De Vere Beaumont Estate — Hotel in Great Britain

I had planned to celebrate my wedding anniversary somewhere special. Having seen the De Vere Beaumont Estate Windsor images, it convinced me to book a four-day long weekend.

Unfortunately, I was left deeply disheartened and extremely disappointed, as the reality fell far short of what was advertised. My actual experience did not reflect the quality promised. Having stayed at many 4 and 5 star hotels. I was genuinely appalled by the lack of attention, service, and basic respect shown to guests.

Upon arrival, there was no special welcome, nor were we offered assistance with our luggage. Instead, we were simply handed a set of directions to our room—directions so complicated it almost felt as though a manual was required to navigate the property. The room we had been allocated was located at the very far end of the estate, which meant walking what felt like endless corridors and navigating three separate flights of stairs before finally reaching it. By the time we arrived, we were exhausted from carrying our bags. It was a good 20 minute walk to our room!

The room itself was disappointing. The layout felt cramped and congested, and the décor was dull and uninspiring. The only saving grace was the pleasant view of the greenery outside. Nevertheless, we decided to make the best of the situation and set out to explore the hotel’s facilities.

We celebrated our anniversary with a dinner at the hotel’s 1705 restaurant. Unfortunately, the experience was far from what we had hoped for. The restaurant lighting was so dim that it was difficult to even read the menu. While I appreciate the importance of ambience, this felt uncomfortable rather than atmospheric. When I politely asked if we could be seated at a table with better lighting, I was abruptly told “no” because those tables were supposedly reserved—despite the fact that they remained empty throughout the evening.

After ordering mocktails, we were left waiting for 30 minutes before being told that the staff were still “looking for the ingredients.” Feeling parched, I requested some still water, but even that took time to arrive. The lack of attention and basic hospitality was unacceptable. Nearby tables sat uncleared for over an hour, leaving the entire area looking neglected and uninviting—completely contrary to the polished impression given on the hotel’s website.

The situation worsened when a family arrived with a dog that barked continuously. By this stage, we were already feeling upset and uncomfortable. When our food finally arrived—after another 25-minute wait—it proved another disappointment. The chicken was overcooked, tough, and unpleasant to eat. As someone who has always supported the hospitality industry and understands the challenges it faces, I was dismayed at the lack of even the most basic standards.

The following day, I became unwell after eating some of the chicken and spent the entire day in bed, which completely derailed our holiday plans. That evening, once I felt slightly better, we walked to the other Beaumont restaurant hoping to find something light to eat, only to discover that it was closed on Sundays. This had not been highlighted either on the website or at check-in. Already exhausted, we had no choice but to drive into Windsor town to find food elsewhere.

We left the De Vere Beaumont Estate deeply disappointed and upset. What was meant to be a special occasion left us with unpleasant memories, and we will not be returning. I am a senior executive who actively promotes UK tourism and regularly books venues for international business conferences and events. Initially, I had considered the Beaumont Estate for such occasions, but after this experience, I cannot recommend the hotel to any clients or delegates.

A hotel cannot rely solely on its location and grounds for recognition. True distinction comes from well-trained staff, genuine hospitality, and consistent guest care—all of which were lacking during our stay. Sadly, what should have been a joyful anniversary turned into a wasted experience of both...

My stay was within the White House mansion, suite room 1001.

Arrival was smooth, you collect the key from the main reception then drive round to the White House mansion. The nearest car park (5) is a bit of a walk, but you can stop temporarily outside the main door to bring luggage in. A friendly staff member offered help with my cases. Suite is the first door up the main staircase. Great if you don’t like lifts, and not too many stairs. The room was very spacious, clean, well supplied and beautiful bathroom. More photos would be great on the website though. Fan wasn’t supplied, but glad to see there was air con (suites weren’t listed with on air con). Access to the rest of the estate is great. There is a hallway from the mansion leading down to the leisure club and main reception (or a walk outside round the corner to there). Then directly behind the building is the activity field and woodland etc. Exploring the grounds was very fun, with lots to discover. Very easy to find water refills but the coffee machine in the Parlour wasn’t on? Staff seem to never be in one place so not easy to ask someone for help. Otherwise, very quiet and peaceful spot to sit and relax. Cleanliness is great! However, I’m not bothered about cleans between my stay. I permanently leave the DND sign on the handle. But the third day into my stay, I returned to my room and saw it had been entered because the sign was now inside the room, the lights were off (card hadn’t been put back correctly in wall) and room was clean. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate the clean! But I don’t like the DND sign being ignored. Guests shouldn’t have the fear of being disturbed or their luggage possibly disturbed. I am adamant the sign was on the DND side and not the please clean side, I had it that way from arrival. After reporting the issue, I did receive an apology. Food and service is brilliant, afternoon tea I recommend. Top quality food! Gym is great, all the basics. I try to get there when it’s not busy. However, a rule about no children or teens playing in there would be good. Pool can be busy, but there is a lane for adult swimmers. There are no lifeguards, so be aware. Changing rooms are good, though I couldn’t work out the locker! Towels always well supplied and fresh. Evenings are fairly peaceful within the rooms, however the echoes of doors shutting is bad. It does tend to go quiet by late, but one night it wasn’t until 1am. Also, suite 1001 is right by the reception so I kept the tv low on volume because the echo is strong. It is an old building, so it’s understandable. Restaurant staff are great, general staff are friendly but sometimes a bit distracted. Worst case of bad staff was when a fire alarm sounded and the staff wandered out first before even checking guests or announcing instructions. They were quick to do their own checklist outside, but never had any idea of possibly struggling guests within the building. I was not impressed.

Highlights of the suite; Amazing big bed and firm, heavy mattress. The best pillows I’ve ever slept on. Perfect size fridge, luxury coffee and tea brands plus little snacks. Easy to use kettle, Nespresso coffee machine fairly easy. Bathroom is amazing. I didn’t want to leave it! The walk-in shower is massive, a handheld shower head and also a waterfall shower head. Well supplied quality toiletries. The roll top bath is huge! I’m a plus size gal and was so comfy in it. That also has a handheld shower head. Two sinks, large heated mirrors (so no steam). There was a slight smell of “toilet” I noticed from arrival though. Lovely seating, easy to use TVs, books and magazines supplied.

I do recommend staying here, but not sure if...

February 2023 Our special long family weekend in Windsor was a disappointing experience unfortunately!

We were really looking forward to amazing stay in this hotel and have even upgraded to be in a deluxe room. We were very disappointed that the customer care was not as good as expected.

Firstly the good.

The location and the grounds of the hotel are really impressive. The room we stayed in was beautiful , nice size and with the view of the grounds . Buffet breakfast was very nice and both kids loved it. Plenty of choice for everyone. Staff at the restaurant and buffet restaurant very helpful.

Not so good

Check in was fast but hardly any information given at the time , we were issued with only one card for the room and directed to buffet for dinner ( no other info mentioned ). The grounds and hotel are extensive so few sentences -as a way to help us get the most from our stay in the hotel would be welcomed.

In the bedroom -We were unimpressed to notice that someone’s dirty vest was left tucked in the chair by the desk - clearly the room was not cleaned throughly . We have also noticed spiderwebs in the ceiling but decided not to make a big deal out of it - we did like the room enough. We did notify the Reception .

We were tired and hungry and wanted to go to the restaurant rather than the buffet . We were told there is one where you can order off the menu but there is no space until 9 pm. We ended having quite bland dinner in a buffet restaurant-which run out of chicken ( the only meat our kids would eat ) and the bill of £60 for the pleasure. No drinks included.

We booked the other restaurant for the evening next day to avoid the buffet at all cost.

Late at night my husband realised that the heating in the bathroom wasn’t working and that in fact wiring was dangerously exposed. We’ve locked the bathroom from outside so that our 4 year old didn’t accidentally touch it. We have reported it to Reception. They said that they will send someone to look at it in the day when we’re we’re planning to be out. We didn’t want to change rooms -pack and relocate with the whole day of activities planned.

We had a lovely swim in the swimming pool in morning but the changing rooms were absolutely freezing.

We had lovely day in the Windsor castle and came back really tired. After getting to the 2nd floor / endless corridors to our room ( kids desperately needing toilet ) our room card didn’t work . The person checking us in only checked us in for one night not two. My husband begrudgingly and with kids in mind run back to Reception ( I do not exaggerate - this at pace takes quite some time).

He did receive 2 cards this time but when we have arrived in the room the heater was as it was and spider webs still there. He tried calling Reception several times but there was no one to speak to.

We had a little break and went back to the restaurant for dinner but were told that they didn’t have our booking . After checking with the team they asked us to wait 5 min in the bar until they get the table ready. We waited for good 45 min and managed to order an hour later ( the restaurant was in fact only half full so they must have been understaffed). There was another family who had the same problem and were made to wait. Kids were unhappy and it was yet another disappointing evening in that hotel .

If it was any of the incidents on their own - it may not be a big deal but it felt like a catalogue of disappointing events which really affected the short time we have spent there !

Definitely not for the price we have paid! We were hoping to have few special days but maybe a smaller hotel will be better to give us the customer...