Forest Park Country Hotel & Inn, Brockenhurst, New Forest, Hampshire

Our experience with Forest Park Hotel can only be described as upsetting. We did not receive acceptable service and their claims of being a dog friendly hotel were false. Having stayed at the hotel previously and seeing that it was still dog friendly, we had booked a room for three of us at the hotel via Trip.com. We advised them in the special requests section that we would also be travelling with our 18-year-old terrier and were happy for an extra charge being made for him. Due to his age, he suffers from arthritis so is very slow and is a very calm dog. We were told that we could check into the hotel after 2:30 pm and arrived about 3:00 pm. When we arrived at the hotel, we were advised that they knew nothing about us having a dog with us and that they had no spaces in their dog friendly rooms. I queried this as we had confirmation of my special request which I emailed to them. I was told that Trip.com had not advised them, which I found later to be untrue. The hotel staff then said that had we turned up earlier (we were within half an hour of check-in time) they may have been able to offer us something but basically, they could not accommodate us. At no time at this stage did they offer us any alternatives, in fact they made it quite clear that they had no room. So, I asked for a refund, and we were left sitting in the bar area waiting for it to be processed. The attitude of the staff had been quite upsetting considering I had not got cross with them but had accepted their excuses and was searching for another hotel in the area. At this late stage the General Manager decided to offer us some alternatives... *We could have a room, but we would have to lock the dog in the bathroom! He would not be allowed in the main room, and we should not allow him to jump on the furniture. Now this was a very old dog that quite obviously could not jump even if he tried! This suggestion made my blood run cold as it was far from dog friendly. *We could have a single dog friendly room and a double non-dog friendly room. Now, this would have been acceptable had we been offered it earlier on, but we had already been in contact with several other hotels and I was upset with the way we had been treated. The hotel staff had obviously been too preoccupied with informing us that we could not stay with them rather than look for alternatives (SERVICE?). In the end the General Manager said that Trip.com would ring us shortly confirming the cancellation and refund. Rather than hang around wasting time we went on to find another hotel and kept the phone open waiting for the call - which never came. On returning from our holiday no refund was in the bank account so I contacted Trip.com to find out when our money would be returned. They had no record of any such request but took the details, contacted Forest Park directly for me and sorted the refund out for me. I could not fault the service from Trip.com. Whilst speaking to Trip.com, I queried why the hotel had not been advised of our special request, only to be told that they would have been advised in the special request section. So, to recap, the hotel service was non-existent, and they could not even admit their error in overlooking the fact that we had a dog with us. The facilities and food we did not get to experience but in my head, I am wondering why would a 'dog friendly' hotel request that you lock your dog in the bathroom?

We had a really lovely stay at this hotel, the food in the restaurant was amazing and the complimentary upgraded room was perfect. Staff were all very friendly and helpful and the hotel had a very relaxed vibe. Brockenhurst is very easily accessed on foot from the hotel and its a lovely little village to explore and stop for food/coffee after exploring the local walks opposite the hotel.

This is a country style hotel and the lobby and restaurants areas really feel like that. But the room was really modern and spacious. Really comfortable stay. Ideal for families as the kids had their own room section and the was even a living room area. There is a great walk right outside the hotel through grassland and forest and less than 10 min walk to the village centre. Staff very friendly and helpful.

Loverly hotel friendly happy & attentive staff. Great location, Didn’t like service charge on meals, rather tip if we feel suitable.

A really lovely hotel and the deluxe suite is ideal for a couples getaway. Everything was up to the standard expected only a few smalll issues that the rooms coffee, tea. They were not stocked.for two people, but the receptionist was extremely helpful in bringing up what was needed. Also there was a lot of movement in the corridors at night. The cooked breakfast was delicious but minimal in its portions.. Aside such trivial things the staff and accommodations were perfectly charming

Stayed in room 209 which was superb, super comfy, really spacious and a bathroom large enough for a party!… Will definitely be back soon.

Great location in heart of the forest, you can watch the wildlife from your room and go for a lovely walk from the hotel. Great quality food, but our food took over an hour to arrive on a busy evening, it was worth the wait. Our room was comfortable and cosy with lovely views. The staff were all really friendly and helpful, especially at breakfast which was superb!