Astley Bank Hotel

Fair
Traveller Type: with friends
  : The location great and the hotel grounds, the bar was opened after midnight when we got back to the hotel so we could have a night cap.
  : We were made aware that the restaurant and bar wouldn't be open to guests because of a wedding taking place but do feel this needs rethinking and alternative arrangements made. The room/rooms are definitely in need of a revamp, net curtains at the window when not overlooked but net curtains really! A hole in the bathroom door, scuffed walls, a paint job needed, a very small double bed that was as lumpy as anything and when we asked for extra milk before going to bed it was given to us in a milk jug with no lid not the little milk cartons. The cleaners in the morning left the hoover wire just strewn across the corridor with no regard to guests health and safety. Unfortunately we won't be returning for a further visit unless some drastic changes are made. The Premier Inn I stayed in was more acceptable and comfortable than the Astley Bank Hotel.

Very Good
Traveller Type: solo traveller
  : Same as last time great aesthetic, and brilliant breakfast the following morning.
  : It wasn’t clean at all this time the room smelt of stale cigarette smoke it was awful and the bath wasn’t cleaned properly at all for example hairs and other bits and bobs in the bath.

Wonderful
Traveller Type: young couple
  : The hotel has a lot of character and is set in beautiful grounds that give a real sense of wellbeing. All the staff were very friendly and helpful. We had an evening meal on both occasions we have stayed at the hotel and the food was lovely, with generous portions! Both times we have stayed at Astley Bank, there have been functions on and I can see why someone would choose this place for a wedding or special celebration. Although a little dated, the rooms were clean and of a decent size. Despite the fact there were functions being held at the hotel, we still managed to have a good night’s sleep and were not disturbed by any noise late at night! The buffet breakfast was good, with a reasonable range of cereals, yogurts and hot food etc.
  : We really liked our short stays at Astley Bank and there was nothing we didn’t like. However, because the bar area is quite small; when there are private functions being held, it would be good to have an alternative comfortable area for residents who are not attending the function to be able to sit and have a drink.

Wonderful
Traveller Type: review category business travellers

Good
Traveller Type: young couple
  : The grounds of the hotel are fabulous.
  : The room was very small and very basic. Couldn't use the bar and dining facilities because a wedding was on.

Wonderful
Traveller Type: solo traveller

Wonderful
Traveller Type: family with young children
  : Beautiful wedding venue. Clean and well appointed rooms. Good breakfast.

Fair
Traveller Type: young couple
  : The property grounds are lovely and it was well located for the centre of Darwen, which is why we were staying in the area
  : 1. The room was poor; one of the worst I’ve stayed in. Not only was it small, but the bed was sloped and really uncomfortable, the pillows were like pancakes, there was nothing you would typically expect in terms of extra facilities such as a hairdryer, the floor creaked with every step, whenever you switched the water on a loud noise reverberated throughout the room (which happened when the room under you used their water too), the bathroom was strangely laid out, the shower was tepid and a drizzle. I know it’s a listed building, but that really doesn’t excuse for some things being in such bad condition that staying in the room was generally just uncomfortable.2. The man at reception; very limited in customer service skills. Not only was I laughed at when I asked if there was a lift (I had two huge suitcases and our room was up multiple flights of stairs), we were also asked to pay £200 for use of a quiet room the day we checked out to work from - when I had only booked the hotel room based on the fact I had asked if this would be possible in advance of booking and was told, in writing, that this would not be a problem. He was just generally quite rude.3. The fire alarm - on our first night of staying there,there was also a wedding. This wasn’t a problem as we had been made aware that it might be slightly noisy in advance. However, what we weren’t expecting was that after being asleep for three hours, the most piercing fire alarm you’ve ever heard went through our room and the entire hotel. Obviously, it was quite an abrupt awakening, and it was so loud and right next to the bed that I wouldn’t be surprised if someone had actually had a heart attack. I was having to get up at 04:30 for a race, so it wasn’t ideal. We were pretty unhappy but assumed one of the guests had knocked something by mistake. But no!

Very Good
Traveller Type: young couple
  : Beautiful surroundings, staff great
  : Rooms were a bit dated , and the breakfast wasn't hot enough

Very Good
Traveller Type: young couple
  : Great, verdant, quiet location.Handy to market if you like a modest wal.
  : Pathetic bathroom toiletries.