Bestwood Lodge image

Bestwood Lodge

Restaurant Hotel

Ornate Victorian hotel in 700 acres of parkland & featuring elegant dining, tennis courts & a bar. People often mention room, staff, wedding, hotel, nice, breakfast, stay, beautiful, great, good,


Address

Bestwood Lodge, Country Park, Bestwood Lodge Dr, Arnold, Nottingham NG5 8HT, United Kingdom

Website

www.bestwoodlodge.co.uk

Contact

+44 115 920 3011

Rating on Google Maps

3.80 (828 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
  • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
  • Thursday: Open 24 hours
  • Friday: Open 24 hours
  • Saturday: Open 24 hours
  • Sunday: Open 24 hours
  • Monday: Open 24 hours

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: room (36) staff (28) wedding (24) hotel (24) nice (16) breakfast (16) stay (14) beautiful (14) great (12) good (12)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 1/5 Amanda S. 1 year ago on Google
    Worst place I have ever booked into. Mattress probably 20 years old, lampshades were stained!! And bulbs not working. While place was very tired. Toilet cistern kept refilling. Staff more interested in dealing with a wedding than other guests. Lovely venue if it had a few million spent on it upgrading it. It was very tired in real life although pictures make it look nice. PLEASE DO NIT BOOK TO STAY HERE YOU WILL BE DISAPPOINTED.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Budget Hotel R. 5 months ago on Google
    I stay in hotels every week on buisness and always leave the most honest reviews I can. Firstly the staff were friendly and extremely helpful and greeted me with a smile which means a lot. The parking is fine loads of room The location is amazing and has lovely views The room is basic but was clean and did come with all the amenities I needed The hotel itself is in need of a makeover but no doubt would cost a great deal as it's a big beautiful old building. The only negative i have is the dining room and the food. It was very cold while i was waiting for my food and I could smell damp and a dirty smell coming from somewhere. When the food arrived it was nice but the chicken was very dry although the salad and chips were fresh. The dirty damp smell was overwhelming and did put me off the food a bit. Apart from that a nice stay but to summarise... Hotel needs work structurally Old damp smells need addressing especially in dining areas and customers need to feel warm in the dining area A big thanks to the staff they were amazing though.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Chris S. 4 years ago on Google
    My only experience of this place was having a drink after a group dog walk. Place seems nice and has lovely grounds. Outside patios are nice but the picnic tables either need cleaning properly or replacing as they are green.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Louis J. 1 year ago on Google
    It was a good size room for a family but it needs alot of work fine in each room they are old fashioned not in a good way the staff are extremely friendly room was really hot and stuffy even with 2 fans the blankets are heavy and the single beds are like rocks but the double bed is good pillows are quite hard but not bad the tv is small and in a awkward position bath room is beautiful the water pressure could be better. The WiFi is great and the grounds are beautiful
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Jade's T. 1 year ago on Google
    I stayed here a few years ago and wanted to come back which I now regret doing. The hotel has really gone downhill in the last few years and in massive need of a refurbish and clean. The only thing good about the hotel is the look of the outside. Inside the rooms are dirty and run down. The sheet on my bed had what looked like dried sick all down it and was ripped in multiple places, the window was painted shut, the walls and bedside lampshades were dirty. The Tv remote was missing and the shower had absolutely no pressure at all the water just dribbled out with the shower also being mouldy. We paid for breakfast to arrive and be told there’s no menu they will just make what you say you want which made you feel like an inconvenience. To say how much the room cost I feel robbed. There was hardly any guests staying in the whole hotel and now I know why I won’t be coming back sadly and can’t wait to get back to my own clean bed
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Linda C. 4 months ago on Google
    Tired Victorian gothic hotel in a suburb of Nottingham. Too few staff for the number of people staying so poor service, not enough tables laid for breakfast, not enough crockery, cold plates, ........ Reception staff were curt and inefficient. Room was chilly and no extra blankets in the room. (We didn't feel there was any point trying room service. See previous comment) We put our coats over us and were fine! Water in the shower was too hot, and the temperature controls didn't work. The bed was comfortable. One young waitress worked her socks off both at the event we were attending and in the morning when it seemed she was the only one on duty for most of the time. She was great 👍
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Martyn S. 3 months ago on Google New
    Rooms were outdated and cold, temperature outside was -2 and it was just as cold in the room. Our shower was a weak trickle, and became dangerously hot. Mix and match of poor towels. There was one guy working around the bar area who was superb. But, the reception staff were poor. On departure, there was a lady being the counter having a social event with a friend that had obviously popped in. I was looked at as though I was interrupting their time together. I requested an invoice to be told that she didn't know how to print an invoice off and she said she was the only person working ion the hotel. But, she felt that because she had said sorry, that it was not a problem. Didn't even ask how my stay was. I would not recommend this hotel. I certainly will never return.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Trevor L. 1 year ago on Google
    Do not book this hotel unless you like to pay good money for poor accommodation, The hotel rooms are run down and dirty. You get a piece of paper with your room card which states book direct and take advantage of a complimentary breakfast plus a few other things like free parking and free wifi i was charged for the breakfast so queried it to which i was told by the manager that i hadn’t booked far enough in advance so thats why i was charged. Still never got told how far in advance had to book. Bottom line is this hotel is horrendous and not worth a visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Isobelle A. 2 years ago on Google
    Have had a lovely stay at Bestwood Lodge. Incredibly atmospheric, lovely gardens and a quiet, peaceful location. From booking to leaving the staff were so friendly and helpful, clean, spacious twin room with large bathroom. Bar area and dining room are 'Baronial', fantastic. Good choice at breakfast. Very clean, same with public areas. Of course it needs a bit of tlc, but it's an old, historic property with genuine character, loved it and would definitely stay again.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Edward L. 1 year ago on Google
    Excellent New years Dinner and Dance .staff were excellent and very friendly and efficient. Nothing was a problem. If you asked for anything, I would definitely go back any time A÷÷÷.

  • 5/5 Clive D. 6 months ago on Google
    This is a fantastic hotel that offers excellent value for money. Ive been fortunate to stay in hotels all over the world . Also go on some of the finest cruise ships! The location is a dream it’s like being in a lovely Scottish castle yet you are within the city of Nottingham, so easy to get to as well. The staff are wonderful I recently stayed for 3 nights for my best friends wedding the whole event was a tremendous success and as for the food it was exceptional ( well up to top cruise ship standards) In particular Linda and Declan go that extra mile and just embody what real customer service is about to make that guest feel they are the most important person in the world.They add that extra bit of sparkle that just makes a visit so special. The rooms are unique spacious light and airy and offer excellent value for money. But don’t take my word try it you will not be disappointed!

  • 5/5 John C. 11 months ago on Google
    Posting again as my previous review did not show up? My husband and I spent many weeks travelling and staying at various accommodations during our honeymoon. Bestwood by far stands out as our favourite experience. The lodge and property are beautiful and historic with such character and charm. Rooms were clean and comfortable. Food was brilliant, especially the breakfast but the best part was the staff!! They truly made us feel at home. Special thanks to Declan, Richard, Andy and Linda for taking such good care of us.

  • 1/5 Nowa N. 11 months ago on Google
    If you like getting woken up from your sleep by staff deciding that it is a good idea to clean the entire hotel at 11pm and listen to music that keeps you awake you should book a night. The location is beautiful, the food still had room for improvements, toilets were fairly clean. Sadly the entire building is very run down and needs a lot of work put into it. Overall, not worth a night, worth a temporary stay however. I can imagine drinking a cocktail and staring into the woods would be nice.

  • 1/5 Julie C. 10 months ago on Google
    Hotel tired but is being renovated. Grounds beautiful, but it's a country park so you would expect that. Wedding venue great - wedding planner & management team well below what would be expected.for a wedding venue. As soon as the new wedding planner took over things went downhill, had I not booked, paid and been within the last 4 months prior to getting married I would have cancelled and gone elsewhere. Stephen (previous planner) made us feel calm, valued & respected how we wanted our day to go. He listened, he is emphatic towards our requirements and took time to understand us. Since our wedding day I have emailed a long list of complaints to the owner. The owner has not even acknowledged the email, I replied to an earlier email sent from the owner so I know it is the correct details. I have given plenty of time for an acknowledgement or response but received none. A few of the issues....... Some guests charged for breakfast some not - was advised all guests got breakfast included along with a 10% discount Not all guest got a discount Check in was from 2pm - some rooms including the best man's room was not ready until nearly 3pm he had to seat the guest at 3..30pm and had hoped to change and have a relaxed drink before he greeted the guests No room service for bride or bridesmaids - we had to go to the bar, didn't even get a free bridal room or bottle of prosecco for having the wedding at the venue No sound check allowed for the singer until after 2pm - she was a bridesmaid so this left very little time to sound check before guests arrived Rude and bossy wedding coordinator/planner was shouting aggressively at guests and bar staff Room layout not as discussed - cake was shoved in a corner squashed behind a table - we had said we wanted it to go on the table with the cupcakes in the room where the food and bar was Breakfast - staff swearing loudly at being stitched u regarding the number of guests No plates, cutlery, coffee etc guests had to ask them I could go on but I think you all get the gist of my review.

  • 5/5 Les T. 10 months ago on Google
    Situated within the Bestwood park it's an ideal location for a walk to finish off with a drink, snack or meal It's a dog-friendly bar that doesn't mind muddy shoes inside as long as you stay in the designated areas. The hotel is rich in history, Royal and otherwise. Read about it in the hotel bar. The plant sales on the veranda offer some of the plants found in the park gardens - a little bit of history for your own garden.

  • 5/5 Laura C. 1 year ago on Google
    We had our wedding here in 2021 and the wedding planner Stephen "helped" to organise the wedding. It was a constant battle to get in contact with him to ask the most basic questions. He was always off or "busy". This heightened the anxiety of everyone as it was a struggle to get any information. Wedding guests were mistakenly told they had no booking, in which multiple phone calls were made to Bestwood until eventually they told us that they had a different booking system for weddings which the receptionist was not aware of? Due to COVID-19 a DJ was not allowed, we understand this is not anyone's fault; however, they told us the bad news 2 days before the wedding, so it was impossible to organise something else, again another let down The meals were either undercooked, overcooked and had dirty cutlery (which is even worse, considering the pandemic). We paid for the Queen Victoria room and were very disappointed, considering the price. The curtains were filthy, the room was freezing, there were many cracks in the walls and the toilet wasn't working until someone came to fix it. The wallpaper was falling off the wall and there was ash all over the carpet near the fireplace, so it's clear that it was not cleaned properly. We made the sensible decision to take the sheets off the mattress (I'm glad we did this just before leaving). The mattress was disgusting with multiple heavy stains, no attempt to clean it at all. The staff (generally) and the surrounding grounds of Bestwood Lodge were nice and we appreciate that during COVID things will have been more difficult for all, however the disorganisation, lack of communication, and unhygienic rooms, dirty cutlery etc was not worth the value we paid, as this caused a great amount of disappointment, stress and confusion for all involved. After the wedding we needed to get in touch with the wedding planner Stephen, as there were a few things left behind, including an easel which was stolen. We asked for the CCTV footage and we were given multiple excuses over the coming months. Eventually he stopped answering any of our emails and dodging our phone calls. The company Best Western who we complained to, couldn't even get in touch with him. We had a MUCH better experience from a 3 star Premier Inn. We recommend that no one books a wedding here or stays as a guest as you will be heavily disappointed.

  • 4/5 Brett S. 9 months ago on Google
    Bestwood is nice and it was nice to get some food and drink. The chips I ordered did not come with the sandwiches but overall quite nice. I did not stay and only popped in for a bite to eat with my son so I can't give much more of a review

  • 5/5 Joleen M. 8 months ago on Google
    Amazing night away , lovely staff who were approachable both receptionist made us feel welcome. I would definitely return again 😊

  • 5/5 Kerry C. 11 months ago on Google
    Whats not to like, absolutely the wow factor when you first arrive and inside does not disapppoint either. The staff (Declan) one of the nicest, funniest, most helpful person you'll meet and is perfectly suited to the role. Definitely a place to revisit for a longer stay.

  • 5/5 Imogen W. 8 months ago on Google
    We came for 1 night for our anniversary, they upgraded us to the King Charles suite (so stunning!) and put up a little sign to say happy anniversary - it was so sweet! The staff were really friendly and helpful. Hotel is a beautiful building with lots of history surrounded by green. I heard good things about breakfast but we overslept and it was all packed away when we got there - oops!

  • 4/5 Mick H. 5 months ago on Google
    King Richard stayed here and by the condition of the window frames, it looks like they didn’t have many double glazing people turn up. If you like gothic, medieval then I think you will enjoy. If your expecting modern minimalistic .. jog on. You can sense the ghosts here and the staff are friendly enough. Our toilet when flushed made the sound like a ships siren leaving port, so I have to confess that, after a wee, I flushed and shouted to my other half, “ships away “ Would I come back, of course, its unique in Nottingham. But beware.. the breakfast is overpriced let down. Eg. Tea and coffee. Coffee jug empty.. informed solo waiter.. no problem.. sugar in another area.. milk in yet another area so by the time all three are joined it’s going tepid. Breakfast itself, not as hot as I like. If I was a manager I would look at this area and give it a kick up the backside.

  • 3/5 brian t. 2 months ago on Google New
    The hotel is situated in a park. Rooms have good views of the park. Thats the best i can say. There are no lifts and as somebody with a temporary impairment it was hard to make it up o to the first floor My room was still dirty from maintenance work in the bathroom, the wardrobe had stained towels left in it, the connecting door was kicked in, and the wall paper was falling off the ceiling. Oh and there was no TV remote and only a single power point. At breakfast no tables were set and we had to scrounge cutlery, breakfast was low quality. I'm glad it was a works stay and not a holiday stay.

  • 5/5 telandi 5 months ago on Google
    My daughter had her wedding here, the level of service we received was amazing. All the staff were lovely and very helpful. Any questions or queries were answered immediately. They really couldn't do enough to help make the day perfect for us all. I highly recommend Bestwood Lodge for any occasion, whether its a wedding or just a delicious meal after a lovely walk in the park.

  • 2/5 Penelope C. 4 months ago on Google
    Great looking hotel, good location, but rooms and corridors in severe need of refurbishment and upgrade. Despite making a prior arrangement to check in early due to the timing of the event I was attending, I got attitude as soon as I dared to mention it. Eventually they gave me a room on the second floor (no lift - 2 long, awkward sets of stairs and one short - 2 sets of stairs with dodgy handrails) and me stood there with a walking stick. When I asked for assistance to get my bag up the stairs, the receptionist just disappeared. After struggling up to the room (which was in the eaves of the building) the room smelled damp and the poorly fitting single glazed windows were not a great start and general smell of 'not quite getting rid of the smell of smoke' carried on the disappointment. The en-suite bathroom was very nice though! Once I'd attended my event, I got back to the room and decided I really couldn't face either the weird smells or the cold and most of all, I couldn't face trying to get up (or down) the stairs anymore. So I checked out and drove two and a half hours home rather than bother staying. They did offer to "see if there's another room available" but frankly, I couldn't cope with the idea of being disappointed by another room.

  • 2/5 nicoleta b. 3 months ago on Google New
    Had great expectations from the property but let us down . First, was a challenge finding the address, extremely frustrating, nothing to do with the address from booking. com. At the property ...walking straight into the steps after opening a massive door, corridors smelling of cigarettes , paying for a breakfast which was not there because the chef didn't turned up. Staff lacking of motivation and skills to spot as are no cups for coffee or tea, not even bread. No one at the property didn't mentioned about a refund for paying a service which was not there 🙄. Luckily we had some biscuits in the room . Actually, I can give an extra point, as room and bathroom were clean

  • 4/5 Steve V. 1 year ago on Google
    It's great place, the staff are extremely professional and welcoming. The food menu is varied and beautifully cooked to order. Please play some background music in the bar area to give this wonderful bar some atmosphere.

  • 5/5 Dean A. 5 years ago on Google
    Fantastic venue for our wedding with the most amazing team helping you plan your day and support you through it. Each and everyone we thank you for making our day so special. Great location for photographs, fantastic food and scared that we drank the prosecco dry lol. We would highly recommend choosing Bestwood Lodge if you are planning a wedding as you’ll not be disappointed

  • 5/5 Dee S. 4 years ago on Google
    Very nice atmosphere. Love that we can take my little dog in, thank you 🐕

  • 5/5 Sherwizzle S. 4 years ago on Google
    Fantastic place beautiful day out for the family or dog walkers. Nice place to run too

  • 4/5 Kankan M. 4 years ago on Google
    Very friendly service and nice views in the park, but the place could do with some remodeling

  • 4/5 Cheryl A. 3 years ago on Google
    Pop up bar brilliant idea only downside is the toilets are not open nor are the toilets down the road.

  • 4/5 Ian S. 4 years ago on Google
    Dog friendly nice n quiet but very expensive

  • 4/5 Sarah Antoinette B. 1 year ago on Google
    Visited as I was attending a show in the function room. Plenty of car parking but you need to register your registration at reception otherwise you will be charged a pound an hour. Never visited before so couldn't believe when I pulled up the beautiful buildings and wooden panels throughout the ground floor. Toilets were good 👍. Didn't have any food but the bar staff were friendly and efficient. Hope to visit again soon .

  • 5/5 trevor r. 1 year ago on Google
    I went to a wedding here and it was great!! All the staff were on their A game and constantly working hard, the food was just lovely, we had a bbq later which was also great, couldn’t fault anything. With a great singer and DJ what could be better on a bank holiday weekend. Thanks

  • 1/5 Wendy N. 1 year ago on Google
    The whole Hotel was filthy, poor maintenance, stains on pillows and quilts. Our first room was in the attic, very small uncomfortable bed and hard pillows, couldn't regulate the shower as the nob was loose. We were moved to a larger room which was a better size and a decent size bed although the quilt was badly stained. The food wasn't bad on the first day however the breakfast was shocking, had to constantly ask for things to be replaced. I could literally go on. In my opinion the whole Hotel should be closed down for a full referb. On the plus the grounds were beautiful.

  • 5/5 Katie Y. 1 year ago on Google
    We had a mix-up with our booking when we arrived but the hotel manager and staff were more than accommodating and sorted effectively. The hotel is on the older side but is still so beautiful inside and out. Our room was a little run-down but the bed was super comfortable and we had a nice sleep. The food, drinks and breakfast was delightful and reasonably priced! Overall the experience was made by the historic setting and how well looked after we were by the staff I couldn't give the hospitality enough stars.

  • 5/5 Michelle L. 1 year ago on Google
    I will acknowledge that the accommodation is abit outdated , however the hotel staff and surroundings make up for that . I believe that the staff member was called Gwendolyn and she was exceptional in her professional manner and very accommodating to all my family members who was staying for 2 nights . The hotel is going through renovations, and I will definitely recommend this hotel. Thank you again to the staff whom made our stay great

  • 5/5 David R. 1 year ago on Google
    Great for walking the dog and beautiful views from the top fields

  • 5/5 Rachel w. 2 years ago on Google
    Lovely hotel in stunning surroundings. Staff are friendly and approachable. Would definitely recommend staying here

  • 4/5 Brenda C. 1 year ago on Google
    This is a lovely hotel in a beautiful setting. Over the years I have had many enjoyable meals here and in 1989 had my wedding reception here. The hotel stands in what was part of Sherwood Forest but sadly no sighting of men in tights...yet!

  • 5/5 YVONNE W. 1 year ago on Google
    The Staff are wonderful, I know we might of been a little loud. Once I explained why all of our party were there they were completely understanding and just wanted to make our stay as good as it could be. Food was lovely

  • 1/5 Allison “Aldente” D. 1 year ago on Google
    Attended a wedding, not enough bar staff on arrival and didn't appear to know much about the job, slow service. Very unorganised ref the wedding and getting people from bar to Chapel which was in disrepair ,cobwebs hanging from chandeliers, windows at back of Chapel a disgrace, curtains on mezzanine tatty and not straight/tidy. Not enough outdoor furniture for guests to sit out, bar area boring/bland. DJ was 👍, food was excellent, the old building itself gorgeous just everything else let it down.

  • 5/5 Craig R. 1 year ago on Google
    Good food

  • 4/5 Bill S. 1 year ago on Google
    Old hunting lodge used by previous members of the Royal family while horseback hunting in Sherwood Forest. Lovey historic main entrance, you can see the history beautiful little church attached to the building, all set in the grounds of the remaining forest. Only had a few beers/coffee never stayed so cannot commit on the rooms etc. Partied in the events hall (wedding) which has its own bar. Carpark introduced pay and display last year at a guess it's probably free staying as a guest.

  • 5/5 meforyou1988 1 year ago on Google
    Stayed here for one night. The room cost £80. Very clean room with an en suite. The towel rail was broken but didn't cause us any problems. Bed was very comfortable and we slept really well. They do breakfast but we didn't eat here. Staff very friendly and helpful, nice area for a walk. Very peaceful. Would love to return


Call +44 115 920 3011 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Spirits
    • ✓️ Kids' menu
    • ✓️ Healthy options
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Brunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

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