Ensana Buxton Crescent

We stayed one night in a room that looked out over the Crescent. It was a pretty good trip, but the experience didn't feel like it fully lived up to the cost. Spa: cozy and lovely, and comfortable even on a busy (but not crowded) weekend. Room: quite spacious, no problems with cleanliness. The bed wasn't particularly comfortable and the room temperature was overly hot but adjustable somewhat by opening windows (this was heating, not hot weather - the outdoor temps ranged from 10-18). Food: fine; we had a beet salad at dinner that was exceptional, and everything else was reasonable save the veg sausage at breakfast. Dinner and breakfast service both felt like they were done by trainees. Very polite and enthusiastic, just lots of small mistakes and missteps that I expect will resolve with time. Service overall: also fine. It felt on a number of occasions like the staff were all new - check in and check out felt a bit fumbled, phone calls didn't get returned; again, it wasn't bad, just not up to the luxury and service standard I'd expect from that price point.

Great Hotel, but Disappointing Breakfast The hotel is great, with modernised rooms, although the bath was a little dusty. The spa is fantastic and definitely a highlight of the stay. Unfortunately, breakfast was a let-down. It took over 40 minutes to arrive, and when it finally did, it was cold. We would happily stay here again for the rooms and spa, but we wouldn’t dine here. There are plenty of excellent restaurants within walking distance, so I’d recommend exploring the local options instead.

Overall a great stay, rooms were lovely and cold during the hot weather and done to a high standard. ( lovely comfy bed). Staff were friendly, chatty and helpful! Only thing that let it down was breakfast, sent our tea cups back on both days due to them being very unclean. The eggs on the first day were overcooked with the eggs benedict and unfortunately no eggs royale available.

Truly this is one of those hotels that will beg the question? What do you think makes a 5* hotel and what would you consider good service. Decor and rooms undoubtedly beautiful, location is good in Buxton. Clearly a well rounded venue for weddings and notable awards proudly posted for various hospitality and spa services. However, upon arrival our room found there were hair clumps left in the shower and various body hair left over the bathroom. Staff did very little to accommodate us in an effort for a sweet treat for room service stating the kitchen was closed whilst there were people still dining in their restaurant moments before. (Not at all completely expected however, in my experience, 5* hotel would want you to feel at home and open to accommodating, even if it mean't only some options) Breakfast had options but there was a menu and only 1 meal per person, it could do with have a more typical buffet style (not just for the continentals) and the hot food came cold and clearly used dated kitchen appliances in the continental area, toaster doesn't even toast properly. To add to this experience, a fire alarm went off at 6:59 in the morning across the hotel, no real fire or any notification prior to our stay that there would be a test. After traveling, looking for some peace this is not what was needed for a good rest. There was no acknowledgment or apology from the staff regarding this issue. In conclusion, based on looks alone I find very little fault but if you think you will be treated as welcomed guest, you'd be wrong. Nothing about it was a 5* experience. It's 3* hotel dressed with bells and whistles of a 5*