This B&B was a real find. I found it using Hotel Calculator online booking service. I was staying on business and I was pleasantly surprised to find such a high quality place. According to their e-mail confirmation it’s one of only a few ‘guest accommodations’ (ie large-ish B&Bs) in the country with 5 AA stars. I don’t know the area so my initial choice was based on the fact that it wasn’t too far from the railway station. But now I’d really like to go back for a few nights with my other half and see around the New Forest. There was a friendly welcome plus free tea and biscuits in the lounge. Staff were very helpful with info on local places to eat and transport etc. The room was clean and comfortable with local info, nicely presented tea tray and attention to detail in the bathroom etc. The small supply of videos and DVDs to watch in the room was very welcome as I was travelling alone. They even brought a couple of extra videos when I asked.  Bathroom was very good with large towels etc. I popped out briefiy for a pub meal but there seemed to be plenty of choice of places to eat in Brockenhurst although some looked like they close on a Sunday. I also liked the fact that this place was genuinely eco-friendly without pushing it in your face whereas, with some large hotel chains I’ve stayed at it seems a bit of a gimmick. The locally-sourced breakfast with sausages, eggs, bacons and mushrooms from nearby farms was excellent. I wasn’t in a hurry in the morning but it was good to see I could have had the option of a light breakfast left in my room the night before if I had needed to leave early. Checkout was very friendly and efficient and the staff also made arrangements for me to leave some luggage with them while I went to my meeting. All in all excellent value. Having had a quick look around, I would guess that Cottage Lodge wouldn’t be so good for those with very young children. But I’d recommend it for couples of all ages or people passing through on business who want a friendly and good quality place to stay. I don’t normally write reviews of places I stay but this B&B was a pleasant surprise and I hope to go back again.

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