Hotel Rooms in London With a Strange History

From haunted rooms to rooms that changed the course of history, London's hotel rooms tell a unique and fascinating story stretching back almost 300 years

The Grosvenor House Hotel - George V Suite (806)

A Mickey Mouse suite

10 years after Walt and Lillian Disney were married they decided to go to London on honeymoon and stayed in the George V suite on the 8th floor of the Grosvenor House. Even Mickey Mouse joined in the celebration, with the above picture taken on the roof of the hotel on June 12th 1935.

Claridge’s Hotel - Suite 212

The only part of mainland UK ceded to another country in WWII

Throughout the Second World War the Yugoslavian Royal family were in forced exile at Claridge’s Hotel, where Princess Alexandra fell pregnant. So in 1945 Prime Minister Winston Churchill declared suite 212 Yugoslavian territory to allow Crown Prince Alexander II to be born on his own country's soil. According to folklore, Claridge's staff placed a handful Yugoslav soil under the Queen's bed during her labour – the hotel would not comment to say if it was still there.

The Langham Hotel – Napoleon Suite

A Leader in Exile

Following the disastrous defeat in the Franco Prussian war the then French Emperor Louis Napoleon III spent much of his enforced exile from France at the best hotel in London at the time, the Langham. The first floor suite in which he took his extended residence remains as grand as it was in 1870, albeit with a few modern additions. To this day it is said that Napoleon III haunts the hotels basement.

The Corinthia Hotel – Room 801

The UFO Room

The Corinthia hotel occupies a grand building that housed offices for the Ministry of Defence for over 70 years. In its heyday MI9 department operated from the building, overseeing the crucial job of coordinating the vast ranks of POW escapees, resistance fighters and undercover agents across Europe during World War II. MI9 continued its clandestine operations after the war too, particularly in room 801, which was used as a highly classified depository for UFO sightings. Rumour has it that when MI9 vacated in 1992 they left behind the documents by accident, only for the hotel contractors to stumble across them 20 years later……shortly after their unintentional release MOD decided to declassify them. Coincidence?

The Savoy - Monet Suite 618

An artist’s inspiration

The famous painting Waterloo Bridge Misty Morning, by Claude Monet, was drawn in this very hotel room over 110 years ago when the Artist took up a 6 months residence at the Savoy hotel. The stunning vantage point of the Thames was recommended to him by American artist James Whistler. Throughout the stay Claude Monet painstakingly used over 100 canvasses at any one time, awaiting the perfect time and weather conditions to create the masterpiece. His daily routine included indulging in two English breakfasts before strolling across the river Thames from St Thomas' Hospital to the Houses of Parliament.

The Ritz Hotel - Marie Antoinette Suite

D DAY HQ

During the Second World War then British Prime Minster Churchill, French and US Presidents De Gaulle and Eisenhower met for summit meetings at the Ritz Hotels Marie Antoinette Suite, now a private dining room. No one knows exactly what was discussed in the Room, however it is reported that this is the very room where plans for D Day initially came to fruition - the very event that signalled the beginning of the end of the war.

Grosvenor House Hotel – Suite 804

James Bond’s Suite

At the time of playing double ‘O’ seven, Sean Connery’s favourite suite was 804 at the Grosvenor House Hotel. Unfortunately Mr Connery arrived very early one morning and the previous guest had not yet checked out so the room was not ready. The receptionist shyly explained that there was a guest in your usual room at the moment and in true James Bond style said, “Is it a girl if so I’ll take the key”.

The Town Hall Hotel - De Montfort Suite

A room for the people

Opened in 1910 in the heyday of Edwardian Architecture and British Power the building was designed to showcase the wealth of the Borough Council – None more so that the Grand Hall that has now become the De Montfort Suite. Its impressive triple height vaulted ceiling gives the suite a cavernous feel, which is flooded with colour from the huge arched original stained glass windows.

The Dorchester Hotel – Eisenhower Suite

The safest room in London

As WWII broke out Sir Malcolm McAlpine declared the Dorchester Hotel to be "bomb-proof, earthquake-proof and fireproof." It’s no Wonder why then that the American President chose it as his home from home throughout the conflict. The President took two rooms on the first floor where, to give him greater privacy, British Prime Minster Churchill had a wall erected between his balcony and the room next door – a wall that remains till this day.

The Langham Hotel – Room 333

The most haunted hotel room in London

Another entry from the Langham, said to be the most haunted hotel room in London. A number of guests have claimed a sighting is of a ghost in Victorian evening wear in Room 333 during the month October. The spirit is said to be that of a German Prince who jumped out of a window before the outbreak of the First World War. It is also believed that Napoleon III, another former guest, haunts the basement of the hotel.

Cafe Royal Hotel - The Marquis Suite

Call the fire brigade!

After taking views of London's most famous landmarks from the Marquis Suites windows, guests may notice an original Edwardian Maple fireplace standing out amongst the ultra modern decor. It is a nod to the rooms previous use as the boardroom of the County Fire Office - a formal room hosting discussions and debates of city wide importance!

The Courthouse Hotel – Bar

A lock in Bar

Not a room, but the bar at the Courthouse is particularly of interest – its architecture contains a number of pointers to the room’s history as a magistrate’s court. None more so than the three original holding cells that are now utilised as VIP enclaves. They still contain their original layout with the prisoner benches (now comfortably upholstered) and even (thoroughly cleaned) toilet bowls. The booths can be privately booked for up to 8 people if you fancy being locked away behind their thick iron doors.

Browns Hotel – The Alexander Graham Bell Room

Where the UK’s first telephone call was made

Going back to 1876 Alexander Graham bell demonstrated the UK’s first ever successful telephone call during his stay at the Brown’s Hotel. The room is now a private dining room, but its history is proudly honoured with an antique telephone from the period and various illustrations of telephones from over the years. Another room, or suite, that has a notable past in the hotel is the ‘Kipling Suite’ – where Rudyard Kipling completed the classic jungle book novel.

For more information or to book one of these unique hotel rooms, please contact hotels@bluebirdtravel.com - quoting 'hotelhistory' for a 5% discount.

www.bluebirdtravel.com

Hotel Rooms in London With a Strange History

From haunted rooms to rooms that changed the course of history, London's hotel rooms tell a unique and fascinating story stretching back almost 300 years

The Grosvenor House Hotel - George V Suite (806)

A Mickey Mouse suite

10 years after Walt and Lillian Disney were married they decided to go to London on honeymoon and stayed in the George V suite on the 8th floor of the Grosvenor House. Even Mickey Mouse joined in the celebration, with the above picture taken on the roof of the hotel on June 12th 1935.

Claridge’s Hotel - Suite 212

The only part of mainland UK ceded to another country in WWII

Throughout the Second World War the Yugoslavian Royal family were in forced exile at Claridge’s Hotel, where Princess Alexandra fell pregnant. So in 1945 Prime Minister Winston Churchill declared suite 212 Yugoslavian territory to allow Crown Prince Alexander II to be born on his own country's soil. According to folklore, Claridge's staff placed a handful Yugoslav soil under the Queen's bed during her labour – the hotel would not comment to say if it was still there.

The Langham Hotel – Napoleon Suite

A Leader in Exile

Following the disastrous defeat in the Franco Prussian war the then French Emperor Louis Napoleon III spent much of his enforced exile from France at the best hotel in London at the time, the Langham. The first floor suite in which he took his extended residence remains as grand as it was in 1870, albeit with a few modern additions. To this day it is said that Napoleon III haunts the hotels basement.

The Corinthia Hotel – Room 801

The UFO Room

The Corinthia hotel occupies a grand building that housed offices for the Ministry of Defence for over 70 years. In its heyday MI9 department operated from the building, overseeing the crucial job of coordinating the vast ranks of POW escapees, resistance fighters and undercover agents across Europe during World War II. MI9 continued its clandestine operations after the war too, particularly in room 801, which was used as a highly classified depository for UFO sightings. Rumour has it that when MI9 vacated in 1992 they left behind the documents by accident, only for the hotel contractors to stumble across them 20 years later……shortly after their unintentional release MOD decided to declassify them. Coincidence?

The Savoy - Monet Suite 618

An artist’s inspiration

The famous painting Waterloo Bridge Misty Morning, by Claude Monet, was drawn in this very hotel room over 110 years ago when the Artist took up a 6 months residence at the Savoy hotel. The stunning vantage point of the Thames was recommended to him by American artist James Whistler. Throughout the stay Claude Monet painstakingly used over 100 canvasses at any one time, awaiting the perfect time and weather conditions to create the masterpiece. His daily routine included indulging in two English breakfasts before strolling across the river Thames from St Thomas' Hospital to the Houses of Parliament.

The Ritz Hotel - Marie Antoinette Suite

D DAY HQ

During the Second World War then British Prime Minster Churchill, French and US Presidents De Gaulle and Eisenhower met for summit meetings at the Ritz Hotels Marie Antoinette Suite, now a private dining room. No one knows exactly what was discussed in the Room, however it is reported that this is the very room where plans for D Day initially came to fruition - the very event that signalled the beginning of the end of the war.

Grosvenor House Hotel – Suite 804

James Bond’s Suite

At the time of playing double ‘O’ seven, Sean Connery’s favourite suite was 804 at the Grosvenor House Hotel. Unfortunately Mr Connery arrived very early one morning and the previous guest had not yet checked out so the room was not ready. The receptionist shyly explained that there was a guest in your usual room at the moment and in true James Bond style said, “Is it a girl if so I’ll take the key”.

The Town Hall Hotel - De Montfort Suite

A room for the people

Opened in 1910 in the heyday of Edwardian Architecture and British Power the building was designed to showcase the wealth of the Borough Council – None more so that the Grand Hall that has now become the De Montfort Suite. Its impressive triple height vaulted ceiling gives the suite a cavernous feel, which is flooded with colour from the huge arched original stained glass windows.

The Dorchester Hotel – Eisenhower Suite

The safest room in London

As WWII broke out Sir Malcolm McAlpine declared the Dorchester Hotel to be "bomb-proof, earthquake-proof and fireproof." It’s no Wonder why then that the American President chose it as his home from home throughout the conflict. The President took two rooms on the first floor where, to give him greater privacy, British Prime Minster Churchill had a wall erected between his balcony and the room next door – a wall that remains till this day.

The Langham Hotel – Room 333

The most haunted hotel room in London

Another entry from the Langham, said to be the most haunted hotel room in London. A number of guests have claimed a sighting is of a ghost in Victorian evening wear in Room 333 during the month October. The spirit is said to be that of a German Prince who jumped out of a window before the outbreak of the First World War. It is also believed that Napoleon III, another former guest, haunts the basement of the hotel.

Cafe Royal Hotel - The Marquis Suite

Call the fire brigade!

After taking views of London's most famous landmarks from the Marquis Suites windows, guests may notice an original Edwardian Maple fireplace standing out amongst the ultra modern decor. It is a nod to the rooms previous use as the boardroom of the County Fire Office - a formal room hosting discussions and debates of city wide importance!

The Courthouse Hotel – Bar

A lock in Bar

Not a room, but the bar at the Courthouse is particularly of interest – its architecture contains a number of pointers to the room’s history as a magistrate’s court. None more so than the three original holding cells that are now utilised as VIP enclaves. They still contain their original layout with the prisoner benches (now comfortably upholstered) and even (thoroughly cleaned) toilet bowls. The booths can be privately booked for up to 8 people if you fancy being locked away behind their thick iron doors.

Browns Hotel – The Alexander Graham Bell Room

Where the UK’s first telephone call was made

Going back to 1876 Alexander Graham bell demonstrated the UK’s first ever successful telephone call during his stay at the Brown’s Hotel. The room is now a private dining room, but its history is proudly honoured with an antique telephone from the period and various illustrations of telephones from over the years. Another room, or suite, that has a notable past in the hotel is the ‘Kipling Suite’ – where Rudyard Kipling completed the classic jungle book novel.

For more information or to book one of these unique hotel rooms, please contact hotels@bluebirdtravel.com - quoting 'hotelhistory' for a 5% discount.

www.bluebirdtravel.com

LONDON'S MOST RELAXING SPAS, AN IDEAL GIFT FOR MOTHER'S DAY

At a loss for how to treat your mum this mother's day? Why not surprise her with a weekend fit for a queen at these London hotels' gorgeous spas.

The Bulgari Spa

Bulgari Hotel, Knightsbridge

To kick off our compilation is Bulgari's hotel spa, finished with sumptuous deep oak, marble and sandstone, the decor alone is enough to leave you feeling like a super model. Along with its relaxing 25m swimming pool, the high fashion brand's spa offers a wide range of treatments, from their 'Perfect Legs Retreat'  - ideal for any big occasion - to hair shine treatments and manicures to have you looking your best every day. The spa also has Gentlemen's Grooming and treatments, ensuring that couples can enjoy looking and feeling their best together.
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Espa Life

Corinthia Hotel, Embankment

If facials get your energy flowing then look no further. Declared as the best London spa for facials by The Telegraph, the deep cleanse provided by their recommended enzyme peel will leave you refreshed and ready for a night on the town. The tranquil ambience Espa Life offers, encased by its 'sleep pods' and cascading corridors is exactly what the doctor ordered.
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Como Shambhala Urban Escape

Metropolitan Hotel, Knightsbridge

Frequented by world class business men and executives, the Metropolitan hotel is the ideal place to decompress and rid yourself from stress. The spa is above all renown for its 'free flowing one on one conversation' sessions, allowing individuals to offload and unravel any bothersome issues, after all a problem shared is a problem halved.
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Bamford Haybarn Spa

Berkeley Hotel, Knightsbridge

With its unbeatable roof top pool surrounded by Carrera marble and lounge chairs swathed in fluffy cream linen, the Bamford Haybarn spa is an oasis among London's city skyline. Specialising in pregnancy treatments - ensuring mum and baby are comfortable and pampered, it is the ideal destination for any new mums wishing to soothe themselves of any pregnancy jitters.

THE ROYAL HORSEGUARDS HOTEL FEELING STARRY EYED

It seems that 2015 is the year for The Royal Horseguards Hotel in London's Whitehall, not only has it been awarded five stars by Forbes Travel Guide but it has also been named as a new Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Hotel. Combine this with its certificate of excellence from Trip Advisor for two years running, The Royal Horseguards Hotel is becoming one to watch out for!

The hotel facilities provide everything one would expect with five star quality, from a fully kitted out gym (personal trainer optional) to a 24 hour multilingual guest relations team ready to cater to your every request.

Its not just the history of the building itself at The Royal Horseguard that exudes finesse, its recent refurbishment in 2009 into a blend of modern day necessity framed by classical opulence bear witness to its novel five star rating.

A staple of London's finest hotels is their ability to contend among the greats with their provision of Afternoon Tea. The Royal Horseguards Hotel does just that, with its invitation only membership to the famous Tea Guild in 2012 and its consequent Award of Excellence it is no surprise that this hotel is a rising star.

Check out our guide to London's best 5 star hotels for more: http://www.bluebirdtravel.com/#!the-best-hotels-in-london/coln

LONDON'S MOST UNUSUAL HOTEL FEATURES

With an increasing thirst for the extraordinary and something-to-write-home-about, there is no question that London's hotel scene is more exciting than ever. From budget, to boutique to grand luxe, new hotels are popping up across the city with unusual twists designed to add considerable intrigue to your stay.

THE CORINTHIA
FEATURE: HARRODS SHOP

The Corinthia Hotel is the first ever hotel to boast its very own Harrods store. Not only can you shop here for souvenirs or have your Harrods purchases delivered for collection, but the minibars in every room are stocked with Harrods goodies.

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HAM YARD HOTEL
FEATURE: CROC BOWLING ALLEY

The newly opened Ham Yard Hotel hosts surely one of the most interesting events spaces in London; The Croc Bowling Alley.  The room itself has a sort of swanky lounge feel, and includes a bar, dancefloor, exquisite decor collected from all around the world and an impressive vintage style bowling alley.

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ANDAZ LIVERPOOL STREET
FEATURE: MASONIC TEMPLE

Hidden deep within the Andaz Liverpool Street Hotel by Hyatt lays an extraordinary room laden from top to bottom with marble and gilt. The stunning and secret space was only rediscovered when the hotel was fully refurbished during the 1990's. Reportedly it cost £4 million in today's prices to construct well over 100 years ago - not surprising when you see the lavish use of twelve types of marble, a gold piped organ and meticulously crafted mahogany furniture.

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LONDON SYON PARK
FEATURE: BUTTERFLY HOUSE

As a tribute to the beautiful estate and gardens in which the hotel stands, an exquisite glass butterfly house was built in the centre of the London Syon Park's lobby, exhibiting a haven for exotic species from all over the world. The nature of the insects adds a gentle and serene nature to the most busy area of the building.

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HAYMARKET HOTEL
FEATURE: SWIMMING POOL BAR

Many London hotels these days come complete with spa and swimming pool. However, what makes the Haymarket Hotel’s offering stand-out is that the poolside area; with a pewter bar serving cocktails, a surround sound system and hundreds of fibre optic lights, this pool is considerably more bar than spa.

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ROUGH LUXE
FEATURE: PEELING WALLPAPER

Not at all your average boutique hotel, the architecture and design here uses an unusual combination of classic English luxury furnishings and urban shabby chic finishings. Think peeling walls, unfinished surfaces and bare floorboards juxtaposed with top quality furniture and an array of modern art pieces. Unusual at its best.

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THE CHELSEA HARBOUR HOTEL
FEATURE: CATAMARAN

Set on the banks of the Thames and offering stunning views of both city and river, The Chelsea Harbour Hotel lies within one of London’s most prestigious addresses. The hotel itself also owns its own private catamaran which is available for charter; and what a fantastic way to see London.

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ECCLESTONE HOTEL
FEATURE: MASSAGING BEDS

Behind the doors of a beautiful 19th Century Grade II listed Georgian building; this hotel has taken cutting-edge technology to the next level. Boasting a range of in-room features from 3D TVs and SmartGlass shower walls to iPads controlling everything from the curtains to your room-service, our favourite though has to be the state-of-the-art fully adjustable beds with a range of massage settings.

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HAM YARD HOTEL (again)
FEATURE: HYPOXIC STUDIO

As already mentioned, this new hotel ticks a lot of boxes. A highly unique feature of the Soholistic Spa is a small Hypoxic Studio, where more serious guests can use the most advanced natural performance enhancing tools available to adjust oxygen levels (mimicking high-altitudes in training), to achieve optimum performance results.

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THE ZETTER HOTEL
FEATURE: EXOTIC VENDING MACHINES

Definitely more budget quirky than luxury, The Zetter Hotel has had the novel idea of installing vending machines on each floor that dispense everything from deodorant and toothbrushes to champagne and bloody marys!

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THE TOWN HALL HOTEL
FEATURE: MAGISTRATES COURT

Perhaps the most unusual on this list, The Town Hall Hotel, in London's East End features its very own court room for guests to enjoy breakfast or lunch in. Complete with a judges chair, jury benches and mahogany wall panels the superbly restored room dates back from when the hotel acted as Bethnal Greens county hall at the turn of the 19th century.

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THE COURTHOUSE HOTEL
FEATURE: JAIL CELLS

 

The bar at the Courthouse is particularly of interest – its architecture contains a number of pointers to the room’s history as a magistrate’s court. None more so than the three original holding cells that are now utilized as VIP enclaves. They still contain their original layout with the prisoner benches (now comfortably upholstered) and even (thoroughly cleaned) toilet bowls. The booths can be privately booked for up to 8 people if you fancy being locked away behind their thick iron doors.

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THE GROSVENOR HOUSE HOTEL BY JW MARRIOTT
FEATURE: ABANDONED SWIMMING POOL

Not many five star hotels have a swimming pool in London, making it even more curious that the Grosvenor House Hotel on prestigious Park Lane has a 25m pool that has sat gathering dust since the early 2000's. Not surprisingly the hotel were not keen to provide a photo of its forgotten asset.

For more guides to the best London Hotels visit: www.bluebirdvip.com

Best Country Hotels within Two Hours of London

Best Country Hotels within Two Hours of London

Four Seasons Hampshire

Situated in an idyllic 500 acres of rolling hills, lakes and canals the Four Seasons Hampshire makes the perfect rural escape. The retreat boasts a fantastic location being 1 hour from central London, yet within 45minutes to countless family destinations including; Stonehenge, The New Forest, Legoland, Winchester Cathedral and Hampshire’s beautiful coastline and beaches. The hotel itself occupies an old manor house filled with an abundance of character, creaking floorboards, mahogany stairs and stone fire places. A contemporary extension has been added, containing many of the guest rooms – which are traditionally furnished.

Highlights: Award Winning Spa, Indoor & Outdoor Pool, 500 Acre Grounds

For Children: Horse Riding, Archery, Fishing

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The Grove

The Grove completely belies its location within the M25, just 18 miles from Piccadilly Circus, with its vast landscaped gardens and championship golf course giving the impression that you are deep within the country side. The hotel itself occupies an attractive multi-faceted Grade II listed mansion that hides within more than enough amenities to keep the whole family happy. Parents are pampered with an award winning spa, the aforementioned golf course and a fine dining restaurant – Collette’s. Meanwhile the children have their very own nursery, orangery and even an artificial beach. The rooms are finished in a plush contemporary style.

Highlights: Championship Golf Course

For Children: Swimming Pool, Authentic Beach Area, and Nursery

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Stoke Park

A chocolate box of treasures, Stoke Park occupies an absolutely stunning 18th century mansion, reminiscent of a mini White House, set in wonderful landscaped gardens designed by Humphrey Repton. The picturesque grounds have featured in many films, notably it is where James Bond challenged Goldfinger to round of golf. The accommodations are housed within both the Old Georgian Mansion and a newer, juxtaposing, contemporary block. Facility wise, the hotel boasts a Michelin star restaurant, a renowned golf course and an excellent spa with swimming complex – all located just 1 hour from central London and 15minutes from Heathrow airport.

Highlights: Golf Course, Michelin Star Restaurant, 300 Acres of Land

For Children: Tennis, 300 Acre grounds, Kids Menu

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Coworth Park

Since 2011 Coworth Park, part of the Dorchester collection, has been the linchpin of country hotels. Situated in fabulously blossoming 240 acre meadows nearby to Ascot race course, the resort is a favourite of Middle Eastern guests. This doesn’t mean it rests on its laurels though, with the hotel consistently ranked among the top 10 in the United Kingdom. The spa is state of the art (in fact the hotel even has a spa for visitors cars), that impresses with its architecture alone – its roof being a half buried sweep of glass bound by natural wood, with a herd garden on top. The rooms merge contemporary chic with the old manor house exterior - all are spacious, with oodles of natural light, and finished in calming white and creams. Many too have deep copper bathtubs for extensive relaxation sessions. As you can imagine heaps of activities are available such as clay pigeon shooting, Segway riding, horse riding lessons and visits to nearby Windsor.

Highlights: State of the art Spa, 18m Pool, Fine dining restaurant

For Children: Equestrian Centre, Children’s Concierge, and Parkland

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Ellenborough Park

Located in a 15^th century estate overlooking Cheltenham Racecourse Ellenborough Park is steeped in history. The resort has 62 bedrooms, in a seemingly endless and maze like space. One Elizabethan fine dining restaurant, a more casual brasserie, a superb spa, outdoor pool and countless ‘cosy’s’. Perhaps more suited for an intimate retreat for two than an expansive family, nether the less Ellenborough Park offers plenty for children to do, albeit outside the resort in the gorgeous Cotswold Hills. The rooms are bursting with character - decorated in a tradition English rural style, with exposed beams, heavy drapes and mahogany furniture.

Highlights: Stunning Countryside, Typical English Manor, Spa

For Children: Bike Rental, Arts classes in nearby Cheltenham

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Lucknam Park

Lucknam Park’s 500 acre estate really has it all; an award winning spa, Michelin Star restaurant and even an equestrian centre (for those less into horses and more into horsepower luckily there is a race track just 6 miles away). The building is eye catching too, a 17th century Palladian manor that greets dumbfounded guests into its marvellous gothic central hall, filled with curious oddities. It’s a place where kids can be equally as happy as adults by undertaking any of the countless activities on offer; whether it be tennis, croquet, football, riding bicycles or attending the hotels very own cookery school. The rooms are equally as dramatic as the hotels architecture, many with four poster beds, hand woven tapestries and mahogany furniture.

Highlights: 500 acre grounds, Michelin Star Restaurant, Spa, nearby town of Bath

For Children: Tennis, Croquet, Horse riding, Cookery School

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Chewton Glen

Long revered as the best hotel in the United Kingdom and for ample reasons too, that fact that staff outnumber guests two to one tells you level of pampering you can expect to receive. The resort is located within a red brick, ivy clad mansion house surrounded by acres of immaculately manicured lawns and extensive thriving woodland. Chewton Glen has rooms to suit almost all tastes too; whilst the vast majority of the rooms our decorated in a traditional English style, the new and spectacular Tree house suites ooze contemporary luxury. To tempt guests out of the well-appointed rooms the hotel boasts a sensational spa with both an indoor and outdoor pool, tennis courts, croquet lawns and a nine hole golf course. Should this not be enough the hotel is on the doorstep of the UK’s equestrian capital, The New Forest, and only a 15 minute walk to the sea.

Highlights: Sensational Spa, Great Location, Two to One staff to guest ratio

For Children: Horse Riding, Tennis, Swimming, Beach within a 15 minute walk.

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Cliveden House

Perhaps the most historical and grand hotel on this list; once being home to a Prince of Wales and the Viscounts Astor. Even Queen Victoria was a frequent visitor during her reign with the House's River Cottage being built specifically for her requirements. Guests to Cliveden House can spend hours getting lost spectacular grounds maintained by the National Trust, grounds that also house neighbouring Hedsor house - used as filming location for hit TV show Downtown Abbey. Inside the property one can expect to feel like an Earl or Countess with wonderfully intricate wood work, four poster beds and original fire places. The vast array of original features make it even more remarkable that the hotel managers to fit in the modern amenities of an indoor/outdoor swimming pool, spa, Michelin Starred chef, club lounge and library bar within its offering. 

Highlights: Stunning Grounds, History, Restaurant

For Children: Horse Riding, Tennis, Swimming, Boat Rides.

Have a look at our other blogs on www.bluebirdvip.com