Bovey Castle, Moretonhampstead

I had a lovely view overlooking the lawns at the rear of the building. The room was lovely, a very good size, and met my trifecta of hotel basics: free bottled water, free excellent wifi, and plugs by both bedside tables. The Brasserie could do with some soft furnishings to absorb sound as it does get very noisy, but overall, the hotel had amazing views over the countryside.

My stay at the hotel was a mix of positives and negatives. The rooms, directly above the extractor fan for Smiths Bistro, were very comfortable and well-equipped with extras like Sloe gin and snacks. However, there was some noise issue if you arrived a couple of hours before check-in time. The service, despite some poor dining experiences and rude staff members, was attentive, especially in checking everyone's well-being in communal areas. The location in Dartmoor National Park was beautiful, with streams running through the golf course, although the interior of the hotel seemed dated. The dining experience was slightly underwhelming with long waits and limited options, despite using local meat. Overall, the weekend delivered above and beyond, making it a memorable experience in Devon during the beautiful spring sunshine.