Wall of Love

We've had some extra outside stress lately, so the break came at a good time. Went to this hotel with Carefree last year and enjoyed it, so went back again. Thank you!

The break was very important for my well-being. It gave me time to relax, and it also meant I could visit a very dear friend who I don't see very often. I would like to thank the hotel for a warm welcome and great service. Very much appreciated.

It's so good to get time just for me. Where I'm the first thing I think about. I'd had an accident a couple of days before going and so was on crutches. I was the one needing help and support! It was good to be the centre of attention. The hotel was amazing. Not somewhere I could have ever afforded myself. The staff were so attentive - I felt like a princess!

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.

It made a difference to me because I felt more like myself and only needed to sort myself out it was so relaxing. I really enjoyed myself and it was great to spend time with my friend who I don't see often. The hotel itself was gorgeous, staff was helpful, lovely and couldn't do enough for me had a lovely time.

We had such a beautiful time away as parents — it was just what we needed. It’s hard to find the time to book things or enjoy something for ourselves because of our caring roles. We truly had the best time and can’t thank you enough. We can’t wait for our next break!

This break was just what was needed, time to myself to relax and unwind. Made me feel refreshed. The hotel was lovely, very welcoming and every member of staff encountered during the stay was lovely, always smiling and nothing too was much trouble for them. Will definitely recommend to friends and family

I arrived and panicked that this place would be too posh, and worried that they would see me and cancel the booking. But from walking in, the staff could not have been more lovely. The place was stunning, and I got time to enjoy a coffee in the most beautiful lounge with chandeliers. The room was beautiful too, and I felt I could take a breath for the first time in a while. The spa area was fantastic, and the evening meal, although a little expensive, was so worth it—not having to do lots of different things or think about what I had to make, and no washing up. The staff were attentive and so nice, and we had a lovely choice of breakfast the next day. Thank you to all involved in arrangements for this break and the staff at Oulton Hall Hotel for the warm welcome and fantastic stay.

Mum is coming to a point in her dementia where a care home is fast approaching. To be able to spend a night away with close friends and to stay in such an amazing hotel was fantastic. Looking after mum is draining as she also lives next door to me. So to get away for one night away from family was what I needed. Thank you. Never been to Leeds but can’t wait to go back.

The break not only benefited me but also my 11-year-old son, who is a young carer. It is the first time we have been away just the 2 of us to somewhere so far from home. It was like a little adventure, we had some lovely bonding time and were able to spend some real quality time together. We cannot thank you enough.

Break gave me time to think of things I want to achieve moving forward. I got time to be able to think a just stop for the night on doing things and my head going a 100 miles an hour. I would like to say a thank Crewe Hall where I went as they made my stay welcoming and very helpful. I would recommend this to everyone, the food was all so lovely and the spa area was lovely to just wind down.

The break was important to me because without this break, I was isolated, pulling away from friends and family. I was really stressed and just needed one day to myself, to get myself back and to feel like me again. Now I can get back to my caring role as a better me.

I get very little respite at home. Our youngest son doesn’t cope very well and is ill himself (with an unrelated illness), so he avoids contact with his mum. Our eldest son is loving, caring and helpful, but is self-employed and works long hours. This first break came at a time when I was really down and quite despairing.

My break was important to me, especially because I was able to spend time with my youngest daughter, who is also a young carer. I was so happy to see my daughter have two full nights of uninterrupted sleep. The beds were so comfortable. The hotel manager (possibly the restaurant manager) was so helpful and kind. There was soooooo much choice for breakfast, my daughter and I felt like we could relax and spend quality time together. We were able to play a few quiet games of dominoes in our hotel room. It was quite unusual for us to complete one game without any interruptions from my two sons, who have autism and ADHD.

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 suffer from ADHD myself, as well as caring for my two children under 18, both of whom have additional needs. The break gave me time to let my brain relax from my ADHD and actually feel like I am a person in my own right, who needs some time for myself. This was the first time I have been away without my children since they were born, as none of my family or my children’s dad are involved in their lives.

Things had really been mounting up and I felt I was drowning a little. The break gave me a chance to reset. I now feel much more refreshed and able to cope. The hotel and staff were lovely.

My break was like a breath of fresh air. The hotel & staff were wonderful, it was a much needed break, thank you so much.

Absolutely amazing break. Hotel was wonderful, staff were very helpful, friendly and warm.

I had been feeling very burnt out in my carer role and in life in general. I am currently signed off work, as I am not coping well with chronic pain, fatigue, and mental health. This has impacted my family financially, and for this reason I wouldn't have been in a position to take a break this year — but it was necessary. I am very grateful to Carefree, Halton Carers Centre, and also the staff at Crewe Hall. The hotel is absolutely stunning, and I had the best night’s sleep due to the bed being so comfy! I came back feeling refreshed. Thank you!

The break enabled myself and my husband to have time together, just the two of us. It gave us a break from caring for our son . It gave us some normality for a short period. The hotel setting was lovely and we would love to stay there again.

I had a really lovely relaxing time I have never been away without my cared for before and it was amazing. I took my friend with me who I don't get to spend much time with, so that was special. The hotel was amazing, loved the pool, steam room, sauna and jacuzzi. It was a beautiful room and the staff were lovely, they couldn't do enough for you. I had a really lovely time, thank you so much xx

It was so good to have some peace and quiet. I slept so well which really helped. The deep tissue massage at the hotel was amazing, l was very anxious and stressed before the massage and felt relaxed after it. Thanks so much for this much needed time away,

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 was my first experience, which I totally enjoyed. I had been feeling so down, with my future looking very lonely and dull. So this break came at the right time, allowing me to switch off and enjoy time alone with my daughter. The break has given me the time to relax and recharge my batteries. Stratford-upon-Avon was so interesting and pretty. I’m feeling so refreshed — can’t wait for my next break. Thank you

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ My break was lovely and relaxing. We didn’t even leave the hotel — everything we needed was right there! The food was absolutely beautiful; couldn’t fault it at all. We were in bed by 10 😁. I’m not sure how relaxed I really was, but it was such a lovely experience overall. I’d entirely recommend this place. Thank you for offering me a break, and with breakfast, it made such a difference to my life. It’s so nice to take time for yourself and not always think about others, even if it’s just for a couple of hours

It is important to take time for myself. It is good for my child, who I care for, to spend time with family without me. The hotel was lovely. Staff were very welcoming. The spa was well needed.

I care for my daughter who has AuDHD (autism and ADHD) and I really struggle. I get so downtrodden sometimes with everything and it just spirals, but I was so lively just to forget my problems for one night and relax. I was able to reset. I loved just being able to watch TV and relax — something I don’t get to do often at home.

I had a lovely break away from my caring duties. Lovely hotel, staff were amazing and lovely breakfast. Perfect location and we were able to spend our time outdoors and enjoy not having to worry about caring for loved one.

The Carefree break was fantastic and provided me with some much needed rest time. I enjoyed a fabulous stay in a spa hotel, relaxed and had a gorgeous pamper. Hotel was fabulous, staff all super friendly and helpful. Can't thank you enough for this opportunity.

It was so nice to have a break away from all the pressure of looking after someone, and having the financial support from yourselves has really helped to make taking a break easier to do. The hotel we chose and the staff there really made it a lovely relaxing break.

One thing that sits with me is having the permission to take time out for yourself. I think the break does freshen you up and gives you the motivation to carry on doing it. We enjoyed the hotel it was spacious, lots of room to move about. The staff were extremely helpful and very pleasant.

Although I am able to take time away for a few hours, this was the first time in a while I've been able to travel further and relax. I was able to meet up with an old friend, whom I haven't met for about 4 years. It felt like getting the old me back for a little bit. The hotel was in a great location and very good. We didn't partake of all the amenities, but the staff were friendly and breakfast was fabulous!

I really enjoyed my overnight break, it gave me a well needed chance to just be myself and not carer and relax. Crewe Hall was amazing and I would love to go again. Thank you so much for this break!

It came at just the right time I was stressed in my caring role and the break recharged my batteries. The hotel staff made the break so enjoyable. Lovely hotel and staff.

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!

The hotel was fantastic - no fuss and didn't make me feel "different" for having a free/paid for break. Great weekend and good to have some time to myself, especially on Father's Day, 15th June - many thanks, much appreciated.

Such a relaxed break away, being able to use the facilities such as pool, sauna etc was amazing. I had a lovely walk around the grounds, a nice meal, an early night, an amazing breakfast, and 11am check out was just what I needed.

It was good to relax in comfort with no responsibility for a night. The hotel was lovely, Crewe hall is really nice and picturesque and the staff were amazing - very helpful and friendly.

It made a massive difference. My daughter doesn't sleep and needs to be with me 99% of time. I managed to have a relaxing bath and a full night sleep.

The Carefree break was an incredible experience for me that allowed me to relax and engage in self-care. The service and facilities at The Village Hotel Hyde were amazing, including the food! I came away feeling invigorated and more able to deal with life’s pressures. Thank you so much for this opportunity.

My Carefree break was wonderful, thank you so much. I was able to use the facilities at the hotel, and I slept well. I am very grateful for my break.

This break was vital for my mental health. I was at breaking point. I had an overnight stay and paid to use the spa facilities. It was wonderful to feel like me even if just for a short time. I felt rested and ready to go back to my caring role.

I was extremely stressed before going and suffering anxiety. The break gave me time to sleep and recharge my batteries. I was well cared for at the hotel and enjoyed my stay in a quiet room.

Had a lovely relaxing break. Time to chill with a relaxed mind. Great for the soul.

It helped me have a stress free night.

Thank you for the time that you all put in to make it a little easier for us carers.

Easy to book a break with Carefree. I am very appreciative and feel more relaxed after going away.

I managed to sleep right through both nights as it was so quiet in the hotel. Just not having to worry about my loved one, I could relax and enjoy my time. I really appreciated this break.

It was away from everything, and I was able to look after my needs.

Fabulous service and super easy to book.

I was apprehensive at first to take the time for myself. It took me a little while to know what to do with myself, so I took myself off for a spa treatment and enjoyed eating some snacks in my room watching television - not having to constantly listen out for someone else. I feel recharged. Thank you

The room we were allocated was lovely. The staff were super friendly and were expecting us. We enjoyed the pool and the breakfast was included the next day. It was a lovely break, thanks very much!

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.

Thank you, to everyone who made this opportunity possible.

I relaxed as soon as I arrived at the hotel. Thank you.