Lainston House

Handsome old pile in acres of grounds, and only a few miles from Winchester city centre. Plenty of parking, although it's best to drive to the main entrance when loading/unloading luggage. Certainly fulfilled the remit of an elegant country house as far as we were concerned, and was commendably well-maintained and cared-for considering its size and visitor throughput. We stayed just prior to Christmas so it was very pleasing to see all the efforts that were made to turn the public areas into something appropriately festive. We had a very comfortable suite about as far away from Reception as it was possible to be. We went down so many corridors and up so many stairs we should have thrown down a trail of breadcrumbs to find our way back to the main entrance. It was worth it when we got there. We found ourselves in a large comfortable room at the top of our particular wing. It was tastefully modernised with exposed joists, rafters and brickwork, and had a large lounge area with all the amenities, and period-style furniture containing more than ample storage. The uncanopied four poster bed had a soft, thick mattress and sleeping was no problem, particularly as our location was so quiet. With shutters instead of curtains there was no chance of pesky light getting in either. We liked the unusual modern and scrupulously clean bathroom with its heated floor and standalone tub. The separate and capacious wet room had a rain head shower and side jet facilities. Sadly, it was also the feeblest shower ever. The water pressure was almost non-existent on every occasion, unlike the volume of air turning blue whilst I was trying to use it. Our other bathroom ****** was the really foul, dank tap water which was undrinkable and probably explains why free tins (!) of water were made available each day. Separately, we used espresso mugs as toothbrush holders in lieu of anything else. Breakfast is taken in the Avenue restaurant, although a roomier but less evocative room is also used adjacently. I enjoyed the very civilised and good quality english breakfast and wished that I'd asked for fried bread to go with it; a request often granted. The standard components of the continental breakfast option were on display just outside in the main thoroughfare to Reception, which seemed rather odd. We liked the cheerful antipodean girl running things and her band of willing servers were most efficient too. We made a few visits to the bar during our visit. Service was less organised and not overly dynamic. No beer on draught but, not surprisingly, a vast range of certain spirits. We used both restaurants here too. You would be silly not too. The staff on Reception were friendly and helpful. Note that your bill gets e-mailed prior to departure. Minor blips aside, we enjoyed our stay and the hotel provided a perfect base for our short stay in the area.

Two couples staying at Lainston House was a sheer delight. The staff from the arrival to the departure were wonderful. The accommodation charming and very comfortable. The setting, a dream and plenty of it and lots to do there too, not to mention the fantastic cuisine. Brilliant place to chill out and enjoy some good food, great ambiance and be pampered.

This is an excellent hotel. I have stayed here with my wife and also as part of a small business meeting. Beautiful location, very comfortable and well equipped rooms, outstanding staff/ attention to detail and delicious food. Well done to all the management and team here.

I stayed here with my partner. I have to say the place is absolutely stunning. We stayed in the sycamore suite. Which was beautiful and well layed out and very spacious. The food in the avenue was amazing and very impressive. It’s quite clear a lot of effort goes into the food prepared. The staff are so welcoming. They looked after us so well and the service is second to none. They should be very proud of themselves and the service they provide. If you are thinking of staying here. All I can say is just do it. You will not be disappointed.

We had booked just one night in a Cosy room with an evening meal and breakfast included. Given our short stay we decided to make the best of what the hotel and grounds had to offer. We were not disappointed. The extensive estate offers wonderful walks and beautiful scenery. Lunch only served to increase our anticipation of the evening meal in the Wellhouse. We were in the mood for quality meal. Our hopes were exceeded by some margin. Delightful, as was the service. Breakfast the following morning matched our experience in the Wellhouse. If there is anything disappointing to balance this review it would the bathroom. No big deal but we had expected a sophisticated walk-in shower. Our room had a bath/jacuzzi with an overhead shower head. Hardly a deal breaker. In summary. Out of 100! 99.5!!! Thank you to the staff for enhancing our experience. John Varndell

We had another wonderful stay at Lainston and thoroughly enjoyed the Jazz Lunch. Shame about the weather at the beginning of the afternoon but it didn't dampen everyone's enthusiasm and in typical British weather style, it came out lovely and sunny for the second half of the afternoon. Our son and his girlfriend joined us on this occasion and they were blown away by the suite they were staying in. I think it was bigger than his flat in London! Thank you to all the staff for making it such a lovely stay.

What a perfect night away…..Our room had air conditioning which was very, very welcome….room and bed very comfortable, bathroom , stunning! Everyone was helpful , friendly and ‘normal’! This was a birthday gift and one of the best! We ate at the Well House…great welcome, fabulous, tasty food , and just a perfect evening…Bar staff in the hotel were efficient and, again, friendly….nothing too much trouble…. Breakfast was amazing…great choice and excellent service.. Grounds of the hotel were beautiful…..plenty of places to sit and enjoy the surroundings.

My wife and I stayed there on the 7th September. Nothing but praise for the whole team. The Well House is where we had. Excellent. Alex in charge so professional. Good great. So close to Winchester, half an hour at most. A must visit.