The Priest House Hotel Castle Donington, Derby DE74 2RR

"A good weekend overall. The whole place looks a little tired, apart from the restaurant. We had a cottage room which was pleasant but extremely hot. After the radiator was turned down and window open it was fine. Some bits could do with a lick of paint but it was clean with lovely linen. We wondered why the second set of towels was put in the cupboard/wardrobe!! We ate in the brasserie both nights as the restaurant was just used for breakfast and afternoon tea. The menu was quite limited, one of each type of food, but the quality was excellent. Extensive wine list but I don't think they had a drinks specialist. We did feel a little rushed but the staff were very friendly and helpful. Lovely buffet breakfast. It's in a beautiful location and we hope more can be made of the waterside in the summer months. We would recommend for a laid back stay."

"Two of us stayed for the Christmas 2 night package and we are so glad we did. The food was plentiful and delicious, staff were amazingly attentive and cheerful whilst working very hard over Christmas. Other guests very friendly. Our first time away for Christmas but looking forward to doing it again next year. Amazing value for money. Thank you to every member of staff!!"

"We had afternoon tea here today. The best afternoon tea I've ever had. Sandwiches were really tasty. Selection of cakes second to none. The raspberry cheesecake was to die for but all the cakes were delicious. Scones really light. The two young people serving us were so polite and attentive (a young man and lady). Can't rate it highly enough. Lovely decor. Superb location. Must book to go back again soon. Highly recommend it."

"We were very disappointed in our experience I'm afraid. My friend treated me to an afternoon tea as a gift and we'd been trying to arrange it for ages. The hotel itself seems lovely and they've clearly done a lot of work to it, but that's where it ends unfortunately. The tea order was taken down incorrectly, which isn't major. But then the food was plonked on the table and they walked away. At no point were we checked on or asked if we'd like more drinks, we were just left to it. We ordered more tea once we'd flagged someone down, and later ordered prosecco. It took over 15 minutes to arrive and only came once we reordered! (The var was behind us!) I'm not ageist AT ALL, but there were clearly no senior staff overseeing the operation and it resulted in slow or non-existent service. The food was fine, but not reflective of the price paid. There's a much better tea on offer in the same village, just down the road! A shame, as it could be wonderful."

"Only visited for Sunday lunch. The place was quiet when entering but not people eventually turned up. I had three courses but I would have to say that the main course was exceptionally cooked, nothing over or undercooked at all greens came in a separate dish and these were also great, not raw not mushy, great. Service staff are friendly and polite. Would recommend."