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Summary of reviewsExplorers Retreat Matlock Bath is praised for its prime location, nestled close to Gulliver’s Kingdom amusement park and within walking distance to Matlock Bath. The hotel's green, lush surroundings offer stunning views, creating a peaceful and ambient environment for relaxation. This proximity to local attractions, coupled with friendly and helpful staff, makes it an ideal spot for both quick getaways and extended family holidays.
The themed rooms are a highlight, particularly appealing to families with children. Decorated with creativity and charm, they offer unique staying experiences from pirate and princess themes to wizards and mice. Though some find the rooms compact, they are generally seen as cozy and functional, especially for short stays. The presence of practical facilities like microwaves and fridges further enhances comfort.
The cleanliness levels have received mixed feedback; while many rooms are clean and well-organized, some guests did encounter issues such as dust, cobwebs and occasional mold. The delightful themed rooms, clean sheets and well-presented spaces, however, seem to create an overall positive experience for many visitors.
The breakfast service elicits mixed reviews. Some enjoy the continental-style offerings and appreciate the pay-as-you-go option, while others feel the choices are limited and overpriced with a lack of hot food and vegetarian options. Despite these drawbacks, prompt service by the friendly staff adds a positive touch for some. Dinner experiences follow a similar pattern: while the quality of food, especially the pizzas, is praised, the menu is limited with few healthy options available. The convenience of on-site dining and takeaway options, coupled with helpful reception staff, adds value to the experience.
Staff at Explorers Retreat Matlock Bath receive consistent acclaim for their warmth, friendliness and professionalism. They are noted for going above and beyond to ensure guest satisfaction, offering helpful local recommendations and engaging children with entertainment activities.
Free WiFi is available and appreciated by many for good reception, though some guests have reported issues with weak or unreliable connections. Parking facilities receive positive feedback for being free and conveniently located, although there are occasional comments about tight spaces and the need for more designated parking areas.
Lastly, beds at the retreat receive mostly positive reviews for comfort with many guests enjoying a good night’s sleep, particularly appreciating the fun bunk beds in themed rooms. However, some guests have encountered discomfort due to mattress quality and bed setup.
Overall, Explorers Retreat Matlock Bath is highly recommended for families and adventure seekers due to its superb location, beautiful surroundings, family-friendly amenities and exceptional staff, making it a charming base for exploring Matlock Bath and its attractions. Show more
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Categories
Lodge for Honeymoon
Romantic Lodge
Lodge with Free Wi-Fi
Cheap Lodge
Small Lodge
Room Types
Pirate Double Deluxe RoomThe double room provides soundproof walls, a wardrobe, as well as a private bathroom featuring a bath and a shower. The well-fitted kitchenette features a refrigerator, a microwave and an electric kettle. This double room has a carpeted floor, heating and a flat-screen TV. The unit offers 4 beds.
Wizard Double Deluxe RoomThe double room provides soundproof walls, a wardrobe, as well as a private bathroom featuring a bath and a shower. The double room's kitchenette, which features a refrigerator and a microwave, is available for cooking and storing food. The double room features an electric kettle, a carpeted floor, heating, a flat-screen TV, as well as mountain views. The unit offers 4 beds.
Princess Double Deluxe Room Meals can be prepared in the kitchenette, which is fitted with a refrigerator, a microwave and an electric kettle. The double room offers soundproof walls, a wardrobe, a balcony with mountain views as well as a private bathroom featuring a bath. The unit offers 4 beds.
Explorers Double Deluxe RoomThe double room offers soundproof walls, a wardrobe, as well as a private bathroom boasting a bath and a shower. The double room's kitchenette, which has a refrigerator and a microwave, is available for cooking and storing food. The double room provides an electric kettle, a carpeted floor, heating, a flat-screen TV, as well as mountain views. The unit has 4 beds.
Promenade Double RoomThe double room features soundproof walls, a wardrobe, as well as a private bathroom boasting a shower and a hairdryer. The double room provides an electric kettle, a carpeted floor, heating, as well as a flat-screen TV. The unit has 3 beds.
Superior Family RoomGuests can make meals in the kitchen that features a stovetop, a refrigerator, kitchenware and an oven. The family room features soundproof walls, a tea and coffee maker, a balcony with mountain views as well as a private bathroom boasting a walk-in shower. The unit has 8 beds.
Family RoomThe family room features soundproof walls, an electric kettle, as well as a private bathroom boasting a walk-in shower and a hairdryer. This family room has a carpeted floor, heating and a flat-screen TV. The unit has 1 bed.
Deluxe ApartmentThis apartment comprises 1 living room, 2 separate bedrooms and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower and a hairdryer. In the well-equipped kitchen, guests will find a stovetop, a refrigerator, kitchenware and an oven. The apartment provides soundproof walls, a tea and coffee maker, a carpeted floor, heating, as well as a flat-screen TV. The unit offers 3 beds.
Family SuiteThe suite features 1 separate bedroom and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower and a hairdryer. The suite offers soundproof walls, an electric kettle, a carpeted floor, heating and a flat-screen TV. The unit offers 3 beds.
ApartmentThis apartment comes with 1 living room, 2 separate bedrooms and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower and a hairdryer. In the well-fitted kitchen, guests will find a stovetop, a refrigerator, kitchenware and an oven. Boasting a balcony with mountain views, this apartment also features soundproof walls and a flat-screen TV. The unit has 4 beds.
Two-Bedroom ApartmentThe unit has 4 beds.
Mobile HomeThe mobile home provides an electric kettle and heating. The unit offers 2 beds.
Guest Reviews
8.0
Very Good
Location
'Explorers Retreat Matlock Bath' consistently earns high praise for its prime location, making it an excellent choice for families and adventure seekers alike. Nestled conveniently close to Gulliver’s Kingdom amusement park, guests highlight the ease of access to the park, which is just a stone’s throw away from the hotel. The retreat’s proximity to Matlock Bath adds to its allure; it’s an easy walk into the charming town with its plethora of restaurants, pubs and attractions like the Heights of Abraham.
The setting itself captivates visitors with beautiful, green and lush surroundings offering spectacular views across the valley and Matlock Bath. The hotel's location also provides a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for relaxation while staying close to local amenities. Guests appreciate the quiet and ambient environment, making it a great spot for both quick getaways and extended family holidays.
Though some reviews noted the challenge of navigating the steep hill to the town, many found this minor compared to the benefits of the stunning views and the convenience of being near the theme park. Friendly, helpful staff and well-maintained, themed rooms further enhance the experience, ensuring comfort and fun for families, especially children. Excellent access to parking and good WiFi reception add to the overall positive stay.
In summary, 'Explorers Retreat Matlock Bath' offers a superb location, beautiful scenery and family-friendly amenities, making it an ideal base for exploring the delights of Matlock Bath and nearby attractions.
Breakfast
The breakfast experience at Explorers Retreat Matlock Bath has elicited mixed reviews from guests. While some have enjoyed a good continental-style breakfast and appreciated the pay-as-you-go option, others were disappointed by the limited choices and basic offerings. Guests noted that the breakfast was often overpriced for the quality and variety provided with some mentioning the absence of hot food or healthier options. There's been feedback about the lack of vegetarian options and that drinks are not included in the breakfast price. Furthermore, several comments highlighted organizational issues, such as running out of essential items like milk and the inconsistencies in the availability of breakfast service. Despite these drawbacks, there were positive mentions of well-cooked breakfasts delivered promptly by friendly staff, adding a touch of delight to some guests' mornings.
Dinner
Explorers Retreat Matlock Bath has garnered mixed reviews regarding its dining options, yet it manages to leave a generally pleasant impression with guests. The food quality is often noted as delicious, particularly the pizzas, although the menu is mainly limited to carb-heavy options with few healthy choices available. Some guests found the offerings overpriced and compared them to takeaway quality, which did not justify the cost. Despite this, the convenience of having a takeaway on-site with reasonably priced meals is appreciated and the food service, including the staff's willingness to bring meals to rooms, is commendable.
Evening entertainment at the retreat consistently impressed guests with features like kids' discos and family parties adding to the overall positive experience. Options for ordering takeaway are available and the helpful reception staff is quick to recommend local dining alternatives. However, the limited on-site dining facilities left some guests wishing for more variety, especially for breakfast options.
Although the restaurant’s range is sparse, the evening meal service is operational and the convenience of eating on-site is highlighted. The bar and entertainment facilities provide an additional bonus, contributing to a lovely trip overall. Thus, while it may be advisable to explore off-site dining alternatives, particularly for those seeking healthier or more diverse meal options, the on-site offerings at Explorers Retreat can still satisfactorily complement an enjoyable stay.
Rooms
Explorers Retreat Matlock Bath offers an eclectic mix of themed rooms, making it a memorable choice for families with children. The themed settings, ranging from pirate and princess rooms to wizard and mouse rooms, are particularly delightful for the little ones. Many guests appreciated the effort put into the décor, which includes unique touches such as triple bunk beds, pirate accessories and fairy castle exteriors.
Despite the novelty and appeal for kids, the rooms received mixed feedback regarding size and cleanliness. They are often described as compact or even tiny, though some found them cozy and functional, especially for short stays. The décor and layout were generally well-received, adding to the charm and fun of the accommodation. However, issues such as unpleasant odors, dampness and dated furnishings were mentioned by several guests.
The practicality of the rooms was highlighted by the presence of useful facilities like microwaves, fridges and occasionally balconies. The hotel maintains cleanliness in many areas, but sporadic reports of dust, mold and other cleanliness concerns suggest room for improvement.
Strategically located with beautiful views and easy access to the theme park, Explorers Retreat is also noted for its friendly staff and thoughtful children’s entertainment. Despite some shortcomings, the hotel's unique theme and kid-friendly environment often leave a positive impression on families seeking an adventurous and whimsical stay.
Beds
At Explorers Retreat Matlock Bath, opinions about the beds are mixed but tend to lean positively. Many guests have highlighted the comfort of the beds, frequently describing them as comfy or super comfortable with some even suggesting they had the best night's sleep in ages. Particularly praised are the beds in themed rooms and the fun bunk beds, which seem to delight children.
However, several guests experienced discomfort, noting issues such as mattresses without covers, overly firm or overly soft mattresses, dated beds and flat pillows. Some double beds were essentially two single beds pushed together, leading to an uncomfortable sleeping experience for some.
Cleanliness was generally appreciated, though a few guests reported concerns with bed linens and occasional issues with cleanliness like cobwebs and stains. Despite these mixed reviews, many guests found something to enjoy about the bed setups, especially the themed bunk beds that are a hit with kids.
Cleanliness
Explorers Retreat Matlock Bath has received mixed reviews regarding its cleanliness with many guests recognizing the effort put into keeping the rooms in good condition. Positive feedback highlights that rooms are generally clean, tidy and comfortable. Specific mentions of apartments being spotless, immaculately clean and well-organized stand out with some guests appreciating the modern, well-presented spaces. Clean bathrooms and fresh, clean sheets also received commendations. Families particularly enjoyed the themed rooms, noting their clean and cozy atmosphere.
However, there are numerous concerns about specific cleanliness issues. Many guests reported dust, cobwebs and dirt in various areas, including floors, carpets and bathroom facilities. Instances of mold, particularly in showers and unpleasant smells were also pointed out. Some guests found their rooms and shared facilities like toilets and showers below acceptable standards, mentioning evidence of poor housekeeping such as stains on bed sheets, dirty windows and unclean surfaces being common complaints.
While some guests experienced spotless conditions, others indicated that certain areas and items missed thorough cleaning, such as carpet stains and grime around showers. The occasional presence of bugs, sticky residue and leftover rubbish from previous occupants negatively impacted their stays. Overall, while the hotel's rooms often receive praise for being clean and well-prepared, consistency in housekeeping quality appears to be an area needing improvement.
Staff
Explorers Retreat Matlock Bath garners significant praise for its exceptional staff, which appear to be a cornerstone of the guest experience. The personnel are consistently described as lovely, friendly and accommodating, making guests feel welcomed from the moment of arrival. The staff receive commendation for their politeness and helpfulness across various interactions with many guests specifically highlighting how the team went above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay.
The managers and reception staff are frequently noted for their brilliant service and warm welcome with special mentions for individual staff members who leave a lasting impression through their attentiveness and friendly demeanor. Guests appreciate the knowledgeable and informative nature of the staff, pointing out the useful recommendations for local attractions and dining, which add value to their overall experience.
Even during busy times, the team at Explorers Retreat keeps up with their friendly and professional conduct, showcasing excellent customer service skills. While there are occasional mentions of areas for improvement, such as better cleanliness at times and customer service during off-peak hours, the overwhelming sentiment remains positive.
The staff’s efforts in entertainment, particularly for children, were especially appreciated, making the hotel a family-friendly destination. From providing fans during heatwaves to assisting with planning activities, the staff's proactive approach and dedication to guest satisfaction clearly stand out.
In summary, the staff at Explorers Retreat Matlock Bath are a significant asset to the hotel, frequently praised for their warmth, helpfulness and professional service, contributing to an enjoyable and memorable stay for guests.
Wi-Fi
Guests' experiences with the WiFi at Explorers Retreat Matlock Bath have been mixed. On the positive side, the hotel offers free WiFi and some guests noted that the WiFi reception was good with connections sufficient for activities such as streaming Netflix, which was greatly enjoyed by children. For those focused on internet requirements, this can be a significant plus. However, many reviews highlighted issues with the WiFi, describing it as weak, poor or frustratingly unreliable. There were instances of no internet connection, weak signals and the service not working correctly in rooms. Such negative experiences suggest that while the free WiFi is a beneficial feature, its quality and reliability may vary, possibly affecting guests' overall satisfaction.
Parking
Explorers Retreat Matlock Bath has received mixed feedback regarding its parking facilities. On the positive side, guests frequently praise the abundance of parking spaces available, highlighting the convenience of free, on-site parking located right next to the rooms. This ease of access is appreciated, especially for those carrying luggage. Additionally, many reviews commend the hotel's inclusion of complimentary and adequate parking, which is both safe and well-signposted.
However, some guests encountered issues, such as the lack of designated disabled parking spaces and occasional restrictions due to private events. A few reviews pointed out that the car park can feel cramped and that some spaces are tight, suggesting that more parking spaces would be beneficial. Despite some barriers and signage problems, many visitors found that parking was generally convenient and stress-free. Overall, while there are some areas for improvement, the parking at Explorers Retreat Matlock Bath is largely considered a positive aspect of guest experience.
No, Explorers Retreat Matlock Bath doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Explorers Retreat Matlock Bath.
No, Explorers Retreat Matlock Bath doesn't allow dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at Explorers Retreat Matlock Bath.
No, Explorers Retreat Matlock Bath doesn't have a gym.