Forest Lodge Hotel Pikes Hill, Lyndhurst SO43 7AS

"We were gifted a Virgin Experience voucher we used for our 2 night stay to Forest Lodge Hotel. If we had to sum up the hotel we would say, great staff but the rooms need some TLC. We had everything we needed however we were disappointed with the bathroom - in particular the shower. I am never a fan of over bath showers and shower curtains are mould magnets. A new shower/wet room would modernise the room and surely be more environmentally friendly than a bath. The hotel has a pool and it was nice to be able to have a swim. Again, the area could do with a lick of paint and some locks on the 2 family changing rooms. One of us stood guard, whilst the other got dressed -something which could easily be changed. The breakfast staff were very polite and attentive and the breakfast was good quality-there was plenty to choose from. The hotel is around 5 to 10 minutes walk from Lyndhurst and there are plenty of cafés and pubs to nearby."

"Kelly was so nice and lovely she greeted us as soon as we walked in. We stopped off to charge the car as we were coming from far and passing through and saw the coffee while you charge sign. The coffee, the tea room and the overall service was excellent. Kelly made sure we were comfortable. The butterfly shortbread biscuits they gave us on the house were epic! I will for sure come again if I am ever passing. Thank you Kelly."

"We were looking for a hotel to stay at on Boxing Day leaving the Isle of Wight en route to Bournemouth Airport and not wanting any delays as it was the Xmas period. The hotel was very accommodating as they were offering a Xmas package and we only wanted one night. We arrived late afternoon and were impressed with the wonderful Georgian building all beautifully lit up. At the entrance we were given a warm welcome by Alex who showed us to the check in desk and then took us through to an elegant room where afternoon tea had been prepared on a long table and was set up with a selection of drinks, warm scones (with and without sultanas) , clotted cream and jam. A most impressive Xmas cake took pride of place and was beautifully moist with traditional royal icing made by the resident lady pastry chef. . After checking into our rooms we went to the indoor swimming pool. The pool room was lovely and warm and so was the water. Lovely and refreshing after our journey. The evening. meal was served in the beautifully decorated restaurant . We all ordered different meals cooked by their Italian chef Antimony. The food was superb and so was our breakfast . A very good all round choice on the two menus. The hotel has 10 bedrooms but only oneroom has a walk in shower. It contained twin single beds. My only criticism is that the beds were too narrow and only suitable for children. Also the mattress was unyielding. My biggest regret was not taking a slice of the delicious Xmas cake with me on my journey!!"

"Afternoon tea Absolutely not worth the money, rubbish service, walked into an empty room nobody at the front desk, also the same for a couple that came shortly after us, they were waiting around for someone to turn up. the guy did not know what he was serving us, what teas they had - I had to look it up on my phone!!! I called beforehand to confirm what the sandwich fillings would be, and we got served something completely different. Way too much sweet stuff and not nearly enough savoury. Atmosphere was dead, so quiet no music, felt normal volume of talking was too loud. Annoyed that they ruined what was supposed to be a birthday treat for a friend."