Please select your travel dates to see rates and availability
Check In
Check Out
1 room2 guests1 room, 2 guests
Info
Summary of reviewsDe Vere Latimer Estate, situated in the tranquil Buckinghamshire countryside, offers a serene retreat characterized by breathtaking scenery and a historic manor house. The estate's location is ideal for those looking to escape the city's hustle and bustle while remaining within convenient proximity to London, allowing for a balance of rural relaxation and urban adventures. Guests praise the stunning views, extensive grounds and charming architecture, making it an especially favored destination for weddings and special events.
The breakfast experience at De Vere Latimer Estate is largely commended for its extensive variety and flavorful dishes with many appreciating the diverse selection and pleasant dining setting. While some minor issues like slow service during peak times are noted, the overall feedback remains positive. Dinner also receives high praise for its delicious and well-presented gourmet offerings, particularly the tiramisu and fish dishes, despite some critiques about menu limitations and service efficiency.
Rooms at the estate are praised for being clean, comfortable and modern with some featuring beautiful views and luxurious touches. However, guests should be aware of the varying room sizes and occasional maintenance and temperature control issues. Cleanliness in the common areas and many rooms is generally up to a high standard, though certain areas like the bar and leisure facilities could benefit from more thorough cleaning and maintenance.
The staff at De Vere Latimer Estate are frequently highlighted for their friendliness, helpfulness and politeness, particularly at the reception. However, service quality can be inconsistent with some guests experiencing unprofessional behavior and inefficiencies, especially in the bar and restaurant areas.
The WiFi service is generally well-regarded with many guests finding it strong and reliable, although occasional connectivity issues and a lack of clear instructions for access are mentioned. The gym and pool facilities, though well-equipped and appreciated for their availability, are noted to require updates and improvements, particularly the changing rooms.
Parking at the estate is convenient and plentiful with ample spaces and EV charging points available for guests, making it a favorable aspect for those traveling by car. Despite some minor inconveniences, the overall sentiment regarding parking is positive.
In summary, De Vere Latimer Estate stands out for its idyllic location, charming ambiance and positive breakfast and dining experiences. While there are areas for improvement in room maintenance, cleanliness and staff training, the serene atmosphere and beautiful surroundings make it a favored destination for relaxation and convenience. Show more
Read review summaries for all categories
Categories
Hotel with EV Charging Stations
Hotel near Golf Courses
Hotel for Honeymoon
Family Friendly Hotel
Dog Friendly Hotel
Hotel with Swimming Pool
Heated Pool Indoor Pool
Business Hotel
Accessible Hotel
Hotel with Gym
3-Star Hotel
Hotel with Indoor Pool
Hotel with Heated Pool
Room Types
Standard Double RoomThese rooms are situated in the Waterhouse or Mews buildings, not within the Mansion House.
Standard Single RoomThese rooms are situated in the Waterhouse or Mews buildings, not within the Mansion House.
Deluxe Single RoomThese en-suite rooms feature a flat screen TV and free WiFi, while some also benefit from views of the hotel's estate. The rooms are located in the Mansion House.
Superior Double RoomThese en-suite rooms feature a flat screen TV and free WiFi, while some also benefit from views of the hotel's estate. The rooms are located in the North wing of the building.
Superior Twin RoomThese en-suite rooms feature a flat screen TV and free WiFi, while some also benefit from views of the hotel's estate.The rooms are located in the North wing of the building.
Superior Double Room with ViewThese rooms feature a flat screen TV and free WiFi, while some also benefit from views of the hotel's estate. These rooms are located in the North wing of the building.
Deluxe Double RoomLocated in the historic mansion house, these rooms feature free WiFi and come complete with king size beds, fluffy robes and slippers, while some also benefit from stunning views.
Junior Suite Located in the historic mansion house with views over the Chiltern Hills, each Suite features fluffy robes and slippers, as well as king size beds, fridge, luxury bathroom toiletries and free WiFi.
Suite Located in the historic mansion house with views over the Chiltern Hills, each Suite features fluffy robes and slippers, as well as king size beds, fridge, luxury bathroom toiletries and free WiFi.
Junior Double RoomThese rooms are situated in the Waterhouse or Mews buildings, not within the Mansion House.
Guest Reviews
7.2
Good
Location
Nestled in the tranquil Buckinghamshire countryside, De Vere Latimer Estate offers a serene retreat with breathtaking scenery. The location, praised for its beauty and peacefulness, is ideal for those seeking a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Guests frequently highlight the stunning views and extensive grounds, perfect for leisurely walks and exploration.
The estate's proximity to London makes it convenient for visitors wanting to balance rural relaxation with urban adventures. With easy access to the Tube and rail links, guests can enjoy the best of both worlds. Additionally, the nearby Chiltern Hills and the picturesque Chess Valley provide ample opportunities for countryside walks and exploration.
The historic manor house and grounds add a touch of elegance to the stay with many visitors admiring the beautifully maintained building and its rich history. The peaceful and secluded setting is especially favored for weddings and special events, providing a picture-perfect backdrop.
Overall, De Vere Latimer Estate stands out for its idyllic location, charming architecture and serene atmosphere, making it a favored destination for both relaxation and convenience.
Breakfast
De Vere Latimer Estate offers a mixed yet predominantly positive breakfast experience. Guests frequently commend the buffet breakfast, highlighting its extensive variety, flavorful dishes and excellent presentation. Many appreciate the diverse selection of hot and cold items, including the well-cooked English breakfast. The breakfast setting is described as pleasant and relaxed with the option to dine on the terrace or in a spacious dining room that many find enjoyable.
However, some guests report issues such as slow table service, occasionally cold food and disorganized arrangements during peak times. The replenishment of food items can be slow and the self-service nature of the breakfast isn't to everyone's liking. Despite these flaws, the friendliness and attentiveness of the staff are often noted positively. Coffee quality and tea service receive mixed reviews with some guests suggesting improvements.
Overall, the breakfast at De Vere Latimer Estate is largely lauded for its variety and quality, making it an enjoyable part of the stay for most guests, complemented by the beautiful surroundings and generally good service.
Dinner
The dining experience at De Vere Latimer Estate garners mixed reviews, though it leans significantly towards the positive. The restaurant is often praised for its delicious and excellently presented food with comments highlighting the superb quality of dinner and breakfast alike. Guests frequently describe the restaurant as lovely with a beautiful ambiance and great atmosphere, which enhances the dining experience.
The resident chef receives commendations for the delicious gourmet offerings and diners often enjoy meals that are varied and tasty. The tiramisu and fish dishes receive special mentions with overall feedback indicating that the evening dinners can be a delightful treat.
However, not all guests were fully satisfied. Criticisms include a limited dinner menu, overpriced dishes and occasional issues with service efficiency, such as long wait times and some food arriving cold or not as described. Bar meals seem to lag behind the restaurant in quality with several reviewers noting poor, overpriced and subpar bar food.
Despite these occasional drawbacks, the general consensus points to a positive dining experience at the main restaurant, where the food quality, friendly staff and ambiance are often emphasized. While some adjustments would enhance the overall experience, De Vere Latimer Estate's restaurant offers delightful dining moments that many guests appreciate and enjoy.
Rooms
The rooms at De Vere Latimer Estate offer a mixed experience based on guest reviews. On the positive side, many guests appreciated the rooms for being clean, comfortable and well-equipped. There are beautiful, modern rooms with great views, good value for money and nice décor that elevate the stay. Some rooms are described as spacious with luxurious touches, making them ideal for a comfortable retreat.
However, there are several recurring concerns. The most prominent issue is the size of the rooms with many guests finding them exceptionally small and cramped. Temperature control also seems to be a frequent problem with rooms often being described as too hot or occasionally too cold. Basic amenities like air conditioning and proper ventilation seem to be lacking in some rooms, leading to discomfort during warmer days. In some cases, cleanliness was questioned and there were mentions of worn-out furniture, limescale in showers and general maintenance issues.
Room facilities varied significantly with some rooms in outlying buildings being less impressive and more basic compared to those in the main house. There were also complaints about the noise levels and the outdated and tired appearance of some rooms. Additionally, discrepancies between the advertised photos and the actual room conditions left some guests feeling disappointed.
In summary, while the De Vere Latimer Estate has its strengths in terms of cleanliness, modern amenities and beautiful settings, potential guests should be aware of the varying room sizes and occasional maintenance and temperature control issues.
Beds
The beds at De Vere Latimer Estate evoke mixed sentiments from guests. Many guests praise the high comfort level, describing the beds as comfortable, lovely and even akin to sleeping on a cloud. Statements about crisp white bedding and clean, fresh linen add to the overall positive impressions. Beds range from large double beds to queen sizes with several highlighting the comfiness and good quality of the mattresses.
However, not all feedback is glowing. Some guests found the beds to be small with two single beds pushed together instead of a proper double bed. This setup often resulted in discomfort, especially when gaps formed between the pushed-together beds. Additionally, pillows were a point of contention with multiple mentions of lumpy and uncomfortable ones, alongside reference to heavy duvets.
Room size also impacts bed comfort. Guests frequently encountered very small rooms, limiting space around the bed and sometimes making it difficult to sleep or get out of bed conveniently. Instances of beds being pushed up against walls were noted, reducing the practical space for occupants.
Despite the variety of experiences, the consensus leans towards comfortable beds that provide a good night's sleep, marred occasionally by issues with room size, bed composition and bedding accessories.
Cleanliness
De Vere Latimer Estate, a beautiful old building set in stunning grounds, often impresses with its clean and welcoming rooms. Many guests found the rooms to be clean, modern and comfortable with good quality linen and fresh towels provided. The hotel’s spacious grounds and public areas were generally maintained to a high standard, adding to its charm.
However, cleanliness in certain areas, particularly the bar, leisure facilities and some bathrooms, received varied feedback. Guests noted that rooms were sometimes left untidy with issues such as dust, cobwebs and mold in bathrooms. The spa area, including the pool and changing rooms, was frequently mentioned as needing a thorough cleaning and upgrade with complaints of dirt and disrepair detracting from the overall experience.
While the main hotel itself and many rooms were polished and spotless, certain aspects like the unclean bar area and inadequate daily cleaning were points of concern. The hotel might benefit from addressing these specific areas to meet the overall positive cleanliness standards observed in much of the building.
Staff
The staff at De Vere Latimer Estate receives mixed feedback from guests. Many visitors highlight the staff as friendly, helpful and polite, particularly praising those at the reception. Guests note specific individuals, like Christian in the bar and Natasha on reception, for their exceptional service. The reception team, overall, is frequently described as excellent and very welcoming. Housekeeping and breakfast staff are also mentioned positively with some guests noting their attentiveness and efficiency.
However, the reviews reveal inconsistencies in service quality. Some guests experienced unprofessional and disinterested behavior, particularly in the bar and restaurant areas. Complaints about staff being overwhelmed, rude or poorly trained were also common. Several guests pointed out issues with check-in with reception staff sometimes perceived as unwelcoming or unhelpful. There were instances where staff seemed confused or inattentive, which detracted from the overall experience.
Despite these issues, a significant number of guests appreciated the dedication and friendliness of the staff, noting that many team members went above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay. The variability in service suggests that while many staff members deliver excellent care, improvements in training and management oversight could enhance the overall guest experience at the estate.
Wi-Fi
De Vere Latimer Estate offers a generally positive experience with its WiFi services, especially noted for being strong and reliable in many instances. Guests frequently highlight the availability of good, strong and free WiFi with some able to stream videos without any issues. In numerous rooms, the WiFi performance is praised as excellent, ensuring guests remain connected with ease.
However, the consistency of the WiFi service appears to vary. Some reviews mention patchy, slow and intermittent connectivity, while others point out the complete absence of WiFi in certain areas. A common concern is the lack of information on how to connect to the in-room WiFi, necessitating calls to the reception for login details. Despite these occasional inconveniences, guests generally find the WiFi service satisfactory with no major disruptions.
Gym
The gym at De Vere Latimer Estate has garnered mixed reviews from guests. On the positive side, several visitors found the gym facilities to be well-equipped, modern and enjoyable to use. The gym stays open all hours and opens as early as 6 am, offering good access for early risers and fitness enthusiasts. Guests appreciated the availability of an indoor heated swimming pool alongside the gym, which is accessible to all guests free of charge.
Despite these positives, there were several mentions of the gym being small and in need of a renovation. Some guests pointed out that the gym area felt tired and could benefit from a refresh. While the pool was deemed small but sufficient, both the gym and pool areas received comments about looking a bit shabby. Additionally, there were instances where guests noted that the sauna was not in working order and the changing rooms in the fitness area were described as very poor and neglected.
Overall, while the gym and pool at De Vere Latimer Estate have good equipment and availability, there is a consensus among guests that the facilities could use some updates and improvements to enhance the overall experience.
Pool
De Vere Latimer Estate features a swimming pool that receives mixed feedback from its guests. Many visitors find the pool to be a highlight of their stay, praising it as nice, clean and well-maintained. The heated indoor pool particularly appeals to those seeking a relaxing dip in a warm and welcoming environment. Guests often appreciate the additional spa facilities like the sauna and steam room, which many describe as an added bonus to their experience.
However, the pool area does present some challenges. Several reviews note that the changing rooms are small and in need of renovation with some describing them as grubby. The pool complex itself also appears dated and tired with occasional cleanliness issues. Maintenance closures and lack of communication about the pool's availability have led to disappointment for some guests, particularly those planning to use it during their stay. The temperature of the pool can be inconsistent, sometimes being reported as too cold and the oversight of the pool area could be improved as it occasionally feels crowded or unattended.
Overall, while the pool and spa facilities at De Vere Latimer Estate have their merits and are enjoyed by many, there is a consensus that these areas could benefit from significant updates and better management to enhance the guest experience.
Parking
The parking situation at De Vere Latimer Estate receives predominantly positive feedback from guests, highlighting the ample and plentiful parking options available. Many reviews commend the hotel for its good, easy and free parking facilities, noting the convenience and sufficiency of the parking spaces provided. Guests appreciate the large parking areas and the availability of EV charge points. The significant amount of secure and safe parking is also a recognized feature, along with friendly parking patrol services.
However, a few guests mentioned minor inconveniences such as the distant or scattered parking locations around the hotel and occasionally poor lighting in the car parks. Despite these small drawbacks, the overall sentiment underscores satisfaction with the ease and abundance of parking at the estate, making it a favorable aspect for visitors traveling by car.
EV charging stations
De Vere Latimer Estate offers ample EV charging points, making it convenient for guests with electric vehicles. The car park includes adequate charging facilities, ensuring easy access and availability for EV users. However, there have been occasional issues with the functionality and reliability of the charging ports and some guests noted a lack of information regarding the charging service. Despite these minor hiccups, the presence of EV charging stations adds value for eco-conscious travelers.
Family
De Vere Latimer Estate emerges as a solid choice for families looking to celebrate special occasions or simply enjoy a getaway together. Guests highlight the hotel's ability to cater to large family events, like an 80th birthday celebration, as well as family weddings. The staff at the estate are noted for their friendly and accommodating nature, making arrangements to ensure families are comfortable, such as placing extra beds in rooms or providing connecting rooms when available. The check-in process is often described as easy, which is a relief for those juggling young children.
The location is another strong point, offering enough space and pleasant surroundings that can be enjoyable for children. The hotel grounds have potential for outdoor activities, ideal for kids to explore.
However, not everything is perfect. Some families found logistical issues, such as rooms being placed at opposite ends of the building, which can be inconvenient when managing younger children. Additionally, there were occasional concerns about limited facilities for families and being short-staffed during busy events like weddings, which affected service levels at dinner. The condition of certain amenities, such as key cards and toilets, also received mixed feedback.
Overall, while the De Vere Latimer Estate provides a generally pleasant stay for families, there is room for improvement in the coordination and upkeep of facilities to fully ensure a seamless family-friendly experience.
3 Star
De Vere Latimer Estate offers a blend of historical charm and budget-friendly accommodations. It is frequently described as a basic budget level hotel that represents a good value for money for those seeking an affordable stay. While some aspects like the pool and breakfast receive positive remarks, the hotel overall aligns more closely with three-star service and facilities.
Guests have noted issues with cleanliness, mentioning that rooms often require a thorough cleaning and consistent maintenance. Not all rooms are held to the same standard with some being well-maintained and others less so. Essential amenities, such as bedside lamps and sufficient toiletries, are sometimes lacking, necessitating requests for these items. Room service is not available and facilities such as the poolside area would benefit from updates.
The staff are generally described as friendly, despite isolated comments on cold reception. Dining experiences are hit or miss with breakfast noted as average and mugs in the restaurant needing better cleanliness. The property, although historically beautiful, feels tired and does not live up to its full potential. Much of the appeal seems to stem from its gorgeous and historic setting rather than the quality of the accommodations and services themselves.
For those looking for more luxury and high-end service, it might be disappointing. The overall experience is more akin to a three-star hotel with certain elements reminiscent of youth hostel standards. Guests often feel that the cost reflects the location more than the quality provided.
Business
De Vere Latimer Estate is an excellent choice for business travelers, offering a range of facilities and services tailored to their needs. The estate is highly regarded for its conference facilities, which are described as very good and adequate with well-designed breakout rooms suitable for meetings and corporate events. The location is praised as ideal for business activities with attentive staff contributing to a supportive environment for ongoing business events.
While the corporate ambiance might feel crowded at times, the venue is well-suited for business training and company meetings. The business center is another highlight, providing essential services, though there were instances of disconnected internet connectivity affecting meetings. Despite some minor issues, overall, De Vere Latimer Estate is more suitable for business travelers, offering great potential for business use and activities.
Accessible
The De Vere Latimer Estate presents a mixed bag when it comes to accessibility for guests with disabilities. On the positive side, certain areas like rooms accessible via a lift near the pool and those with wet rooms offer some relief for guests with mobility issues. Additionally, there are lifts to all floors in some parts of the hotel and reasonable access is available with these lifts, making certain sections more navigable.
However, the estate falls short in several critical areas. Many areas, including higher levels and the newer block, lack elevators, posing significant challenges for guests with limited mobility. The absence of disabled rooms and the overall limited accessibility in parts of the building add to the inconvenience. Specific challenges include manipulative terrains, long distances from dining areas for those with impairments and the general inaccessibility of the building overall. The combination of these factors leads to a poor experience for individuals with disabilities or mobility issues.
Therefore, despite some accessible features, De Vere Latimer Estate is not suitable for guests with significant mobility needs. Those considering a stay should carefully evaluate their specific requirements and possibly look elsewhere for more accommodating options.
Heated Pool
The pool facilities at De Vere Latimer Estate receive generally positive remarks from guests. The heated pool is frequently mentioned with many appreciating its warmth, which creates a pleasant environment, especially for families. Several guests highlight that the heated pool maintains a nice temperature, making it particularly enjoyable on colder days. The combination of the pool and the hot tub is described as great and lovely, contributing to an overall enjoyable experience. However, there are occasional mentions of the heated feature being non-functional upon arrival and some confusion about its availability, indicating that consistency and clear information could be areas for improvement. Overall, when operational, the heated pool seems to be a delightful feature of the hotel.
Indoor Pool
The indoor pool at De Vere Latimer Estate receives a mix of feedback from guests with many positive remarks highlighting its suitability for families, especially those with children who find it a hit. Visitors generally find the pool to be clean, warm and of a good size. The changing facilities receive praise for being well-equipped and the combination of pool and sauna is appreciated by those looking for a relaxing experience.
However, there are some areas that need attention. A few reviews mention that the pool needs renovation with some noting grubby changing rooms and a dirty pool gym. Maintenance issues have caused occasional closures of the pool and sauna, which can be disappointing for guests expecting these amenities. Despite this, those who have access to the pool during their stay seem to enjoy the warm and nicely maintained pool area, ensuring a pleasant swim.
Dog Friendly
The De Vere Latimer Estate consistently receives praise for its exceptional dog-friendly facilities and services. Guests appreciate the friendly and accommodating staff, who warmly welcome pets and ensure a comfortable stay for both owners and their furry companions. The hotel stands out for providing thoughtful amenities such as dog beds, bowls and even small fridges for pet food, which many guests found delightful.
The estate’s location is ideal for pet owners, offering scenic walks through well-kept grounds and nearby woodlands, perfect for dogs to explore. Guests highlighted the cleanliness of the dog-friendly rooms, indicating that maintaining hygiene standards is a priority even with the presence of pets.
While some guests mentioned the pet fee of £30 per stay as being higher than their usual experiences, the overall sentiment remains positive due to the comprehensive pet-friendly policies. Dogs are allowed in various parts of the hotel, including during breakfast, which guests found particularly accommodating.
In summary, the De Vere Latimer Estate excels in creating a welcoming environment for dogs and their owners, ensuring a pleasant and hassle-free experience with plenty of thoughtful touches and beautiful surroundings to enjoy.
Yes, De Vere Latimer Estate has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Heated Pool, Indoor Pool.
No, a spa isn't available at De Vere Latimer Estate.
Yes, De Vere Latimer Estate welcomes dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at De Vere Latimer Estate.