Luxury Hotels - Mayflower inn vs. Wheatleigh

Thinking of a quick weekend getaway in April. Any thoughts on which is a better property?

I've stayed at both, and strongly prefer the Mayflower. Wheatleigh was very antiseptic -- and while I can love minimalist design, I thought it was completely wrong for this Gilded Age mansion. Service was non-existent, and there was nothing remarkable about the public areas or the grounds -- a ho-hum pool, indifferently maintained gardens, and no great spots just for relaxation. The food was also unremarkable and very expensive.

The Mayflower's spa is the best I've experienced in the US, even better than Amangiri's. The quality of treatments, the wonderful pre- and post-treatment water experiences and relaxation area with its stupendous view of the woods. It's really great. Like so many US properties, the service standards were low here, and the food was unremarkable. But the spa is just amazing, and the suites in the Allerton building were superb -- traditionally decorated (canopy beds, wallpaper, etc.) and while I don't usually love that sort of thing, they were so nicely appointed and so comfortable and spacious that I loved the suite.

thanks a lot Groombridge, especially re wheatleigh

i look forward to doing spa-inclusive package at mayflower at some point, although after three forks, and i might try using it to negotiate at other properties

Have always wanted to try Mayflower Inn but still haven't had a chance to!

Been to Wheatleigh, while I thought the grounds beautiful, I really cannot comment on their service, as Groombridge mentioned, the service is non-existent!

The so-called *Junior Suite* is not a suite, more like a Superior Room, food wasn't impressive either.
I've had much better experiences at Blantyre in Berkshires

I've stayed at both, and strongly prefer the Mayflower. Wheatleigh was very antiseptic -- and while I can love minimalist design, I thought it was completely wrong for this Gilded Age mansion. Service was non-existent, and there was nothing remarkable about the public areas or the grounds -- a ho-hum pool, indifferently maintained gardens, and no great spots just for relaxation. The food was also unremarkable and very expensive.

The Mayflower's spa is the best I've experienced in the US, even better than Amangiri's. The quality of treatments, the wonderful pre- and post-treatment water experiences and relaxation area with its stupendous view of the woods. It's really great. Like so many US properties, the service standards were low here, and the food was unremarkable. But the spa is just amazing, and the suites in the Allerton building were superb -- traditionally decorated (canopy beds, wallpaper, etc.) and while I don't usually love that sort of thing, they were so nicely appointed and so comfortable and spacious that I loved the suite.

Have always wanted to try Mayflower Inn but still haven't had a chance to!

Been to Wheatleigh, while I thought the grounds beautiful, I really cannot comment on their service, as Groombridge mentioned, the service is non-existent!

The so-called *Junior Suite* is not a suite, more like a Superior Room, food wasn't impressive either.
I've had much better experiences at Blantyre in BerkshiresIf these experiences are the norm now at Whealeigh, that would be quite a shame. Francois Thomas, the erstwhile general manager who transformed Wheatleigh from a sleeply little country inn to the grand dame it became, never would have tolerated anything other than impeccable service and the best possible food. I have not been back to Wheatleigh since Francois moved on, maybe 10 years ago, but that's really unfortunate.