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Original poster

Anyone here a Champneys fan? If so which one do you like best?

27 replies

AuntieOxident · 16/02/2019 15:59

I’m looking for recommendations for Champneys — which one is best and good or bad experiences at any of them.
Trip Advisor seems to have a fair few horror stories about Henlow and Tring.
Does anyone really like Forest Mere or Springs? Or indeed any of them?
I’m looking to go for about a three night break. I usually go to Ragdale, which I love, but I can’t get in this year on my preferred dates. Sad
I’ve been to Henlow but it was quite a long time ago now and it wasn’t bad, but had a bit of a ‘conveyor belt’ feel.
Decent pool is a must!
Very grateful for any advice.

OP posts:
Toddlerteaplease · 16/02/2019 16:34

We tried to book a day at champneys but they never replied to our email or answered the phone. We went to Eden hall instead. Though we also prefer Ragdale.

Toddlerteaplease · 16/02/2019 16:35

How about Hoar cross Hall in Staffordshire. It looks lovely and is run by the same people as Eden hall.

FuckItFriday · 16/02/2019 16:37

I was until I seen they gave that mrs hinch a valentines night stay... I'm rapidly going of companies who flash extravagant gifts on influencers for a bit of publicity.

Original poster
AuntieOxident · 16/02/2019 17:04

Thanks, I’m going to have a look at Hoar Cross Hall and Eden Hall.
I seem to be able to book online for Champneys Henlow but haven’t taken it to the final steps yet as I’m having second (and third) thoughts.
But I really want to get away, and to a ’destination’ spa.
I’m not so keen on going to a place where there are hotel guests too as I will be going solo. Ragdale is brilliant for single guests.

OP posts:
Original poster
AuntieOxident · 16/02/2019 17:18

It looks like Eden Hall and Hoar Cross Hall don’t have availability. Sad

OP posts:
caughtinanet · 16/02/2019 17:30

Eden Hall is a day spa or at least it was when I went a few years ago

Original poster
AuntieOxident · 16/02/2019 17:43

That might account for it!

OP posts:
lilraven · 16/02/2019 18:03

I've been Tring and Henlow, Tring was especially nice but admittedly I haven't been to many spas to compare.

EssexGurl · 16/02/2019 18:12

I found Henlow very austere and not at all luxurious. Went in a group and we were glared atmost of the time by the other guests who all seemed to be on their own as we had the audacity to talk. Food awful and tiny portions. Bar closed v early so we ended up drinking far too much wine at dinner and sitting in uncomfortable dining room late in the evening.

Tring was better but we only did the day there. Again, not much communal space and we were at a bit of a loss of what to do outside of treatments. Only comfy space was the quiet room - not good to cha. Again, the only word to describe it is austere. Although that was a few years ago, he low was more recent.

I’d go for a hotel with attached spa - much nicer.

Original poster
AuntieOxident · 16/02/2019 18:56

Oh dear — it’s not looking great so far is it?
I have also been looking at Grayshott Manor - anyone been? It looks nice but ££££.
The trouble with a hotel spa is I don’t fancy sitting on my own in the DR for my evening meal surrounded by family groups, business travellers etc.
At least if it’s a destination spa everyone is in robes etc and it’s a different vibe altogether.
That’s why Ragdale is so good , really loads of communal seating areas and spaces for groups, couples but also at least two or three quiet areas for people who didn't want to chat.

OP posts:
Racheyg · 16/02/2019 19:09

I like henlow 😳 I'm going back in a months time. Tbh i also liked tring. It's not the most luxurious but the classes were good and the studios clean. Food was amazing and beds comfy.

Does it have to be champneys?

Luton hoo is really nice and the grange.

MiniMum97 · 16/02/2019 19:12

I love a sis but didn't like champneys. It was a bit regimented for my liking. Had a feel of an old school health farm rather than a luxurious spa. Very inflexible I found (ie re changing a treatment time) and didnt think their customer service or treatments were particularly great.

Also I like to go with my husband and the sauna etc were in the male or female only areas so we couldn't go together which was far from ideal. I don't want to go and sit on my own really when I am trying to spend the day with my husband!

Lovely setting but I wouldn't go back.

MiniMum97 · 16/02/2019 19:13

*spa

Original poster
AuntieOxident · 16/02/2019 19:14

I only asked about Champneys as i’d been looking at Henlow, Tring and Forest Mere (the latter seems to be the one that comped MrsHinch) and couldn’t make up my mind.

I didn’t want a hotel spa really as stated above, i’m going on my own.

OP posts:
MiniMum97 · 16/02/2019 19:14

Yes agree with other poster. "Austere " is a god word to describe champneys.

Original poster
AuntieOxident · 16/02/2019 19:17

MiniMum try Radgale next time — several different saunas and steam rooms, all mixed. None are in the changing areas anyway.

OP posts:
ScottishDiblet · 16/02/2019 19:23

Hello, just to say that I went with friends to Champneys at Forest Mere last year and really enjoyed it (which surprised me after reading terrible reviews). I found my room very nice and clean, not five star but probably four star. The food was fine - a bit too much of an emphasis on health food for my liking but I still ate well. And the treatments and spa were very nice (if quite busy). I think the whole place had been done up recently and it looked new and shiny and not at all tired. No big loud groups. It was a lovely experience and I’m usually quite a fan of a 5* hotel experience (aka I have high standards). So I was pleasantly surprised!

Original poster
AuntieOxident · 16/02/2019 22:49

Thanks Scottish that sounds good — I am thinking of giving it a try.

OP posts:
OMGithurts · 17/02/2019 09:47

In terms of the actual spa area, is Henlow or Tring nicer? I have a voucher for Champneys and was going to book a spa evening after work some day.

Flyingarcher · 17/02/2019 10:40

Forest Mere is lovely. Most of the beautician/spa people have been there yonks. Book a shiatsu or any massage with Nella - she is amazing. It is more cost efficient to go for longer treatments.

Mew warm water beds in spa are luffly though it pisses me off when people 'bag' them. Food is ok. Easy to overeat ay breakfast and lunch. Book for the sharing table in the evening as you get a free glass of bubbly and can meet some really interesting people. I've met a couple who have become friends.

Rooms are ok. One up from Premier Inn. Go for a Superior if you can.

Lots of walks at Forest Mere.

Wish I was there now. You need two or three nights to properly relax.

Handbag101 · 17/02/2019 11:00

Another Ragdale fan here...

EdWinchester · 17/02/2019 11:05

Henlow is really low rent. Tring and Forest Mere are better.

I have been to several Champneys and I would avoid, tbh. Much better to go to a decent spa in a hotel. Champneys used to be nice, but now feels cheap and conveyor-belt like.

OMGithurts · 17/02/2019 11:06

What a shame. Maybe I'll have a massage in the local day spa branch with my voucher.

OMGithurts · 17/02/2019 11:08

OP if you're willing to take a short flight try the Galgorm Hotel. The spa there is absolutely lush.

costacoffeecup · 17/02/2019 11:21

Just reading this thread and trying to remember the spa I went to near Belfast - it was the Galgorm, thanks to pp! Absolutely amazing.

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