Gray Manor Hotel and Wedding Venue — Hotel in Test Valley

I was involved with a wedding here several years ago, not long after the current management took over and the rooms they had renovated were still relatively new. However, even at that time, the Bridal suite was more "tarts boudoir" than luxury bridal suite! Only one shower worked and it leaked, and the windows were condensated in the middle of August (probably because they are single pane). I was glad not to be staying in there. My room, although fairly comfortable, had a hole in the bathroom door, and was just a little tacky and done on the cheap. Even the curtains were plastic!|Having returned recently for another wedding, the poor place looks like it is falling into disrepair and it really really needs a LOT of money spending on it. I wouldn't be surprised if the owners are little overwhelmed with it all. From looking at the reviews here, clearly the rooms all remain the same. Such a shame, this place could be amazing with a bit of thought, care and attention. They seem to put things outside (as some sort of decoration) and then they are forgotten about, and left to go green and disgusting. I didn't visit the "secret garden" this time, but everything was green and covered in leaves years ago. If they really expect Brides to use it without getting mucky, then it needs slabbing over and being kept clean. All the rooms need doing out again, carpets would probably make a difference rather than laminate. Everywhere seems generally grubby and a bit black in most corners, electrics look about 100 years old too! Most of the windows need changing to UPVC, or at least double glazed! There's a separate deck area in the garden but, I think rather than spend the money on that, they should have invested in having some steps fitted into the steep bank by the patio, at least to make the garden more accessible. I know they are going for a shabby-chic look, but I think that era is over and people just want modern, clean, cozy...

I recently broke down on a journey from London to Somerset, the AA took me to the safety of the car park of this hotel just off the A303 at approx 3pm. I had two young grandchildren with me. The AA man dismantled parts of my engine, organised for a fuel injector to be fitted ‘within the hour’ never to be seen again. Just occasional messages advising that they were delayed. I advised hotel reception that I was there and the gentleman was very kind, offering for the children to use the play area or for us to use the bar area. I was still there at 7pm. Still no sign of the AA, hotel staff were made aware that I was still there by my daughter from her home in London, as I’d had to ask her to keep calling the AA due to my phone battery dying . The gentleman checked on us, going above and beyond to ensure that we had food and water etc, even checking on us before he retired for the night . We were finally ‘recovered’ at 10pm, by which time it was dark and I had two very tired grandchildren with me. Nothing was too much trouble for the member of staff concerned for which I will be eternally grateful. I cannot praise him enough. What a fabulous hotel this must...

I have stayed in many hotels over the years, but never in my life have I been so grossed out as I was at Gray Manor Hotel in Salisbury.

Our room was filthy. The carpets were badly stained and looked like they hadn’t been deep-cleaned in years. The coffee mugs were still dirty from the previous guests, with brown residue inside. The walls were splattered with what looked disturbingly like blood or bodily fluids. The bathroom… I’m including a photo because words fail. Mould, grime, crumbling sealant – just disgusting.

We had booked breakfast for two mornings but skipped the second day entirely. Why? Because on the first morning: The tablecloths were stained, the salt pot was so greasy I didn’t even want to touch it, and when we poured water into our glasses, food particles floated in it. It was beyond unhygienic.

I can’t believe this place is allowed to operate as a hotel. It felt more like a neglected roadside hostel.

To be fair, the staff were very friendly and the location is peaceful. But those are the only positives I can mention. Cleanliness is non-negotiable – and Gray Manor failed on...