"Such a beautiful building and gardens, with a unique history and atmosphere. It feels picky to point out small things which aren’t quite right when clearly its a privilege to stay in such a place, but given the prices and the standard of the competition, expectations are high. There’s nothing really wrong with any of it, but too many small details end up making you feel a bit underwhelmed. On the positive side, the building is stunning and the gardens are immaculate with views out over Muirfield golf course and a lovely rural quiet with birds singing etc. Welcome was friendly and attentive. Our room was in the old building, so clearly you don’t expect straight lines and perfection, but the decor is a bit tired, the windows stuck closed, it was overheated and the room amenities basic for the price not even a particularly comfortable bed. The country house hotel feel downstairs is nice and obviously in keeping with the house so a bit old fashioned it’s hard to find somewhere to sit where you don’t feel overheard and overlooked by others. Again nothing really wrong with the meal in chez roux restaurant, but it was dull fancy menu titles don’t really cover up some pretty straightforward food, though it was well executed and the wine list similarly full of safe recognisable names at a pretty heavy markup. Breakfast was similar, and not even that well done overcooked eggs, slightly stale pastries and a long wait for the teas and coffees. All quite conservative I guess maybe it works for their target demographic. Service was OK, but the pleasant facade didn’t really translate into a seamless experience and maybe they are, like many places, overstretched. Underwhelmed."
