Lanelay's Bar and Restaurant in Rhondda Cynon Taf

Poor staff, stunning facilities but don’t expect 5 star service. Would pay max £80 a night to take pics because the rest is rubbish and feels like you’re nothing staff

We went here for a 60yh birthday celebration after work Excellent service. Excellent afternoon tea

Lanelay Hall Spa is undeniably a beautiful and luxurious setting, with truly magnificent facilities. The decor, ambience, and attention to detail in the spa design make for a relaxing and indulgent experience. However, there are a few practical issues worth noting. One of the main drawbacks is the shortage of sunbeds and chairs around the main pool. Despite the serene surroundings, it can be difficult to find somewhere to sit and unwind comfortably. The sauna is also on the smaller side, and the outdoor jacuzzi, while a lovely feature, is quite compact with very limited seating, which can impact the overall relaxation experience. A major concern is the flooring from the changing rooms to the pool area – it’s very slippery and hazardous when wet. Unlike many similar establishments, slippers or flip-flops are not provided, which seems like a significant oversight. Guests are expected to bring their own or purchase a pair on-site. The changing room facilities are also quite limited, with only two shower cubicles and a single toilet. There’s no additional space available for private changing, which may be inconvenient for some guests. That said, the Hot Orbs treatment was absolutely superb – relaxing, expertly delivered, and a real highlight of the visit. It’s worth noting that treatments are done in pairs, which may not suit everyone, but the quality of the therapy more than made up for it. Brunch was another standout – fresh, flavoursome, and beautifully presented. While the menu is largely breakfast-oriented, the ingredients were high quality, and the service was excellent throughout. Overall, Lanelay Hall Spa has huge potential and offers a wonderful experience in many ways, but a few practical improvements could really elevate it to the next level.

A Birthday Gift Turned Nightmare – Disgraceful Service This was meant to be a special birthday gift from my partner — our first spa day together. Instead, it turned into months of stress, frustration, and disappointment, all thanks to Lanelay Hall’s shocking handling of a simple booking. We arrived on 17th December, full of excitement, only to be told — in front of other guests — that our booking had been moved to 21st January. A date we’d never agreed to. My partner had confirmed everything the day before, including the reference. Still, we were treated as if it was our mistake. The only options offered? Come back in January or accept staggered treatment times — completely ruining the experience we’d planned. My partner had even cancelled her work Christmas event (losing money) to be there. We left humiliated and angry. What followed was three months of emails with their manager, Sindarmy, just to sort out a new date. Eventually, they offered us 30 extra minutes in the spa (not on treatments) and a bottle of Prosecco — hardly compensation for all the hassle. Then, two days before our rebooked date in April, they changed our brunch time without telling us. When we called to ask why, we were told someone “didn’t check the notes” and thought it would be helpful. No apology. No ownership. Just more proof that nothing had been learned. When we finally visited, the spa was fine. But the experience felt like something we had to fight for, not something to enjoy. The emotional toll had already ruined it. For a place that calls itself luxury, the customer care was appalling — careless, dismissive, and unprofessional. A thoughtful birthday gift became a drawn-out ordeal. Avoid.

I rarely leave reviews, but after the experience I’ve had with Lanelay Hall, I feel compelled to share my honest feedback in the hope it helps others make an informed decision. I booked a spa day at Lanelay Hall as a birthday gift for my partner in October. We were both really looking forward to it — it was meant to be our first ever spa experience together, something special and relaxing. Unfortunately, what followed was far from that. The spa day was originally booked for 17th December, a date confirmed in writing by the spa. However, when we arrived, we were told our booking was down for 21st January — a date we had never agreed to. Despite my clear confirmation over the phone the day before and providing the correct booking reference, the error was not picked up or corrected in time. We were informed of the mistake in front of other guests, which was embarrassing and completely unprofessional. We were then given the choice to either return in January or accept treatment slots at different times — which defeated the whole point of a joint experience. To make matters worse, I had cancelled my prepaid work Christmas meal to attend this spa day, resulting in financial loss and disappointment. We asked for the matter to be investigated — and after reviewing the recorded phone calls, it was confirmed that I had in fact booked for 17th December. So the booking error was entirely their fault, which made the way we were treated on the day all the more frustrating. After we left that day, I began a long and exhausting back-and-forth with the spa’s manager, Sindarmy. Over three months of emails were exchanged trying to resolve the issue and arrange a suitable new date. During that time, I requested a full refund and appropriate compensation, as the situation caused not only inconvenience but emotional stress and frustration. Eventually, we were offered a rescheduled visit with: • An additional 30 minutes of massage time • A complimentary bottle of Prosecco While this sounded like a reasonable gesture, the reality was disappointing. Due to “availability,” the extra time was only in the spa facilities and not added to our massage treatments, which was the part we were most looking forward to. I was so drained from chasing and emailing that we accepted it just to finally put an end to the situation. Then, two days before our rebooked date (5th April), I received an email changing the time of our brunch — with no warning or explanation. Concerned that this was going to be another repeat of the previous mistake, I phoned the spa. The receptionist offered no apology, only saying that “someone hadn’t checked the notes” and thought it would be helpful to move my time so I “wasn’t waiting around.” This was done without consulting me or verifying the booking properly. Frankly, it was alarming — it proved that nothing had changed in how bookings are managed, and it reinforced just how little care is being taken with guest experiences. When we finally attended on 5th April, the spa itself was lovely and the facilities were pleasant, but the emotional weight of what it had taken to get there overshadowed the entire experience. What should have been a special and relaxing day ended up feeling like a chore just to redeem what we had already paid for. Overall, I wouldn’t recommend Lanelay Hall based on the service we received. Mistakes happen, but the way this was handled — publicly, dismissively, and without genuine accountability — left a bad impression. For a spa that markets itself as a luxury experience, I expected far better communication, professionalism, and customer care. A birthday gift turned into months of stress. Definitely not the relaxing escape we hoped for.

A little hidden gem a beautiful place and a wonderful welcoming from the staff The service was 5 stars the afternoon tea was delicious and a must stay Definitely worth every penny can't wait to go back for a 2nd dining experience 😁

We had the best stay for our 2nd wedding anniversary, staff were amazing and very helpful, the food was incredible, we would definitely stay here again Thank you for a great stay

Just visited for a coffee, lovely room with bar in, ambience in the room was great, plenty of seating.

Lovely hotel, just small and spa area small. For price a lot of improvement could be made

I recently stayed at Lanelay Hall Hotel in Pontyclun, South Wales, while on a business trip, and it was an exceptional experience from start to finish. The spa was the perfect way to unwind, and the staff were absolutely brilliant, friendly and and always willing to go the extra mile. The beautifully restored 19th-century building, originally built for the Glamorganshire Canal Company, combines historic charm with modern luxury. I’ll definitely be returning for a weekend getaway next time to fully relax and enjoy everything this gem of a hotel has to offer …‼️

Amazing Birthday break, spa was fabulous and food was delicious. Would definitely recommend.

Was invited to Lanelay Hall for my 60th Birthday as a treat with my friends. First time any of us had been there (January '25). The place is beautifully decorated, and the staff attentive. Brandon dealt with us most of the time - he was outstanding. Put up with our quirks, lit the fire for us, made sure we had everything we needed to have a fun afternoon on my special occasion. Finally, he gave us a show around before we left. Being in the events industry for many years this was a lovely addition to our afternoon. The afternoon tea was lovely, served with tea and coffee, sandwiches and plenty of cake! Will definitely be returning for dinner. Thank you Brandon for taking care of us so well. You are a credit to Lanelay for sure!

excellent service from friendly staff

You couldn't pay me to ever visit this hotel again.

My partner booked a Deluxe room 4 months in advance for my birthday. It cost her £219.90 Had a phonecall a week prior to the booking stating there is no room at the restraunt for an evening meal. We arrive and check in to find we are in a small disabled access room with no option to change unless we downgrade and lose money. Won't be coming back.

Service was very slow but well worth the wait

I had a highly disappointing experience with this hotel. Despite a government-issued weather warning advising against travel, the hotel refused to refund my booking. I was misled by staff, and the information they provided to me directly contradicted what was communicated to Booking.com. It’s unacceptable for a business to show such disregard for its guests’ safety and concerns. Instead of handling the situation with professionalism and understanding, they refused to accommodate my request for a refund and demonstrated poor customer service throughout. I strongly advise others to think twice before booking here, as this experience has shown a lack of transparency, care, and respect for guests.

Afternoon tea was served to myself , daughter and granddaughter in what I can only describe as a thoroughfare for staff back and forth a kitchen. We were sat in the hotels kitchen dining area where the table was laid with with cutlery and cups an saucers used for breakfast by guests. We were the only people in an empty room with little to no comfort we were sat on a kitchen table and chairs. Afternoon tea is supposed to evoke a sense of grandier with white table clothes and fine China. The food was good but not excellent, a drink was spilt over the table and my daughter, it was cold as the outside door was constantly opened. Staff passed back and forth with dirty crockery , glasses, buckets and even an iron. Although the staff were attentive and did accommodate my granddaughters request for some plain ham and cheese sandwiches as she didn't like the selection offered. As the whole experience was not what I wanted as a treat for us 3 I did inform staff who said they would inform the manager but nobody came to apologise or offer an explanation why we wernt offered tea in the dining or lounge area where other guests were served bar food, this area was far more comfortable, warm and cosy. Suffice to say we will not be returning to partake of Afternoon tea here anytime soon.

I have to admit, this was by far the best meal both my wife and I have eating. Ducking fabulous! Lush.

I really liked it here, the decor was very well executed. Giving you ideas to take home and the building itself is beautiful. Service is good, and the spa is relaxing.

We booked this stay as a romantic birthday treat, but were very disappointed. It's in the middle of a housing estate with inadequate parking. The decor is tacky 'Love Island' style. Our suite up in the eaves had no air conditioning, fridge, or bathroom door(!). Headroom was limited, and we had to ask for a chair to sit on. Dinner arrived cold with one side dish missing and the other undercooked. To be fair, the maitre d' had our meals re done and tried to put things right. I get that Lanely Hall is aimed at the less discerning, but I would struggle to recommend it at half the price.

Brilliant spa day and lunch Spa host was outstanding , very welcoming and informative. Excellent full body massage and delicious lunch

Lovely hotel. Beautiful building. Nice Spa. Hotel was lovely but it was the staff who made our stay a great experience. The receptionist was lovely ( sorry didn’t catch her name) and made us feel at home straight away. We came in late, after a long day, arriving just past nine pm, the bar had just stopped serving food but Jacob who was on the bar contacted the kitchen and arranged some food for us, he was so kind and went above and beyond to make sure we had everything we needed. Thank you so much Jacob, you have restored my faith in humanity!

Great service, unable to get snacks during the day but a lovely location.

So disappointed in this hotel from the start with dreadful customer service when attempting to make the booking. The General Manager did not even respond. Rooms are much nicer on the website - poor and cheaply finsihed Food - ok and overpriced Spa area - good but overcrowded and mostly with people taking pictures of themselves which made sense when asking the receptionist what the decor of the hotel was based on ..."love island" was the answer. In short there is an inflated ego that this hotel is something special which sadly it is not and in my mind is wrongly marketed. This ego and arrogance unfortunately replaces what should be a first class service. A real let down all round.

We booked a table of four for food at Blok. What can i say the food was amazing ! staff very friendly and polite, very knowledgeable on the wine !! we will definitely be back really soon this is a hidden gem.

Just stayed here for the night, absaloutley beutiful hotel! Lovely food and staff are amazing! 5* from me

Had afternoon tea ,not the best

You can actually enjoy great food here and sit outside if it isn't raining in Wales ;) I've already done that a few times. The spa at least drives many guests to this hotel on weekends. Unfortunately I can't say anything personal about it. It looks very inviting. But I would book here immediately. It's remote, but that doesn't matter for a spa weekend.

afternoon tea, beautiful! what a treat

Tucked away in a housing estate this lovely little boutique hotel is a real gem. Beautifully styled & decorated with buckets of period features. Reception staff were friendly but spa staff were sadly lacking & really didn't seem interested to even tell us where to find towels. There's a lovely little outdoor pool but seemed to be reserved only for "special guests" which was a shame. The pool is quite small & there's a sauna but otherwise there's not much to the "spa". It became quite busy & not everyone had a lounger to relax on. Coffee in the bar area was lovely & bar staff great! Our room was large and perhaps a little under furnished but with a nice bathroom and wonderful power shower. The absolute diamond in this crown though was Bloc Restaurant. Fantastic ambiance and food to match! Absolutely outstanding quality, amazingly attentive staff especially Ferne, so would return for the restaurant alone. Breakfast was served in another gorgeous, light filled part of the building where the chefs prepared your food in sight, beautifully fresh & well presented with plenty of choice. Could not fault it!