Guest User
August 25, 2024
We have been visiting Lincombe Hall since 2014 when it was first taken over by Brett and Jo, who were busy getting their new lounge furniture delivered when we checked in. We loved the feel of the place, the staff and the clear excitement they had about their plans to turn it into a modern Spa hotel. We revisited a number of times a year and watched the progress they were making, bringing the rooms up to a much higher standard and finally building a top quality Spa facility. Everything was perfect until our visit last year when it seemed they had introduced a new policy of having music playing in every conceivable corner of the hotel. Often it was far too loud to be termed "background" or "ambience" and the playlist consisted of cover versions of pop songs that were often a little painful to hear. I don't often write reviews but felt that, having raised it as an issue by email last year without any response, I would at least let others know what to expect. Despite last years trip we went back with our two grown up sons for a short break last week, perhaps hoping that the policy had changed but not really expecting it to. We were not surprised to find the same playlist blaring out on the terrace when we arrived for lunch. The staff are always polite and helpful and did turn the volume down for us, but I really do not understand why we needed it at all. I note that others who have mentioned this on trip advisor have been told by the management that they have a "carefully curated" playlist that reflects the style of the hotel. This is supposed to be a luxury Spa Hotel so I fail to see how a string of covers of songs like "Work" by Rhianna, hardly a relaxing melody, can be included. It is such a shame that the beautifully furnished lounge and newly renovated terrace are no longer spaces where you can relax with a newspaper or book in peace, something we would expect from a high quality hotel. If they were to at least revise the playlist to original artists versions or music without lyrics, like many other hotels do, and ensure that the volume level was kept low, then it would be far more bearable. As it was, we rarely saw guests spending any time simply relaxing in the lounge and we were certainly not tempted to linger for a second drink after our return from an evening out. I am still giving it 4 stars for the facilities, the rooms, the staff and the service, but be warned about the music!