Wall of Love

It was the first break I have had in eight years of looking after both my mum and a disabled grandchild. I needed time out to breathe and take stock of my caring role. I needed time to think and evaluate my current situation. I enjoyed the spa experience and the swimming, and it was lovely visiting the local area and going for a local walk. I sat and read my book in the bar and ate there in the evening. A thoroughly enjoyable experience from the moment I arrived until I left in the morning. Despite the long drive, I was quite chilled when I arrived home.

The break at Rookery Hall hotel and Spa was very much appreciated, as I was able to focus on my wellbeing, relax and have someone look after me . I feel relaxed , and chilled and ready to start again. All the staff were welcoming and friendly and nothing was too much trouble. The Spa was lovely and very relaxing . I didn't want to leave . I thoroughly enjoyed my stay and would recommend to others. Thank you Carefree and Rookery Hall.

We as a family were at breaking point. The break did us the world of good to just have some peace and a recharge.

My break was extremely important to me as my caring responsibilities had reached a crisis point. I am a parent carer, and my daughter lives with me full time. I work full time, and the stress of this combined with caring meant my self-care had been abandoned. The break made a difference as my daughter's condition meant she was becoming more volatile, with violent outbursts that were getting more regular. I was at my wits' end when I found out about Carefree. I booked Rookery Hall and Spa in Cheshire and had the most amazing time. The staff were amazing and the property outstanding. I've left them a positive review and hope to return again - the 2-hour drive to get there was definitely worth it. The place is stunning and incredibly clean, and the staff were always smiling. Thank you all so very much. X

Words cannot express how much I benefited from this break. I was so happy- lovely, friendly staff and luxurious surroundings. Thank you so much.

I want to thank you at Carefree and Handpicked Hotels for the opportunity to stay at somewhere that is so exquisite. I would not of been able to afford such a stay on my carers allowance but myself and a friend went for a spa break and had some treatments some cocktails and lovely food. Staff were so attentive, especially Karen who done my treatment at the spa. I literally hit the ground running as I had one child home sick and got a phone call whilst I was still at the hotel from my other daughters school to say they had had a bad fall and needed collecting. Because I was so rested and my back had had an opportunity to recover (it had gone a couple of days before) I was able to deal with the chaos that is my life with two disabled children so I want to thank you and the team at the hotel this has meant more to me than you will ever know.

We had a lovely day in Nantwich before arriving at the hotel. We were welcomed like VIP's. The hotel is beautiful and our room was upgraded. We enjoyed the spa experience and felt very rejuvenated by using it. Our room was gorgeous and they even turned down the bed and left chocolates for us. We ate at the hotel in the evening and enjoyed the food very much. Our breakfast was delicious and the serving staff were very courteous. We had a wonderful break and for just that one night we felt very special and enjoyed each others company knowing that mum was being cared for by my sister Thank you Carefree and thank you The Rookery for giving us this opportunity.

Loved it. Rookery Hall Hotel was beautiful, a real treat. They gave us a lovely room, breakfast was yummy, staff were really friendly, and the spa was lovely. Highly recommend. Great work from Carefree — just a lovely little treat. I could never afford to stay somewhere like that. But with just an evening meal and a few drinks to pay for, it was great.

I was looking forward to going away as soon as it was booked, and I was not disappointed at all. The staff at The Rookery are second to none and always make the stay so special, and nothing is too much trouble at all. I left the hotel feeling refreshed and ready to carry on with my caring role. Thank you so much 😊 x

I’d just like to say thank you to Carefree and the hotel. It was very much the respite break I needed. It wasn’t too far from home, but far enough for me to rest, yet close enough to get back in an emergency. The hotel was amazing from start to finish. I left feeling very refreshed. This break wouldn’t have been possible without Carefree.

The break was important for me and my husband to have time away because caring for our grown-up son who is autistic and has other problems is putting a strain on our marriage. I would never book a break away because I’m too exhausted to go through the sorting, looking, and booking, plus it can be expensive when your money mostly goes on your cared-for person. Without the Carefree break, it would never happen. My husband and I are very grateful. The hotel we chose was perfect — the staff, the amenities, and the location were all perfect. The weather was lovely for us and the breakfast was very, very nice.

Enjoyed the break at Rookery Hall Spa. Went with my daughter and spent quality time together. The staff were incredibly helpful and the food was first class. Enjoyed our time in the spa, very relaxing. Would definitely book here again.

This break meant the world to me as I had just finished a wellbeing/caring with confidence course, and it gave me the time to relax and reflect on what I had just learnt. It gave me the uninterrupted time I needed to prioritise what I need to do over the next few months. ALL the staff were lovely, kind, helpful and friendly. I would also like to send a big thank you to Carole in the Spa for my treatment, which I had at the start of my break and helped with my own ailing conditions. Thank you ALL so much for the chance, it has made a big difference to me and the person I look after.

This break was absolutely fantastic, it was exactly what I needed. I feel very refreshed, the hotel was absolutely fantastic, and the staff was brilliant and extremely helpful. I'm hopeful I can stay at this hotel again, and thank you to the Carefree team for making this available.

I care for 2 people, my husband and elderly mum (93), and do not have much time for myself, as if I go away or even out, I have 1 of them with me. This break was absolutely amazing from start to finish, time for me and my daughter to have some one-on-one time for a change. I booked a spa treatment for us both, which was so relaxing. I feel it came at the right time after Christmas and all the running around that comes with Christmas. The hotel was lovely, and the staff even upgraded us, so we felt like royalty! Thank you so much

I had an amazing stay. The hotel was gorgeous, and all of the staff were lovely. It was a very relaxing and luxurious experience. I looked forward to it so much, and it definitely lived up to my expectations! I came away feeling very refreshed and so much more able to cope with the challenges in my life. Thank you to Carefree and Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa!

I nearly cancelled as the weather wasn't good but I'm so glad that I did. The break was important to just have a little time away to be just me again. It gave me a mini boost. It was a beautiful hotel and it was so lovely to have a swim and sauna and just time for myself. The grounds in the snow were magical too. The staff were attentive and it was lovely to have breakfast in my room

I was able to completely disconnect from the relentless nature of caring for a type 1 diabetic child day and night. This was much needed. Rookery Hall hotel was a stunning hotel, the room, facilities, food and staff were all top notch and deserving of their 5*.

Thank you Carefree and your partner hotels, such a special gift you are giving. I really, really appreciate it.

The whole experience was truly amazing. From our arrival at the hotel, where we were greeted and treated with so much love and respect, everything was perfect. The hotel room was simply stunning, and I truly felt I had enough space and little items to spoil myself for an evening. The spa was beautiful and very welcoming. The staff throughout the hotel were so polite and welcoming. The breakfast choices, which were also freshly cooked, were sensational and the food was beautiful. The whole experience was AMAZING.

It gave me much needed me time and rest and relaxation while enjoying the facilities of a beautiful hotel. Going on my own this time enabled me to fully focus on myself.

Hotel treated me like a queen, nothing too much trouble, I had a lovely room, fantastic massage and spa time, Superb Sunday lunch 3 course. I felt totally pampered and good about myself looking forward to going again. Thank you Carefree your a STAR XX

I have been a carer for over 20 years, and this is the first time I have taken a mini-break through the carer’s services — I should have done it sooner. I felt so relaxed and spoiled with the level of care and service at Rookery Hotel. I can't thank Carefree enough for choosing such an amazing venue to help give us a much-needed break. I feel very lucky to have experienced this and feel refreshed.

This break allowed me to spend precious time in a hotel near where my brother lives in Cheshire. I hadn't seen my brother since our dad passed away, so it was very special to spend time together. I really needed that connection with my brother. The hotel was absolutely wonderful. I had the most lovely welcome, with an upgrade to a beautiful room with a walk-in shower. The staff at the hotel were all incredible — so kind, considerate, and helpful. We had a luxurious time relaxing in our room, and the breakfast the following day was delicious. Everything about the hotel and the staff was exceptional, and I felt truly spoilt. I would love a huge THANK YOU to go to the hotel, please. I did tell them when I left, but it would be great if they could be told again. Thank you for my much-needed Carefree break — it came at the perfect time, allowed me to spend precious time with my brother, and gave me the opportunity to have a luxurious break for myself.

Rookery Hall staff were exceptional, kind, chatty and very helpful. My room was luxurious and relaxing. The break gave me an important break which enables a way forward to gain energy and carry on in my privileged life of caring for my loved ones.

This is our third carefree break and it has been so precious every year. I go with my husband and it's the only time of year we go out as a couple. Each day is so hard caring for our disabled child and not knowing what is around the corner and what new battles we will face. This break allows us to step away and escape for a night or two a year to take time to appreciate each other and put ourselves first without compromise, ready to do it all again for another year. It keeps our marriage strong and refreshes us enough to keep on caring with love and hope.

It was so lovely to have some time just for me. I had such a relaxing stay and can’t thank Carefree and Rookery Hall enough. I came home feeling refreshed and more able to cope with my caring role. The staff were all very friendly and helpful and I was made to feel special throughout my stay. An especially big thank you to the lovely ladies in the spa who went above and beyond to look after me.

The break was very important to me as I care for my daughter and my mum, so I really enjoyed my time away to have a bit of me time which I’ve not had for a very long time, the hotel was very nice they made me feel very welcome nothing was impossible they were very helpful made sure I was happy, I would definitely go there again

I was a little apprehensive before taking the break, as it was the first time I had been away on my own. However, there was no need to be worried at all, as the hotel staff made me feel so welcome and at ease as soon as I arrived, and nothing was too much trouble. My 24-hour holiday away from my caring role gave me the recharge and boost I didn’t realise I needed. Thank you, Carefree and The Rookery 🥰 x

I didn't realise how much I needed this break until I was on a lounger next to the swimming pool with nothing to do and no one who needed me in that moment! It was a lovely, relaxing night’s stay at The Rookery Hotel and Spa. The staff there were so kind and friendly. We made use of the pool, enjoyed a great cooked breakfast, and had a stroll around the grounds. It was just what my husband and I needed. Thank you to the hotel, and thank you to Carefree!

We had an amazing time from start to finish. The booking process, hotel, facilities and staff were fantastic. As a couple looking after a special needs child, we very often forget who 'we' are and having a break like this is truly special. We can't thank you enough.

Thank you for having us. It was a lovely break with a wonderful spa. We ate great food and had quality time together without our little people. I am very grateful for the opportunity!

Every year we look forward to our Carefree break, it's a chance to recharge and for myself and my husband to have quality time together. It was our 3rd stay at Rookery Hall with Carefree and as always the service was impeccable, the hotel beautiful, and the stay magical. Thank you!

The staff at the hotel were so friendly and helpful, I was made to feel like a princess! The service was first class, so relaxed, even the spa staff and facility were a tranquil experience. I've not felt this special since my children were born. Thank you for a memorable stay!

My Break was important because I could feel my stress and anxiety getting worse all the time. Having time to just myself without having to worry about anybody else was so relaxing (very selfish to say but true), I read my book, went for a swim, and had a lovely meal. Both the hotel and my room were absolutely spectacular, the staff in both the hotel and spa were really kind, helpful, and cheerful. I was treated wonderfully and made to feel like a special person (not just a carer). Nothing was too much trouble for any staff member and I was even offered breakfast in bed. The food was lovely too. I would like to thank the hotel and the staff for allowing me to have this break and also for making it so very special. I would recommend Rookery Hall Hotel and Spa to anyone, it was truly amazing THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH

This has been an invaluable experience for me in my role as a carer. Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to rest—I truly needed this more than anything.

The break for me was about time to myself, not having to think about anyone else, and being able to have that break in a superb hotel was fabulous. It couldn't have been better. The room was beautiful, the staff were very attentive, and the food was amazing. I am mum to a young woman who is learning disabled and autistic. She lives at home with me and her dad. We have personal assistants who support her to go out and about but we do everything for her. This time last year I was starting 5 weeks of daily radiotherapy and I had major abdominal surgery for cancer 7 months ago so the last 18 months have been particularly tough. The break felt like a 'thank you', a recognition of how different our lives are compared to people who don't have caring responsibilities.

It was lovely to spend the time away with my husband as my caring responsibilities affect the time we can spend together. The booking coincided with our wedding anniversary. We were lucky enough to be upgraded by the hotel who knew it was our anniversary. The staff were marvellous. Being able to use the Spa facilities was relaxing. We ate in the hotel restaurant and had a wonderful breakfast. Although it was only a one night break it was so important to be able to have that time together away from home and recharge. Thank you for giving us the opportunity & to Rookery Hall for making it so special.

It was wonderful. I was able to rest and recharge. I felt spoiled and I was being cared-for for a change.

It was so relaxing. The hotel was a fantastic standard. The staff were so kind and helpful and I honestly had an amazing time.

The hotel was amazing. The staff were lovely and couldn’t do enough for you. I would really like to return. I find it very hard to get away and although I only managed one night it was much needed and appreciated. Thanks so much

Thank you for my Carefree break. My son has just come out the other side of a mental breakdown, and thankfully, he’s on the road to recovery. Services through the local authorities are sparse, and my break came at a time I needed it more than ever as I am now struggling through the aftereffects of it all. You wouldn’t believe how much you really do help the people you get breaks for. Forever grateful, thank you xx.

The hotel I chose was Rockery Hall Hotel and Spa. It was utter luxury, relaxing with access to the pool and spa facilities. The food was amazing, and the breakfast was outstanding with many complimentary offerings. We were also upgraded to the same hotel room where David Beckham proposed to Victoria, which was awesome to know. It gave me a chance to unwind, something I haven't done in so long! I can't wait to hopefully do it again in a year's time. Thank you so, so much.

It was wonderful having me time at Rookery Hall. I was treated like a queen.

I enjoyed taking a friend and being able to talk about things with her, free of distraction and stress, but knowing that I wasn't far away from the person I was caring for.

My hotel was excellent. Service was top notch. I felt spoilt.

I am deeply thankful for the break, and to the hotel.

Please keep this going!

It really was a well organised break. I feel fresh and able to face life, positively, mental health wise.

It was wonderful to be a real person & experience a break without having to check so many details or worry about facilities. Being me without being seen as just a carer. The hotel was so welcoming and really went above & beyond to make us feel special. I ordered my first-ever room service as a treat & it was such a relaxing luxury experience.

The hotel was beautiful, the pampering at the spa was much needed and the staff couldn’t do enough for me. The whole experience was amazing and I felt so much more relaxed when I left.

It felt like a luxury break, in an amazing surroundings.

Thank you, to everyone who made this opportunity possible.

Sleeping without worrying was great.

Thank you for a lovely break.

I went on my own and walked around the hotel grounds, ate at the restaurant and had a swim. Didn't have to consider anyone else's needs. It was amazing to get some quiet time. Big thanks to Carefree, Rookery Hall and Dca. This break made such a difference to me.

Big thanks to the hotel and this scheme. It gave me the quiet head space that I really needed.

It was very lovely to just think about things I wanted to do.

Loved lying on my bed reading with only the noise of birds chirping! Thank you so much for the opportunity to go to such a beautiful hotel. I was treated and felt like a Queen!

I enjoyed using the facilities, having a swim and relaxing. I was able to take a friend with me, and we definitely laughed a lot! Also, as it was a two day booking, I was able to relax. The Hotel staff were lovely, and at no time did I feel like I was on a "freebie".

An amazing time away with my best friend. I was able to leave mum with carers and go on a break that I wouldn't normally be able to afford. It really has made a difference.

I'm so grateful for this lovely gift. Thank you. The hotel staff were lovely. Location and facilities were excellent. It was a massive blessing to have a bath - we needed to install a shower with chair so I really miss those; apart from availability, that was my main priority in picking a hotel.

The hotel and staff were lovely. The peace and quiet and feeling of calm...

I enjoyed relaxing and not feeling under pressure.