Collection O The Tong Park Hotel — Hotel in Bradford

We booked our wedding here back in January 2020 for October 2020. Unfortunately due to covid we had to postpone this twice and we we’re able to change the date. We finally booked or wedding for May 2022 and had started to pick back up with our plans and was introduced to a new wedding coordinator as Michelle had left the business.

We had booked the courtyard room for our reception as we loved the outside courtyard space which was connected to the room and that’s why we booked this hotel as we thought it would be safe for the children attending and was a lovely setting. When I was enquiring about having a bouncy castle for the children in the courtyard I was told this would not fit due to the marquee. I was shocked to hear this as there wasn’t a marquee in place when we booked and we were never informed of this and it states on our contract that we had access to the courtyard for our event. The wedding coordinator then suggested to have it in the car park at the front of the hotel which incredibly unsafe as it leads on to a busy road.

We had also received an updated contract where they had added £510 for 85 bacon sandwiches, our wedding package was inclusive of bacon sandwiches so was shocked to see we were being charge extra for these and at £6 per sandwich was just ludicrous. We arranged a meeting with the manager to discuss the issues with the marquee and contract issues.

During our meeting the manager informed us that the hotel was marketed for sale and with the sale being completed shortly it had come to their attention that there will be new packages therefore involving our contract to be renewed with them. The manager advised this would change our original price so she said she would email me the new contract and we would have a look at it. When receiving this new contract they informed us we could no longer have canapés for our day guests and they had increased our price by £2800. We we’re advised that if we wish to cancel we would receive our full deposit.

So after the agony of having to postpone our wedding twice due to covid we were now faced with a this which was absolutely heartbreaking, I had just sent out my invites and had planned everything for our day.

We decided to cancel as we could not go ahead with our wedding as we would not feel confident that our day would go ahead without complications. What could we be faced with over the coming months with the new owners changing things or adding more money on to things?

We did receive a full refund of our deposit and luckily that was all we had paid and I’m just so glad we found this out sooner rather than later because if we haven’t of gone for a meeting discuss other issues when we’re they thinking of actually telling us all this? I feel like we’ve dodged a massive bullet as I think the whole day would of been a complete shambles.

Luckily we have found an alternative arrangement and can wash our hands of this hotel. We are absolutely disgusted with what they have done and how we’ve been treated. I’m just glad we aren’t having our special day here and our new venue have been fantastic at organising what will now be the best day of our lives

DO NOT BOOK YOUR WEDDING AT...

Stayed for 2 nights on 22nd and 23rd October 2021. Night before the wedding we stayed with 10 friends for a hen/stag party meal. The hotel restaurant was amazing and very accommodating. All guests came from out of town so we didn't sit down as early as we should have, plus 2 guests were delayed so arrived as first course was being served but the chef quickly cooked theirs so we could all eat together. I had a mixed grill which was the best I have ever tasted! The portions were huge compared to our usual restaurants portions. All our guests were full of praises (thank goodness).

I'd like to give a massive thank you to Rachel the wedding coordinator for being there and guiding us through the day! Everything far exceeded our expectations, the wedding breakfast was to die for!!! Food was served quickly and was hot, the portions were larger than expected which tested even the largest of appetites lol. The food was out of this world, the pork just melted in my mouth, every single guest commented on the food (especially the gravy lol).

I was a bit worried about the rooms as I knew they were going through a refurbishment so not sure if all guests would be happy if not all rooms were finished but I only heard good things about the rooms. The suites were especially raved over. Our room was amazing with 2 tvs, one in the bedroom and one in the lounge. We also had a walk in wardrobe with a place for the suitcase.

Overall, I am soooooo happy we chose the Holiday Inn in Tong Village, not only does it look amazing outside but the deco inside is lovely and modern. The event room was stunning with chandeliers and raised dance floor, we had had a brilliant time! Guests had nothing but praises all day and evening!

A massive thank you to all the staff that made our wedding day...

This constructive criticism is intended to help the team rather than deflate them. I suspect that they are suffering from a lack of exoerienced staff. It is a nicely situated venue in rolling countryside. The inside was clean with beautiful marble floors and hygiene levels were good. However, as part of a recent wedding party I noted the following that were a little disappointing.

Mix-ups with rooms and rooms not being allocated.

The bar running out of several standard white wines and with no draft beer. Wouldn't it have been advisable to check stocks?

Inexperienced staff who didn't know how to use the till systems, or the protocols for Spire elite customers. It seemed as if there were too few staff trying to run the bar/check-in/food service.

Long delays to food being served for the reception(1.5 hours) and reportedly running out of some breakfast foods by 9am.

Young staff who seemed to be struggling without senior leadership/management on site.

Although our room was supposedly an upgraded one, the wallpaper was peeling and with damp outside the door causing the paper to bubble up there.

The main gardens were OK, but the small area in front looked like a building site with other areas that could be seen through the windows overgrown and unkempt.

These things can all be rectified, although clearly not without cost. Staff need to feel confident in using systems.

I felt so sorry for the staff who were working as they did the best they could. It is indicative of their feelings when on our checking out, they asked if we'd stayed at other Holiday Inns and we said yes, one responded by saying "I bet this is the worst you've stayed in!"...