Review of Ruthin Castle Hotel and Spa 4*

Unfortunately I have to post this. I was expecting good things but even basic expectations were not reached. On a good note the spa is great and I suggest the hot tub option IF you go. The staff are friendly and helpful. The bathroom and bath in the room was clean and modern. Furniture throughout the building is new and clean (apart from the beds), and the decor is in-keeping with the grand feel. BUT! … *Do NOT stay over night or dine here, I promise you, I wish I'd taken all the feedback below seriously. * I woke up in pain in the night as I could feel the mattress springs digging into me. I had to take pain killers and change to the other end of the bed (top and tail). I considered sleeping on the floor at one point but didn't trust the cleanliness of the carpet. (Room 115). I'd hate to know how many years they've kept the mattress! Green grubby head marks worn on the headboard too, yuk! *Dinner was a disaster… Starter of mixed breads and oil: Three slices of white toast and a white bread roll, oil was cooking oil rather than olive oil and when I asked for butter it never came. 4 items of white bread is NOT 'mixed' bread. Main: Veg option of mushrooms stuffed with spicy lentils and salsa. It was actually little mushrooms with tomato-y lentils and COLD! Served with GREASY green beans. The side order of parmesan truffle fries were thankfully hot, but no hint of truffle at all and more like kebab shop chips! They had run out of steak and pork belly, so limited on meat options, only chicken available. Again the waiting staff were understanding and didn't charge for the extras when I complained, but I went to bed hungry and looked forward to breakfast. * Awful breakfast… We were only offered one cup of tea/coffee, no offer of a top up. Waiter serving food had long hair NOT tied up. Fry-up came out nice and hot, looked great but we were never asked how we wanted our eggs. Black pudding is now not available. The only fruit available was mushy watermelon and croissants were tiny and cold. Again we were left disappointed. *FOOD HYGIENE RATING — 0…!? I missed it on the way in but it's there on the front door. I understand low ratings can be given for other reasons such as building construction and paperwork issues, but companies have 21 days to rectify and appeal this. Obviously they missed the deadline or failed to make improvements. Base it off our bad feedback and it really doesn't surprise me at all! To conclude: Great spa and gym, locals use it too from what I could tell. But the rest of the hotel is in desperate NEED of an update. I honestly do NOT suggest staying here, there are many other places who put more care and comfort into looking after their residents. Not only a shame but a real unfair situation to charge people what they do, who just want a one-off treat for an anniversary like ourselves, to be let down and the weekend and romantic celebration ruined. No one should wake up at 3 am in pain due to a broken bed!