Food Standards Agency Rating: 5/5…read more A new visit due to attending a retirement do in the village and the "retiree" staying at this hotel. I've moved from 2 stars to 4 stars because: Shower pressure was perfect, and controllable heat; so no longer a cold shower. They accommodated the fact that I need breakfast at 07:00 (breakfast is normally served from 07:30). It was delivered to my room, nice and hot, with all that was needed. Plus orange juice and a pot of tea. The breakfast was miles better than last time. The rooms are still a bit dated, but little can be done. Staff very helpful and friendly as before. I had to request an iron and ironing board, but it was delivered in a timely manner. Much better to have these in the room. No matter where I stay, due a theft at a London hotel from the room, I still prefer a safe for the laptops. None available here. If I need to be in Shifnal again, then I'll consider staying again. ---------------------- Yes it is in a lovely location, and the staff are all nice and pleasant, and willing to help. They are let down by the facilities (Spa was out of action, and I didn't get to the gym, so excluded from the review). The evening meal was a bit bizarre. Mini Gammon Joint, Egg & Chips (£13.95). The ham was a scraggy piece, and very stringy. The chips had an odd flavour as if cooked in old oil. Also on the plate, what seemed like a whole packet of vine tomatoes (8 in all); I didn't eat. Two eggs which were OK, and dry slice of pineapple (not out of a tin). The next day the shower was barely warm, and sometimes cold. I just couldn't get the adjustments to heat up. I reported this as I left for the day and was told the maintenance engineer would have a look. Upon my return I was told it was sorted. I tested it with my hands, and it was certainly hotter than in the morning. Although I had been told it may also have been cold due to other residents showering at the same time. Breakfast I had scramble egg, smoked salmon on a bagel. A £2 supplement was charged. There was little they could do wrong with the salmon and the bagel. However, the scramble eggs were so overcooked and dry; hard to really describe further. I didn't stay in to eat the second night. Morning shower again. It was worse than the morning before. I was shivering, but I had to have a wash. Breakfast. This time I ordered bacon, sausage, fried egg, hash brown and beans. The bacon wasn't so much crispy but completely dehydrated, and the fat on it was yellow. I've only ever seen that on bacon past its best. I didn't eat it. The egg was slightly undercooked, but the sausages, hash brown, and beans were OK. The pot of tea was good. I pointed out the bacon to waitress, and even she agreed that she wouldn't eat it. She took it back to chef, but I said I didn't want anything back. I mentioned the shower again on checking out, and was told that some of the showers are to be replaced; personally I don't think that that is the issue. I also didn't like the idea of seeing cigarettes (old ones) butts greeting me at the bottom of the steps leading to the reception entrance. New ones I could understand, but it didn't look good. I'm sorry for all the staff having to work with the tools of the hotel. The owners need to provide a bit more investment in getting a better boiler system. I can live with the poor décor of the rooms, and the old suites, and even with smell of the hall carpets and wooden panelling. However, when away from home there are certain things like basic necessities. Hot water for the shower being one of them. The wi-fi wasn't the fastest, but it was free. I won't be letting my company's travel agent book me in there again.

This is a great hotel and restaurant, I even had my wedding here back in 2003 because we loved the…read moreplace so much. It is set in beautiful surroundings, has a gym and pool attached (with an excellent therapist - ask for Mo) and the food is generally of a very high standard. The interior feels like a grand stately home, the bar is panelled and full of chesterfield suites and the room they use for civil ceremonies is light, airy and has a number of period features. We couldnt fault the place on our wedding day, the food and the service were all spot on and the honeymoon suite is devine with a massive four poster bed and views across the rolling countryside. As a hotel and restaurant is has to be one of the best options in Shifnal and the surrounding area and as a wedding venue I would highly recommend it.

After a quite recent renovation, the old Bell looks and is a friendly, local pub…read more They have a big terrace on the back & quite often have great local live bands. The last meal I had there was so, so but it does seem to frequently change ownership. So maybe worth another shot in that department?

NN used to be the trendy, only late licensed pub in Shifnal, so you could guarantee it being busy &…read morefun on the weekends. However, now it is dissapointing. Infact, it doesn't even get a look in on the list of pubs for a pub crawl.

Got engaged here! We had the bridal suite. Amazed when I walked in. Very romantic with a modern…read moretwist. Large luxurious four poster bed and plenty of storage. Large bathroom with a great shower and accessories. We had a meal downstairs in Oscars restaurant which is very modern yet intimate and the food was more than excellent! When we told the manger that we had got engaged in our room he was very accommodating. We had one of the best meals we had had in a long time and service was impeccable. We had a few drinks in the public bar next door which was very homely and welcoming yet lively and we went to bed very happy and excited. The outdoor areas are excellent and well kept. Above all, I would recommend this hotel to anybody above any 'chain' hotel as the rooms are exceptional and the service is personal and attentive. My only problem is that they don't do weddings!

27/1/16 TOTALLY New…read moreReview from previous ones I submitted about the place. I wish there was a .5 option, and I would make it 4.5. The rooms were refurbished some time back, and are clean and modern. They are attempting a variation with their specials' menu or I they call it "Chefs (sic!) Menu". Two courses are now £20 per person, and an extra £4.95 for an additional course. Club Carlson "Concierge" members would normally get 20% discount, but not off this menu. The everyday RBG menu is quite varied, and there is a decent offer for two people dining, which includes a glass of wine, This is still eligible for the 20% discount referred to above. The present Chef's Menu is as follows: Starters: Chefs (sic!) Homemade Soup of the Day. Smoked Chicken and Apricot Terrine with a Chicory and Walnut Salad and Spiced Poached Pear. Thai Style Fishcake on an Avocado and Mango Salad topped with a Soft Poached Egg. Glazed Goats (sic!) Cheese and Rosemary Bruschetta with a Radicchio and Chive Salad Mains Orange and Ginger Spiced Chicken Breast on a Bed of Oregano Coconut Rice with a Ginger infused Balsamic Reduction. Pan Seared Gressingham Duck Breast on a Bed of Braised Cabbage served with a Blueberry Croquette and Raspberry Glaze. Creamy Seafood Risotto with Crispy Calamari Rings, Pan Fried Garlic Squid Tentacles and Pea Shoot Garnish. Roasted Cauliflower and Hazelnut Carbonara with Thyme and Pesto Dressing. Desserts Chocolate and Raspberry Mille Feuille with Crème Chantilly. Cointreau and Lime Panna Cotta with Citrus Granola and a Blueberry Syrup. (Cranachan) Honey Glazed Raspberries, Toasted Oats and a Whisky Cream. Hot Chocolate Fondant with Vanilla Ice Cream and a Mint Tuile. --------------------- Given the above, the quality can be variable. Last night I had carrot and coriander soup, and it was like picking out the bones from a piece of fish in your mouth. The chef hadn't strained the soup and removed the coriander stalks. His reason given back to the waiter was he hadn't had time!!! So I am only knocking off one point for the hit and miss of the evening food. The breakfast is the standard, fried eggs, scrambled, bacon, sausage, etc., but you can request: poached or boiled. Plus you can ask for porridge. The cold buffet is quite good too. There have been comments with regards to the warmth of the food, but this is down to the serving area needing upgrading, and the plate warmer spring needs replacing so that you can get a hot plate. Just be aware, and you can always ask for a hotter plate..... ------------------- I have never met a rude member of staff. The bar can sometimes be left unattended, but a nod to reception can sort that out. -------------------- There have been occasional problems with safe not working, but this very rare, and rectified fairly quickly. Has a good gym for the size of the hotel, and a swimming pool. The latter I've found to be too hot in the past, so not sure if that has changed. --------------------- There are two types of wifi available: fast (no charge), Superfast (£5.70 per day).

Brought my friend here as a belated Birthday dinner, I've driven past it so many times, and heard…read moreit talked about so often- I thought it was finally time to actually have some food here. It's exactly my kind of decor, dark, homely, rustic, kind of scottish castle feel-y, which is what I aim for in any property... It was quite quiet- but on a simultaneous Tuesday off, I wasn't particularly surprised. The staff were lovely, two quite attentive waiters. Rosemary olives were lovely to start, and gorgeous warm bread. Both of us went for the duck, jus, charred broccoli and game crisps. I honestly could have eaten it all day, perfectly balanced, perfectly cooked and rich without feeling too heavy. My friend is weird, and hates vegetables, which usually concerns the maternal nag in me, but today I didn't care when it meant bonus broccoli. I will definitely come back again, I can completely see why people get married here- I would just for the food, never mind a bedroom swing!

Slightly slow service at the bar was no indication of the excellent meal that was to follow…read more Oysters, smoked salmon blinis, moules and escabeche of haddock and prawns were all pronounced good starters. For mains, sea bass, loin of venison and salt cod were all received with praise and the treacle tart and custard for dessert was very good. With two bottles of wine and three beers the bill was £210 for four. An enjoyable evening in pleasant surroundings and good value for money.

Used the restaurant only as I was staying at the International Hotel next door…read more The food was good, but I felt a bit pricey. I had the quail egg starter, about £5 The main was a sirloin steak, beautifully cooked, but I thought over priced at £19 A small glass of Chenin Blanc, followed by a small glass of Shiraz, then a large glass of Shiraz. All the wines were fine. Total cost £38. There was no table check, and ask if there was one normally, and was told it should be after 5 minutes. Angela apologised for this not happening. I found all of the staff very good and charming. I might think twice about eating there again given the price, but if I was visiting the International Centre (as I was this time), I'd stay here rather than The International Hotel. I was, however, able to charge it to my room in the other hotel, which I though was handy.

Useful if you are at the neighbouring Conference centre…read more Good breakfast, rooms saisfactory, bar OK, found it a little dark. Didn't use the restaurant, but friends didn't comment, so average I guess.

Ok. First night and this is no reflection on the staff. The staff don't deserve this environment…read more I found all the staff pleasant and accommodating as far as they could be. I have seen the owners in the hotel next door, which they own, and I can understand the problem. In this day and age I don't expect to be paying for wifi. That said, bonus point to the receptionist who gave me two free hours, whilst I write this report. The time starts as soon as you logon, so cannot spread over a given period use or lose.... 2 hours access (single log in) - £ 2.00 24 hour access - £10.50 1 week access - £17.50 As I said the time counts down from when you first log on, and continues to count down when logged off. Also the connection is via a cable. I can't do bar food, so went next door. See separate review. This hotel is tired. The most wierd shower head I have ever encountered. Aircon, most welcome in the summer, but not controllerable in this room. I couldn't change the temp., nor switch it off. Mentioned this to reception, but little they could do. Guinness - not draught, but out of a can, but chilled enough. If I have to stay near to the International Centre, stay at the Holiday Inn. Bear in mind that they are owned by the same people. Shame for the staff. When I returned from the conference centre, there was heater in my room. I hadn't requested a heater, in fact what I had said was that I was too warm. Hence I had left the window open, this had been closed. I reported the situation to the receptionist, but she could offer any explanation. So a misunderstanding with regards to the aircon. Went for a pint next door. Came back to find an envelope on the table from Elizabeth Frost (Guest Relations' Manager). Answering the points I had made. in response to the aircon she offered to move me to another room. I replied back to her letter, and said I could just open the window. There were instructions about the use of the shower, and the taps, but this was irrelevant , and I said so. I left my reply at the reception desk. When I had return later, there was another letter stating that she would pass on my comments to the facilities Manager. Also that the showerhead had only recently been installed and were of a water saving design. I'm not it was the one in my room, it looked quite old... You have to give her 10/10 for tenacity to try and please, and also provide explanations. The thing is that the hotel I usually stop at for £2 less, has free Wi-Fi, and proper cooked breakfast selection. I'll say again, the staff don't deserve to be given the problems of this hotel. Considering the holiday inn, the international hotel, the conference centre, and the grays inn (now ramada) are all owned by the same people you think that they would make some investment in the international hotel. They have great staff. -------------- I'll do a full review by the weekend, but it has been a bit of a farce being in contact with them..... Used the contact form on their website, told them that their website was wrong concerning the postcode. I included the link to their site. They wrote back and asked which hotel Ramada or International? So the response card goes to both hotels, clever.... I responded back: International, and gave them their website details again. I can't see how that could be the Ramada, the postcode, however, is the location for the Ramada. They wrote back and told me the postcode for The International. I told them that that was what I was telling them. Then it clicked and they said that they forward it on to their marketing dept. Success.... Then I had an e-mail from the Ramada telling me their postcode (which was the one on the International Site), and sent me directions.... Here's a strange concept..... How about reading the *$%&&&$$$ e-mail in the first place? All this because I was trying to help. I've just noticed this on their site too: "Should you wish for something a little more substantial, the Olive Tree Restaurant, situated in the adjacent Holiday Inn, offers both an á la Carte and either a Table D'hotè or Carvery menu every day. The restaurant is open 7 days per week for breakfast and dinner, and also for Sunday Lunch." Couple of things: Not sure if that means they do not do breakfast in the International.... I have to walk to another hotel!!!! Table D'hote should be: table d'hôte... considering they are in the hospitality business, you would think they could get it right...... I'll revise the rating after my visit.....

I don't know what was chewing the last reviewers goat, but I thoroughly enjoyed my stay here…read more The decor is very modern and classy, you feel like you're in a much more expensive hotel than it is. £50 including breakfast (more on that shortly) then £10.50 for wifi. The wifi is rapid and considering how cheap the stay is, I'm not too fussed having to pay for it - and by me pay for it I mean my company, because expenses. Only shortfall is you can only log in 2 devices at once, but I rang reception and they gave me another code so we're all good here. The room was spotless and with good facilities, plenty of room and quite modern. The bathroom was very clean and stocked with decent 'fine' soap - I now smell of sea kelp, for anyone wondering. I thoroughly enjoyed the shower too, I quite often find showers in hotels are borderline depressed or just really stingy on it's water ejection, but this shower was powerful and had a range of weird settings, like jet stream and hot mist. Staff are wonderfully helpful and polite, couldn't ask for more. Now onto the breakfast. I really like food. Like REALLY enjoy food. Considering the price, I really wasn't expecting much, but by the power of grayskull the selection was brilliant. If you're a cereal fanatic looking for some organic fruity muesli then you'll be disappointed, but aside from that the choice was really good. Buffet style, selection of lots of great tasting bacon, beans that hadn't dried up looking like chewy slug pellets in tomato paste (which I find a lot of buffet style beans end up like,) breakfast muffins, rolls and croissants as well as a couple of cereals, toast with a selection of jam, marmite, nutella and philidelphia (I know right??) plus they had a selection of FRESH fruits and yoghurt!! And I don't mean a few lonely pears and overly ripe depressed looking bananas, I mean mixed berries and melon style, with cut oranges and your standard selection of ordinary household fruits that no one is really interested in. I'm pretty sure that sort of fruit is only for decoration only. I thoroughly recommend this place if you're in the area, very very good value and a pleasant stay.