Local Reviews
In April 2024, Paul T said about Mercure Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa
I am a wheelchair user. We went yesterday (08.04.24) for the afternoon tea and relaxing spa afternoon. I had looked on the map and thought I knew where we were going. Ok, my fault. We checked in a bit late, but the receptionist used the car registration I pad so we wouldn't get a parking charge to help out as I couldn't reach it as it was too high up. That's not a good start.
We asked where the teas were being served and were told to go back outside and it's "down there" (pointing to the right). The signage is appalling and partially hidden in the undergrowth as we only saw it when retracing our steps, not having found the spa. I also encountered very steeply sloping and uneven flags which were bordering on dangerous in my view, if attacked at any significant speed.
When we arrived the staff were starting to serve the afternoon teas and we were checked in again. The teas were lovely with nice sandwiches and cakes although the scones I had were too dry, as though they had been in storage for a while. The tea pot provided two and partial third cup of tea but we could buy another if we wanted to. No problem.
The route to the Spa building involved going through an accessible changing room and we assumed that the room was ours for the afternoon. Not so ! We only found one accessible/family room which had an entry and exit point, no lockable option and an unlockable store inside it. As it was the only accessible toilet near the Spa pool, it was in use when we wanted to use the room to get changed etc so had to wait. My wife went in to get changed afterwards and I stayed outside, but I was constantly in the way of other guests who were making for the male changing area so had to move to reception to avoid this. Not great when your wife is visually impaired and needs your help to get around inside unfamiliar territory.
The pool itself is a good size but only luke warm, at best. One lane is reserved for length swimmers and the rest is available for all. There was a distinct lack of sun beds for the number of guests in the facility at the time of our visit but on less busy days, this may work better. If you're planning to visit after 4pm good luck as that's when we left the Spa building because the level of noise from unsupervised children of all ages got too much and spoilt the atmosphere. Sad really. We'll probably try it again in term-time and plan to visit the one in Burnley at a later date for comparison reasons. Overall it's only worthy of my three out of ten rating.
We asked where the teas were being served and were told to go back outside and it's "down there" (pointing to the right). The signage is appalling and partially hidden in the undergrowth as we only saw it when retracing our steps, not having found the spa. I also encountered very steeply sloping and uneven flags which were bordering on dangerous in my view, if attacked at any significant speed.
When we arrived the staff were starting to serve the afternoon teas and we were checked in again. The teas were lovely with nice sandwiches and cakes although the scones I had were too dry, as though they had been in storage for a while. The tea pot provided two and partial third cup of tea but we could buy another if we wanted to. No problem.
The route to the Spa building involved going through an accessible changing room and we assumed that the room was ours for the afternoon. Not so ! We only found one accessible/family room which had an entry and exit point, no lockable option and an unlockable store inside it. As it was the only accessible toilet near the Spa pool, it was in use when we wanted to use the room to get changed etc so had to wait. My wife went in to get changed afterwards and I stayed outside, but I was constantly in the way of other guests who were making for the male changing area so had to move to reception to avoid this. Not great when your wife is visually impaired and needs your help to get around inside unfamiliar territory.
The pool itself is a good size but only luke warm, at best. One lane is reserved for length swimmers and the rest is available for all. There was a distinct lack of sun beds for the number of guests in the facility at the time of our visit but on less busy days, this may work better. If you're planning to visit after 4pm good luck as that's when we left the Spa building because the level of noise from unsupervised children of all ages got too much and spoilt the atmosphere. Sad really. We'll probably try it again in term-time and plan to visit the one in Burnley at a later date for comparison reasons. Overall it's only worthy of my three out of ten rating.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2024, pompeymike88 said about Mercure Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa
Booked an executive room as we both purchased a spa treatment and wanted a bit more luxury. Upon arrival we were greeted by very friendly front desk staff and were given enough information we needed for our stay. We also booked in for our two course dinner for 7:30pm that evening.
On first entry to our room we were very happy with the large space, nicely decorated and very comfortable room. Complete with complimentary soft drinks, coffee, tea and bathrobes etc. The bathroom/shower was lovely and seating in the room was just to our taste.
We headed to the spa as soon as we unpacked and enjoyed our fantastic treatments. My only issue with the spa was that a few things looked a bit dated and in need of a little TLC. Staff in the spa again were very good.
We went down for dinner and were politely taken to our table. On first glance, the menu was quite basic and expensive. We had two courses each luckily and both our starters were very nice. The main meal however, was the driest thing I have ever eaten. The chicken schnitzel. Lacked sauce completely and was very difficult to eat. We didn’t stay for a dessert. We thought that perhaps this was a one off so hoped breakfast would be an improvement in the morning.
Breakfast was worse. We were told to help ourselves to continental style offerings but there would be no hot buffet today as there weren’t ’enough guests’.
This would have been fine if we had been given a menu. We were asked ‘what would we like’ and my wife and I didn’t know what the options were! We just asked for a ‘full English’ which you can see in my photo attached!
Overall, the staff were good and facilities good but the food was a massive disappointment. The chicken schnitzel would have cost £20.95!
On first entry to our room we were very happy with the large space, nicely decorated and very comfortable room. Complete with complimentary soft drinks, coffee, tea and bathrobes etc. The bathroom/shower was lovely and seating in the room was just to our taste.
We headed to the spa as soon as we unpacked and enjoyed our fantastic treatments. My only issue with the spa was that a few things looked a bit dated and in need of a little TLC. Staff in the spa again were very good.
We went down for dinner and were politely taken to our table. On first glance, the menu was quite basic and expensive. We had two courses each luckily and both our starters were very nice. The main meal however, was the driest thing I have ever eaten. The chicken schnitzel. Lacked sauce completely and was very difficult to eat. We didn’t stay for a dessert. We thought that perhaps this was a one off so hoped breakfast would be an improvement in the morning.
Breakfast was worse. We were told to help ourselves to continental style offerings but there would be no hot buffet today as there weren’t ’enough guests’.
This would have been fine if we had been given a menu. We were asked ‘what would we like’ and my wife and I didn’t know what the options were! We just asked for a ‘full English’ which you can see in my photo attached!
Overall, the staff were good and facilities good but the food was a massive disappointment. The chicken schnitzel would have cost £20.95!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2024, Claire P said about Mercure Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa
We stopped at this amazing hotel on 10th April 2024 .
Emily on reception was lovely and very very helpful. Infact all the staff at the hotel was lovely and helpful. We stopped for our joint birthdays and was made a real fuss of . I would recommend the dunkenhalgh hotel to anyone that asked . We will be back . Thank you also to sarah jefferson xx
Emily on reception was lovely and very very helpful. Infact all the staff at the hotel was lovely and helpful. We stopped for our joint birthdays and was made a real fuss of . I would recommend the dunkenhalgh hotel to anyone that asked . We will be back . Thank you also to sarah jefferson xx
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2024, Helen H said about Mercure Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa
Had a lovely time with a friend to celebrate our birthdays. Spent time in the leisure area which had sauna, steam rooms, jacuzzi and swimming pool, along with beds to relax on around the pool. Our room was huge with 2 queen sized beds, a sofa and a bathroom with both bath and separate shower cubicle.
Nothing was too much trouble for the staff and even brought out a desert to celebrate our birthdays. It’s these special little touches that make occasions like this so special. I’d like to really thank Emily on reception who was so welcoming and made sure everything was okay for us. I’d definitely return again.
Nothing was too much trouble for the staff and even brought out a desert to celebrate our birthdays. It’s these special little touches that make occasions like this so special. I’d like to really thank Emily on reception who was so welcoming and made sure everything was okay for us. I’d definitely return again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2024, Helena G said about Mercure Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa
Beautiful hotel. First red flag when we checked in… lovely girl but said the rules have changed re the spa/pool. She stamped out cards as a favour. Good job because the website clearly states that the spa/pool are included.
Had a fab day, lovely swim, used the spa facilities. Sadly no robe as you have to pay for them
Went to the bar and had a gorgeous meal. Such fabulous staff.
Until it was 9.04pm. I asked for a slice of cake for my sister as it was her birthday. No. Too late by 4 minutes. Whilst I asked, Sara from the restaurant came to publicly berate another lady who was waiting on. She really laid into her. I felt to sorry for her. She recalled the meals of a family of four but had made an error on the till.
Other than that, the room was fantastic and a decent rate.
I did get cake for my sister though! Thanks to a sensible waitress in the restaurant.
Had a fab day, lovely swim, used the spa facilities. Sadly no robe as you have to pay for them
Went to the bar and had a gorgeous meal. Such fabulous staff.
Until it was 9.04pm. I asked for a slice of cake for my sister as it was her birthday. No. Too late by 4 minutes. Whilst I asked, Sara from the restaurant came to publicly berate another lady who was waiting on. She really laid into her. I felt to sorry for her. She recalled the meals of a family of four but had made an error on the till.
Other than that, the room was fantastic and a decent rate.
I did get cake for my sister though! Thanks to a sensible waitress in the restaurant.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2024, SJMPDB said about Mercure Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa
Stayed Easter Friday.
Pleasant check in staff. Room nice. Good shower, comfy bed.
Pool area nice as are the steam rooms.
The let downs.
Female changing areas were disgusting.
Dirty. Old Elastoplast on the floor. Old gel/shampoo bottles in the shower. Pairs upon pairs of discarded courtesy slippers lying around. No handkerchiefs in the boxes by the hairdryers. The whole area was grubby!
Food. Bar snacks are ridiculously over priced. £2.50 for a bag of crisps!!!
Restaurant. We're escorted to our table approx 7.30pm. Staff failed to mention the majority of the dishes on the menu had ran out!!!
We picked steak pie and fish and chips.... Girl came to take order and then told us.... The following had ran out - steak pie, fish and chips, burger, sea bass (special) .
Disgraceful to run out of so many options when you know how many guests you have dining.
We ordered. My soup was cold. The main meals took an hour to arrive. The chicken was a child's portion size and not very nice.
Slept well.
Breakfast was another let down. Very poor continental.
No vegi sausages, no mushrooms, no hash browns, no plum tomatoes!
Because of the extremely poor dining experience, we won't return (have been a number of times previously) and do not recommend.
Pleasant check in staff. Room nice. Good shower, comfy bed.
Pool area nice as are the steam rooms.
The let downs.
Female changing areas were disgusting.
Dirty. Old Elastoplast on the floor. Old gel/shampoo bottles in the shower. Pairs upon pairs of discarded courtesy slippers lying around. No handkerchiefs in the boxes by the hairdryers. The whole area was grubby!
Food. Bar snacks are ridiculously over priced. £2.50 for a bag of crisps!!!
Restaurant. We're escorted to our table approx 7.30pm. Staff failed to mention the majority of the dishes on the menu had ran out!!!
We picked steak pie and fish and chips.... Girl came to take order and then told us.... The following had ran out - steak pie, fish and chips, burger, sea bass (special) .
Disgraceful to run out of so many options when you know how many guests you have dining.
We ordered. My soup was cold. The main meals took an hour to arrive. The chicken was a child's portion size and not very nice.
Slept well.
Breakfast was another let down. Very poor continental.
No vegi sausages, no mushrooms, no hash browns, no plum tomatoes!
Because of the extremely poor dining experience, we won't return (have been a number of times previously) and do not recommend.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2024, jennifer h said about Mercure Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa
Finley and jess did an amazing job, we were here for a wedding and they really went above and beyond, thank you both do much!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2024, Catherine D said about Mercure Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa
Jess and Finley were lovely bartenders during the wedding and very helpful when the guests needed anything. Very friendly atmosphere and helpful when guests got a bit too drunk. Would definitely recommend coming back to keep the atmosphere calm
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2024, Jonathan P said about Mercure Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa
This was our third visit in last 16 months and in all instances we have come up to watch a football match at Ewood Park and stop over. Our last stay was in January. Unlike our previous 2 visits we had a room in the main hotel. The room was absolutely fine, albeit we were at the front of the hotel above the main entrance so it was a bit noisier late on due to guests or visitors chatting or starting cars on the car park. Was certainly not an issue as such, just noticeable compared to the previous 2 visits. Only other thing to mention about the room was the extremely squeaky floorboards, but as nobody was staying beneath us, it was fine and of course is to be expected in an old building.
Staff were polite and helpful. We opted to have dinner in the bar, rather than the restaurant on this stay and our main courses were okay; not memorable, but perfectly fine. Likewise with breakfast. There was plenty of choice though and I left feeling I'd eaten enough.
The biggest disappointment of the stay was being told I would have to pay £10 each for my son and I to go swimming. It was a bit awkward as we had gone to the spa and waited for a member of staff, who told us we needed a swimming pass, so off we went to Reception to ask for said pass and that is where we learnt about the charge. Apparantly this is for every visit you undertake during your stay, not a charge for the duration of your stay. Sounds a bit off to me but that's what I was told. We declined to pay so didn't get to go swimming in the end. Was ultimately our choice. I was told this changed in March and I have just seen another poster make reference to this same point from back in March. A quick check of my emails and I can't find the one I was told had been sent to customers regarding this decision. Am not going to quibble on that point, but I only booked the room a couple of weeks ago and it's certainly not mentioned in my booking email.
The bottom line is that these trips are a treat for my son and me. The USP of the Dunkenhalgh for us was the spa facilities being included in the total cost (not necessarily the room or food) and whilst that remains an option, I am put off by the additional charge for guests for what is effectively an hour's swim in our case. May sound petty, but this may have been our last visit.
Staff were polite and helpful. We opted to have dinner in the bar, rather than the restaurant on this stay and our main courses were okay; not memorable, but perfectly fine. Likewise with breakfast. There was plenty of choice though and I left feeling I'd eaten enough.
The biggest disappointment of the stay was being told I would have to pay £10 each for my son and I to go swimming. It was a bit awkward as we had gone to the spa and waited for a member of staff, who told us we needed a swimming pass, so off we went to Reception to ask for said pass and that is where we learnt about the charge. Apparantly this is for every visit you undertake during your stay, not a charge for the duration of your stay. Sounds a bit off to me but that's what I was told. We declined to pay so didn't get to go swimming in the end. Was ultimately our choice. I was told this changed in March and I have just seen another poster make reference to this same point from back in March. A quick check of my emails and I can't find the one I was told had been sent to customers regarding this decision. Am not going to quibble on that point, but I only booked the room a couple of weeks ago and it's certainly not mentioned in my booking email.
The bottom line is that these trips are a treat for my son and me. The USP of the Dunkenhalgh for us was the spa facilities being included in the total cost (not necessarily the room or food) and whilst that remains an option, I am put off by the additional charge for guests for what is effectively an hour's swim in our case. May sound petty, but this may have been our last visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2024, Lowtontourists said about Mercure Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa
Overnight stay attending a wedding nearby.
Warm welcome at reception, checked we’d entered car reg on the pad at reception. Clear directions to room and facilities. Helpful sheet with local taxi numbers (reliable service from them too).
Room was spotless, bed exceptionally comfortable and facilities in the room and hotel well maintained. Didn’t use Spa but will next time.
Reception, Bar and Restaurant staff were wonderful, listened to guests and dealt quickly and professionally with queries - postive, friendky attitudes all around, created a relaxing atmosphere.
Bar and breakfast food was delicious , fair price and portion size.
Thank you to Sarah, and Vanessa for managing our booking.
A special mention to Aziz who managed breakfast buffet with panache -loved his exuberance and the kindness he showed to guests and colleagues.
Warm welcome at reception, checked we’d entered car reg on the pad at reception. Clear directions to room and facilities. Helpful sheet with local taxi numbers (reliable service from them too).
Room was spotless, bed exceptionally comfortable and facilities in the room and hotel well maintained. Didn’t use Spa but will next time.
Reception, Bar and Restaurant staff were wonderful, listened to guests and dealt quickly and professionally with queries - postive, friendky attitudes all around, created a relaxing atmosphere.
Bar and breakfast food was delicious , fair price and portion size.
Thank you to Sarah, and Vanessa for managing our booking.
A special mention to Aziz who managed breakfast buffet with panache -loved his exuberance and the kindness he showed to guests and colleagues.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk