The full Downton Abbey experience! Outstanding was the ambience - Elizabethan revival architecture with plenty of carved panelling, ornate plasterwork ceilings and huge minster fireplaces. Polite staff addressed us by name, and served us excellent cuisine with fresh produce from Scotland. We loved atmosphere of the old house, in particular the open fires, wall sconces and chandeliers making use of traditional candle bulbs instead of the horrible low energy lighting now prevalent. We were also moved by the effort made to lay on a fabulous breakfast spread at low season - the hotel would have been justified in cutting back on variety and helpings but they did neither. The variety of fresh fruit, cereals, juices, preserves, ham and cheeses was a joy to wake up to, not forgetting bottled water, a simple and healthy addition that a lot of hotels seem to overlook at breakfast time. As for the room in a quiet courtyard, plentiful and fast flowing hot water for the bath, a superking bed and padded curtains ensured deep sleep. We also made use of the pool and spa, but unfortunately did not make it to the gym. The grounds were wonderful, even in winter, with views to the Isle of Wight and amazing specimen trees - one illuminated 85ft oak complete with hooting owl overlooked our dinner table by the high stone mullioned windows. It is not often when you hit your 50s that you regret returning home after a holiday, and we will be booking another break at Elmers soon!

My brother's partner chose this hotel to celebrate his 50th birthday. first observations were quite plush, old tudor style mansion with the hotel bedrooms housed in fairly new blocks in a courtyard setting. It is also a timeshare place so there are cottages and apartments available too. Just up the road from Lymington ferry to the Isle of Wight. Views at the bottom of the grounds over the Solent to I.o.W. Staff seemed very efficient.

Our room was a Classic and had a super king size bed, TV, usual Tea making, etc. There was a draught through the door though, and when the people in the room behind when to the bathroom you could here the flush of the loo!! My brother and partner had a Superior Room which only had a double bed, but had a settee, plus a fridge and sink, but no cutlery or crockery (so could not quite see the point of the sink).

the food was good and the staff made an effort to celebrate my brother's birthday with glass of champagne and decorating things like his plate with happy birthday written round it!! There was no rush in the restuarant for us to eat our dinner either. The hotel did not seem very busy but maybe that is the time of year.

We had a swim in the pool (indorr), plus the sauna and steam room,and my brother and his partner partook of a full body massage although that was £65.00 each.

Feel that the hotel would be lovely in summer with the views over the Solent but possibly noisy with children in the indoor pool. One thing which would have been nice was to have a map showing where things were around the grounds. Several people were looking for the Sails brassiere for breakfast which was served there and not in the main resturant. All in all a nice relaxing break.

We have stayed at the MacDonald Elmers Court Hotel on a number of previous occasions and were looking for a couple of nights stay from Boxing Day. We were not disappointed; the Boxing Day special menu was excellent and service first class. It is good to see that some of the staff have been here for some years; always a good sign. We had an Executive Room which was very comfortable, but what happened to the Oxford pillowcases? Otherwise, a very enjoyable stay. We will return again this having been our fifth visit.

We arrived Boxing day and had a wonderful well priced carvery lunch - 3 courses were extremely good and the set menu brilliantly priced.
Kids menu available - which was well delivered and not the usual chicken nuggets and chips! Fresh roast chicken in gravy, sausages and mash ..very 'gastro pub' in style.
Staff were welcoming and friendly and service was excellent.
Moved into our 'Lodge' accomodation in one of the courtyard cottages.. It was immaculate and like a home from home. Cosy with all the amenities you would need. Spotless kitchen, downstairs cloakroom and shower. Ensuite in master bedroom and second double room was roomy and cosy.
Sails Bar was much more laid back and offered a good menu choice for breakfast, light bites and main meals. We had the early bird set menu - choice of 3 items per course for £14.95 between 5 and 7pm which suited us with children. Relaxing, magazines and newspapers, TV for footie for the boys and there is a pool table, which kept the younger boys busy!
We used the indoor pool - very clean, and great to spend an hour or two everyday in the afternoon. Sauna, Steam and jacuzzi....
Grounds were well kept, with pitch and putt, outdoor pool (closed) and kids play area as well as tennis and other activities. Great view of the Solent.....
We had a great time and had easy access into New Forest, Lymington, Bournemouth and visited Sandbanks one morning. Will definately go back and are booking for next year.