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A Disappointing Experience for Tina at Fredricks
I recently stayed at Fredrick's for the Couples Dream Bath Experience spa break. Driving there we were disappointed when we discovered the retreat straight off a busy main road. There is a small car park in front of the hotel which appears to be adequate to cater for the rather small looking complex.
Due to the late booking in time (not before 3pm) we went for lunch and a full-body massage first. The massage was my first professional one I had experienced and it did not disappoint. My therapist was lovely and put me at ease immediately. The only down fall was I had to get dressed again to book into my room.
Booking in was made very pleasant by a complimentary glass of bubbly. The room was basic but clean, nice modern tv in the room but limited reception meant only a choice of two channels. There were robes in the room which we donned before heading to the pool. Gorgeous looking pool which extends to an outside area, unfortunately the glass doors which open automatically to the outside when in the pool made the relaxation area inside very cold. So we agreed to the glass doors being locked which meant every time we wanted a good swim we had to negotiate the cold side door to the outside and getting out of the warm water into the freezing air was far from relaxing.
The showers looked impressive with a wooden bucket in one area for feet but because we did not have anyone show us around we could not figure out how to use them. However the dream bath was a large room with its own relaxing area and a large Jacuzzi bath with a complimentary glass of Champagne, could not fault this.
Also included was a three course dinner, the small restaurant was half empty when we went. The staff were exceptionally friendly and left us wanting for nothing, each course was more exceptional than the last, compliments to the chef. The following mornings breakfast was also of the same high standard with an abundance of choice.
We then returned to the pool to make the most of the facilities. I decided to visit the small gym in the basement before relaxing by the pool again. It seemed I was the first one there so I had to switch the running machine on. There was a large screen tv but I could not see any headsets to listen to it. I always run with a heart rate monitor and asked a passing therapist if she knew where they were kept. I got a very sharp "no" and she left.
Disappointed I decided to go back to the pool to relax. However our robes were still wet from the day before which made the short walk to the pool uncomfortable.
Whilst there the same member of staff was remarkably rude to my friend. Then a large party of girls came in and the manager duly showed them round the facilities two at a time. It was by listening over their shoulder we discovered the pool had a lot more to offer than it seemed.
These two incidents (not being shown around and a rude member of staff) spoiled the otherwise lovely experience. I discussed these issues with the manager on our exit he apologised and gave us a couple of vouchers for a return visit. Overall I choose this place because of the high bubble rating I certainly would not rate it the same, the experience left me disappointed to say the least.
This reader review was submitted in March 2010
Please note: The Reader Reviews and other comments posted on The Good Spa Guide are the opinions of the visitors who submitted them and are not the opinion of The Good Spa Guide.
See Also:
* The Spa Manager of Fredrick's responds
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