Fortuna Villa — Hotel in Golden Square

Just okay! Went for high tea and tour.

Some constructive critiques: Tour went for a long time and high tea did not. We were given very little warning that we were leaving for the tour so we had to leave most of our food 😬

Scones were not cooked properly which was not ideal but they were eventually replaced.

Drink service was fairly slow, considering the price per person, a bottle of sparkling could be on bigger tables for top ups.

Venue not at all accessible and considering the upgrades made they could have one accessible entrance that services the high tea area. Its worth noting that the tour is not good for those that are disabled, elderly or pregnant and can't climb stairs. Also hard to keep up with guide regardless in large groups. Maybe a smaller tour for those people only on ground floor could work while others go upstairs?

Toilets inaccessible during tour, not great after drinking sparkling! This could have been communicated prior to leaving high tea rooms, as there was one toilet on the outside but we also didn't know this at the time.

High tea didn't include all options on menu (one savoury was missing) and as a lunch high tea I think this would have been a better balance. This missing item could have been replaced with a savoury...

Fantastic venue for a special family birthday. We all enjoyed the food, the tour and the magnificent restoration. Just a bit of - hopefully helpful - feedback. The High Tea started at 2 pm and we were all enjoying a drink and working our way through the local delicacies when we were suddenly told we would be leaving the room in 5 minutes and would not be allowed back in - that was around 3 pm. Strange! We sought clarification and it was confirmed - there was a lot of food left and the birthday cake had only just been brought out. Luckily Mrs Banks said that they would serve the cake after the tour in another room. We all felt that the meal was rushed, conversation cut short and drinks left behind with the food. The tour with Shane was fun but too long; at the end of the tour some more snacks, drinks and some milling around (our party had the cake). Can I suggest that the high tea time be extended by about half an hour, the tour shortened and the drinks at the end would not be necessary at all. Failing that, it would be a good idea to inform all guests of the timing of the event, so that they know...

Absolutely beautiful restoration of this divine mansion. I cannot recommend more highly the High Tea and tour. The food, quality of champagne, wine, teas and coffee are excellent. The staff are efficient but friendly and attentive. Paul Banks, the owner, conducts the tour with wit and humour, as well as imparting interesting facts and the history of Fortuna. The original owner, George Lansell, had very good taste, which is evident in the design of this home. The gardens and mature trees which frame the house, are magnificent. The restoration revealed some hidden elements, such as the Roman Baths and tunnels. Some later alterations and additions by the Army, (when Fortuna was the base for Survey and Maps divisions), concealed original features. Underneath, these remained largely intact. Due to Paul's persistence, commitment and vision, Fortuna is once again a Grand Old Victorian Lady. Wear comfy shoes as there's some walking involved, but it's worth it. A 5 star hotel based at Fortuna will be open to the...