Champneys Reviews 927

I bought a return voucher 12 months ago with a 6 month deadline for use. Due to health reasons I have had to postpone the use of the voucher three times, well beyond the use by date. Champneys bookings staff have been nothing but sympathetic and have gone above and beyond what was required. I cannot fault them.

I’ve spent about 3+ hours of my life trying to move treatment times at Henlow. I have called endless times and emailed. Treatments were booked automatically without any consultation and the times are not convenient. No doubt when I finally get to speak to someone the treatment times I need will have been taken. I do not have 3 hours of my life to spend sorting something so simple! Not even arrived and I’m already annoyed.

I've been coming to Champneys Tring several times over many years and I think it has deteriorated over that time. In some places it feels a bit shabby and neglected. The tiled floor in the sauna is grubby, for example, and the wooden surfaces of cupboards in my bedroom were badly water-stained. The buffet lunch was rather tired and I didn't like the penny-pinching effect of having to pay for your coffee with breakfast. (Admittedly, there was a stand where you could serve yourself with hot water and sachets but, when I was there, there were only tea bags, no coffee, and the water was not very hot.) Overall, I got the feeling that Champneys is resting too much on its history and reputation, and not investing enough in maintenance and improvements.

Visited Forest Mere in January for a twilight spa. Spa was ok although looking a bit tired, but service not very friendly and waited ages for service in the cafe, with no apology for wait. Big issue after we left - car wheel hit a terrible pothole in the drive with a clunk and a couple of miles later the tyre was flat. This was in the middle of nowhere in the pitch black and had to wait quite some time for recovery. Completely ruined the experience of any relaxation and had to buy 2 new tyres. Contacted Champneys the next day to complain about condition of the driveway and chased weekly since. Mostly haven’t even had any acknowledgment, although they have now passed it to the maintenance team who haven’t replied either. Terrible customer service / care - rude. Won’t be returning to Champneys.

We had a good time, our room was impressive, the food was good but small portions, Keith the bellboy was truly kind and Irina de massage lady was gentle and comforting, I had a facial and came out fully renewed. The pools were nice and at the perfect temperature. We had a great weekend.

Originally booked through vitality but had an awful experience the first time. We requested a double bed rather than 2 singles at 4pm and had to ask on 5 occasions until they were in our room stripping all the linen until 1am! Waited around the next morning to make a complaint but only the treatment manger was around so she advised us to call Riley or paulius. What a poor service they were! No one answers the phone or email, it took over 3 months of repetitive emailing to finally get a return offer. Emily booked this for me and communicated with me amazingly and I am very very grateful to her! Dinner we were served by a lovely lady called Ash who was rushed off her feet for her 12 hour shift but always had a smile on her face and ran the mere restaurant like a well oiled ship. This stay was 10/10 it’s just a shame it took so much to get it. However this stay has changed my mind and would now be more than happy to return :) thanks Emily and ash!

In summary: Bad spa, bad food, bad customer service. Avoid and go to a better spa.

I booked a spa day with Champneys as an Anniversary occasion with my partner. Upon arrival the staff were pleasant but I was quickly informed that the treatments I had booked had not been registered and there were no more slots available that day. First disappointment. The treatments team were able to squeeze me and my partner in for some treatments which were the same price (not discount provided for the inconvenience) but did not offer what we wanted.
Then as the day went on me found that the sauna was lukewarm at best, the steam room was not steamy and the “tropical shower” facilities were not working properly. We had lunch which was a disappointing spread of stews and goulash and we didn’t receive the £25 deposit back for returning your robe which is signposted everywhere.
I then received an email asking to review my experience at Forest Mere to which I added all the above points and was responded with a sorry and a offer for a evening at the subpar spa and a charcuterie board and denied a refund. Awful all round.

What a terrible business model! We have tried for 3 days to book an experience and have spent a considerable amount of time on hold - average 25 minutes each time - trying to connect with the central booking line. Will not try again. Loss of revenue as we will book with an alternative venue. Please consider Champneys, that everyone who you disappoint is a brand ambassador for your business- you are not protecting your reputation. Terrible service.

We just went to Tring for a 3 night break in a suite. 50% off so merely £949.50!
Restaurant and Spa were lovely, the staff very helpful and friendly.
Our suite was dismal...
Fridge didn't work and wasn't replaced even though I spent far too much of my 3 days reporting it to various people.
No plug in bath.
Mouldy window frames, dusty, sitting room was furnished with a mismatched horrible selection of old furniture.
It all needed decorating as old, tired and depressing.
Bathroom door really hard to close..and then to open again.
2 tears in the duvet cover.
Sheet wasn't tucked in.
A view of mouldy peeling window frames from our windows.
Pictures on walls were wonky, 2 plain vases for decoration contained no flowers. Unloved and uncared for all round.
The promised bowl of fruit never appeared even though I asked twice.
I could go on.....the sitting room reminded me of a student flat I lived in.
So disappointing.
Walked around the garden and piles of rubbish, broken chairs etc everywhere.
What has happened? Champneys used to be so good.

I received a club tour from Kate at champneys Henlow branch and she was so lovely and extreamely knowledgeable. I can’t wait to come back to champneys with friends and family it’s a tucked away hidden gem!

Please please respond to emails! No one answers phone not even manned at weekend. How on earth are we supposed to speak with anyone. Help Forest Mere please. Reservation tomorrow Diane Fletcher

Just returned from Champneys Tring. Lovely stay at this hotel Spa.

Positives:
Exceptional body massage by Lindsey. She was so professional, knowledgeable and experienced. She gave me great advice and I came out feeling like a new women (Thank you Lindsey that was one of the best massages I have ever had).

Delicious dinner at the restaurant, especially my main meal of braised beef (so tender) and Danny had exceptional customer service skills.

Negatives:
Chlorine in spa was so strong and really made my eyes sore.

Spa and hotel was looking a bit tatty in areas (rust around ceiling air vents, limescale on tiles in Spa (looks like green hairy mould) ladies changing room lockers are broken and hanging off by there hinges (changing room near sauna/steam room), paint work needs touching up and table mats on centre table in restaurant need washing or removing as they are stained and have old food inbedded in grooves). The bathrooms in our rooms needed some attention especially tap and shower fittings.

Overall a lovely stay especially my exceptional treatment by Lindsey (Thank you)

Summer was a lovely therapist - had v relaxing and enjoyable spa heaven exfoliation/moisturising treatment. Would recommend.

I have emailed the Manager several times just for a response to this... Silence!!
On arrival, we had to wait for over an hour to check in. In the end, one of your staff kindly drove us to our room and we got a key made at the spa.
The evening meal service was very slow and the portions tiny.

We had no heating in our room. Someone checked it at dinner but it still wasn't resolved at 11pm when we got back to our room. A heater was brought over which was only luke warm so we slept in hats and jumpers as it was a freezing night.
Next day, lunch took over 2 hours to be served which took up most of our spa day. There were also no available beds or chairs in the spa.

I would not have expected this from a Champneys hotel and myself and my daughter were upset that the time we had booked away to relax turned out to be a cold miserable experience

Zoe the Customers Relations Manager at Champneys Tring made our stay memorable. She is an excellent people's person, professional and went the extra mile.
I noticed Zoe worked extremely hard. All the staff were friendly and helpful.
A delightful few days away.
Looking forward to our next adventure at Tring.
Adele Vanderkar

Recently had a one night stay at Champneys Tring and we were well looked after and although the resort was very busy, the staff were helpful and friendly and all the facilities were available. Food was excellent and it was a very different experience to our last visit - thank you Champneys!

I've stayed here many times, in fact, I’m going back tomorrow. Champneys is like that effortlessly elegant friend who almost has it all together until they trip over their own designer handbag. I love this place, I really do, but for the premium price, I expect more.

The facilities may be luxurious, but the real five-star experience comes from the staff. They are the unsung heroes, working tirelessly to keep things running smoothly while dealing with abrupt, demanding, and sometimes downright rude guests. They remain patient, professional, and unshakably kind, no matter how entitled some visitors behave. They smooth out chaos, fix problems before they escalate, and somehow make every guest feel important, even when some act like they own the place.

And then there’s Claudine. She isn’t just good at her job, she is the heartbeat of Champneys. Warm, welcoming, and impossibly efficient, she makes everything better. No request is too much, no situation too complicated. She handles challenges with a level of competence that makes you wonder if she’s secretly running the whole operation. If there’s one reason to keep coming back, it’s her. Do not lose her. Promote her. Give her a statue at the entrance. Honestly, rename the place Claudine’s.

Special mention to Amy, Louis, and Louise the spin instructor, who bring the same level of dedication, patience, and warmth.

Feedback:
The £5 charge for a spin class at a wellbeing spa seems unnecessary, especially when the instructor is already there teaching members. Charging guests extra to exercise at a health retreat is like charging for air at a meditation session. If you must add costs, charge for protein shakes, juices, or smoothies, not fitness.
My booking was incorrectly placed under someone else’s name, and worse, my bank details were attached to another guest with the same surname who just happened to be checking in ahead of me. I had never met her before. A serious data security issue that needs urgent attention.
The pool beds are "reserved" for hours with towels, making it difficult to find a spot.
The ice room sometimes forgets to be icy, and the jacuzzi occasionally prefers tepid over hot.
Despite these issues, the staff are the ones holding everything together, managing chaos, and making the experience what it is. Some entitled guests would do well to remember this.

Helpful Tips for Travellers:
Hire the bikes – They’re there for a reason, and cycling through the countryside is far more enjoyable than battling for a pool bed that’s been “reserved” with a towel since sunrise.
Go out and wander the woods – The spa is lovely, but nature is free and absolutely stunning. Take a walk, breathe in the fresh air, and pretend you’re in a luxury retreat without a £5 spin class charge.
Book treatments in advance – This isn’t a place where you can just stroll in and expect availability. Plan ahead unless you enjoy disappointment.
Get to meals on time – If you don’t want to wait 25 minutes for your main course, be prompt. And maybe bring a snack, just in case.
Be nice to the staff – They’re the real reason this place runs as smoothly as it does. A little kindness goes a long way, especially when they’re dealing with guests who think they’re spa royalty.
Actually use the wellness facilities – The ice room, sauna, and steam rooms are there for a reason, even if the ice room occasionally forgets its purpose.
Don’t be that guest – You know, the one who treats the staff like personal servants, bags a lounger for hours without using it, or huffs about waiting for food. Relax. It’s a spa.
Most importantly, find Claudine. If you need help, she’ll sort it. If you’re lost, she’ll guide you. If Champneys ever falls into chaos, she’ll be the one holding it together.

Champneys, I love you, but the true luxury here is your staff. Appreciate them, reward them, and whatever you do, never let Claudine go.

Great experience with Emina at Champneys Eastwell manor, went with my boyfriend and we both got full body Champney massages, everyone was polite and kind and the massage was incredible. Emina was so courteous and her massaging technique was incredible. We are very happy with the service provided

Wouldn’t come again. Currently at Springs for 1 night but place isn’t great. The room is lovely but there is only 1 pool a jacuzzi pool and hydro pool, there is not enough laying chairs for the amount of guests as people put towels down and then go off in pools etc so then you have no where to relax it’s also freezing in the whole place!! It’s more like a leisure centre .. not very impressed for the money that is spent staying. Just had nothing to really do apart from look forward to eating and I didn’t enjoy that!

We had a massage by Sydney an apprentice and that was fabulous.

Evening meal was beautiful! Couldn’t fault it

Breakfast was awful nothing to eat for me really just was loads of things just shoved in the middle of a table.

Lunch was awful.
Just over all very disappointing to spend £330 for 1 night spa break to not really have a spa and the food being awful.
Just upset as it was meant to be a nice break away from children

Such a disappointment. I thought this would be a luxurious two night stay. The room was falling apart, the bath didn’t empty due to all the hair etc in the plug hole. The food was good but on the second morning we were told if we wanted a full English breakfast we had to go to the other restaurant and pay £6.50 each, even though we had full board! The alcoholic drinks were so overpriced and a total rip off. The spa was packed, the beds were taken with towels left on them all day - like being abroad! The treatments were also very poor. I have been to many spa places and this was one of the worst, but so expensive. I would never go again.