The Priest House Hotel

We decided to stay here as a central meeting point with some family friends for Christmas and we had a thoroughly good visit. We stayed in the cottages opposite and whilst the room was a little tired the facilities were clean and they provided the travel cot that we had asked for. The bed was comfy and the room was warm. Shower pressure was also very good! We all ate in the restaurant on the Saturday evening. My husband and I shared the baked Camembert and had the Christmas dinner for our main. We were still talking about how good the food was on the way home yesterday. The staff were attentive and any requests were met quickly and felt like no trouble at all. We took our three month old and one of the staff even offered to walk her round in the pram outside for us which was very kind. All in all a great experience and would highly recommend. The accommodation and restaurant are both very good value for the money. We will be returning, hopefully in Easter and again at Christmas next year as our continued meeting point!

Before I criticise the Priest house, I want to comment that we have had a couple of good meals here, but today, Sunday after Christmas, seems all the staff had the day off and the shipped the Grinch in. We were greeted by the waitress to tell us there is only one portion of pie, no salmon and no sea bass (there was only us in there apart from 2 having a cream tea, so not a rush on) - my wife said "so you have the Bream?" - -ermm, just check,,,, no. walks away why we look at what may be left. we checked about the fish in batter, she went away and fortunately, after some time clearly looking, yes thats ok. we placed an order, one battered fish, chips and peas and one roast dinner. The IPA was really nice by the way. So, after a while, and a while longer, we waited a while then the food arrived. The roast was "OK" roasties deep fried, meat nice but warm and the cauli cheese was hot and nice - after I asked if it (Cauli) was coming, with the yorkshire pudding trying to imitate the deep fried roasties as dark brown objects - they came close on looks and texture. The battered fish - well it looked ok on arrival but the chef had cleverly disguised the chips with the fish, which not only gave time for the batter to drain some of its excess fat, but also to hid those bits of chips that when I was a kid, we called scraps and paid 5p a bag. Clearly chips from last night, dunked in the hot oil and presented incognito below the fish. The staff then departed for a while, no check around the 6 people in the restaurant to see if all was ok, so we ate what we could. When plates were collected we were then asked if we enjoyed the meal, we said not, only commenting on the chips to which we had a response of "oh" - - - - "Do you want a desert?" (in a surly attitude) - erm let us think - No! just the bill please. There is not an excuse for this guys, if your opening for business, it should be 100% commitment, this was well beyond unacceptable and needless to say we will not be returning.

Working with The Priest House is an incredible experience from my perspective as a professional magician. Every time I perform there, I’m reminded why it’s one of my favourite venues to collaborate with. The team are organised, welcoming, and genuinely committed to creating unforgettable moments for their guests. As a performer, the support I receive from the staff makes all the difference. They communicate clearly, run everything smoothly behind the scenes, and always make me feel valued as part of the event. Their attention to detail allows me to focus fully on delivering the best magical experience possible. The venue itself is stunning, full of character, atmosphere, charm and it provides the perfect backdrop for my style of close‑up magic. Guests are always relaxed, engaged, and ready to be entertained, which speaks volumes about the environment The Priest House creates. I’m proud to work alongside such a dedicated team, and I always look forward to returning. If you’re planning an event and want a venue that pairs beautifully with live entertainment like mine, The Priest House is a fantastic choice. Eddie Young Magic

Enjoyable stay with a view overlooking the river. Lovely open fire in the lounge which we had drinks in after our short walk (due to weather and time of year). Very tasty breakfast before leaving for our return journey home. WiFi spoty due to location.

We have stayed at the Priest House previously, around 10 years ago when it was part of the Hand Picked Hotels group and loved the place. However, the same cannot be said for it now.|We stayed for 2 nights in an 'Executive' room. Whilst the room (except the carpet) was quite clean, the decor was very scruffy and the carpet worn and grubby. There was a distinct smell of damp emanating from the bathroom which I suspect was due to water from the shower getting past the seals and under the bath - after a shower, water ran out under the bath panel.|When we checked in, we were given the key and told where the room was. No mention of breakfast times etc which we assumed would be in the room - but there was no information at all in the room, nor a 'do not disturb' sign for if we wanted a lie in.|Mind you, a lie in would be completely out of the question. The room was by the delivery entrance - At 6.53 the brewery lorry turned up. Shortly after, it was the linen delivery, followed by the bin men who felt it not only appropriate to crash around but also to leave their lorry running.|I did mention this and the damp smell to reception and whilst the receptionist was sorry to hear of our discontent, nothing was done.|On the first evening, we had already eaten so went for a drink. My wife ordered an Aperol Spritz, only for them to discover the only bottle if Aperol in the place did not have enough in it so she ordered a Mojito from the cocktail menu. Clearly, the barman (who encouraged her to have a cocktail) had no clue (and the hotel had no crushed ice), and he had to keep referring to the recipe. He ended up, pummelling ice in the glass to try to crush the ice after the drink was made and ended up with crushed mint leaves in the drink.|On the second night, we ate in the 'Brasserie' which was like a morgue. It looks like they are aiming for 'shabby chic' but only got as far as the 'shabby' with scruffy (sticky) tables and chairs. |There was only us and one other diner (on 15th December). The food was OK - quite good in fact, but the staff were more concerned with chatting to each other and I had to actually say 'excuse me' to order another drink.|Really the highlight was breakfast - which was again quite good.|It was a lovely hotel 10 years ago but successive change of ownerships and lack of seemingly any maintenance has left it well substandard.|We shall not be returning

From the first booking to leaving we had a fantastic experience. Staff were brilliant ,especially Ishmael, he was very attentive, friendly, funny nothing seemed too much trouble. We had a traditional afternoon tea- food was delicious, cakes were yummy. I would highly Recommend to anyone-there were beautiful scenic views really tranquil and relaxing. Will definitely be returning , thank you.

5/5 afternoon tea. Lovely attentive staff, lovely food, nice warm scone. Beautiful surroundings, especially next to the river. A really beautiful spot to visit in the summer. The Sunday roast smelt lovely & we would like to try it next. |Please note: we attended a Christmas afternoon tea here 2 years ago, & it was disappointing, partially because of the staff & atmosphere. It’s now under new management & I would now highly recommend, as it was a very different experience and we left very happy.

We had three nights at The Priest House in the run up to a family funeral. Despite Storm Garetti threatening to spoil the occasion with heavy snowfall, the staff at the hotel were amazing. Despite some staff not being able to. get into work because of the snow, those who were at work combined to ensure all services were delivered, on time and with a smile. We were made to feel like part of the wider Priest House family, with attentive bar and restaurant staff as well as the amazing Adam and Claire ensuring that nothing was left to chance. The incredible fire place was made up and a warming fire was burning upon our return from the crematorium and the ensuing meal was served with dignity, timely and was delicious. The cheeseboard, served by the fireside was incredible and a lovely touch. The rooms might be a bit tired, but I would thoroughly recommend the hotel to anyone who needs accommodation near E Midlands airport. I will definitely be returning.

Set on the river banks and tucked away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, this can make for a really quiet evening/ week end. There is accomadation available here in the main hotel and you can also rent a tradiional cottage here too. It is pricey but offers do come up from time to time. It is also a good spot to call in and have a drnk/ something to eat in the afternoon or evening. Summer months see lots of weddings at the week ends so if you are looking for accomadation- book early! Well worth a visit and located near the quaint village of Castle Donnington where you will find a healthy helping of traditional but tastefull English pubs!

A nice public house as well as hotel set on the banks of The River Derwent ( I think). A bit pricy though. Great in the summer months sitting outside watching the world float by.