If its fit for royalty - it'll do for me. (Crewe Hall (Cheshire))

Member Name: Milann

Product:	Crewe Hall (Cheshire)
Date:	30/08/09 (45 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good food, friendly staff and a relaxing time.

Disadvantages: Too small a Jacuzzi

I was looking for a special venue for a spa day treat for a very special gift. I stumbled upon Crewe Hall on the Spabreak.com website. I had previously been to Crewe Hall as a guest at a wedding several years ago, and decided there and then if the spa day was as good as the wedding - it would indeed be a special gift.

The day was advertised on the site to include 2 treatments, lunch and use of the leisure facilities for £69. Upon further investigation I realised for another £30 there was an overnight offer, which included an evening meal (with choice of taking it the evening of arrival or departure) an overnight stay, breakfast, lunch and the 2 treatments and use of the leisure facilities - for £99 this seemed too good a good deal to pass and if we were going to pamper ourselves, we might as well do it properly!! So I handed the task of booking to my friend, as she had to work it around her complicated work schedules. She reported it an easy site to navigate with clear instructions on how to make payment and contact Crewe Hall.

Crewe Hall was easy enough to find, not far outside the centre of Crewe and clearly signposted from Junction 16 of the M6 motorway.

As I travelled along the long tree-lined driveway to the Hall - I couldn't help but let my imagination take me back in time - 'if only I had really been in long dress and bonnet accompanied in my pony and trap by a handsome gent'... it was still an impressive driveway in a current day banger with my old friend by my side!!!!

Parking was no problem. Initially we parked right near the main entrance, later moving to the newer complex.

Check-in was at the main desk situated within part of the old hall - a very grand entrance hall. There were throne-like chairs and oil paintings adorned the walls. There was a very grand, carved fireplace too. Crewe Hall was originally built in 1615 for Randolf Crewe. Its guests have included George V, Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth II, although, I suspect they didn't check-in at the desk. Just off this hall is another large area with a balcony around it, all very ornate and well worth closer inspection. But the biggest surprise is a small but beautiful chapel with colourful stained glass windows - this must not be missed!!

Guests with mobility problems would be advised to talk to the hotel before booking to check access to this old part of the building.

The bedroom was in the new part of the complex, along a corridor merging the two buildings together. The room itself was very clean and spacious. It housed a large bed, which could be either made up as a king sized or into single beds. There were the usual tea making facilities, we did have to ask for extra milk, but this was not a problem. There were a couple of armchairs and a coffee table. You could pay extra for movies and sport on the television, if you wished to do so.

I was impressed with the cleanliness in the bathroom - not a finger mark on any of the glasswork. Large fluffy towels and robes were in abundance!! I was most impressed with the anti-scald feature on the hot tap in the bathroom - a button that needed pressing if you wanted very hot water.

Meals were taken in The Brasserie - a relatively new building, which boasts a revolving bar. Although I did not see it revolve during my time there. The food was plentiful, delicious and hot, with a good choice on the menu. As we entered, we were led to a table by friendly and polite staff. We were told how the pricing bands worked for our package. I did find the wine rather expensive, but suppose, would do so in any 4 star hotel.

· For the evening meal, anything on the menu up to a value of £22.50 was included; items over this amount was charged, along with any drinks. I found this a better option to a 'package' menu with a few cheaper food options. We ate 2 courses within the price range easily. I chose chicken liver parfait followed by steak with all the trimmings and couldn't manage to eat another morsel. There were combinations of 3 courses which kept within the £22.50

· Breakfast was a combination of waitress and self-service with a choice of cereals, fruit and juices, toast and pastries, or a full English breakfast and more....

· Dinnertime ran from 12 mid-day until 6 pm. Again we were shown a table quickly and the waiter explained any two courses were included in the package anything over and above was to be paid for.

The spa was housed in a further new extension, which to be honest didn't blend in too well with the older parts of the building - but this could not be seen from the front of the buildings - so didn't spoil 'the illusion' of being back in time.

Again we were greeted by friendly staff and given large fluffy towels. There was a pool, ice fountain, heated loungers, steam rooms, all of which were duly tried and met with approval. My biggest concern was the Jacuzzi, it was only small and we had to wait quite a while to get into it - but I could cope with life if that is my biggest worry!!!!

As we went for the treatments - we were led to a dimly lit waiting room, which had caffeine-free drinks and fruit, and relaxing piped music. Cane lounge chairs were very comfortable and added to the ambiance of the occasion. The therapist came to greet and take us for the therapy.

The package included a neck and back massage and facial. You could purchase further treatments from a full range at time of booking. After consultation, including some lifestyle and medical history, what you hope to achieve from the therapy and personal preferences - the therapist mixed ESPA essences to suit individual needs. Everything was very discreet and once the massage started, I can only say ....aaaaaaaaaaaahhaaaaaaaaaa... - it was very relaxing and passed far too quickly.

There were several seating areas outside, and several old sculptures could be found around the grounds, unfortunately the weather was against us and we didn't get chance to explore outside as much as I'd have liked.

All too soon it was time to go home. As long as we had checked out of our room by mid morning, there was no rush for us to leave the facilities. We went home at about 6pm, in a far more relaxed state than we had arrived.

It was indeed a very special treat, and lived up to my high expectations. We have decided we are going to try and do a couple of times a year from now on.

Summary: Luxury and ralaxation at the end of a drive