I recently went to this once grand old house (National Trust Property), which is now ran by Von Essen Hotels.

I have powerful memories of Cliveden, as I have been fortunate to visit the property for dinner and lunch over the years, but had not been back since Von Essen Hotels took over.

My first comment is that the staff are not to be blamed, as the hotel clearly has an unwritten policy to employee trainee's from Eastern Europe for a majority of the available postings and although there are all willing, they are clearly not given tools to do the job!

The days of shabby chic are over, even in these austere times for such a grand property. Von Essen has not spent a penny in any area that would benefit a paying client, since they took over some 8/9 years ago!

We were visiting some friends from America, who were staying there for three days (it should be noted that they cut short their visit, due to an extension of a very poor afternoon experience).

We visited just after the falling of the first snow of December (mid to late December 2010), for afternoon tea and were shown to a table that had been set up for three people – there were 4 of us and this had been clear when the booking was made.

Our table was located behind the large curtain that shields the Great Hall from the front door/reception. It was draughty and cold, so we asked to sit in one of the smaller rooms that are located off the main room.

All of these rooms were very tired and not in any way welcoming. We asked if the fire could be lit – it was gas, and the answer was sadly no, as the hotel had not invested in fans to draw the fumes out of the rooms – it turns out that this is the case throughout the hotel.

The Hotel had placed a small and somewhat inadequate electric radiator in front of the non functioning fire – more badly run retirement home, than 5 Star Luxury Hotel.

The afternoon tea was very average. Stale sandwiches, tepid tea and a shocking range of assorted cakes, all of which could so easily be… More