Hitchin Priory in North Hertfordshire

We made a booking a year in advanced for a wedding, only to be told last minute after I contacted them to confirm the booking was still OK to say the booking was now going to be cancelled as they only take booking for events held at the hotel, even though I had spoken to someone twice on two separate occasions confirming details. This is very disappointing especially when guests will now have to look for alternative hotels in the area.

I booked this hotel several month in advance and when 5 weeks before my stay try to contact them they told me they were going to cancel my booking.I spoke over the phone with them and nothing was mention about my booking not been secure. They didn't even bother contacting me in advance, I found out because I contact them. I would have probably arrive there and found myself in the street for that night if I didn't though of contact them.Shameful behavior towards your guests.

Visited for an afternoon tea for a family member's birthday - although the hotel itself wasn't busy, the staff member we dealt with was very attentive, helpful and polite (sadly, didn't catch his name)

I held a surprise 80th birthday party for my Mum on Sunday 6 February 2022 and I have nothing but praise for Hitchin Priory!Everything was perfect! The food, the function room, the service and the overall package. Deepak, Sue, Liam, Christophe and the team made this day very special: nothing was too much trouble; every request was executed immediately and professionally; and the food was excellent and plentiful. This was a day event so I cannot comment on the accommodation.I would highly recommend Hitchin Priory for any form of celebration and would happily use the venue again.

We were at this hotel for a " surprise birthday party " faultless service from beginning to end. Great food & wine, plus quality champs.

Christmas party very poor. Unsuitable venue for a Xmas party. Zero atmosphere, no Xmas music, minimal decoration and tables spread over different rooms, food comparable to a cheap carvery. The Cocktail Bar (as signed) doesn't sell even 1 cocktail which disappointed all the group and the other bar was limited in options. The fight was interesting but short lived and the car park is too far away to walk in heels. Overall extremely disappointing and we will not be returning there for a function.

My daughters wedding was held here. The staff were very friendly and helpful. The venue is a unique and beautiful place. The food was very nice and the whole experience was awesome. The only downside is as it’s such an old and historical building the disabled facilities are nonexistent. Lots of stairs and stone steps making it awkward for wheelchair and disabled people

From start to end I was disappointed at this venue and most definitely angry for my friend who booked it.I attended a wedding today having already been aware of some issues with the venue about support and catering so my expectations were honestly low.On arrival we were abruptly told we'd missed the service and the hostess generally made us feel unwelcome. The ushers helped us to the venue and they were a lot better but already rubbed up the wrong way by the hostility on entry.I hope the linens were not provided by the hotel as they were creased and uneven and chairs weren't even dressed. Given the minimum prices for wedding packages this shocked me and added to the decrepit and lackluster feel the venue gave.The gardens weren't well kept with the lawn unkempt and the plant pots left unplanted and desolate. This made waiting after the initial photos drab and underwhelming - no chairs were provided outside for older guests meaning they had to either go inside or sit on the cold hard steps which again I feel is an oversight for the venue.The bar was extortionate charging £2.50 for a can of coke. Thankfully I had brought some of my own drinks that I drank in the car. I wish I hadn't waited to order my first drink as service was slow even though it wasn't at all busyFlash forward to the sound system and dancefloor area that was cramped - no idea if it was venue bought gear or the DJs but honestly it was far too loud for the area.This dancefloor was small, unevenly set out and was separated from the main eating area by a large flight of stairs which made anyone in long dresses, heels or with any mobility issues (such as older guests) struggle to go between areas which resulted in poor attendance in the dance area and a feeling of being trapped in the dining area.The food provided for the evening meal was fairly pleasant but nowhere near enough of the meat options and given the cost to hire this venue I would expect more than burgers and chips with no sides or other optionsNo wedding planner or hostess helped keep things moving or assisted in the day meaning the bride constantly looked stressed and I understand she was expected to clear everything herself after the ceremony. I have never heard of this in a paid professional venue and honestly it reflects the overall cheap and nasty feel of the service from this venue.Add to this the fact there is no adequate disabled entry to the venue or the hall meaning one wheelchair user seemed unable to even come into the venue itself - I understand it is an old building but in this day and age it's reprehensible to allow such an oversight and I hope the venue are looking at addressing this soon.It seems that everything was an inconvenience to the hotel and everything was left to others to sort.For the costs on their site, were I the bride I would be asking for my money back. Really dissapointed and shall certainly never consider bringing my trade to them again

A Family wedding venue prompted us to book.A comfortable unique building with quaint touches and tranquil grounds.Amazing staff who created a relaxed atmospherewhere nothing was too much trouble.My only negative was an upgrade on the mattresses to those used by Premiere Inn would complete the perfect stay!

Stayed here for one night in a single room. Staff are very friendly and polite. The place has a rustic and good feel to it. The car park seems miles away particularly in rainy weather. The room was adequate and in keeping with the price point. The huge advantage is the location as it is right in the centre of Hitchin town and a minute’s walk to the high street.