Guildford's BEST Angel Posting House & Livery: Unbelievable Service!
Guildford's BEST Angel Posting House & Livery: Unbelievable Service! (And a Little Bit of Chaos!) - A Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a stay at Guildford's BEST Angel Posting House & Livery, and let me tell you, it was… an experience. Forget sterile hotel reviews; this is the messy, honest, and slightly rambling truth. And yes, it IS as good as the name suggests – well, mostly.
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- Keywords: Guildford Hotel, Angel Posting House, Luxury Hotel, Spa Hotel, Accessible Hotel, Guildford Accommodation, Best Guildford Hotel, Restaurant Guildford, Free Wi-Fi, Wheelchair Accessible, Hotel with Pool, Spa, Fitness Center, Conference Facilities, Family-Friendly Hotel, Car Parking, 24-Hour Reception, Pet-Friendly (Limited), Guildford Events.
- Meta Description: A candid review of Guildford's BEST Angel Posting House & Livery, covering accessibility, amenities (pool, spa, dining), service, and overall experience. Honesty guaranteed!
Getting There (and a Hint of My Impatience):
The drive in was… fine. Highway traffic is highway traffic, right? Thankfully, parking was a DREAM. Car park [free of charge]? Yes, please! Car park [on-site]? Double yes! No circling the block for me! This is already a win. Okay, maybe I'm a little impatient… you could probably tell.
Accessibility - A Big Thumbs Up (Mostly):
Right off the bat, let me say this: Wheelchair accessible? Absolutely. They've clearly put some thought into this. The ramps are smooth, the elevators are spacious, and more importantly, the whole vibe is inclusive. I observed a family with a child in a wheelchair, and they seemed incredibly comfortable. Good start, Angel!
On-site Accessible Restaurants / Lounges: This is a bit trickier. While the main restaurant is clearly accessible (more on that later), some of the smaller lounge areas might be a squeeze for a larger wheelchair. But overall, definitely a step up.
Let's Talk About the Room (And My Love for Blackout Curtains!)
Alright, the room. Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room( s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. Phew! That's a lot. But the blackout curtains… OH. MY. GOD. They were an absolute revelation. Slept like a baby, which is saying something because I've recently taken to bringing a bag of earplugs everywhere. The bed? Also an extra long bed, also comfortable. No complaints there. The internet was fast and Wi-Fi [free] everywhere! I mean, seriously? Amazing!
The Spa (Oh, the Spa!) – My Holy Grail:
- Body scrub: didn't try
- Body wrap: didn't try
- Fitness center: Didn't get time for the gym
- Foot bath: didn't try
- Gym/fitness: see above
- Massage: OKAY. This is where things get really good. I booked a hot stone massage, and it was pure… bliss. The therapist, bless her cotton socks, seemed to intuit all my stressed-out knots. I swear, I left feeling like a different person! The Spa also has a Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Pool with view, which just elevates the experience. And, I'll be honest, the Pool with view – overlooking the gorgeous grounds – was stunning. I may or may not have spent a solid hour just gazing out, contemplating the meaning of life (and probably eating a bar of hotel chocolate).
Cleanliness and Safety (Because, You Know, The World):
They took this seriously! Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment All the boxes were ticked. I actually felt safer here than in my own home, which is saying something.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (My Favorite Category!):
- A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant
- Alright, let's talk food. The Breakfast [buffet] was extensive, overwhelming, and glorious. The bacon was crispy, the pastries were flaky… I may have eaten too much. (Blame it on the blackout curtains, I was still waking up!) The Coffee/tea in restaurant was decent, and the Coffee/tea maker in the room was a godsend. The Room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver - because sometimes, you just need a burger in bed at 2 am.
I'd also give the Bar a solid rating. The cocktails were well-made, the atmosphere was relaxed… and the bartender was cute. I even hit up the Happy hour one day! What can I say? I needed a drink after navigating the buffet.
Services and Conveniences (The Little Things That Matter):
- Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center
I’ll be honest, I didn't use all the services. But the Daily housekeeping was impeccable. The Concierge was helpful, and the Contactless check-in/out saved me some time (and avoided unnecessary small talk, which is always a plus). They had a Convenience store that was clutch. A Gift/souvenir shop that I definitely did not use… I swear.
For the Kids (Or, the Lack Thereof, in My Case):
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal
No kids for me, but I did see a family with a couple of energetic youngsters, and they seemed to be having a blast. The presence of Kids meal, Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities means the hotel is definitely suited for families.
Everything Else (The Bits and Bobs):
- Access, CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Couple's room, Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Hotel chain, Non-smoking rooms, Pets allowed unavailablePets allowed, Proposal spot, Room decorations, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms
CCTV in common areas, Security [24-hour], Non-smoking rooms – all good for safety and comfort.
Getting Around:
- Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking, and there are Airport transfer available. Parking was easy.
Things That Could Be Better (Because No Place is Perfect):
The only real imperfection: a slight delay during check-in. Nothing major, but some more front desk staff during peak hours would be wonderful. Again, slight imperfection and the whole place being so well-run, this is hardly a complaint.
Final Verdict:
Escape to Paradise: Auberge Clermont's Franschhoek Luxury Awaits
The Angel Posting House & Livery: A Guildford Ramble (Oh God, Here We Go…)
Right, okay. So, the plan was simple: a weekend getaway in Guildford, fueled by old-world charm and copious amounts of tea. The reality? Well, let's just say my sanity's already hanging by a thread, and it's not even lunchtime yet.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Guildford Gormless (aka, Me First!)
- 10:00 AM: Arrive at Guildford Station. Triumph! I made it! (Patting myself on the back, which, in retrospect, was a bit premature.) Luggage? Check. Sense of direction? … Debatable. Seriously, why are train stations so confusing? I swear, if I see one more "Exit" sign pointing me towards a brick wall, I'm going to scream.
- 10:30 AM: The walk to The Angel. Google Maps, my supposedly infallible overlord, decided to take me on a scenic route. Scenic meaning: Up hills, past a construction site spewing dust like a biblical plague, and through what I think might have been someone's front garden (oops?). I arrived looking like I'd wrestled a badger and lost.
- Anecdote: Almost tripped over one of those little cobblestones. Absolutely mortifying, I swear the entire street saw me, and a kid started laughing, the nerve!
- 11:00 AM: Check-in at The Angel. Finally! Relief washes over me like a warm bath. The lobby is gorgeous – all dark wood, crackling fireplaces (which, thankfully, aren't on yet – it's not that cold), and a general air of hushed elegance. I'm immediately filled with an overwhelming urge to spill something (I'm good at that).
- 11:30 AM: Room discovery. My room is lovely! A proper four-poster bed, a window seat that practically begs for a novel, and a bathroom that's larger than my entire London flat. But… and there's always a but, isn't there? The radiator pipes are making this awful, rhythmic thump-thump-thump that’s starting to drive me batty. I'm half-expecting a poltergeist at this point.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at… well, trying to find lunch. Apparently, Guildford is a labyrinth of overpriced sandwich shops. I eventually stumble upon a cute little cafe, filled with the aroma of freshly baked bread. Score!
- Observation: The waitress is ridiculously smiley. It's almost unnerving. Is this… a front? Do they know something I don't?
- 1:00 PM: Exploring Guildford High Street. It's charming, I'll give it that. But all the chain shops make me oddly anxious. I feel like I'm being watched by algorithms and targeted for consumerism. I’m trying to embrace the "historic charm," but all I can think about is how much a decent cup of coffee costs here.
- 2:00 PM: Guildford Castle. Yes, it's a proper castle! With actual ruins! I climb the motte and bailey. The view is spectacular. I'm momentarily, genuinely, awestruck. Then I realize I'm also slightly terrified of heights.
- Emotional Reaction: Wow. Just… wow. The history, the scale, the fact that it's still standing after centuries… It's amazing! I'm actually feeling kinda, dare I say, inspired.
- 3:00 PM: Tea and scones at a quintessential tea room (because duh). The scones are… okay. The clotted cream? Glorious. I manage to get a smear of it on my chin. Professional.
- Imperfection: The tea is lukewarm. I want to be cross. But I'm too full of clotted cream. The dilemma.
- 4:00 PM: A wander around the shops, buying some gifts, and then got annoyed because it took me 20 minutes to find one.
- 5:00 PM: Back to The Angel. Attempting to de-thump the radiator with a strategically placed cushion (didn't work). Decided to try and sleep.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at The Angel's restaurant. Decided to eat here. This is where things take a turn.
- Opinionated Language: The service is slow. SO slow. I'm starving. I swear I saw the same waiter twice. The food, when it finally arrives, is… underwhelming. I ordered the duck and it wasn't cooked well. It's actually the exact opposite of what I'd hoped. I'm now grumpy, hungry, and convinced I should have just ordered a pizza from Dominoes.
- Rambling: I'm starting to think this whole "romantic getaway" thing was a mistake. I should have stayed home, ordered takeaway, and watched bad TV. Less effort, less disappointment. Is this what mid-life crisis feels like? Am I becoming a grumpy old woman before my time?
- 9:00 PM: Bed. Trying to ignore the thumping, the culinary disappointment, and the nagging feeling I'd rather have been anywhere else. And failing.
Day 2: The Art of Recovery & A Questionable Shopping Trip
- 9:00 AM: Wake up. The thump-thump-thump has magically stopped. Could it be… a Christmas miracle? Well, no. It's probably just broken.
- 9:30 AM: Breakfast at The Angel. Actually, shockingly, decent. The full English has salvaged what's left of my optimism.
- 10:30 AM: Guildford Museum. A bit of culture! It's actually quite interesting, surprisingly so. Learned about the history of the area. Guildford is older than I realized.
- Doubling Down on Experience: The exhibition about the history of the area during World War II was especially fascinating, and it reminded me of my grandfather. I spent a good hour in that section, feeling a mix of sadness and awe.
- 12:00 PM: More shops. This trip is a total disaster. I'm not even going to try to act like this is what I planned.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. The best meal I've eaten all weekend! (Even though I can't recall the name of the place.)
- 2:00 PM: Departure. Back to the station. Goodbye Guildford, you peculiar, infuriating, sometimes-charming place. Honestly, I’m mostly relieved.
- 3:00 PM: Train ride. Reflection and a deep breath. Actually, aside from the initial horrors, it was a decent weekend. Okay, the restaurant was a disaster, but the castle was amazing. And the clotted cream… oh, the clotted cream. Maybe I'll come back. Maybe.
- 3:00 PM: The worst part? I think I might have enjoyed it. There's something strangely comforting about a weekend filled with minor disasters. It's, in its own weird way, human.
Right, so what *is* the Angel Posting House anyway? Sounds… posh.
Posh? Well, it *was* built in the 15th century. Think old-world charm, a bit creaky, and the kind of place where you half-expect a ghost to pop out from behind a tapestry. (Though, knowing my luck, it'd be a grumpy one.) Basically, it's an old coaching inn that’s been lovingly (and I mean *lovingly*) renovated. They do everything – rooms, stables, fantastic food, and a livery service. It’s not just a hotel; it's an *experience*. Seriously, you feel like you've stepped back in time, but with Wi-Fi, thank the Lord.
Livery? Horses? Tell me everything! I'm picturing pristine stables and perfectly plaited manes.
Okay, horses. Oh, the horses! Yes, the stables *are* pristine-ish (look, I’m not a cleanliness obsessive; they're impeccably *maintained*). The manes… well, they’re generally very well attended to. The Angel knows horses. They *adore* them. My friend Sarah, bless her heart, boarded her mare, Luna, there for a while. Luna is… let’s call her spirited. (Read: a devil on four hooves). The Angel's staff dealt with Luna and her shenanigans with incredible patience and genuine affection. I swear, they'd somehow manage to get Luna's tail braided *before* she chucked her rider off for the tenth time that week. Finding a livery that understands and cares for horses like that is gold dust. Pure. Gold. I bawled my eyes out when Sarah had to move Luna! It was like losing a member of the family for a little while.
Oh, and there's a riding school and plenty of space for hacking those gorgeous Surrey Hills! Be warned, though: you might find yourself wanting a horse after spending a day there. I almost broke my bank and bought a grumpy mule.
The food! It's always the food. Is it any good? And is it, like, ridiculously expensive?
The food. *Sigh*. Okay, here's where things get *really* good. Forget ridiculously expensive. It's… well, it's not *cheap*, but it's worth every single penny. Think hearty, seasonal dishes, cooked with love and actual skill. Their Sunday roast is legendary. I mean, people *queue* (or at least they used to – pre-lockdown. I am still traumatized! They've made it a little easier now, to be fair) to get a table. They even have a separate gluten-free menu! And the bar…oh, the bar. A roaring fire, real ales, and a gin selection that could make a saint sin. I once got into a conversation with the barman about the best way to make a Negroni, and he gave me a whole history lesson! It was brilliant. The food isn't just good, it's *nourishing for the soul*. And seriously, they make the best sticky toffee pudding in the WORLD. I'm getting emotional just thinking about it.
What about the rooms? Are they all stuffy and antique-y?
Stuffy? No way! They've got a mix of rooms – some are definitely old-fashioned, with four-poster beds and wonky floors, but they’re beautifully done. Others are more modern, but all have that old-world charm. Each one is unique. My personal favourite? The one with the balcony overlooking the courtyard. Pure bliss. And the bathrooms? Updated with modern comforts, but still with that period feel. I think they put a lot of thought into making it comfortable and special. You can't help but feel fancy while taking a shower. Which is nice, you know?
Okay, okay, you've convinced me. But are there any downsides? Anything you *didn't* like?
Alright, the honesty hour. Yes. There’s one minor, *tiny* thing. Parking can be a bit of a nightmare, especially on weekends and bank holidays. (It's a problem in Guildford in general, but the Angel's smack-bang in the middle of the action and this is a big drawback!) And the prices, as I said, are not bargain basement. But honestly? When I weigh up the pros and cons… the cons are so insignificant it's almost hilarious. Oh, and I really wanted to buy the bedsheets one time, which I was tempted to steal.
What's the best thing about the Angel, in your opinion? The *absolute* best thing?
Oh, man. This is a tough one. Is it the food? The history? The horses? No. It’s the *vibe*. It's that feeling you get when you step through the door. It's the warmth, the friendliness, the sense that you’re welcome. The staff… I've never met a more genuinely lovely and helpful bunch of people. They go above and beyond. I remember once, I went there for afternoon tea with my friend, and the waiter was so lovely about how clumsy I am with the scones. I'm hopeless. In fact, I was struggling with the tea, and a kind man just came over and said, 'Here, let me show you.' I ended up having a real chat with one of the owners, Richard, who was absolutely amazing. He made you feel like you were the only person in the place. It's that level of care and attention that makes the Angel special. It's like… a hug, in hotel form. They just get it. They're not perfect, no. But they're perfectly… *them*. And *that* is what makes it the BEST.
