifted a spa day with 2 treatments, treatments were lovely as we're the lady's providing them. Spa area is a little simple, but nice enough. Due to lovely weather we were able to take advantage of the nice outdoor heated pool too. Jacuzzi was a little overzealous and the water was jumping about in your face, so couldn't fully relax in it. But on the whole a really relaxing and enjoyable experience.

  • 1/5 Paul C. 8 months ago on Google
    No working toilet ! more 3 star - on arrival no porter or luggage trolley available they don't have any for clients. On our first night we told reception toilet not working in the afternoon on our return still not working phoned reception who sent a nice man from the bar area, unfortunately unable to fix, did suggest we place a towel over the pan to help suppress the noise it did help. Next day the problem was fixed, our second nights sleep or lack of it was due to the insulation being so poor every sound from the room above could be heard. At 8:30am we told reception about our issues and was told a duty manager would be available at 9:00am to discuss a goodwill offer of a discount, at 9:30am still no manager , was introduced to HR manger who couldn't help. I suggested a £150.00 off our £1000+ bill this was declined, we needed to leave urgently to get to my elderly father in law. I PAID IN FULL and left. I HAVE NEVER STAYED IN ANY STAR HOTEL WHEN AT 9:30AM NO ONE WITH AUTHORITY IS AVAILABLE.

  • 3/5 Jan J. 8 months ago on Google
    I attended a wedding and stayed 2 nights in this amazing location. The rooms are at best tired, some might say old. In need of a refurb urgently. It was the hottest weekend of this year and none of the bedrooms are air conditioned!!! And hardly any function rooms. Not even where they bride dressed!! All had a small fan. Everyone asked for extra fans and they ran out. The hotel appeared full, on the Saturday there was a wedding and another party going on so maybe it was to be expected that despite asking for an iron and board twice, it never appeared. The food however was good. The wedding breakfast good quality and nicely cooked and the breakfast very good. Good recreational facilities if that’s what you are there for but I did find it disconcerting to see scantily clad swimsuit wearing sunbathers blatantly stood watching the private wedding ceremony. All in all, of course I had a fab time at the wedding but, would I return to this hotel in the summer months if there wasn’t a wedding. Not a chance! Portable air con units are inexpensive Balmer Lawn!!!

  • 5/5 Benjamin G. 7 months ago on Google
    A friend and I were camping not to far away and due to walking constraints decided to stop in for some dinner instead of heading into town. The site looks spectacular and although we weren't in our glad rags were taken in and given our choice of table. We sat outside and had steak which was delicious and a few of the house ale, also very good. We were looked after well, attentive but not pushy and a lad called Jordan passed by often to see we were topped up. Will likely visit again with our partners for an evening.

  • 4/5 Mark & Janice H. 5 months ago on Google
    Enjoyed a lunch with friends today. Food and service very good. We chose to eat in main restaurant. Nice 2 or 3 course set lunch menu which was very good value

  • 5/5 Wizzy S. 8 months ago on Google
    My experience at the Balmer Lawn Hotel as a wedding venue was truly exceptional. The picturesque setting amidst the New Forest provided a breathtaking backdrop for our special day. The staff's attention to detail and dedication to ensuring everything ran smoothly was remarkable. The hotel's flexibility in accommodating our requests, along with their top-notch catering and cosy accommodations, made for an unforgettable wedding experience. I would highly recommend the Balmer Lawn Hotel to other couples seeking a charming, elegant, and accommodating venue for their big day.

  • 2/5 Susan B. 6 months ago on Google
    The hotel needs some re decoration and upgrading - especially the decor in the rooms, the stained towels and the fact that the bed bases were dirty battered and old and left exposed in our 'upgraded' room. The shower did not work - only provided scalding water which you couldn't touch at all. At dinner, I was told I was given gluten free bread. I was not. I was extremely ill for several days. Staff clearly not trained.

  • 5/5 katie T. 5 months ago on Google
    We stopped in after a Sunday forest walk for some lunch without a reservation & had a great experience. We had a hot sandwich & chips which were great, but what really made the difference was the high service level. A special mention to Marlena who was super star and nothing was too much trouble 🌟. We had a lovely time sipping on some hot chocolate, with lots of lovely Christmas decorations and even had a live saxophone playing - great touch. Can recommend this is a great spot for a nice warm winter lunch with great hospitality.

  • 4/5 Stella B. 5 months ago on Google
    My daughter and I had a spa day. Staff very friendly. Spa Treatments excellent. Lunch was delicious. My only concern was how cold it was in the relaxation area, 17° not a very comfortable temperature when in a dressing gown. I did mention this to the therapist. Hopefully this will be addressed. Pool a little cold for me. But jacuzzi and sauna great.

  • 5/5 Mary Rose “Dela Cruz” Dela C. 5 months ago on Google
    Me and my boyfriend had an amazing time in The Balmer Lawn Hotel and Spa. Everything was perfect I can’t fault it, from the arrival, very friendly staff, Maria at the reception is very lovely. I had an amazing birthday, thank you all we will come back. The food was delicious too. It’s 10 out of 10

  • 4/5 Sophie L. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful hotel in beautiful surroundings. Very professional, friendly staff. Very comfortable and restful sleep in a lovely room. The only reason for not giving five stars is the breakfast. The cold selection was great with lots of choice but the hot selection was not hot. Luke warm at best. Maybe a better system to keep the food warmer could be thought up. Asking for boiled eggs seemed to be a good way to get a hot breakfast. Otherwise a fantastic weekend away.

  • 5/5 Alex S. 8 months ago on Google
    Great hotel in the new forest. Superb location with outdoor area with its own cricket club just outside. Plenty of walking opportunities around the downs and has a heated outdoor and indoor pool. Worth looking for the owners cottage to rent as an alternative to the hotel rooms. Lovely bar and restaurants too.

  • 3/5 stewart h. 11 months ago on Google
    What can I say beautiful location and lovely looking place. Huge downfall is theres no disabled rooms on the ground level. And the doors are only 28inches wide so hardly suitable for an electric wheelchair. Going here for a wedding in September but I can't stay there, so have to stay down the road so very disappointed

  • 3/5 Beverley F. 10 months ago on Google
    Staff very friendly and beautiful setting outside. We ate in the Lodge. Sadly food was very disappointing and poor value. Frito Misto £16 for a starter. Dry leaves and very small portion of whitebait and squid. Burgers were good size. Nice buns but burger was dry and at £20 were not cheap. I understand food and drink has gone up but £13 for a regular glass of poor quality rose wine is crazy. Only choice was dry or sweet and it definitely was not a good rose. Sadly we wouldn’t return

  • 5/5 fionacolourful 1 year ago on Google
    What stands out most in my memory of a short stay here, (Dec 10/11th, is the great care, the Staff at all levels, take of u to make ur stay a happy comfortable one. There is a great camaraderie with the Staff as they work beautifully together as a team, which gives the place a very homely relaxed feel. One of the younger members Ellie, went above & beyond with her helpfulness & is a great credit to the hotel. Bedroom, Restaurant/Bar areas were beautifully clean & well presented. We really enjoyed sitting by the Log Burner on such a cold frosty afternoon & evening. We had Lunch & Dinner & Breakfast, all were of really good standard & delicious! Pool in Spa was a lovely temperature. I cannot comment on Spa treatments, as I didn't partake. View from our window to side of hotel was very pretty, overlooking common land of the New Forest. Thank u team for an enjoyable stay! Wish u all a very Happy Christmas & successful New Year! X

  • 1/5 Jenni S. 1 year ago on Google
    Just been for afternoon tea with my daughter and granddaughter, very disappointed Sandwiches were nice, but nothing to write home about scones were very dry and much to big, cakes were very poor and we were not asked if we wanted tea or coffee. Was brought 2 pots of ordinary tea but wanted coffee and earl grey, when the waiter removed the pots he wasted some down my daughters back No disabled parking and poor service Will not go there again Jenni Smith

  • 5/5 Jo M. 1 year ago on Google
    I went here with a large group of people for an afternoon tea, and the staff were so accommodating and friendly. Regularly checking in to make sure we had everything we needed, the food was amazing. Would really recommend a visit

  • 5/5 Keroppi F. 1 year ago on Google
    Me and my family all LOVE this place. We spent my grandads 80th birthday here. It's dog friendly and my cousin loves the new forest so stays here frequently. There's a spa and a lovely outdoor pool, zip wire...its great for weddings. We near-ish so its a great spot to meet when they do stay. The staff are LOVELY and always greet my family (and Max the dog) nicely as they know us well. The rooms are pretty much spotless, and the food is SO GOOD!!! It's in a prime location near the little high street, places to walk/walk the dog....its beautiful. Beautiful views.

  • 4/5 Jo A. 1 year ago on Google
    We had an absolutely lovely short stay here. Firstly the staff could not have been more welcoming, friendly, and attentive. A stellar service all round. The holistic massage was faultless. The swimming pool and sauna area is small but we had it mostly to ourselves during our 4 day stay, which was bliss. My only criticism is that the catering for vegetarian guests is quite poor. Not even a veggie sausage in sight at breakfast, and having a single vegetarian starter of watermelon, mushroom, and coconut for dinner the whole week is really not taking vegetarian guests' needs into account. Otherwise a lovely stay with amazing service

  • 5/5 Rob T. 1 year ago on Google
    Very pleasant quick bite for lunch. Staff all very friendly and helpful. We had light bites… coronation chicken sandwich, Belgian chocolate iced coffee, and ‘Bahama mama’ drink. A relaxing setting, will return.

  • 5/5 Debs N. 1 year ago on Google
    My daughter and I spent half a day here in the spa as treat for her 18th birthday today. The Spa was truly as it should be 100%relaxation! The staff were wonderful and the massages were heavenly . I would recommend the hot stones. Can't fault it in anyway. We had lunch too, which was very nice, beautiful surroundings, very good service. We will back back! Thank you :)

  • 5/5 Gill T. 1 year ago on Google
    My daughter’s wedding was held here on Friday 9th September. It was beautiful, the staff were amazing nothing was too much trouble. The food was fabulous. Claire and her now husband Colin had stunning photos taken it garden. I can’t thank you enough. A special mention to Simon who kept things flowing smoothly on the day, he was a star ⭐️ A room for breakfast for those of us who stayed over was another special touch . Well done all .

  • 5/5 Nathan W. 1 year ago on Google
    Just had my sister wedding here and it was beautiful! We couldn’t of asked for a more perfect day! The staff were great, the food was lovely and it made the day really magical! The only but if advice I would give as I heard a few of our party mention it - when the wedding was taking place outside, you could hardly hear what was being said from the front seats, so nothing would have been heard from the back. Maybe a microphone system would help capture the special moments. The rooms were lovely (all be it basic and a little warm!!) but overall, really great venue.


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