Finally, after what seemed like a lifetime in lockdown, the government has announced its ‘roadmap’ back to normal life, and that, of course, includes travel.

And it seems like staycations will be the first big step that we can definitely plan for, meaning it’s time to start thinking about where exactly you want to go! We have put together some inspiration for you – if these properties don’t get you excited, we’re not sure what will. From 17 May you can stay in a hotel in England. Although travel abroad may start from 17 May it’s yet to be confirmed, at least with a break in the UK you can have something definite to look forward to. The joys of someone else cooking you breakfast or making your bed that we have all missed!

These are some of the fanciest, most luxurious properties across England (stay tuned for our article on snazzy stays in Scotland, Wales and Ireland), perfect for an indulgent staycation to help you forget the last year. Tell us which one is your favourite, or if we have missed any you think we should include!

Nearly all of the hotels below can be booked with extra perks though specialist luxury travel agents like our partners Debonair. We have listed the extra perks you can get alongside each hotel. The majority of rates are also cancellable and fully flexible but make sure you check the specifics when you book. 

Note: Most properties have announced they will be back to operating in May, however some private stays and dining options will open in April. Make sure you check the requirements and restrictions before booking. 

Gainsborough Bath Spa, Bath

Let’s start the ball rolling with this gorgeous Grade II Listed, Georgian and Victorian property, set right in the middle of the World Heritage Site of Bath. 

The most special aspect of this hotel is that is has the exclusive privilege of direct access to the famous thermal waters Bath is famous for.

Centred around the Spa Village Bath, the hotel’s 99 spacious rooms feature five-star amenities, including luxurious bedding, complimentary high end bath products and even a Nespresso machine. A private Townhouse is also available for families or groups.

The 14,000 square foot spa has a range of treatment rooms, three thermal pools, a steam room and a sauna. The spa ‘process’ is a serious business: guests are encouraged to create ‘spa intentions’ and start the bathing journey with the creation of a personalised pouch of aromatherapy scented salts, unique to each guest.

It’s not all about the water though – there is food too! Chef Dan Moon prepares locally sourced produce, served in a relaxed setting (perfect for those post-spa vibes). Excellent service across the board tops off this lovely hotel experience.

The Gainsborough is part of SLH which means you can also redeem and earn points with Hyatt. If you want to extra perks you can join the SLH “Invited” loyalty scheme free which gives 10% off plus early check-in and late checkout. You can find out more about Invited here.

You can check rates here. 

Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Oxfordshire

Located right near Oxford,  Le Manoir hotel-restaurant is ideal for foodies. Not only are there two Michelin-starred restaurants led by celebrated French chef and owner Raymond Blanc, but an entire sprawling, gastronomically dedicated estate.

Wander through the extensive (and yummy) gardens, which include an organic kitchen garden, an orchard, herb garden and mushroom garden. The gardens change significantly throughout the year, providing a stunning backdrop no matter when you visit.

The hotel features 32 rooms and suites, each individually designed and all featuring luxurious amenities – cushy beds, luxe fabrics and marble bathrooms. There are also private apartments to rent.

The property also offers cooking and gardening courses, as well as more unique experiences like handling birds of prey. Visitors can also take advantage of concerts and music in the on-site St Mary’s church.

Extra perks are available if you book through our partnership with luxury travel agent Debonair here:

• Property will offer early check-in and late checkout upon availability
• Property will offer upgrade at time of check-in – subject to availability
• 100 USD Food & Beverage or spa credit
• Complimentary full English breakfast for two daily
• Wi fi

The Lanesborough, London

The Lanesborough is a gem in the ideal London location – a 5-star, listed Grade II hotel right on Hyde Park Corner. Luxurious, air-conditioned rooms combine 19^th-century style with modern luxury and provide in-room tablets (the tech kind) and free Wi-Fi throughout. Guests can also take advantage of a personal butler service.

Many of the properties 93 rooms also feature views over Hyde Park.

The hotel also features the Michelin-starred Céleste restaurant, as well as a super snazzy cigar lounge which offer an impressive selection of cognacs and cigars to the discerning guest.

The on-site Club & Spa won ‘Best Hotel Spa 2019’ at the World Spa Awards, and includes a fitness centre, stunning spa and wellbeing facilities.

Michele – I visited the spa last year and was really impressed. It was extremely luxurious with a button to press for service next to the loungers by the spa pool. The treatment was also very good. It is usually open to non-residents.

Extra perks are available if you book through our partnership with luxury travel agent Debonair here:

• Property will offer early check-in and late checkout upon availability
• Property will offer upgrade at time of check-in – subject to availability
• 85 GBP Food & Beverage or spa treatment credit; 3 nights+: Room: One-way transfer to/from any London airport or rail terminal; Suites: Roundtrip transfer to/from any London airport or rail terminal
• Complimentary Full English breakfast (up to 38 GBP per person, per day)
• Basic Wi-Fi

Coworth Park, Berkshire

For those who want a country getaway, without being too far from the city, look no further than Coworth Park.

Tucked away in Berkshire, the property provides guests with a luxurious a 240-acre rural escape. Once owned by Galen Weston, owner of Selfridges and Fortum & Mason, the aristocratic manor house became a hotel in 2010, after a full refurbishment.

Each spacious, elegantly furnished room features large bathrooms, under-floor heating and large copper baths. All the mod-cons are included, of course, with high-end tech tucked away amongst all that finery – including a Nespresso coffee machine. All rooms also enjoy views over the gorgeous surrounding gardens, and private stays in the listed Dower House are also available.

The on-site equestrian centre offers an extra rural touch, with a nod to its nearby neighbour Ascot. Guests can take advantage of riding lessons, go for a ride or simply enjoy wandering the extensive stables and making some new (equine) friends. The property is also the only UK hotel to host its own polo fields.

Coworth Park’s eco spa gives guests the chance to unwind after a long day of rural living; featuring a unique roof of fragrant herbs, the spa offers a wide range of relaxing spa and beauty treatments in a contemporary and calming space. There is also a swimming pool (with underwater music, of course) and a gym.

Extra perks are available if you book through our partnership with luxury travel agent Debonair here:

• Property will offer early check-in and late checkout upon availability
• Property will offer upgrade at time of check-in – subject to availability
• 85 GBP resort credit
• Complimentary full breakfast for two daily
• High-Speed/Enhanced Wi-Fi

The Langley, Buckinghamshire

Once home to the third Duke of Marlborough, this 150 acre property is no less fancy now than it was back in the day. The Palladian-style mansion house, along with it’s adjoining Grade-II listed Brew House, offer 41 magnificent guestrooms and suites.

The hotel’s rich history combines with modern taste and upscale amenities to provide an indulgent and relaxing stay for guests, from start to finish.

The Langley Spa is a real treat: with a unique VIP suite, exceptional thermal facilities and a next level fitness centre, the spa covers 1600m2 and offers guests a sumptuous spa experience.

Once you’re all scrubbed and satisfied, visitors can opt to dine on-site overlooking the lake and estate grounds, where the cuisine is inspired by the bountiful English countryside. The Churchill Bar is a great choice for a nightcap, with a specifically curated selection of cognac, cocktails and spirits, as well as rare cigars. There is even an outdoor pool if we get a rare hot English summer day!

Pet friendly rooms are also available, so bring your pooch for a pamper too!

The Langley is part of Marriott so you can redeem points for a stay or collect them. On points, prices range from around 40,000-60,000 points which is good versus the cash price which can be up to £500 a night or more. 

You can find our full review of The Langley here. 

Extra perks are available if you book through our partnership with luxury travel agent Debonair here:

• Property will offer early check-in and late checkout upon availability
• Property will offer upgrade at time of check-in – subject to availability
• 100 USD Food & Beverage or spa credit
• Complimentary full English breakfast for two daily
• Wi fi

NOTE: If you have Marriott status you will still collect points and receive Marriott benefits through Debonair. 

Cliveden House, Berkshire

Just a hop, skip and jump out of London, Cliveden House sits on over 350 acres of protected National Trust land, and has a long, exciting history of aristocratic owners and royal visitors.

Overlooking the Thames, this Italian-style mansion is surrounded by stunning gardens, and a short walk takes guests to the breath-taking chalk cliffs, with expansive views across the countryside.

Rooms are named after famous guests and contain antiques and priceless original works of art, as well as deluxe furnishings, fireplaces and handmade beds.

The on-site spa provides a glorious range of treatments, and other facilities include an indoor and outdoor pool (the outdoor one is quite famous), jacuzzi, steam rooms, saunas, a gym, tennis courts and more. The Spa Kitchen provides healthy food and cocktails.

The Cliveden Dining Room Restaurant is managed by Michelin-starred chef André Garrett, has 3 AA Rosettes and spectacular views over the gardens. The Astor Grill is a more relaxed dining option in the old stables.

Megan Markle spent the night at Cliveden House, prior to her wedding to Prince Harry. Cliveden is also one of Roving Reporter’s favourite UK hotels.

You can actually stay at Cliveden from 12 April as their Spring Cottage will be available to book as self-contained accommodation. The Cliveden Spa will be exclusively available to guests of Spring Cottage and spa members only during this time. The Astor Grill will be open for outdoor dining.

Extra perks are available if you book through our partnership with luxury travel agent Debonair here:

• Property will offer early check-in and late checkout upon availability
• Property will offer upgrade at time of check-in – subject to availability
• 85 GBP resort credit
• Complimentary full breakfast for two daily
• Basic Wi-Fi

Lympstone Manor, Devon

Another historic Grade II listed Georgian manor house, this lovely hotel sits right near Exmouth Beach overlooking the mouth of the Exe estuary and provides a bit of a modern twist on the traditional country house hotel.

21 luxurious guestrooms and suites use the local landscape and wildlife as inspiration – each one is named for a local bird species, and decorated in a colour palette inspired by the surrounding birdlife. Rooms all feature luxurious bedding, high-end toiletries, expansive views and deep bathtubs.

Three separate and individually decorated dining rooms serve Michelin starred seasonal and local produce, and the on-site winery produces its own sparkling wine. Guests can visit the wine room to try different varieties, or wander through the 17,500 vines (great for taking selfies).

There is a big focus on the local flora and fauna, and guests are encouraged to wander the grounds and surrounding natural areas. Lympstone Manor works hard to be sustainable, and have partnered with the Devon Wildlife Trust to ensure all creatures great and small are looked after.

Private woodland huts nestled in the woodland of the hotel grounds are available to book, and the property also has pet-friendly options.

Michele – Roving Reporter and I loved our stay there a couple of years ago. If you are a foodie, this makes a perfect relaxing break. 

You can read Michele’s full review here. 

Extra perks are available if you book through our partnership with luxury travel agent Debonair here:

• A bottle of Michael Caines Champagne Blanc de Blanc in room on arrival
• chocolates welcome amenity
• upgrade at time of booking

Four Seasons Hotel, Hampshire

This unique property is great for families, with plenty of facilities and activities to keep the kids happy. Set among lush English gardens, the restored, 18^th century manor sits on 500 acres of land, not too far outside of London.

The property, after a multi-million-pound refurbishment, features classically styled rooms with a modern vibe, as well as fancy, custom Four Seasons mattresses with heat-absorption technology, marble bathrooms and all the essential mod-cons.

An on-site spa provides all the usual treatments in a zen-style environment, and there is also a lap pool, an outdoor ‘vitality pool’, steam rooms and tennis courts.

However, it’s the more unusual facilities that make this property so interesting – in particular, the child-friendly Highwire Adventure obstacle course featuring zip wires, tree-canopy bungee jumps and scary high ropes.

Guests can also partake in a range of activities like horse riding, clay pigeon shooting, canal boating on the on-site river, crochet, yoga and cycling.

After all those activities, guests can stop off at ‘Carrot’, the on-site restaurant which incorporates ingredients from local markets. There is also a café, and ‘The Library’, which is famous for its afternoon tea.

Extra perks are available if you book through our partnership with luxury travel agent Debonair here:

• Property will offer early check-in and late checkout upon availability
• Property will offer upgrade at time of check-in – subject to availability
• 100 USD hotel credit (Excludes third party services, car transfer or spa retail)
• Full English breakfast for two daily in-room or at Wild Carrot (Max 62.50 GBP per room, per day)
• Basic Wi-Fi

The Langham, London

This classic hotel was opened in 1865, as Europe’s first ‘grand hotel’. Over the years it has played host to royalty, foreign dignitaries and celebrities.

Situated right at the top of Regent St in London’s West End, the Langham is the perfect place to stay if you plan on heading to the theatre. 380 exquisitely appointed rooms and suites combine the best of Victorian charm with discreet modern amenities, providing guests with everything they need for an indulgent stay.

Chuan Body + Soul Spa and Health Club features a 16m swimming pool, sauna, steam rooms, a fully equipped gym and several treatment rooms. This was all refurbished a few years ago.

The hotel also features a range of dining options, including the award-winning and very glam Artesian bar, and the Roux at the Landau restaurant, which serves pared back but delicious French cuisine. Guests can also choose to take afternoon tea in the opulent Palm Court, or enjoy a pint at the Wigmore, a traditional British tavern. The food at the Wigmore is designed by Michel Roux Junior and includes the most amazing toasted cheese sandwich you will ever have! In fact, the Wigmore is where we had the TLFL reader party!

Michele – I have stayed here a number of times and the Club rooms are probably the best that I have stayed in, anywhere. Champagne, cocktails and wine served all day and an amazing spread of food throughout the day. The service in the lounge is second to none.

You can read our full review here.

Extra perks are available if you book through our partnership with luxury travel agent Debonair here:

• Property will offer early check-in and late checkout upon availability
• Property will offer upgrade at time of check-in – subject to availability
• 85 GBP Food & Beverage or spa credit; Complimentary glass of English sparkling wine with Afternoon Tea in Palm Court, once per stay
• Complimentary buffet breakfast for two daily
• Wi Fi

Gilpin Hotel & Lake House, Lake District

Set amongst the stunning scenery of the Lake District, the white-washed Edwardian house is set amongst 21 acres and has been transformed into a lavish, modern country house hotel. Gilpin Hotel is  part of the Relais and Chateaux group. 

Featuring 31 rooms, all lodgings have Lakeland views and private hot tubs. The lodges feature private spa facilities, including indulgent rainfall showers and private steam rooms. All accommodation provides guests with stylish, individually designed interiors, crisp and comfortable beds and luxurious bathrooms.

The separate Gilpin Lake House offers a choice of six different suites, all of which have private access to 100 acres of garden, a lake with a boat house, and spa facilities including hot tubs, saunas and a swimming pool.

Alpacas and llamas wander through the extensive gardens, and a small spa with panoramic views of the lake provides guests with bespoke services and products.

The Michelin-starred restaurant, Hrishi, features locally sourced produce with an Asian twist with a nod to the Cumbrian spice trade and taking inspiration from across the Indian sub-continent.

Extra perks are available if you book through our partnership with luxury travel agent Debonair here:

• Complimentary breakfast

We have manors, mansions and estates, plenty of Michelin stars, a bevvy of beautiful views, lots of comfy beds, a scattering of spas, country escapes and beach getaways. Throw in some horses, some birds, llamas and a high ropes course…if there isn’t something in there for you, we will be stunned. 

Although you may be yearning for a tropical holiday, for now, we have to look to our own backyards for inspiration until we know when we can definitely go abroad. Hopefully, this list makes you that bit more excited to plan your next UK staycation – let us know which one was your favourite! And if you think we’ve missed any, let us know. 

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It’s over to Roving Reporter today for his review of Gleneagles Hotel in Scotland. If you would like to find out about his second visit when he took the train instead of flying, you can read it here. 

We were on a short weekend break in Scotland and hoping to eat at The Andrew Fairlie restaurant (2 Michelin stars) at Gleneagles. As it happened the restaurant is closed on a Sunday and this was the only night we could stay given our fixed itinerary. Andrew Fairlie remains on the bucket list.  However, I found a good deal on the Gleneagles website:

Sunday Night Special
Includes full Scottish breakfast and the choice of a complimentary green fee on either the Kings or Queens course or 55 minute spa treatment per person

There were 4 of us travelling and we booked 2 rooms (an Estate Double (£505) and a Sovereign twin (£455). Given the cost of a spa treatment, I felt that this was good value.

Arrival

We arrived by car at 1230 and were impressed by the grounds and the long sweeping drive which leads past the Golf Clubhouse and round to the main entrance. It reminded me of the ‘American Resort’ estates, all very manicured. You can also arrive by train, even direct from Kings Cross, and the hotel will send someone to a Gleneagles station to pick you up. We then received a very cheery welcome from the Valet (Alisdair) who took our car keys and organised a porter to whisk out luggage away (it would appear in our room before we did).

The welcome was very lovely and then we were ushered into the impressive entrance and handed over to another member of staff.  Reception was very busy at this time but we only had to wait about 30 seconds before a lovely chap (Colin) greeted us, led us off to the side and completed the initial paperwork. He was charming and apologised for our room not being ready (no need as it was still 2½ hours before official check-in). He also promised us “the finest breakfast in all of Scotland” (more on that later), gave us some maps and asked us to enjoy all the facilities. We would be called when the rooms were ready.

We had a walk around the main building to get our bearings and then decided to go to the Century Bar for a cocktail.  The cocktail menu was inventive and we had 4 lovely cocktails (the highlight being the trio of martinis. After about 20 minutes I received the call to say the rooms were now available.

Lunch at The Birnham Brasserie

This is the newest dining area at the hotel. If you think Parisian café, you get the picture. It has a relaxed and informal atmosphere. We decided to sit at the marble bar. To eat we had:

A lovely Cos BLT salad

Shrimp Linguine Arrabbiata

Cajun Blackened Snapper, Cotton Onions

I thought this was great value for money.

Spa

We spent the afternoon in the spa area which was fabulous. We had reserved our treatments a week before (managing to get all 4 at the same time which is rare in a spa these days) and they were all superb.

The facilities are beautiful and included male and female relaxation rooms (with hot teas, infused waters and snacks (granola squares, chocolate covered raisins and fruit), saunas, hot stone beds,  steam and experience showers. There was a shared thalassotherapy pool.  Everything looked brand new (even though the spa is now 10 years old). We have enjoyed many Espa treatments over the years and these were amongst the best.

Again the staff here were excellent. Common throughout the hotel was the friendliness and ‘nothing is too much trouble’ attitude of every staff member we encountered.

Dinner at The Strathearn

This is a very large restaurant with lovely views across the grounds. The restaurant had an ‘old school’ fine dining feel to it with starched table clothes and aproned waiting staff. The restaurant was bustling. Again all the staff were lovely. We were served by lots of people throughout the evening, mainly young, from all over the world. Dinner service was just right. We were really impressed by the quality of the food (3 courses were £65) and thought it was great value.

Langoustine Bisque

Crowdie Pannacotta

Prime Fillet of Scotch beef Rossini

Stone Bass

The American Bar (or Not)

After dinner, we went for a stroll around the garden before heading to the American Bar for a Digestif (or 2!) The entrance is very grand and reminded me of our trip on the Orient Express in May. The host was resplendent in a white tux.

Unfortunately for me, my shoes did not meet the dress code! Perhaps I had been lulled into a casual frame of mind by how relaxed I now was given an afternoon of cocktails, fizz, 2 hours in the Spa and a lovely dinner. I was wearing dark blue deck shoes with white soles, though I did have a jacket on as befitted the Strathearn. I was informed that “we do not permit white soled shoes of any description” which of course made my entourage howl with laughter! It was the first time I have been refused entry anywhere and whilst initially horrified, it now is a funny memory which I will treasure. I have to say, the way it was handled by the host was really impressive.

I insisted the others went in (for review purposes only of course) and I headed upstairs defeated.  They had a great time at the bar (and reported that it was so dark that my shoes would never have been seen). Also, they were the only 3 people in the bar that evening!

Interestingly the dress code for the American Bar reads “informal clothing of any kind – including ripped denim, trainers, baseball caps, non-collared t-shirts and shorts – would be inappropriate”. I will let you decide whether I met it or not. Still, it is a great excuse to go back (and have that dinner at Andrew Fairlie).

You can read what happened on his next visit to the bar in part 2 here.

Room 

Our double room looked over the main entrance. It was absolutely lovely. We had a large bay window. The halls and the rooms looked freshly refurbished in shades of grey and the bed was a delight. They had Apsley Purple Water toiletries. We enjoyed a lovely nights sleep here and it was big enough to spend time in and not feel imprisoned.

The twin room was slightly smaller but decorated similarly.

Breakfast

Having eaten my fair share of ‘lovely’ breakfasts all over the world, I was hoping that Colin’s promise would be fulfilled.  He wasn’t wrong.  The choice was astounding. Served in the Strathearn there was a choice of buffet and à la carte (£35pp). The buffet was superb. Lots of fresh fruits, 3 types of salmon, vast patisserie, hot items (all Scottish fare), omelette station, Bellini and Bloody Mary Bar. The quality was so fantastic that I would recommend driving from Glasgow or Edinburgh just to have breakfast. Colin kept his promise; this may be the best breakfast I have ever had ANYWHERE!

The Glorious Playground

There are tons of activities (with a price) to enjoy here. Clearly, the hotel is a draw for golfers. The swimming complex is also very smart (2 inside pools and an outside area), riding, gun dogs, the gardens and extensive grounds. We managed to fit in a walk round the golf course which was very invigorating.

Conclusion and current offers

This is a lovely hotel. The grounds are breathtaking and the facilities top notch. It is an old building which is well cared for but more than anything it is the staff that make this place as special as it is. Everyone without question was a delight.

There are offers currently from 20% off or more when you stay a minimum of three nights. For more information and offers, visit Luxury Scotland or Gleneagles websites. The hotel plans to reopen on 15 July 2020. 

If you would like to find out about his second more recent visit when he took the train instead of flying, you can read it here. 

The post STAYCATION: Gleneagles Hotel Scotland & 2 star Michelin The Andrew Fairlie restaurant review appeared first on Turning left for less.

You may remember that Roving Reporter visited Gleneagles hotel in Scotland for the first time and had a slightly eventful time. In this report, he compares taking the train direct to Gleneagles on Virgin East Coast Trains in first-class versus flying. We also find out what happened when he returned to the scene of his previous heinous crime at Gleneagles which ended up with an ironic twist. 

When at Gleneagles previously I discovered there was a direct train service from London taking just over 5½ hours. I thought it might be fun to compare the trip with my usual method of transport to Scotland – flying from Southampton or Heathrow.

We were in London the evening before so it was easy to get on the tube to Kings Cross (obviously I would have needed to factor in the extra time if I had to get to London first).

The First Class lounge at Kings Cross

The Virgin East Coast website promises a lot for the lovely First Class Lounge. What a disappointment it was in reality! It was actually a great reality check for me to really appreciate what BA offer in the First Lounge and I even have more gratitude now for the Galleries Lounges too!

The lounge looks ok but is pretty small and was packed when we arrived. The door is next to the Little Waitrose in the main concourse which is just down from the hoards waiting to take a picture at Platform 9¾. You then have to wait for the world’s slowest lift.

You can get entry with any first Class ticket over £10 and your ticket is checked at the entrance. There is a variety of seats (all occupied when we arrived) from tables with chairs, small sofas, chairs with sweeping arms, footstool, and 1 chaise longue which was stuck in a corner. There was also lots of rubbish left on the tables.

There are a variety of teas and a good range of coffees (which to be fair tasted ok) available along with some juice and bottles of water. There was fruit, crisps, and biscuits too. Another fridge which was locked contained alcohol that could be purchased (no one did). It only had cans of gin tonic and mini bottles of wine so it was hardly a tempting proposition.

We were there in total for about an hour, the lounge emptied every 20 mins or so and then quickly filled up again. One positive was the direct access from the lounge to the overpass that takes you (via escalators) to your platform.

I wouldn’t bother visiting again as there was a large Pret downstairs which would have been just as good.

The train

The train looked though it had seen better days, to be honest. We reserved seats on the right-hand side to get the best views of the Scottish coast later, in the Quiet Coach J (half of which is taken up by the kitchen). My initial thoughts were the seats looked comfy and the amount of space was good. The general finish was grubby though. We had 2 mid-size trolley cases with us which took up ALL the space in the luggage rack at our end of the carriage. Most people (maybe seasoned train travellers) came with cabin-sized trolleys which did squeeze in the rack above their seats.

Reminiscent (the only thing though) of my time on the Shinkansen in Japan, we did depart exactly at 1200. Within moments, the frenetic onboard service started. Maybe it was because we were close to the kitchen (though you couldn’t hear any disturbance) all the first class food came passed us (with the crew waddling at high speed).

We were offered a drink from the trolley (see menu pics for selection). I had a Beefeater G&T, my better half some Spanish white, and we both had water.

Then food orders were taken (a range of sandwiches were given to those who wanted them, then the sausage rolls (these seemed really popular) then the hot food.

We both had the ruby chicken. When it arrived I thought it was a child’s portion but it was surprisingly filling and tasty.

Then coffee and tea trolley came round with mini muffins, fruit, or crisps which reminded me of the tea trolley in a hospital!

The service seemed rushed and frenetic. The lovely cheery crew were all Newcastle based and were very jolly. But they didn’t stop; up and down, up and down the whole way! Frequently a cleaner came through with a rubbish bag so you could dispose of your used items. What really surprised me was the frequency of the drinks rounds (we had 5 separate bar then coffee rounds between Kings Cross and Gleneagles!) being a pillar of restraint I behaved myself (first time for everything – Michele) but you could in truth drink your way to oblivion if you wanted too.

When at Edinburgh new menus were given out and we were offered another menu as the train continues to Inverness. This had the popular Rendang. Amazingly we both declined this time as we were full from grazing all afternoon (maybe it was the 5 G&Ts!).

I don’t take the train very often – the last long journey was on the Venice Simplon Orient Express to Budapest and this doesn’t quite compare! What I did notice was that when the train was moving at high speed (London to York in 2 hours!) it did feel very jolty almost like light turbulence on an aircraft. Though the seats were comfy, it didn’t feel at all smooth. Only when we pootled along from Edinburgh to Gleneagles at a normal pace did it feel pleasant.

Also, let’s not talk about the toilets……….

The view for about 15 minutes from Northumberland to just after Berwick Upon Tweed was indeed lovely but the rest of the 5¼ hours was nondescript!

Conclusion

Would I do it again? No, though I might try the new Caledonian Sleeper service at some point. The tickets cost £175 for 2 people on an Advance Saver ticket so cheaper than Club Europe. You can find out more information about Virgin Trains here.

Roving Reporter versus Gleneagles – the rematch

If you read Roving Reporters review of his last Gleneagles trip you will know that the usually dapper Roving Reporter got turned away from the American Bar for wearing a certain pair of white-soled shoes. He said at the time ” I was informed that “we do not permit white-soled shoes of any description” which of course made my entourage howl with laughter! It was the first time I have been refused entry anywhere and whilst initially horrified, it now is a funny memory which I will treasure.”

This time RR had gone specially prepared with the correct foot attire looking forward to finally trying out the American Bar. He did indeed get allowed entrance this time which pleased him no end!

His pleasure was slightly short-lived when he happened to glance down at the next table and noticed that one of them was wearing an identical pair of shoes to RR’s pair he was turned away in. He found out that they had slightly relaxed their footwear policy so he could have just turned up wearing the same shoes as last time! The irony!

There are offers for Gleneagles currently from 20% off or more when you stay a minimum of three nights. For more information and offers, visit Luxury Scotland or Gleneagles websites. The hotel plans to reopen on 15 July 2020. 

The post STAYCATION: Roving Reporter vs Glenagles part 2 and Train vs Plane to Sccotland – Virgin East Coast First appeared first on Turning left for less.

If there is one hotel in the UK that makes me feel like I am on holiday it’s Pennyhill Park I think it is due to their gorgeous outdoor pool and terraces with plenty of space for outdoor eating or drinking. I have stayed at Pennyhill a number of times with the most recent stay being last summer. In fact, I have actually been going there since I was a child when it was a country club and I used to go riding! This review amalgamates a few of those stays. 

This is a review of my visit in summer 2020.

The offer and current offers

The deal that I originally stayed on was for a Junior Suite for £225 plus a £10 booking fee. For those unfamiliar with Secret Escapes, it is a members only website with hand-picked hotels, holidays and exclusive offers. They guarantee to offer the best rates online during a sale. Every week they run up to 140 short ‘flash sales’ lasting around ten days each. It is free to join and if you use this link to sign up you will receive £15 credit off your first booking.

I decided to upgrade my room to a Plush Junior Suite. These have been recently refurbished and I had not had the chance to stay in a refurbished room before. This cost me an extra £60 bringing the total to £295. The cheapest this suite is priced at is normally £436 with bed and breakfast. My Secret Escapes offer included:

• Accommodation in a Classic Junior suite
• Full English breakfast
• Use of the spa facilities from 3pm on day of arrival until 2pm on day of departure

Expedia often have good offers as well. If you combine that with TopCashback which has 8.4% cashback for Expedia it could work out cheaper. You can find the Expedia Pennyhill page here. 

Pennyhill Park

Pennyhill Park is a former manor house that dates back to the mid-1800s and is set in 123 acres of parkland. The house itself is gorgeous with spectacular grounds. They have added a number of other buildings which have been built sympathetically to the original building style.

It is situated just outside Ascot and a 20-minute drive from Windsor. There is plenty to do nearby or you may just be like me and never want to leave the grounds! The Hotel has a nine-hole golf course, an outdoor tennis court and a range of other activities such as archery and clay pigeon shooting.

Pennyhill Park is part of the Exclusive Hotels group which also includes Lainston House near Winchester and the Manor House in the Cotswolds which I reviewed here. The hotels all have a very similar feel but are still very individual.

Arrival

The drive up to the house is very impressive, down a long tree-lined drive, past the England Rugby team’s training grounds. When you arrive at the hotel, you can either park yourself in the large car park or use valet parking which is free. I chose to valet park since it was free. I had to wait a few minutes as there was no one there but there is a small hill down from the car park so I thought it would be easier to just pull up at the entrance.

Reception was busy, to put it mildly for a Sunday afternoon. After waiting quite a while, I was told that my room wasn’t ready which I had expected as I was about an hour early. My plan had been to have lunch by the pool since it was a lovely sunny day but it didn’t go quite to plan…

The previous time I had stayed at Pennyhill, I had simply gone down to the pool and had lunch there. This time I made the mistake of saying to the receptionist that this was my plan. I was told that this was not allowed (!) as it was classed as part of the spa. You are only allowed access to the spa from 3pm. I do understand the spa requirement but not allowing guests to purchase lunch at the poolside café seems rather odd. I was pointed in the direction of the Terrace in the main part of the hotel.

Unfortunately when I arrived there was a wedding on which had cordoned off part of the terrace. All the free tables were occupied or reserved. Fortunately Peter, the Food and Beverage Manager, was serving and rescued my rather unfortunate start by finding another table for me. I had an enjoyable lunch on the terrace overlooking the beautiful grounds. The service by Peter was top class as was most of the dining service.

On my most recent visits, I have had to wait to check-in for some time due to large wedding parties arriving. I would recommend staying mid-week if you want to avoid this. 

Rooms

Pennyhill are gradually refurbishing their rooms and each room is different in terms of layout. I am not keen on the unfurnished rooms (known as Classic) as it is not really to my taste but if you like quaint English décor, it may be more your thing. My Plush Suite (Silver Birch) was much smaller than the Classic Junior Suite I had had before, but it did have one of the best bathrooms instead.  The bathrooms at Exclusive hotels are generally of a very high standard and one of the highlights.

The bathroom had 2 large freestanding baths which were just the perfect size. I liked the fact that there was an ice bucket between the two baths for your champagne! There was also a large TV screen, 2 basins, a magnifying mirror, and the most complicated shower I have ever seen. In fact, it was so complicated, there were instructions inside. You had a choice of 3 different programs, similar to those you would find in a spa experience shower. Alternatively, you could select which jets you wanted on. There was an enormous overhead rain shower and body jets. The toiletries provided were Exclusive hotel’s own brand and one of my favourite hotel toiletries. They come in large tubes and have a lovely refreshing green tea scent.

The room was well equipped to 5 star standards with air conditioning, Dualit espresso machine, media hub, and DVD player. The bed had high thread count sheets and was very comfortable to sleep in. I particularly like the bears you are given to hang outside as a ‘do not disturb’ sign.

There were bathrobes and a complimentary large bottle each of still and sparkling water. It was good to see fresh milk as I hate the UHT stuff plus some lovely home-baked cookies that did not last long!

On my stay last summer I stayed in ‘Acacia’ also a Plush Junior Suite. I picked this one as it had an intriguing sounding horizontal shower. This was a much better size than Silver Birch, although I did prefer the Silver Birch bathroom. 

The horizontal shower was indeed that, you shower lying down. This was definitely more gimmick than practical! It did have a bath and a normal shower as well though so I was happy. They had also changed the toiletries to their own The Spa brand which I also liked. 

The other rooms range from the Cosy room which is the entry-level which still have a TV by the bath.

At the other end of the scale is the self-contained two-story ‘Granary’ with its own garden terrace. This suite comes complete with butler service and a copper bath.

There are also some more traditional very grand suites in the main house with beautiful views over the grounds and a terrace.

Spa

The attraction for me is definitely the spa. This is simply the best hotel spa I have been to in the UK, other than purpose-built spa hotels such as Ragdale Hall. Although the room prices may sound high, given that you have access to the spa for nearly 24 hours, it makes it a good deal to me. Even for a basic spa day you can easily spend well over £100. The range of facilities is huge with both indoor and outdoor pools – including the 25m indoor Ballroom Pool, with underwater music. There is also an outdoor hydrotherapy pool which is reached from inside the building, so great for wintertime too.

During warmer months the outdoor bar and kitchen is open and they will even bring you your drink in the hot tub or hydrotherapy pool! You can’t beat sipping a glass of fizz in the Jacuzzi on a nice day.

Outside is also another jacuzzi with double bubble beds to lie on as well as the more traditional seats. Indoors is yet another hot tub, foot spas, heated stone beds, herbal steam rooms, laconium, plunge pool, ice cave, experience showers, sauna and steam rooms. Now you can see why I always want to go back!

For those that are rugby fans, England train on grounds which are part of the Pennyhill estate and they can be seen in the spa occasionally. I spent a very enjoyable time in the hydrotherapy pool one summer evening with a G&T and most of the England Rugby team!

The outdoor pool has just been renovated and is usually heated, but it wasn’t open yet when I was there. I have always found the poolside service to be extremely good with the same staff every time I visit. I am still unsure whether the server actually saw that I had an appointment when I ordered a drink, but I am guessing he did. When he returned he told me he had made sure my order got done first, so I had time to drink it. That is what you call service!

I had a full body massage in the spa and found the spa staff to be lovely. The massage was good with a heated massage table. After your treatment, you can relax on the waterbeds in the darkened ‘sensory room’.

Dining

The Latymer

The Latymer is the fine dining restaurant that formerly held 2 Michelin stars under the previous chef Michael Wignall. He has been replaced by award-winning chef, Matt Worswick. Matt gained his first Michelin star at the age of 26 and has also held numerous AA rosettes.  He has appeared on BBC1’s MasterChef: The Professionals in 2010 and more recently BBC2’s Great British Menu in 2015.

I ate at the restaurant before the change of chef and loved the food and the relaxed, charming service. Although the restaurant looks quite formal the staff were full of character and not the least bit stuffy. One of the more memorable moments was when they asked if we would like our water still, sparking or ‘Eau de Bagshot’!

I then tried The Latymer a while after Matt had taken over. It was still very good, although for me not as good as under Michael Wignall. This is borne out by the fact is currently has only one star versus two Michelin stars before.

The Brasserie

I have also eaten in The Brasserie and was very pleasantly surprised. The food here was still fine dining but in a more relaxed atmosphere. I think my only complaint would be that they could make the atmosphere a bit better in the evening as it felt a bit too much like a café. It would be nice to have some candles on the table and some dimmer lighting.

The food would best be described as modern British. The wine list has a great selection of interesting wines, including by the glass. I also like the fact that they feature English wines such as Nyetimber and an interesting Bolney Pinot Noir by the glass.

I started with the intriguingly named Coronation chicken. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised. It had all the flavours of coronation chicken but in a very modern interpretation. There was a chicken terrine with a coconut and cauliflower puree and a curry mayonnaise.

The next course was a beef wellington with Jerusalem artichoke puree, spinach and red wine jus. This was one of the best beef wellingtons I have had. The beef had a good depth of flavour and was perfectly medium rare, while the velvety puree added an earthiness to the dish.

The only disappointment was the dessert. It was called ‘peanut bar’ but the flavour was completely overpowered by very rich chocolate. However, if you are chocolate fan you would probably love it. I enjoyed the milk sorbet with it which lightened the dish.

The service was generally very good and Peter the Food and Beverage manager popped over to make sure everything was OK. I was very impressed that when they were a bit slow with my coffee, they took it off the bill without any prompting from me!

I have also had afternoon tea at Pennyhill which was excellent.

Breakfast in The Brasserie

The breakfast was as good as I remember, although I was sad to see the end of the smoothie and juice service to your table. The hotel’s bakery has always been a highlight and the pastries did not disappoint. I like the fact that they have more unusual pastries such as strawberry croissants. There was an interesting selection of flavoured hydration drinks, if you had overdone it the night before.

As well as the usual hot breakfast selection which included poached eggs and 2 types of sausages, bacon and black and white puddings, there was a continental selection. This had meats, cheese and smoked salmon.

Conclusion 

Overall, Pennyhill is a great place for a relaxing break, although I do feel they could streamline the arrival process. I love the quirky bathrooms and the spa is one of the best in the UK. If you fancy a holiday but don’t want to travel abroad this is one of the best places in the UK countryside.

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Michael Caines, MBE is my favourite chef. Not only for his stunning food but for being an inspiration to so many people. Michael was just 25 years old when he got his head chef job at Gidleigh Park. Only 3 months into the job, tragedy struck in the form of a serious car crash which resulted in him losing his hand. Many people may have given up on being a chef at this point since your hands are as essential as your palate to most chefs. Not Michael, however, who was back at work in the kitchen in an unbelievable 2 weeks after the accident. He later went on to win 2 Michelin stars for his food at Gidleigh Park. I was lucky enough to eat at Gidleigh Park a couple of years ago and the meal was one of the best I have had in terms of the food, although I wasn’t so keen on the decor and service.

When I heard Michael was opening his own hotel, Lympstone Manor,  I was excited to try it.

The Hotel

Lympstone Manor is set is a sublime spot overlooking the Exe Estuary in Devon. The Grade II listed Georgian mansion was once a private home and was previously owned by The Barings family of Baring bank fame. The hotel is set in 28 acres countryside with plenty of walks to try around the grounds and along the Estuary. It also has the quintessential English summer pursuit, a croquet lawn. East Devon has the nearby beaches and seaside towns of Regency Sidmouth, Budleigh Salterton and Exmouth; the gateway to the UNESCO Jurassic Cost. Moving inland you have historic towns such as Ottery St Mary and Honiton; well-known for its lace and weekly market.

“The opening of Lympstone Manor is the realisation of a dream,” says the two-Michelin star chef, who hails from nearby Exeter. “Everything that I have achieved in my long career has brought me to this point where I can fully express my vision of contemporary country house hospitality for the 21st century. I can’t wait to welcome old and new friends to my new home!”

As we arrived we weren’t sure whether to drive up to the main house as the car park was just before the main house. After I had wheeled my suitcase over the gravelled drive and left tram lines like a raked Zen garden over it, we discovered that you are meant to pull up at the door and they will park your car for you! We were greeted at reception with a scented hot towel and informed that as we were celebrating a special occasion we had both been upgraded to Junior Suites in the main house. This was a lovely surprise and a great way to start the trip. However, it was about to get even better.

As I was about to head up the stairs to my room, Michael Caines appeared in reception and said hello which really made my trip. There are many restaurants and hotels owned by celebrity chefs where you never actually see them but Michael is a regular presence in the hotel and kitchen here.

The hotel doesn’t have much in terms of facilities yet but they can arrange for spa treatments in your room and there are free bicycles to use too. We enjoyed a cocktail on the terrace whilst looking at the magnificent views after check-in.

Rooms

Once we had completed the formalities we were shown where the bar and restaurant was and then escorted to our rooms.  Each room is named after a bird that lives on the Estuary and the decor coordinates with the colours of the bird. We were in Kingfisher and Oystercatcher which both had stunning views of the Estuary.

Kingfisher Junior Suite

The room was decorated in a neutral decor with duck egg blue accents and opulent gold accessories. I would call the hotel style luxurious modern classic which is similar to one of my other favourite hotels, the Corinthia in London. The room felt luxurious and well equipped with a lot of attention to detail like much of the hotel. The rooms are all individual owing to the layout of the building which obviously could only be changed so much due to its grade II listing. If you have stayed at Gidleigh Park, Michael’s former restaurant home, you will recognise a lot of the touches he has brought with him. The room had a Nespresso machine, kettle with excellent quality Canton teas which are very premium, fresh milk in a steel thermos container and freshly baked biscuits in a jar.

There were also GHD straighteners plus a GHD hairdryer and a magnifying mirror to ensure you look your best for the fancy restaurant!

Above the fireplace was a large Smart HD TV which had some useful features such as being able to mirror your iPhone or iPad and apps such as Youtube.

One of the other features I loved was the gin tray. This had two different types of British Williams Gin, Fever Tree tonic and a lime with a cutting board and knife. Ice was also provided when we arrived and again at turndown. Two bottles each of still and sparkling mineral water were provided and replenished at turndown.

There was a double sink unit in the room which was about my only complaint (and as my readers know I am pretty picky!) I would have preferred the sink unit in the bathroom but obviously, it wasn’t possible with the room layout. There was nowhere to hang a towel by the sinks which I found annoying and could be easily remedied.

There was an excellent selection of L’Occitane toiletries with 2 choices of fragrances which is a great idea for his and hers or if you just aren’t keen on one. It would have been nicer if it had been a British brand though. In a separate area, the toilet was housed in a small room and a large walk-in shower was situated in the open with an enormous rain-head. Bathrobes and super soft slippers were also provided.

Oystercatcher

This was slightly different in layout as the sink and bath were in the bathroom. A nice touch were the candles flickering in the fireplace. The room had a much more masculine feel to it, which was more suitable for my travelling companion, Turning Left For Less’s Roving Reporter.

Estuary Suites

We were shown some of the other rooms in the hotel and our favourite was the Estuary suites. The ones on the lower floor have an outdoor bath and a firepit. All of the estuary rooms are situated in a private area with lawn chairs to relax in and enjoy the view.

Other amenities

If you get peckish or need extra room supplies, Michael has bought the pantry concept with him from Gidleigh Park. In the pantry, guests can help themselves to fruit, tea, coffee, milk and water as well as cakes in the afternoon.

Another nuance from Gidleigh is the morning tea tray which is brought to your room at the requested time. There is something very decadent about being served tea or coffee first thing in the morning to enjoy in bed looking at the fabulous views.

Food and drink

Obviously coming here the food is the main event and it would be criminal not to sample Michael Caines’ food if you visit. Lympstone Manor was awarded one Michelin star only six months after opening.

If you are staying for a few nights they also have a simpler menu available as well as room service. We started with a champagne cocktail in the bar and lounge area. This had a lovely copper bar as well as comfortable sofas to relax whilst you peruse the menu.

On a warmer night, there is a lovely terrace to sit out and watch the sunset over the Estuary. Thoughtfully blankets were provided but we had put the terrace to good use earlier when it was still relatively warm.

We both had the signature drink, Lympstone in Bloom, which contained Michael Caines Champagne, Chase Grapefruit Gin and Elderflower. This was accompanied by a selection of canapes which included a punchy carrot and ginger mousse, a delicate salmon tartare and a delicious beef fritter with an earthy truffle mayonnaise.

There are 3 choices for dinner which is served between 7.00pm and 9.30pm. You can have Michael’s à la carte menu at £115, the Signature eight-course tasting menu at £160 or his creative taste of the Estuary menu at £150 championing the Exe estuary produce. We decided to go for the Signature menu since it featured a balance between fish and meat and also had a cheese course. You can go for matching wines if you wish but we decided to pick our own by the glass aided by the knowledgeable Sommelier. If you are a wine buff you may like to have a look at the wonderful wine room where the hotel can also organise wine tastings for a charge.

Roving Reporter is something of a bread fiend so his eyes lit up when the waiter served our bread from a choice of 3 and then left the whole basket. We have eaten a lot of good bread in our time but this was definitely the best, both light and fluffy as well as crusty. RR summed it up well as ‘eating a cloud with a crusty outside.” Michael’s food is based in the classics and does not have the molecular gastronomy elements that you can expect from somewhere like the Fat Duck. Put simply, it’s just delicious food cooked to perfection and well-balanced between each element.

The menu started with Langoustine cannelloni with sauce vierge, lemongrass and ginger. The Asian flavours accents were very subtle as was the whole dish. It eased you into the tasting menu with the delicate sweetness of the Langoustine surrounded by silky smooth pasta. We accompanied this with a glass of the Michael Caines Rose Champagne.

Next came Quail’s egg tartlet with onion confit, black truffle and smoked bacon and a light quail jus. This had the perfect balance between the crisp pastry, rich quails egg and the beautifully cooked tender and moist quail with just the right amount of fresh truffle grated over.

The next course was Cornish salt cod, Beesands crab, chorizo, samphire, tarragon and lemon purée. I am not a fan of tarragon but it was fairly subtle in this Mediterranean inspired dish. The lemon puree was not too bitter and added a nice zing to the dish along with the paprika dusted on the outside of the soft salt cod which also worked well with the chorizo flavour. None of the flavours overpowered the delicate crab which would have been easy to do. We accompanied this with a glass of Albarino from Marimar Estate, Russian River Valley which was exceptional.

Pan-fried duck liver with orange braised chicory, marinated raisins and caramelised walnuts in orange sauce was next. I was worried this may be quite rich but again Michael’s deft touch offset the rich iron liver flavour with the orange sourness and the bitterness of the chicory. The crunchy sweetness of the nuts added texture to the tenderness of the liver. This was one of my favourite courses of the evening.

At this point, we switched to the cheekily named Sangiovese, Call Me Crazy, from the Napa Valley. This was an excellent example of a Sangiovese with ripe cherries but not too much tartness or tannins.

The main event was the Fillet of Darts Farm beef with horseradish and shallot confit, celeriac purée, mushrooms and red wine sauce. This was unsurprisingly a delicious celebration of beef which was cooked medium rare.  The sauce had just the right amount of wine flavour with a rich beef undertone. The horseradish gave the necessary punch to the beef whilst the celeriac puree was silky smooth with a hint of aniseed flavour coming through.

I decided to be adventurous and try the local wine Lily Farm, Jurassic Red from Devon. The sommelier had warned me that it would be earthy and she wasn’t kidding! This was a challenging wine and quite unlike anything I have had before. It was almost like compost and tomato tops with its earthy notes but I actually quite enjoyed having something different!

Selection of English cheeses

Another of my favourite courses was the Apple mousse with green apple sorbet. This was a wonderful palate cleanser with a surprisingly delicate but creamy apple mousse offset with a sharp refreshing sorbet. The sorbet was like biting into a granny smith with its delicious tart acidity and sweet juice.

The final course was one of Michael’s signature dishes – Chocolate orange confit mousse with orange confit sorbet. We had both had this at Gidleigh Park and this was just as good. I am not usually a fan of chocolate desserts as I find them a bit much at the end of a big meal. However, Michael’s mousse is incredibly light and the sweet orange flavour helps cut through the richness especially with the tangy sorbet. I loved the playful orange shape of the mousse.

The decor in the restaurant was much nicer than at Gidleigh and there is a choice of 3 rooms to sit in. The service was also excellent. Our young Dutch waiter was great – friendly but knowledgeable and he knew the answer to any questions we asked him about the food.

Coffee and Petit Fours was also included but although they looked lovely we couldn’t face any more food!

Breakfast

Breakfast is served in the same restaurant and consists of a small but high-quality buffet with meats, cheeses, fruit compote and fruit salad, yoghurt and cereal. The coffee and tea we had were both excellent and a basket of deliciously flaky pastries is brought to your table along with toast of your choice. The jam and marmalade are homemade and we were both so impressed with the marmalade we bought some to take home!

There is a choice of cooked items to order including full English, scrambled eggs with smoked salmon and kippers. We chose the eggs Benedict. This was good although the eggs whites were still a bit runny and not as good as Gordon Ramsay’s Plane Food which is still the best Benedict I have had.

Conclusion and offers

I am pretty fussy about hotels when I pay a lot of money but there was very little to fault here. From the elegant decor to the sublime food and stunning location, the hotel pretty much has it all. It could perhaps do with a few more facilities, such as a spa, for a longer stay but I certainly plan on returning in the future. It is now firmly in my top 5 UK hotels!

Extra perks are available if you book through our partnership with luxury travel agent Debonair here:

• A bottle of Michael Caines Champagne Blanc de Blanc in room on arrival
• chocolates welcome amenity
• upgrade at time of booking

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Today’s article is based on my friend Michael’s stay at The Langley. Thanks to Michael for all the great photos and videos. If you love Vegas or are planning a trip there, make sure you check out his website TravelZork. 

Booking and rates

The Langley is by no means cheap if you pay cash. A summer weekend night will set you back around £450 and an off-peak midweek room around £360. The bargain with this hotel is definitely with a points stay. The hotel is only Category 6 in Marriott Bonvoy. When Michael stayed in the winter, just before Christmas, he paid 35,000 points. Pricing is now dynamic and the base price has risen to 40,000 which still very good value. The points price goes up to 60,000 points in the summer on a weekend. Although there were certain weekends already showing as having no points bookings available.

Michael received a free upgrade to the Brewhouse garden terrace room, as a Marriott Bonvoy Gold. Originally, Michael had agreed the upgrade for his wife’s birthday at a daily charge of £75.00. The hotel even sent some flowers for her birthday too. 

Extra perks are available if you book through our partnership with luxury travel agent Debonair here:

• Property will offer early check-in and late checkout upon availability
• Property will offer upgrade at time of check-in – subject to availability
• 100 USD Food & Beverage or spa credit
• Complimentary full English breakfast for two daily
• Wi fi

NOTE: If you have Marriott status you will still collect points and receive Marriott benefits through Debonair. 

Location

The Langley hotel is located in Iver, Buckinghamshire, not far from Heathrow but in a rural area. If you wanted to go exploring, it’s also very close to Windsor and Eton which have plenty of attractions such as Go Ape, Legoland Windsor Theme Park, Cliveden House National Trust and Pinewood Studios

The hotel can arrange a variety of activities from falconry on an English estate, to horse riding in Great Windsor Park and learning how to play polo. 

The hotel

The hotel is situated in the former manor home of the third Duke of Marlborough on 150 acres of formal gardens and parklands originally designed by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. Despite the grandeur, the hotel is pretty small with only 41 rooms spread across the main buildings and a separate building called the Brewhouse. This makes a huge difference as it means no area is ever very crowded. It’s almost like having your own country estate!

Here are some photos of the reception area and lobby:

Rooms

Michael stayed in a Brewhouse garden room. If you like outdoor space, these are one of the best with sliding doors leading to a private garden terrace complete with a retractable awning and outdoor heater.

The room was well equipped with an Illy coffee machine,

Hermes toiletries

And even a Japanese style toilet

The bathrooms are modern and elegant in grey marble with a deep soaking bathtub.

Dining and bars

Since the hotel has a small number of guests it only has a limited choice of restaurants, but there is enough to give a little variety. 

Cedar

Cedar is an elevated restaurant overlooking the grounds. It serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and has a sharing menu as well.

Breakfast was a particular highlight of Michael’s stay both in the restaurant and on room service.

Dinner was also very good here and in a fine dining style with fresh seasonal produce being a focus. 

Drawing Room

The Drawing room is ideally suited to Afternoon Tea with its classic decor and original artwork. It is also the perfect spot to view the landscaped gardens and lake. As well as afternoon tea, it’s also open for breakfast and lunch.

Churchill Bar

Michael loved the Churchill bar and particularly the cigar bar area. The Churchill serves light meals as well as drinks and a rare choice of cigars stored in a custom humidor. The cocktails were delicious and beautifully presented. 

The burgers were also particularly good in The Churchill.

Spa lounge

You can also get healthy snacks and drinks in the spa lounge.

Spa and gym

The spa is definitely one of the highlights of the hotel. Although it may not have as many facilities as one of my other favourites The Pennyhill Park, it is much more intimate as well as more elegant.

The spa has the usual facilities with a few extra touches. There is a hammam, an amethyst crystal steam room and a Himalayan salt sauna. You can then cool off with the ice fountain or one of the experience showers. The spa is free to use but there are family-friendly specific times for swimming.

If you fancy a dip, then you can cool off in the indoor infinity-edge swimming pool or the vitality pool (hydrotherapy type pool). Most importantly, if you want to feel like you are on holiday, there is an outdoor pool to hopefully sun yourself next to and pretend you are somewhere more exotic!

The modern gym is well equipped with fitness programs designed by Matt Roberts and even has a Prama area you can use with video instructions. Training sessions and classes are available for an extra fee. 

You can find room rates and more information on The Langley hotel here or try Debonair our luxury travel partners for a quote here. 

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