Finlake Resort and Spa — Hotel in Teignbridge

We stayed in a dog Friendly Superior Hot Tub Lodge (booked via Hoseasons) with our four children aged 2, 6, 7 & 9, as well as our Labrador. We paid an additional amount for early check in which allowed us access to our lodge from 1pm instead of 4pm - which I always think is really late, you have basically lost a days holiday by check in time! The lodges are accessed via a key fob system app on your phone we had no issues with this and my husband was also able to download and use the app as well. ||||There is a useful online booking system for activities (most of which are additional costs but we found fairly reasonable). Swimming is also booked in slots starting from around 8:15am but it’s worth noting that (even in the school holidays) the children’s water park area didn’t tend to open until around 9-9:30am which was frustrating as our youngest loved this area and on the final day we’d booked the 8:15 slot so she missed out, we noticed quite a few other toddler/small children parents that were frustrated with this too - especially as you tend to be up bright and early with the children that would benefit from this area the most! Also the slides didn’t open until around 8:30-9 and one of these had a fault so was out of use. The outdoor pool was open which was a fab edition especially being early April, it was VERY cold but heated, the smaller children’s outdoor pool was bearable but obviously cold getting out, there are two tiny changing cubicles in the style of beach huts that can be used in this area and sun loungers. You have to remember to still check in at the activities hub reception and will get wrist bands to indicate you’ve booked to be in the pool. ||||Whilst there our two boys (7 &9) and their dad participated in the laser combat activity this was great and they had a fantastic time, albeit extremely muddy due to the recurring bad weather we’ve had this year and if being based in the woodland. Our daughter (6) and my husband also booked at 30 minute starter riding session through Finlake riding stables which is just at the entrance to the park and this was fab lasted around 40-45 minutes in total not the half an hour stated, was well managed and they’d love to do this again. We also booked an hour on the tennis courts, we had our own equipment but I read you could hire some from the activity hub. This was an unmanned area and we did notice another family waiting around for the tennis courts, unsure if they were hoping to use but we knew we had the booking so proceeded with our slot. ||||The lodge itself was great. Really spacious, we’ve previously stayed in holiday parks but usually in 3 bed caravans so the added space of the lodge was a real luxury. Each room had fitted wardrobes but unfortunately in the whole lodge there was only 6 hangers! And no drawers other than a tiny bedside cabinet (in the twin rooms between the beds) to put any clothes away, fortunately our youngest was in a travel cot so we stored our bags on the spare bed and lived out of that for the week. There was a great size bathroom with bath, and we enjoyed discovering the ‘secret’ en-suite access through what seems to be a second fitted wardrobe in the master bedroom (appreciate all lodges may not be the same). Both twin rooms had full size single beds (another plus that caravans don’t have!) and we were tucked away next to some woodland so had nice wooded views without being overlooked. The kitchen was fairly well equipped (we always bring extra baking trays) but there was x3 shelves in the oven which was good (we usually encounter only one!) the gas hob worked well and there was sufficient chopping boards, casserole dish, measuring jug etc. The major down point is that absolutely nothing cleaning wise in provided so make sure you bring tea towels, clothes, washing up liquid etc there is also a washer dryer and dishwasher so we made sure to take tabs for these. It’s unfortunate there isn’t anything other than toilet rolls provided in the lodge our in laws stay locally to us in similar accommodation and get provided (included in price) a welcome pack with UHT milk, tea, coffee, basic cleaning bits and some bin bags. ||||The lodge was dog friendly and had dog throws on the sofa which was great and took the pressure off us worrying about her getting comfy. There was an electric fire which our daughter enjoyed trying to steal the stones from (when it was turned off) in fact all our children have loved to do this - why?! It was really clean and well presented on arrival. Although the fridge had an overpowering floral smell - I put this down to maybe being cleaned with zoflora? My husband was really put off by this and worried our food would also end up stinking of flowers! There was a wine chiller which we used to keep our drinks chilled. Lots of cupboard space in the kitchen but nowhere whatsoever to hang coats other than (really high) hangers on the back of each bedroom door - not exactly where you’d want your wet outdoor coats to go? There was a dustpan and brush, vacuum, airer (great for swim stuff!), ironing board and iron and also some dog bowels as well - would’ve liked a hairdryer. ||||The hot tub was fab and had a really useful handle to get the cover on and off - something we’ve not seen before when stating somewhere with similar facilities. There is also screening placed around the hot tub area which helped privacy. There was basic outdoor furniture which was fine but had the weather been nicer we would’ve liked an outdoor sofa or something to relax on. ||||We visited the restaurant on the first night but felt it let down the park so didn’t visit again. It’s set up like a burger place and has a bar area and restaurant up the stairs - we arrived with our buggy and was told to carry it up (about 10/15 stairs) which we did even though afterwards we discovered there was a ramp to access this top area via an external door! Staff were polite and friendly but as it was quiet (5 o’clock) they were happier to be stood around chatting to one another than checking on customers. My husband took our children to the toilet and discovered there was no hand soap (after wiping them up iykyk) so went to ask the bar staff for some and was told it would be replenished- bearing in mind he’s not washed his hands at this point - he came back up to where we were sitting and stood waiting. Saw the initial member of staff serving customers instead of refilling the soap so asked the waitress she said he was coming (even though he clearly wasn’t) so my husband asked if there were any other toilets in the hub area available he could use and she suggested using the disabled toilets which he did and after 10 minutes or so of faff managed to rejoin us with clean hands. The burgers were around £15 each and were tasty but very small - the children’s meals were fairly good portions (the burgers not the sausage and chips) but there was an offer on for children to eat half price - this was then explained that it was one child per adult eating once we’d ordered. Kids meals were priced at £8 each for just the meal not a package deal like other retailers that often inc drink/pudding. We didn’t stay for dessert. ||||On our final evening we decided to try the on-site takeaway option and paid for delivery to our lodge. We ordered Greek Gyros boxes and these were a huge let down the chips were lovely but the ‘gyros’ was just some plain grilled chicken fillets in a pitta bread with measily salad and tzatziki (which was the saving grace to give the dish some flavour) definitely wouldn’t recommend and the takeaway options were limited - a shame the burgers weren’t available for this? ||||The children’s play area was an absolute bog despite having rubber chipping and it’s not exactly a great size for the size of the resort. It’s more of an obstacle course than a park so not very well suited to our toddler except for the one baby swing (there were only two swings). The larger park area you may see in online images - with the towers - is years old and has since been demolished I found out when asking. There was a smaller better suited toddler park next to the hub/shop which had lovely decking and seating that you could enjoy a drink and watch the kids play except the day we decided to do this (Thursday of the holiday and still Easter holidays) they had decided to fill the park with building materials so children couldn’t access it - such a shame on a sunny day and our toddler was so disappointed especially as she didn’t have much else to enjoy on the holiday herself. ||||On-site security were fantastic when we had a minor issue and dealt with it immediately ringing us back for updates and genuinely really caring...

We went here for a long weekend for my nephew's 3rd birthday. There were 3 of us adults and my daughter also (who is 11). Genuinely one of the nicest places I've stayed. Our lodge was gorgeous, very high standard finish and spacious, 3 bedrooms and a hot tub! The site itself was lovely, definitely perfect for the more outdoorsy kind of holiday, we went on lots of lovely forest walks. Amazing lake in view from our lodge (we were in the lakeside area of the site). While I'm not sure about other parts of the site, I wouldn't necessarily recommend it for anyone in a wheelchair - I know I'd have personally struggled pushing my grandad had he been there in his wheelchair, as it's quite 'hilly'. There is a nice outdoor play park for children up to the age of 10 if I remember correctly. The website states there is a soft play but there actually isn't.. we were rather disappointed to find that out as the kids were excited to go in there. We were told it used to be where the now on site shop is. The shop is quite decent, a fairly decent range of products you can buy however it IS expensive. Luckily we did an online shop (click and collect) beforehand and only needed a top up of toilet roll from the site shop which was £8.99 for 9 rolls. The restaurant/cafe there is very nice, plenty of seating - inside and out - but again pricey. We got a takeaway (it was delivered to us by one of the staff on a golf buggy type vehicle - which was a lovely touch) but I have to say while the food was delicious and great quality I was quite mortified at paying £13 for sausage and chips and the 2 sausages, each being no bigger than my thumb 😬 the swimming pool was brilliant, definitely recommend booking a time slot because it does get busy but the facilities are wonderful. Young child friendly area which is separate to the big pool, waterslides and also an outdoor pool available. The lockers in the pool area are free, you get a wristband which has a 'chip' in it which you hold against the locker to lock and unlock 🙌🏼 unfortunately this time we didn't take advantage of the spa or massages but from what I heard from other holiday makers that we met, that is a fabulous area worth a visit if that is you type of thing 😁 General signal on my phone was shocking as I expected being more 'out in the sticks' but that was no issue. There is free WiFi if you need it :) All staff that we were in contact with were super friendly and went above and beyond to be helpful. The site is dog friendly! We had a fantastic time away and I wouldn't hesitate to go again... We are already looking at booking for later in the year. Thank you for a...

Stayed here in July 21 and when looking for somewhere to book for Easter we decided that there was simply nowhere else we wanted to be! ||We stayed in a 3 bed “caravan” with a hot tub (plus dishwasher and washing machine) in Foxes Walk and my mother in law joined us with her own 2 bed v close by. We both enjoyed a super clean and well equipped space (albeit compact) - we brought our Airfryer with us to help us cook the traditional Easter feast. ||Weather was a shocker but didn’t stop us enjoying the park - other than the walks which were super boggy.||This beautiful park is so well maintained and the best way to describe it is to say it’s the perfect balance between CentreParcs and Haven. No entertainment as such (which suited us) but brilliant facilities and so many activities to enjoy! Indoor pool is lovely, our boys enjoyed the water slides & sea scooters plus regular time in the pool as a family. ||The gym was good as it is but is (I understand) just being upgraded.||Outdoor pool is heated but in April was a bit “brisk” for me but didn’t stop our boys!||The range of activities to choose from was fantastic and we made the most of these! Our boys (and us) enjoyed Archery, Panna Soccer, Water Walkers, Sea Scooters, Aeroball, Laser Combat to name but a few! ||The real highlight was the staff though - James, Rob & Sam were just awesome, really felt they they loved their jobs and this shone through! Remembered the boys, always there with a friendly face and great banter, our boys loved them!||That said literally everyone we had the pleasure of interacting with genuinely seemed happy to be there.||Environment itself was just a delight, super peaceful - no noise other than birdsong and we slept really well.||For the first time ever we would happily come back to this lovely holiday park again! And recommend it to all our friends! Thank you Finlake...