Whether you’re planning a wedding or a weekend escape in Lancashire, the Higher Trapp Hotel consistently earns praise for its friendly staff, scenic setting, and solid value. Drawing on verified reviews from TripAdvisor, Booking.com, Expedia, and other platforms, this article gives you a fact‑based look at what real guests say – so you can decide if it’s the right choice.

Last checked: 2026-07-10

Location: Simonstone, Lancashire, England · Property type: Country house hotel · Owner: Lavender Hotels (Sarah Sikorski) · Known for: Weddings, romantic getaways, Ribble Valley setting · Top review score: 10/10 on Hotels.com

How we researched this

Last checked: 2026-07-10.

Sources reviewed: official property website (Lavender Hotels), Booking.com listing, TripAdvisor reviews, Expedia listing, Hotels.com (UK) reviews, Trivago summary, myhotelbreak reviews, Google Hotels summary, Facebook business page.

What we did not do: no on‑site visit, no staff interview, no independent price verification.

At a glance: the Higher Trapp Hotel by the numbers

1 Highest guest rating on Expedia
  • 8.8/10 – labelled “Excellent” (from 902 reviews). Expedia
2 Verified reviews on Booking.com
  • 379 verified reviews, overall rating “Good”. Booking.com
3 Review recency

Does Higher Trapp have good reviews?

Yes, across the major platforms the Higher Trapp Hotel receives solidly positive feedback. On Expedia it scores 8.8 out of 10 (“Excellent”) from 902 reviews Expedia. Booking.com shows a “Good” overall rating based on 379 verified stays Booking.com. TripAdvisor lists 1,494 reviews, calls the property “Very good”, and ranks it #1 of 1 hotel in Simonstone TripAdvisor UK. Facebook’s business page reports a 90% recommendation rate from 1,084 reviewsFacebook.

Across these sources, guests consistently praise three things: friendly and attentive staff, the beautiful Ribble Valley setting, and the quality of the food. A guest quoted on myhotelbreak wrote: “staff very friendly & welcoming… excellent food & service. good value for money.”myhotelbreak The catch is that room condition is the most variable point – several reviews mention dated furnishings, especially in the annex or lodge rooms. While this is a minority of feedback, it’s worth noting if modern décor matters to you.

Note on room assignment: Main‑house rooms and “premium” rooms with garden views tend to earn the highest satisfaction, while some lodge rooms have been described as “dated” or “tired”. If you book, it’s worth asking for a recently updated room.

Is the Trapp hotel worth the price?

Typical standard‑room rates fall in the £52–£84 per night range according to TripAdvisor TripAdvisor UK. Expedia shows a sample nightly rate of about US$77 (≈ £60) Expedia. That places it firmly in the mid‑range bracket for a Lancashire country‑house hotel.

Do guests feel they get their money’s worth? Most say yes, especially when the stay includes the scenic grounds, breakfast, and friendly service. On myhotelbreak the hotel scored 88% overall with several guests explicitly calling it “good value for money.” myhotelbreak The hotel also offers all‑inclusive packages – the £169 Signature Package bundles dinner, drinks and other amenities – which reviewers often flag as a strong dealHigher Trapp Hotel.

On the other hand, some guests who stayed in an annex room with threadbare carpets or low water pressure felt the price was too high for the room qualityHotels.com (UK). The pattern: value perception varies a lot by room category. The bottom line – if you secure a main‑house or premium room, the value is excellent for the price level.

Tip for best value: Consider the all‑inclusive package if you plan to dine in – it bundles dinner and drinks at a fixed price, which many guests find more economical than paying as you go.

Who owns the Higher Trapp Hotel?

The property is operated by Lavender Hotels, a small group that runs a handful of country‑house hotels across Northern England. According to the hotel’s official site and public interviews, the owner is Sarah SikorskiLavender Hotels.

The hotel was formerly branded as Best Western Burnley West Higher Trapp Hotel but is now firmly part of the Lavender Hotels portfolio. That change seems to have brought a refreshed focus on weddings and packages – the current website prominently features all‑inclusive stays and wedding‑venue photography.

What is the Higher Trapp Hotel known for?

Three things stand out from the guest feedback:

  • Its setting – four acres of terraced gardens overlooking the Ribble Valley, with Pendle Hill in the distance. Guests consistently call the scenery “picturesque” and “beautiful”.Lancashireonly.co.uk listing
  • Weddings and events – the hotel is a popular wedding venue. One Hotels.com reviewer (Alison) wrote: “Beautiful wedding venue. Very picturesque. Spacious premium room overlooking the gardens. Excellent breakfast and service. Would highly recommend.” Hotels.com (UK)
  • Romantic getaways – couples frequently book weekend stays, praising the cosy atmosphere and the convenience of Fitzy’s Bar and restaurant on‑site.

“We enjoyed our stay. Loyal staff & the hotel is in a beautiful area. Plenty of food for breakfast, everything was delicious!”

– Tom, Lancashireonly.co.uk reviewer
Good to know: Trivago’s breakdown shows 58% of guests rate the hotel “Excellent” and 21% “Very good”. Service and location both score 9.1 or higherTrivago UK.

Hotel specifications at a glance

Attribute Detail
Address Trapp Lane, Simonstone, Burnley BB12 7QW, Lancashire, England
Property type Country‑house hotel
Star rating 4 stars (Booking.com) Booking.com
Number of bedrooms 30 en‑suite
Check‑in / Check‑out 15:00 / 11:00
Operator Lavender Hotels (owner Sarah Sikorski)
Known for Weddings, romantic getaways, Ribble Valley setting
Top review score 8.8/10 on Expedia
On‑site dining Fitzy’s Bar and restaurant
Free Wi‑Fi Yes
Pet‑friendly Yes, in specific annex rooms

Pros and Cons from real guest reviews

What guests love

  • Friendly, “amazing” staff – cited across nearly every platform
  • Beautiful countryside setting with terraced gardens and valley views
  • Excellent breakfast and food at Fitzy’s Bar
  • Ideal wedding venue – spacious grounds and dedicated service
  • Good value when booking premium rooms or all‑inclusive packages

What guests complain about

  • Some rooms are “dated” with threadbare carpets and low water pressure
  • Noise from banging doors in lodge/annex sections
  • Occasional “wet dog smell” in pet‑friendly rooms
  • Variable room condition depending on assignment
  • Limited breakfast options for some tastes

Pricing band

Based on TripAdvisor and Expedia data, standard rooms range from £52 to £84 per night. The hotel uses dynamic pricing, so rates may vary by season and occupancy. Premium rooms and all‑inclusive packages cost more, but guests consistently report that the package deals (e.g., the £169 Signature Package) offer strong value because they bundle dinner and drinks. Higher Trapp Hotel

Location & getting there

The Higher Trapp Hotel sits on Trapp Lane in the village of Simonstone, about 4 miles from Burnley town centre. The hotel is set among four acres of terraced grounds and gardens overlooking the Ribble Valley, with Pendle Hill visible on the horizon. It’s roughly a 40‑minute drive from Manchester Airport and 30 minutes from the M6 (junction 31). Guests arriving by car will find free on‑site parking. The nearest train station is Burnley Manchester Road (about 10 minutes by taxi).

Our recommendation

Based on the evidence from verified guest reviews, the Higher Trapp Hotel is a solid choice for:

  • Couples and romantic‑getaway seekers – the setting and service create a cosy, countryside atmosphere.
  • Wedding parties – the venue consistently earns praise for its gardens, catering, and event coordination.
  • Weekend travellers who value a scenic location, good food, and friendly staff over ultra‑modern interiors.

If you prioritise a spacious, recently refurbished room, request a main‑house or “premium” room at booking. For the best value, consider one of the all‑inclusive packages that bundle dinner and drinks.

Related reading: The Queens Hotel Lytham: Reviews, Photos, Menu & Booking ? Spa Hotel Burnley: Woodland Spa vs Crow Wood Hotel

Additional sources

tripadvisor.com

Frequently asked questions

What is the Higher Trapp Hotel’s menu like?

The on‑site restaurant, Fitzy’s Bar, serves classic British pub‑style dishes and a full English breakfast. Guest reviews on TripAdvisor and Hotels.com frequently mention the food as “delicious” and “well‑presented”. The hotel’s all‑inclusive packages include a set dinner menu.

What types of rooms are available?

The hotel has 30 en‑suite bedrooms, including standard doubles, premium rooms with garden views, and annex/lodge rooms. Some annex rooms are pet‑friendly. Reviews indicate that main‑house and premium rooms are generally better maintained.

Is the Higher Trapp Hotel a good choice for a wedding?

Yes. Multiple reviews across Hotels.com and other platforms describe it as a “beautiful wedding venue” with excellent service, picturesque grounds, and a dedicated events team. It ranks highly among Ribble Valley wedding venues.

How can I see photos of the hotel?

The official Lavender Hotels website and the hotel’s Facebook page have extensive photo galleries. You can also view guest‑submitted photos on TripAdvisor and Booking.com.

Does the Higher Trapp Hotel have a bar or restaurant?

Yes – the hotel has Fitzy’s Bar and a restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast is included in most room rates, and the bar is open to residents and non‑residents alike.

The bottom line: Yes – the hotel has Fitzy’s Bar and a restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast is included in most room rates, and the bar is open to residents and non‑residents alike.