Jacobean Splendour (Crewe Hall (Cheshire))

Member Name: helencb

Product:	Crewe Hall (Cheshire)
Date:	16/06/08 (170 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Amazing Driveways makes you feel you have arrived, fantastic blend of new and old, great modern bedr

Disadvantages: none

Crewe Hall is a fantastic Country House hotel that is easily accessible from the M6 motorway near Stoke, and is only minutes from Crewe town centre itself. The hotel has recently benefited from massive investment including the addition of new bedrooms, conference facilities and a leisure club.

This building is of significant historical importance, and was built in the early 17th century. It has survived major fire, and did remain in the hands of the Crewe family for around 300 years until ownership changed in the 1900s. The building itself is a Grade 1 listed building, which gives you an idea of its local significance.

As I drove up through the gates of the hotel and down the tree-lined drive, I knew I was about to see a very special hotel. The gardens and driveway are impeccably manicured and there is ample parking to the front of the property, despite it being fairly full that night.

My check in was swift and friendly and there was a porter on hand to help show me to my room. The hotel has had new bedrooms added recently, and I was in the new block. The new bedrooms, leisure club and conference facilities are very contemporary, but they are linked to the main building and there is a great balance between the traditional and the modern right throughout the hotel.

My room was a Double Deluxe, and was decorated quite neutrally, and therefore bound to appeal to all tastes. The bathroom was especially luxurious with a separate double shower as well as a shower over the bath, and an excellent vanity mirror. There were two very comfortable robes hanging in the bathroom, very welcoming as I had arrived fairly late, around 9pm, and my intention for the evening was to order room service and a drink (and settle down to watch the final of the Apprentice of course...). Speaking of which, the bathroom also had a selection of "metrosexual" toiletries including shower gel and shampoo. It was at this point that I realised I had left home without packing my toothpaste and toothbrush, however a quick call to reception and these were both delivered to my room and were provided complimentary. Guests are also entitled to 2 hours free wifi access per night, which I also took advantage of.

Unfortunately I didn't get the opportunity to sample the restaurants, having ordered a light supper of Cheshire Rarebit from the Room service menu for £7.50. I don't always have breakfast, but decided I would treat myself to breakfast in my room, as I was able to enjoy a relatively relaxing start the following day. Room service was delivered in a timely manner on both occasions and was well presented. In particular I enjoyed the breakfast options, which were extensive and included fruit segments, natural yoghurt with coulis and a range of traditional breakfast items. I decided to be awkward and opt for vegetarian sausages as a special request and these were very enjoyable. I didn't order the toast, but I received some anyway and I defy anyone to eat all the options that are available to them from the room service breakfast!

I took the opportunity to explore the main house and the spa facilities before I checked out. Amazingly, the hotel has the most fantastic small chapel, located just off the main reception hall. The main entrance hall just seems to ooze history and the internal and external architecture makes this a perfect location for weddings. There was also a lovely lounge area or reading room, which I would think would be just perfect for reading the Sundays, especially on a winter weekend. The Spa itself uses Espa products, which are my absolute favourite, and while I forgot to take swimming kit with me so I could enjoy the pool, the spa facilities in themselves are enough to make me want to return for a proper two night weekend break sometime soon.

Overall, Crewe Hall is a very memorable hotel, yet is suitable for guests on business or leisure and I know for sure that I will be back for a two night break before too much longer; particularly as there is plenty to see and do in the area but importantly as it is close to family and friends for me. Two night offers are available from £189 for two people total package, and this does include dinner in the restaurant on the first night.


Crewe Hall Hotel
Weston Road
Crewe
Cheshire
CW1 6UZ
Tel: 01270 253333
http://www.qhotels.co.uk/hotels/crewe-hall-crewe- cheshire/

Summary: An affordable hotel with that special touch of class