Is Champneys worth the cost?

[JoMalones]

Has anyone been to Champneys and is it worth the cost? It's slightly out of the way (ideally we were looking at Cotswolds/ Warwickshire) and I'm a bit apprehensive about the food too.

All I want is a chilled weekend, somewhere luxurious (but not ridiculous money) with a spa and to be able to drink wine without children around (especially mine as it will be my first weekend off in years!)

I’m not sure it is full price to be honest. It’s not what it once was - slightly tired, food a bit crap and facilities a bit grubby.

If you have vitality health insurance you get 75% off which makes it reasonable but I wouldn’t pay full price.

What’s your budget, I’m sure there are really nice alternatives that will give you what you need.

It's ok but I wouldn't say luxurious. Can you find a nice independent one and get a deal?

It's ok if you get a deal, but I don't think worth full price. It's a bit tired.

Have you looked for an independent / boutique option? Since you're fairly flexible on location it could be worth checking secret escapes.

We went here a few weeks ago and the food was very nice. It's a chilled environment, beautiful gardens and they have a spa (not tried that but it's now on my list!): www.mallory.co.uk/eat/afternoon-tea/

Budget about £500 for B&B 2 nights for 2, including use of spa. Thanks Newstart - will look now.

Nope. Ive been twice and was very disappointed both times. Dated decor, really bad service and poor food.

Last time I went to Champneys they frowned upon alcohol (we had to smuggle our own into our room), food was also 'portion controlled' so mor 'Health Spa' than Luxury Spa.
Check out chic retreats website, I recently had a lovely break to the Fish Hotel in the Cotswold but I don't think they have a spa, plenty of others on the website that do.

No it’s pretty poor. Not worth the money. Look at Calcot Manor (Tetbury, South Cotswolds) or Ragdale Hall (Leicestershire).

Champneys is not tired.................. it is beyond exhausted.

No. I've done a lot of spas and Champneys is a production line. Crap.

Alexander House near East Grinstead is lovely.

Not at all. Tired old building, treatments were fine but not luxurious. Food wasn't tasty at all. Also the fact it's alcohol free/even soft drink free annoyed me. All you can have is water or juice

Another vote for Ragdale Hall. A lot of the spa stuff is reasonably recent. Food fab, and wine drinkers accepted happily, as far as I could see.

Ragdale Hall! Been there twice. Loved it. Looking to book again.

Thanks for all the advice, Champneys is definitely off the list now - so glad I asked!

Especially as it is booze free!

Another vote for Ragdale.

The one I went to was far from luxurious it was like the crossroads motel! Champneys springs it was. Would avoid

Calcot Manor is in Cotswolds and is pleasant

Might be a bit far (although if you're considering ragdale it's quite close) but Eden Hall is fabulous. I've been twice. Lovely food, treatments and spa areas plus they they serve lovely wine.