Smithaleigh
Knowing I had to travel across three Countries (not Counties!) to attend a friend’s Wedding, I was pleased with securing one of the last rooms at this hotel, which had the privilege of hosting the Wedding Breakfast & reception.

Unfortunately this Hotels polices are unlike any other Hotels I’ve stayed at. The buffet was cleared away whilst Wedding guests were quickly trying to fill their plates; the DJ announced at 2250 hours that the bar closes at 2300 hours (even for guests). Luckily my small party, who’d all travelled a great distance like me, had a couple of drinks put aside.

What we never anticipated was the constant hounding to finish our drinks off. This was a Wedding reception! Filled with sensible drinkers (not rowdy) & the bar is separate from the living quarters for guests; where quite drinking & talking would not disturb anyone. Unfortunately, for our small gathering to continue our reunion, we would have to acquire a taxi for an expensive ride to the next nearest open establishment.

It became apparent why the staff were in such a rush to hamper our night, the same staff had to man the breakfast in the morning. With as much pity as you can give to fatigued staff, this is not an excuse for the establishment to curtail a guest’s stay.

Payment

Having paid for my stay, some weeks prior to our visit, I still allowed the hotel to take my card details when I checked in (normal protocol). My wife & I had breakfast the following morning, 7.25 each & I allowed this to be charged to my card.

I was taken aback to learn some days later, this hotel had claimed my breakfast costs and room costs again from my account without permission. As mistakes do happen, I sent a pleasant email requesting my money to be refunded to my account.

How upset I was to find no refund & no acknowledgement of my email. After consulting with my bank & visa, I offered another email to Smithaleigh & CC’d Visa. This second email was slightly less understanding, with the offering of writing this review to TripAdvisor.

You may not be too surprised to hear I had a reply this time, with an excuse from them about emailing but the email going missing! There was also acknowledgment of a problem but with not the slightest apology of taking funds from my account without permission. They claimed to have refunded me despite my banking not showing a refund!

I gave it nearly another week before the funds were deposited back into my account. The missing email also turned up, strangely though it didn’t have the electronic date/time stamp the hotelier claimed it was sent on.

Despite me explaining, I’d incurred costs from my many International calls. I did receive an offer of some reimbursement NOT an apology. I said I’ll not take up reimbursement; I should not have been surprised to NOT receive a thank you either!

Smithaleigh is quite a nice looking place with pleasant staff; unfortunately its remote location makes it very captive for its guests considering it has policies not on the same par as other Hotels. Unfortunately the four pound price for a glass of wine makes it a very expensive captivation at that!

Myself and colleague stayed here last week for 2 nights, and will definitely be back (work permitting). Rooms are comfy, modern and very clean, complete with power shower - a flat screen TV was an added bonus! Staff very welcoming and friendly. Food and service of excellent quality, at great prices. Have already recommended to family and friends.

I have just spent the weekend at this hotel with my Mum just to get away for a couple of days. The staff were very helpful and the food is excellent. It is easily located from the A38 and ideal for Plymouth town centre. Clive was very accommodating and our stay overall was very pleasant. We stayed in one of their smoking rooms. I know we are literally a dying breed but it is nice to be catered for! For the price we had no complaints.

I attended family wedding at this hotel and the only criticism I have is that there was no disabled toilet. One family member who was in a wheelchair suffered some stress and embarrassment when her husband had to help her use the ladies toilet which was too small to get a wheelchair alongside the toilet. It was also too low. For anyone who has no use of their legs, then I would not recommend this venue. The wedding had been booked before the lady lost the use of her legs.
For anyone else this is a lovely place for a wedding reception. Helpful staff. Plenty of free parking. The walled garden was a lovely setting for taking photos.