OYO Baylis House Hotel

The hotel, a historic stately home set in a beautiful country park, is primarily renowned as a premier event venue, particularly for weddings and large parties. Guests consistently highlight the significant positive transformation under its new management, praising the seamless organization and high quality of events hosted here. Its grand exterior and spacious halls make it an ideal choice for event organizers and couples planning their special day, as well as families celebrating significant milestones, as the venue excels at accommodating large gatherings. For business travelers and sightseers visiting nearby attractions like Legoland or Windsor Castle, the hotel offers a quiet, comfortable, and good value option for short stays. To ensure a smooth check-in, guests should be prepared to provide identification and a refundable deposit upon arrival. For hotel stays, some guests suggest requesting a room in the main building for a potentially more comfortable experience, and noting that rooms can be warm, so inquiring about air conditioning is advisable.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests generally find the hotel's amenities functional and convenient for short stays. Free Wi-Fi is consistently available and performs well, allowing guests to stay connected for work or leisure. Rooms are equipped with Smart TVs offering Netflix and YouTube, along with convenient USB electrical sockets for charging personal devices. A kettle with tea, coffee, and sugar supplies is provided, and many rooms include a fan to help with temperature regulation, which is appreciated given some rooms can be warm. However, a recurring theme in reviews is the limited availability of general hotel facilities; many guests note that the restaurant and bar are often not open, and breakfast is frequently unavailable, particularly for individual hotel guests. This means guests should plan to seek dining options elsewhere, as the hotel primarily caters to large events rather than offering a full-service experience for all guests.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Most guests praise the cleanliness of the rooms, finding them well-maintained upon arrival. The beds are frequently described as comfortable, contributing to a restful stay, though some guests noted issues like flat pillows or double beds made from two singles. While rooms are generally well-heated, some can become quite warm, and guests appreciate the presence of a fan or the option of air conditioning. However, feedback on bathrooms is mixed; while some are clean with power showers, others report issues such as mold on ceilings or grout, loose or broken fittings, a lack of a bath plug, or inconsistent hot water. Noise can occasionally be an issue, with some guests mentioning sounds from other rooms, boiler systems, or doors banging. Room sizes vary, with some described as spacious and others as tiny. Some rooms also show signs of wear, with peeling wallpaper or walls needing a fresh coat of paint.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel receives overwhelmingly positive feedback for its dining and food quality when catering for events. Guests consistently describe the food provided for weddings, parties, and other celebrations as amazing, delicious, and of outstanding quality, with particular praise for the Indian cuisine. The catering management for these events is also highly commended for its efficiency and flexibility. However, the experience for individual hotel guests is markedly different. Many reviews indicate that the restaurant and bar facilities are often closed or offer a very minimal menu, leading to disappointment. While some positive mentions exist for breakfast, such as tasty sausages, a significant number of guests report that breakfast is simply not available during their stay, often attributed to the hotel's focus on events or specific circumstances. This means general hotel guests should not rely on on-site dining options.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a generally good location, offering convenience for various types of travelers. It is situated within easy reach of popular attractions such as Legoland and Windsor Castle, making it suitable for families and sightseers. Its proximity to Heathrow Airport and Slough town center also makes it a practical choice for business travelers and those needing quick access to transport hubs. A significant advantage highlighted by many guests is the ample, secure, and free parking available on-site, which is a rare and valued amenity. While the hotel is set in a quiet area, some guests note that it can be a bit far out if relying solely on public transport, with bus stops requiring a walk and limited direct connections to major stations or the airport. Furthermore, while the building itself is historic, some reviews mention that the exterior grounds can appear untidy or in need of maintenance, and directions to reception can be unclear upon arrival.

Staff & Service
The staff and service at the hotel consistently receive high praise from guests, standing out as a major positive aspect of the experience. The team is frequently described as exceptionally friendly, helpful, and attentive, often going above and beyond to accommodate guest needs. For those organizing events, specific event managers are repeatedly commended for their excellent communication, organizational skills, and ability to ensure everything runs smoothly from planning to execution. Reception staff are also highlighted for their efficiency during the check-in process and their willingness to assist with various requests, such as providing extra amenities or helping with taxi bookings. While the overall service is highly regarded, some guests note that an early check-in fee and a refundable deposit are required, which are not always clearly communicated during the booking process, but the staff handle these procedures professionally.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of a few important details to ensure a smooth stay. It is a hotel policy to require photo identification and a refundable deposit of £50 upon check-in, which some guests found was not clearly communicated beforehand. The hotel's website is noted by some as being vague or not user-friendly, making it difficult to find comprehensive information. For event attendees, a unique aspect is the separate location of men's and women's toilets on different floors, which can be inconvenient depending on the event hall. For hotel guests, some rooms may lack certain expected amenities such as a hairdryer, a fridge, or bedside lights. Furthermore, while the hotel offers ample parking, some guests have noted that the exterior grounds and car park areas can appear untidy or in need of maintenance, and initial directions to reception or navigating the gated entrance can be unclear, especially at night.