Down Hall Hotel and Spa

Down Hall

I was kindly invited to Down Hall Hotel and Spa, dog friendly accommodation in exchange for a review

Down Hall is a countryside hotel in a 1322 manor located in Hatfield Heath, near Bishops Stortford on the Hertfordshire and Essex border.  What makes this building so interesting is that its history dates back to the 11th century. http://www.downhall.co.uk/history

‘The Great British bake off’ was filmed here last year and some of the presenters brought their dogs to stay in Down Hall.

Arrival

We were stunned by the impressive driveway that led to the beautiful building and grounds. The parking was easy to find and secure with surveillance cameras around the building. We were greeted by a friendly and helpful member of staff who was very professional upon arrival.

The chandeliers were a main feature around the hotel and each one caught my eye.

Rooms

Entering the room we were welcomed with a complementary bowl of fresh fruit. Reggie was given his own comfy bed, two bowls and two bags of treats.

The Dog friendly rooms are situated in the west wing each with their own patio door which leads to the outstanding gardens. We enjoyed a glass of Prosecco sitting outside the room in the evening whilst watching Reggie play on the grass. Reggie was allowed off lead outside and enjoyed the freedom.

I was impressed how clean and fresh the room was. In the room there were the usual amenities such as an iron and ironing board, hairdryer, a safe, a fridge ,kettle and a selection of teas, coffees, and hot chocolates. Shampoo, conditioner, soap, and shower wash was also provided.

The room was beautifully decorated with traditional manor décor. I loved how spacious the room was with its high ceilings. The bed was huge and extremely comfortable, one of the best nights sleep I’ve had in a hotel.

Reggie was right at home with the dog bed from Pets Pyjamas, which he comfortably sat on throughout the stay.

Garden and surroundings

The garden and surrounding area are magnificent. The 110 Acres are well maintained and has various trails offering easy to strenuous walks. In the room we were given a map so enjoyed a stroll on each of the given paths. To our surprise we even spotted two deer casually strolling through woods. On one of the trails there was a cute fairy garden which was a lovely touch to the walk.

There are many things to do at Down Hall for both adults and children. In the garden there is an enclosed play area and a very large game of outdoor chess. Around the woodlands there is an assault course/exercise equipment.   There is plenty to do outside with its tennis courts, badminton area and paddle tennis. This is the only hotel in the UK to offer paddle tennis to its guests.

There is a separate building where you can unwind and relax in the spa with treatments, a massage or to enjoy the sauna or hydrotherapy pool.

Staff

Throughout the stay the staff were very friendly and helpful. They went above and beyond to ensure our stay was enjoyable.

The General Manager Ken was very welcoming and spoke to us to ensure we were comfortable.

Food

Before dinner we enjoyed some of Down Halls signature cocktails. We were then treated to a three course meal which was delicious. Reggie was allowed to join us whilst we ate in the lounge which had a relaxing atmosphere

The food was incredible and the service was excellent and delivered promptly. There was a good selection to choose from and I was very pleased with my choice of food.

We tucked into a Starters, main and dessert.

Starters :Pressed Ham hock, Piccalilli, Scotch egg, heritage carrot and my friend enjoyed the hand dived Orkney Scallops.

Mains: I had the line caught Sea Bass, rainbow chard, cockles, brown shrimps, cucumber, creamed potatoes. My friend had the Cornish Monkfish Scampi , cucumber salad, lime, sweet potato  wedges, and lobster mayonnaise.

All food received was hot and presented beautifully. After the starter and main I was absolutely stuffed and couldn’t quite squeeze in a dessert but as the food was so tasty I thought it was rude not to, so for dessert we both shared the vanilla crème brulee.

The breakfast was had in the lounge area. There was a continental breakfast selection from a buffet and also the option to have hot food. I chose Eggs benedict on sour dough which I thoroughly enjoyed.