Stoke Park Country Club Spa and Hotel

3 Reviews

Star Travel Rating

5/5

Review type

Accommodation

Location

Date of travel

Aug, 2012

Product name

Product country

Product city

Travelled with

Wife

Reasons for trip

Relaxation

Who would believe that no more than a stone’s throw from Central London there are some absolutely fantastic country house hotels. We’ve been lucky enough to visit a few of these ‘luxury retreats’ over the last few years, but this year, as my special birthday treat, Mrs C booked us into the Stoke Park Hotel and Club, Stoke Poges.

Nestled on the periphery of the internationally renowned romantic centre that is Slough, this is the perfect escape if you want to completely immerse yourself in relaxed, pampered luxury. As is common with most of the hotels I refer to above, the whole experience starts the moment you pull the car up outside reception. The efficiency and attention to detail are uncompromising: while we were completing the simple and straightforward check-in, our car was taken to the appropriate car parking space and our bags were put in our room before we even got there ourselves.

A personalised welcome letter awaited us in the room, together with a fruit bowl, some delicious handmade chocolates and a lovely view out over the spa garden and the fields and trees beyond. There are two main parts to the hotel; the Mansion and the Pavilion. As the name implies, the Mansion is the old part of the hotel, dating back to the 18th Century, whereas the Pavilion is the newer, contemporary part of the hotel, located above the Stoke Park Spa. We were in the newer part and we therefore thought it silly not to go straight down to sample the pool and spa. Those used to getting changed for a swim in their local municipal baths or leisure centre would be most confused by the changing room, which is more like someone’s lounge, sumptuously decked out in rich woods and plush carpets, but with all mod-cons including some nifty hi-tech digital lockers. The pool is immaculately clean, with some luxurious loungers scattered around for those who feel the need to sit back and chill. There’s even a terrace for those brave enough to venture outside, although the weather was beautiful throughout our stay.

Afternoon tea followed, but with a showbiz twist. Due to its frequent use as a backdrop to many film and television titles, the cakes were themed according to some of the more recent notables such as Bridget Jones’ Diary (a rowing boat) James Bond (Goldfinger and Tomorrow Never Dies), Layer Cake, Bride and Prejudice… the list goes on. Notwithstanding, the freshly baked scones, the delicate and beautifully presented sandwiches, the locally produced jam and clotted cream were a delight, washed down with a glass of bubbly and some perfectly brewed Ceylon tea (the choice of teas available is comprehensive, from English Breakfast through Jasmine Flower, to Lapsang Suchon, Darjeeling and many more).

Our room was modern and fresh, with a huge bathroom in which we found a two-person bath, a walk-in shower, his’n hers sinks and more marble than you could ever eat. Big fluffy white towels were in abundance and even the light switch was a movement sensor type, so avoiding those late night fumbles with switches and blinding your partner in the main bedroom while trying all available switches in the vicinity. The huge 42” TV, possibly a little over-the-top we thought, had all the main TV channels and a plethora of movie titles in all genres available for a very reasonable cost. The mini-bar prices were also surprisingly reasonable – cheaper than some of the more mainstream hotels we’ve visited recently.

On our second night we treated ourselves to dinner in Humphry’s, the hotel’s Two AA Rosette fine dining restaurant. The meal was a delight, the service even better and the atmosphere was informal and relaxed to boot. Exactly as we like it. I took a seafood route, trying the Dorset Crab as a starter and the Halibut as a main. Neither disappointed and the dessert, ‘Humphry’s Snickers’, was interesting to say the least!

At no point during our whole stay did we ever feel anything other than welcome, special and most importantly, ourselves. The service, though second-to-none, isn’t overbearing in any way. The reception staff were always so courteous and the waiting staff were also very friendly, helpful when asked, but not omnipresent as they can sometimes be in such hotels. It was the perfect balance! Staying at Stoke Park isn’t for the budget traveller, but there again; compared to many it isn’t the most expensive we’ve seen either. We left feeling relaxed, spoiled, happy and longing for a return visit when we find another opportunity.

Mr-C

Join the club

Become a member to receive exclusive benefits

Our community is the heart of Silver Travel Advisor, we love nothing more than sharing ideas, inspiration, hints and tips between us.

Come feel the love on a Princess cruise. You’ll enjoy the MedallionClass experience others simply can’t, and it’s exclusively for everyone. Visit incredible destinations and be involved in the best experiences around each one of them.

Experience more with Princess and connect effortlessly with the world around you, spend time away with loved ones, take a moment for yourself, and fall in love with your holiday of a lifetime, every time.

With over 20 years of experience, Wendy Wu Tours has mastered the art of creating exceptional, fully inclusive tours which showcase the very best of each destination.

Each tour is led by a world-class guide, who will highlight the very best of their homeland, and includes authentic cultural experiences so you are not just seeing the sights, but truly immersing yourself in local life.

Say hello to ease at sea. Ambassador’s purpose is simple: they want to inspire every guest to experience authentic cruising, effortlessly and sustainably. Passionate about protecting our oceans and destinations, their ships comply with the highest industry emission standards and there is no single-use plastic on board.

On your voyage, you will receive the warmest of welcomes from the Ambassador community as you sail upon the friendliest ships afloat.

This is a global co-operative co-owned by local partners using real local experts and guides, which supports local communities, environments and wildlife. It offers travellers quirky places to stay, activity holidays and learning experiences. Not In The Guidebooks gets travellers off the beaten track into local culture with day experiences and longer, immersive adventures.

From wild wellness breaks in Wales to painting in Portugal, sustainable adventures in Mauritius to food safaris in Brazil, this is immersive, exciting travel.

Seabourn’s five intimate ships carry guests to the heart of great cities, exclusive yacht harbours and secluded coves around the world, while two new purpose-built expedition ships will combine exhilarating adventures in remote destinations with the sophisticated amenities of the world’s finest resorts at sea.

From the luxury of all suite accommodations to complimentary fine wines and spirits, and a no tipping policy, Seabourn exemplifies the definition of travelling well.