Hotel Swinton Park (Masham, United Kingdom)

A well-appointed staff welcomes you in and makes you feel like royalty for the bulk of your stay. They are happy to accommodate most any request and regale you with the fascinating history of this historic manor house.

With an award winning chef at the helm of Samuel's Restuarant and a four-acre kitchen garden at their disposal, Swinton Park’s cuisine is second to none. The wide-ranging array of menu options, including those for vegetarians and children, is astounding, and there are several places in the hotel in which you can dine, including the privacy of your room or on the gorgeous grounds.

It’s wonderful that pets are welcome here. Not only can you enjoy the company of your favorite four-legged friend, but your dog will be in heaven because of all the gorgeous walks available on the hotel grounds.

The cell phone reception in the guest rooms can be spotty and non-existent in many areas in the center of the Swinton Park's main building. This is probably due to the thick walls and country setting, but if you must make a call, you can get good reception in most of the public spaces or, of course, outside.

Worn carpets, towels and bath mats that need replacing, some non-functioning light switches and windows that refuse to open make this luxury hotel seem a little less luxurious.

The guest rooms can be dusty in places and visible fingerprints on light switches and mouldings are kind of unsightly. Also, the housekeeping staff might start to clean your room before you’ve even exited the building, which can make you feel rushed and uncomfortable.