The Elvetham Hotel, The Library

I booked this as a last minute getaway and was describing it to friends as "suspiciously cheap", so my expectations were not high. However, i was truly amazing! I found a dinner, bed and breakfast deal and opted for a deluxe double room in the main house. Check in was a little slow with only one member of staff (the lovely Jo) on reception and a tricky guest ahead of me, but it gave me time to read a little literature on the local area. The room was beyond my expectations (Room 217) and was, in my view, a small Junior Suite. There was a good sized bedroom area (great bed!), seating area (lovely sofa!), separate W/C and a huge bath (amaaaaazing bath!) in the bathroom. I'd have loved to have a look in Room 200 and would recommend requesting that room if you opt for a "standard" Superior Double. I wont ruin the surprise. Dinner was a slightly different menu if you were on our "DB&B" deal but the menu was actually better for us and the food was extremely tasty. Great service too and the wine was well priced. Breakfast was also fantastic. Although I doubt our deal is available in summer, reading a book in the grounds would be a wonderful way to spend the day. Only three minor niggles; No garnish in the Negroni. There was no music playing in the bar, which gave it a slightly uninviting feel, yet there was music (oddly jarring music at that) playing in the restaurant. Finally, the coffee at breakfast was truly terrible. Possibly the worst coffee I have ever tried (and failed) to drink. Elvetham is one of the best hotels we have stayed at and we will certainly return.

Where to start! From the beautiful old building steeped in history everywhere you look, to the really well equipped unique rooms, to the amazing grounds it is set in, the amazing helpful staff and service for the entire time to the amenities, food and drink, there are no superlatives that are too much to describe how amazing the Elvathem is. . . The house itself is so so beautiful, the main stairwell and bar are stupendous but everywhere is breath taking. The conservatory where you sit for breakfast with views over just a small part of the formal gardens is just amazing. It's so wonderful to know we stayed where Henry Viii had visited several times as it was at that time the home of Jane Seymour's family and Queen Elizabeth the 1st had also stayed. To walk around where they had been just adds another element to a truly wonderful place to stay!