Cranford Country Lodge A Disaster - A Warning to Potential Guests

Our experience at Cranford Country Lodge for a family wedding was horrific. I feel it is my responsibility to share our ordeal to caution others against making the same mistake we made by booking at this venue. Right from the beginning, we encountered numerous issues in trying to secure our accommodation. We had to repeatedly beg for invoices and follow up multiple times just to confirm our booking. This should have been a red flag but knowing the wedding would be held there we persevered.

When we arrived there were no staff members to check us in – in fact the groom had to step in to sort his guests out - a clear indication of the lack of care or professionalism. Entering our room was an unpleasant surprise. The room had a strong old, musty smell, as if it had not been aired or cleaned in months. We discovered a hole in the ceiling and black mould on a wall and ceiling, and excessive mildew in the bathroom. It was evident that the room had not been properly maintained. Black mould is a health risk and something that should be taken seriously. Seeking assistance from staff was an exercise in futility. We could not find anyone to address our concerns, except for a single member of the kitchen staff. The manager was nowhere to be seen and not reachable on the number we had been using for her. Given the unsatisfactory condition of the room and potential health risk, we had no choice but to find alternative accommodation. They were hosting a wedding for the weekend with no staff other than grounds and kitchen staff around.

We’ve communicated with the manager numerous times via WhatsApp firstly to explain we were not staying there and why as well as to ask how to have this rectified and then to request a full refund. Regrettably, our complaints and requests for communication have only been met with “I’ve referred this to our trustees” who have displayed a complete lack of concern for our experience. Cranford Country Lodge's indifferent attitude and their unwillingness to address the issues we faced is shocking. Their solution is for us to return and stay at the venue despite the appalling experience and instead of giving us a refund what for we in fact never used due to their negligence.

I strongly advise against booking anything at Cranford Country Lodge. While this venue has great potential and the website does a good sell please don’t be conned. The owners are not committed to the venue at all. The place is actually falling to pieces and the manager works two jobs which is why she is hardly ever there to tend to matters. Save yourself the disappointment and frustration by considering other accommodations. I hope this review serves as a cautionary tale for others, and that Cranford Country Lodge takes our feedback constructively to improve their services.