Where do you stay when the wedding is in Oxford city centre and the reception in a lovely countryside setting at Worton Park? Answer – at Peartree Roundabout where there is not only a Holiday Inn, but the excellent park and ride into the city centre. We spent four nights here as we had My Other Half's sister from South Africa with us and wanted her to see something of the city before the wedding preparations began. It coincided with the Queen's visit to the city to distribute Maundy money, which was an added bonus for MOH's sis too! A problem with the computer when we arrived at the hotel meant a slight delay in our checking in. We didn't think it was a big problem, but they were so apologetic and offered us complimentary drinks, which was a great start. We'd opted to have one room for the three of us (double bed and sofa bed, which was made up when we arrived), as no special offer rates were available and we'd all promised to try not to snore too loudly. The room was good, bathroom spotless. We had a small drinks fridge and a trouser press, both of which we used. There was plenty of hanging space but nowhere else to put clothes, so the rest of our things stayed in our suitcases. Our requests for extra pillows and milk pots were met without any problems. The iron and board we asked for were delivered immediately and we were told we could keep them for as long as required. A highlight for me had to be the swimming pool, which I headed to most mornings as soon as it opened (7am over Easter, may vary). Towels are provided but you need £1 for the locker, which is refundable. There were a few other swimmers, but the big attractions seemed to be the jacuzzi, sauna and steam rooms, which left plenty of pool space for slow swimmers (like me) and my sister-in-law who powered up and down the lane swimming section. The Spirit Health Club also includes a gym, and various treatments and massages are available. The hotel has a bar and a large seating area, which was great for meeting up with other wedding guests. It was a little too cold to sit outside on the decking, but we did admire the miniature daffodils through the windows. One morning we had breakfast in the Junction Restaurant. This wasn't cheap, but the food was excellent, bar the porridge which everyone agreed was far too runny. Friendly staff brought us hot drinks and cleared plates very efficiently, as our party filled up on fruit, cereal, cooked breakfasts and croissants. As some family were staying at the Travelodge next door, we found that the Welcome Break, which we could walk to in two minutes, was a good meeting point for breakfast on other mornings. This includes a Starbucks and although I'm not a big fan of their coffee, the porridge was delicious. There is also a KFC and a small Waitrose in the same building. As parents of the groom, we were given a parking space near the church and avoided the astronomical parking charges in the city centre. Some of the other guests chose the Park and Ride service and those of a certain age were so happy that they travelled free using their bus passes. The service, No 300, is frequent and takes you right into the city centre. Guests have free parking at the Holiday Inn and we had no problem finding a space, even when we arrived back late. There is an automatic barrier, so when you are leaving make sure you get the code from reception. (It was displayed on the desk when we were there.) We really enjoyed our stay here, which is probably just as well. The newly-weds have moved into a one-bedroom flat in Oxford. Now isn't that the perfect reason to treat ourselves to early morning swims in a pleasant hotel when we come to visit? And it will be made even more attractive when we get our bus passes!
