Hartwell House was perfect for the quick getaway we wanted. For comparison I would highly recommend looking at Lucknam Park near Bath as it offers very similar accommodation with more and nicer amenities.
Tone: Expect a formal atmosphere where everyone is speaking in hushed tones and respecting one anothers privacy while enjoying a truly idyllic setting.
Staff: The staff were faultless.
Accommodation: We stayed in one of the royal four poster rooms (#12) and found it to be very comfortable and well appointed overall. The sofa could use restuffing or replacing as it's fairly saggy and worn. The reception rooms in the main house were large with games to play or magazines to read.
Food: Dinner was very good and of a caliber you would expect. Breakfast could have been better. The scrambled eggs were a bit strange and the buffet selection could have been more varied. The dining room itself seemed a strange choice in a house of this size as it was small and with fairly limited light/views. Food in the cafe was nothing special but was fine.
Pool/Spa: The pool is large and well heated with a depth of 4'6" throughout. There was also a hot tub perched above the pool. The gym equipment was fairly poor but there are free weights and several machines. The changing areas were the biggest downfall. They truly need an upgrade and a rethinking of the space. There is only one toilet in the womens changing room and it's in a repurposed broom cupboard - and you really can tell! They didn't even bother to change the door. The room itself is just a bit tired and awkward. For a hotel of this caliber they really should do better. For spa services I had the pedicure and pregnancy massage from Nadine. She was excellent and I couldn't recommend her more highly. My husband had a full body Swedish massage which he thoroughly enjoyed.
Lucknam park is another excellent choice if you are looking for a country house getaway and they offer a nicer pool, horseback riding and far prettier grounds and gardens. Their restaurant has a Michelin star rating although I found the food to be a bit fussy for the sake of being fussy. If you don't mind going west a bit I would overall recommend Lucknam but for a closer to London option Hartwell House is a perfectly acceptable alternative.
- Hartwell Hotel Aylesbury
