Melbourne Lodge

The first point is around the process of checking in, which should be simple. However the directional signage on the grounds is all out of date, so we spent 45 minutes trying to find the correct location to check in, despite asking numerous people. At check in we were told Dinner was served until 7pm only, so we booed a table. We arrived at 645 to be told all the restaurants were closed, by a very unhelpful manager, whose only solution was to eat at the local pub.. The rooms are dated to say the least! You can also hear everything from adjoining rooms. There was only one towel left for me, which was a hand towel. The whole place is out of the 1970’s.

We had a very unpleasant dealing with the golf club General Manager, Lee Williams. I'm not sure how someone who oversees management of the golf club's day-to-day operations "with a major focus on team and club development" has any business commenting on the events that unfolded during our guest's stay at Melbourne Lodge exactly one year ago. He certainly has no business sending us threatening emails considering the ordeal my wife and I were put through. For context, we had our wedding at Brocket Hall and it was ruined by a tragic incident involving a Brocket Hall Estate staff member. To date, Brocket Hall Estate has admitted no fault, or even attempted to apologise for the events that unfolded that day. Their lack of basic human decency is frankly disgraceful. Indeed, how they have handled the matter since then has only reaffirmed their lack of customer care, and compassion that one would reasonably expect of a prestigious wedding, golfing, hotel or restaurant venue. If anyone is considering holding their golfing, hotel or restaurant activities here and would like to hear more about our experience, then I'd be more than happy for you to reach out. Looking at the attached picture, I am reminded of Brocket Hall Estates's Managing Director, Michael Longshaw, who sent us a letter stating that "I do not believe that your celebration was materially affected by the tragic conduct of an individual." The said "individual" was a member of Brocket Hall Estate staff, who Michael attempts to distance himself from. Ultimately, that "individual" was their responsibility as an employer.

We had a one night golf break, eating dinner at Auberge Du Lac. The corner room was lovely and the breakfast very good indeed (and unlimited, i.e. could have the whole menu if you so desired!) I don't understand some of the bad reviews at all - we almost cancelled because of them but so glad we didn't! I have written a separate review of Auberge du Lac, also very good indeed.

Amazingly beautiful grounds and open spaces. Great place for walking or golf. Corner room in Lodge very large and bed comfortable. The lodge has 16 bedrooms and is a historic converted coach house. With the exception of the weekend club restaurant service, the reception, housekeeping and golf staff were very friendly and helpful. We had breakfast included in our stay. Club restaurant weekend staff need training. We had dinner the first night. My Caesar salad was very unappetizing, the lettuce was brown. The next morning Our family of 4 waited 1.5 hrs for breakfast service and finally gave up and left to find another nearby place to eat. If the club restaurant were improved this would be an outstanding place to stay.

Not a good experience. We stayed in Melbourne Lodge for 2 nights and apparently were the only guests. We wish we had read the reviews before booking. Our room was shabby, dirty carpet and stains from cups or glasses on bedside tables. Breakfast served in the clubhouse is basic, enhanced by a surly waiter on the second day. The choice is very limited, although if you like eggs you can have them different ways. You are allowed one piece of toast, which is made to look like two because it’s cut in half. We asked for a selection of extra toast, which never arrived, but we were presented with 4 large slabs of butter. Yum. Why is there a selection of jams but nothing to smear them on? My main problem came with asking the waiter if I could have a mug instead of a cup for my tea. I received a curt ‘no’. I thought he was joking. When I pointed out that my partner had a mug for his coffee, I was told ‘that is not a mug, it’s a cup’! Well, that’s telling me then. So glad we paid a lot to be insulted. We felt that the staff preferred the regular golfers who came in to eat. We have actually written to the management with our complaints, and in fairness we have been offered a free stay. But all I can say is never again. I don’t care if it’s free, I’m not a masochist. I think the management aren’t all that bothered. We have stayed at much cheaper hotels with nicer staff and better breakfasts. Holiday Inn Express next time.