TAJ Posted January 31, 2010 Share Posted January 31, 2010 We are having a weekend away in late Feb (birthday) - we cannot decide between these 2 hotels: www.boveycastle.com and www.lewtrenchard.com has anyone stayed in either? I keep seeing pros & cons of each. Tracy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted January 31, 2010 Share Posted January 31, 2010 I have heard good things about Bovey Castle via colleagues, I havent heard of the other one sorry They both look wonderful Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Groovychook Posted January 31, 2010 Share Posted January 31, 2010 I don't know about Bovey Castle but I've been for high tea and a wander around the grounds at Lewtrenchard! It's a couple of years ago, but it was a lovely way to spend an afternoon! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freddie Posted January 31, 2010 Share Posted January 31, 2010 did bovey castle used to be the manor house, owned by british rail, and the bought by peter unsavoury? if so, it's stunning inside, really elegant, and "done" back to it's former glory the other one I dont know!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
miffy Posted February 1, 2010 Share Posted February 1, 2010 Yup, I think you are right, Mr Unsavory does own it....he who ruined Falmouth Docks, and Lands End..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TAJ Posted February 1, 2010 Author Share Posted February 1, 2010 did bovey castle used to be the manor house, owned by british rail, and the bought by peter unsavoury?if so, it's stunning inside, really elegant, and "done" back to it's former glory the other one I dont know!! Yes that is the one. Bovey Castle is 60+ bedrooms, built 1906 (but style is older) it has a pool, daily falconry displays, set in 60 acres, near a village, they have chickens, food is supposed to be decent (but not its strongest point), free mountain bike hire and we are a member of Small Hotels of the World so would get free room upgrade & late checkout (5pm Sunday). No packages, just B&B and you pay 12.5% service on top of all listed prices. However Lewtrenchard is Jacobean, only 9 rooms (old & character), great formal gardens and has a better reputation for its food, 80% of veg are from its own kitchen garden and they use a lot of local produce. They do a package including dinner, that probably works out the same as if you bought dinner at Bovey, so not any difference in price between them. They also do a package that includes a Champgne afternoon tea, chocs & flowers as well as dinner. So both are nice in different ways, one seems better for food, the other better for facilities/activities. ...as you can see I am not getting any closer in choosing! Tracy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted February 1, 2010 Share Posted February 1, 2010 Have you checked out the reviews and photos on www.tripadvisor.com I don't think Peter unsavoury owns it anymore... My friend works in the "lodge reception" at Bovey Castle, the reviews on trip advisor used to be quite poor but I think it's much improved now. Both hotels are quite similar location wise (perimeter of Dartmoor), Bovey Castle is just outside of the small town of Mortenhampstead and in an ideal spot. I don't know the other hotel at all. Judging by the reviews on trip advisor I would say that Bovey is a bit more "upmarket" (with prices to match!) and the other one is more "traditional" with older style bedrooms (nice touch though with the veggies from their walled victorian garden). Just to throw another idea into the mix but have you seen Gidleigh Park? http://www.gidleigh.com/ it's in another Dartmoor town of Chagford but boast an excellent restaurant (Michael Cains) and is locally reknowned for its good food. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TAJ Posted February 1, 2010 Author Share Posted February 1, 2010 Thanks - I know of Gidleigh, but way more expensive, basic dinner is £95 ahead and rooms about double the cost - the other two are about equal on price. ...so it is do I want small & old or big & facilities? I will be tossing a coin at this rate (or planning another weekend away so I try both! Tracy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freddie Posted February 1, 2010 Share Posted February 1, 2010 Why dont you ring the tourist info office and see what else is about, how much and how many are you looking for? my friend owns a very large mansion, and hires it out, she'd do a cash deal, and can do housekeeping etc daily, its between Bude and holworthy, close for the coast and the cities, ie truro, the moors, etc........ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chook n Boo Mum Posted February 1, 2010 Share Posted February 1, 2010 Why dont you ring the tourist info office and see what else is about, how much and how many are you looking for? my friend owns a very large mansion, and hires it out, she'd do a cash deal, and can do housekeeping etc daily, its between Bude and holworthy, close for the coast and the cities, ie truro, the moors, etc........ ......does she take dogs freddie......... ..only joking, it's a bit far for us with furballs in tow Sha x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TAJ Posted February 2, 2010 Author Share Posted February 2, 2010 All sorted we have gone for Lewtrenchard (this time), I will report back on how it is if any is interested for a future stay in the area. Tracy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freddie Posted February 2, 2010 Share Posted February 2, 2010 Yes, she does take dogs, and they have......................... chickens Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
