One of the so called perks in my line of work is that the business I work for occasionally decides that now is a good time to bring staff together in a bonding and self development session away from the workplace.

While the benefits of such breaks for the workforce are usually short lived, it does give me the opportunity every year or two to enjoy the hospitality of hotels and there are some poor ones out there!

One of the better ones I have visited is the excellent Shrigley Hall Hotel, located between Stockport and Macclesfield in a huge estate on the edge of the Peak District National Park.

So, why do I consider it a better hotel than most others I have experienced?

Well, firstly location. While most hotels can claim to be well located, this is usually because we are a relatively small nation which means you are within an hour of several nice places wherever you stay. Shrigley Hall is no different. Within easy reach of Manchester, Liverpool, Sheffield and all the various shops and museums you can possible mention, the great joy of this place is that although it is only 5 minutes drive from the main A6 road it is another world. Set in massive grounds, with its own golf course attached, you actually feel genuinely removed from the real world, sat in the green pleasantry that is rural Cheshire.

The hotel itself appears to be huge. Previously a stately home, it was converted in the late eighties in to the four star offering we have today, complete with pool and well equipped health club. My only complaint while I was there was that the distance from the reception area to my room was a good 5 minute walk and not particularly well signposted.

The check-in was quick and simple and I was offered a porter to get our bags and bodies to our room, although I chose to make my own way there.

The room was a spacious double with an additional single bed sat in the corner. A coffee table, two well upholst
ered chairs, ample wardrobe and drawer space (a frustration in just about every other hotel I?ve ever stayed in) and the obligatory tea and coffee making facilities greeted me.

The bathroom was the biggest I have ever encountered in a British hotel and the bath far bigger too. The joy of spending an hour in the bath with no kids hassling me was wonderful! Additionally, the shower was fully operational with easy to control water pressure and temperature. Oh, and I confess, I brought the spare complimentary shampoo and shower gel home!!

The TV provided the range of terrestrial channels and BBC/local radio stations with the most exotic free channel of Sky News too. I did not investigate the rather interesting range of films that were available at £7.50 each per day! While the TV controls were cumbersome to use, I was not staying to watch the telly!

My brief stay included three meals. An excellent lunch of pork chops and locally harvested vegetables, a superb evening meal of chicken fillet cooked around sun-dried tomatoes and served with gently steamed cabbage together with a wide range of desserts. Traditional English breakfast for the morning was hot, tasty and exceptionally unhealthy! As you would expect, toast, jams, coffee and orange juice came with it.

The bar must be rather profitable. At £2.80 for a pint of cider, my tight northern wallet was struggling a little. It was a lively place however and while it suited the crowd I was with, those looking for relaxation with their drinks would be better driving to a local country pub, which would be both quieter and cheaper. Perhaps when the corporate crowds of the week disappear there is a different feel.

Regrettably, I did not have the opportunity to play golf, although this can be arranged via reception. The course appears to be of an excellent (perhaps championship?) quality and I did notice some excellent stay over golfing packages including two or three roun
ds on the par 71 course.

While I resisted the temptation to work out in the leisure club, I did spend half an hour in the deserted swimming pool removing the stresses of a hard day of corporate self-discovery. Sauna, spa, tennis and a beauty salon were also available.

With standard B&B room rates at £49 per person and a range of seasonal pricing also popping up from time to time, this place appears to be fair value and certainly justifies its four star rating.

Given the size of the place, I would suggest those who are a little slower on their legs might prefer to ask for a room nearer the entrance. Premium rooms and four-poster beds can be requested for an extra £20/£30 respectively.

So, if you like golf, like Cheshire or simply enjoy genuine relaxation away from it all, this could be for you. Alternatively, persuade your company to put you up for free! Non-drivers can take an inter-city train to Stockport or Macclesfield and should have change of £10 for the taxi fare, but for those of us with our own transport, the hotel car park is free.

Other places you may choose to visit nearby include the Trafford Centre, Alton Towers, Lyme Park, Manchester United Museum or simply watch the planes coming in at Manchester International Airport. You could also use this place as a stopover prior to your holiday, although I do not know what their policy is on letting you leave your car while you sun yourself in Corfu!

More information at www.shrigleyhall.co.uk, www.paramount-hotels.co.uk or call 0500 342 543 / 01625 575757.

I liked it!