Wowcher spa day - place is…. Yuck!

[CruisingDuck]

DH and I got a wowcher spa day deal for Christmas as we enjoy these. We are in Scotland so normally go to places like Dunkeld House, Norton House etc. todays venue is a new place and I knew from the beginning it would be different - again fine. The hotel has very recently rebranded from Double Tree by Hilton to a group I’m not familiar with.

have arrived today anyway and I’m really disappointed. First impressions on arrival was grounds are neglected, couldn’t get a locker that worked, so ended up leaving my bag in a locker - if someone wants to steal my bra, go ahead lol!
there’s not enough loungers for the people here, there’s also kids swimming lessons happening now in the pool and it’s generally quite dirty - hair everywhere and it just looks like it needs a very good clean.

I have 2 treatments soon which I am looking forward to, but I feel bad that my parents have spent at least £150 on this voucher and it’s really not a pleasant experience so far.

when my parents ask later how it was, I’ll probably say it was fine, but should I complain to wowcher about this? The place is clearly very run down but the photos on the website do not show the true state of this place.

Yabu - suck it up, it’s a free day
Yanbu - report to wowcher

edited to add, when I say complain to wowcher, I’m not looking for something in return.

not sure if voting enabled - sorry!

This happened to me on a spa day. Fucking annoying. I had to avoid the pool for hours. I have my own kid. I don't want to be hearing nursery rhymes in the pool or sharing the changing rooms with babies and their narrate-everything mothers on my day off, trying to enjoy an adult-only treat.

Yeah that’s grim, I’d complain re state of facilities - glad treatments were good at least!

Oh that is really disgusting.

Your pictures reminded me I stayed in a DoubleTree about 5 years ago and it was a bit grotty. I think it was around Renfrew Street in Glasgow.

You'd be well within your rights to send those photos off and make complaints in person and by email.

I think I would be most pissed off with the toddler swim classes. You absolutely do not expect that on a relaxing spa day.
I love toddlers. I love a spa (only been a few times). I don't love them together.

Oh I recently booked myself a SPA day and almost nearly booked for here.

So glad I didn’t (I know that doesn’t help you). Normally that hotel gets quite a good name?

I've stopped buying any voucher deals for myself, or as gifts for people, because the experiences have declined far too much in recent years.
In the early days of these websites (Groupon, itison, wowcher) there were great deals to be had.
That doesn't seem to be the case anymore. Maybe we've just had a run of very bad luck with them, but decided it's not worth the chance anymore.

My sisters friend works there doing treatments - not to say it was her that did your treatment but it's nice to know these were good!

My kids have done swimming lessons there and I’ve often said I’d not be happy if I booked one of the “spa” days they advertise. As you say, the individual treatments are good, but it’s not a spa experience, and certainly not a destination like Norton or Blythswood.

It’s just a hotel with a pool

Are you the spa manager?

OK so the spa is not up to much - but £150 for two of you with two treatments (each?) and afternoon tea.

Complain today to the hotel, leave honest reviews on tripadvisor and google.

I am going there for an overnight with my 8 year old daughter on Friday! It's obviously not for a spa day mind you but this has put me off. I think now if you want a proper spa day you need to go to a spa destination. Have you been to Bowfield? That's my go to spa day locally.

I knew that this would be the Westerwood. I used to be a member of the health club there and gave up my membership for all the reasons you've stated. It started off well and was a treat to go there but became seriously run down and dirty, the showers always smelled and regularly overflowed, it just became really grim. The cost of membership increased but complaints (like the overflowing showers) weren't looked at or resolved. The final nail in the coffin for me was people shaving in the sauna and just leaving their nasty hairs on the seats and once had a gent rinse his mouth with some water and then spit it out poolside.

@SixFeetUnder that's disgusting!! I'd have cancelled there and then too.

At least the treatments and food was nice, but certainly won't be back. I will be looking at other places and the suggestions on here too :)

Not everywhere. What a weird comment. I went to Warner Hotel in Somerset and it was far from run down

@Purpleturtle43how was your stay?

We had a nice time, room was nice and my daughter loved the pool. If I had been sold it as a spa break I would have been less than impressed. It was half price so feel it was reasonable for what I paid but the leisure facilities certainly need a refurb.

@Purpleturtle43glad you had a good time :)

Please tell reception, whilst you are still there.