Last year, I was browsing through a copy of a magazine for brides. I saw an advert for a weekend relaxation package for Sopwell House. It was marketed as ideal for brides and their mothers/bridesmaids wanting to pamper themselves in the run up to the big day. So, I saved up and saved up until I had the required £119.90 to treat my mum. I wanted to say thanks to her for everything she had done to help.
Sopwell House is a country house and spa in St. Albans, Hertfordshire. I thought it would be the perfect opportunity for a bit of pampering and relaxation. How wrong I was!
>> ARRIVAL << On arrival at the hotel, we found that our hotel room was not yet ready. We were asked to ‘relax’ by the bar (no complimentary drinks). An hour later, our room was still not ready. What were they doing? Laying fresh rose petals on our beds? No, they’d just forgotten!
It was time for our spa appointments, so we had to dig around in our bags for everything we needed for the ‘relaxation’ session (swimming costumes for a dip in the pool after, hairbrushes etc). The person at the desk assured us that our bags would be taken up to the rooms while we were away. You can probably guess where we found them 3 hours later. Yes … just lying by an unattended reception desk. Anyone could have picked them up and walked out the door with them.
>> THE SPA << The Spa itself is what I would describe as ‘average’ – I have seen better, but I have seen worse. I found the spa receptionist quite abrupt and overworked (it was a Saturday afternoon and there were a lot of people around). Both my mother and I commented to each other that we felt like we were on a factory line, waiting to be ‘processed’. It kinda took the magic and feeling of luxury away.
The treatments themselves were fine. Before beginning, the beauty therapist asked if there was anything I was allergic to. I replied ‘nuts’ and she said that I couldn’t have the specified Clarins Custom-Made Prescription Facials I had booked. I love Clarins products and use them on a daily basis. However, she would not agree to use them once I’d told her I’m allergic as apparently there are traces of nuts in Clarins products. This was very frustrating, but I guess I can understand that they have health and safety guidelines. Grrrr ….
>> SLEEPING AT THE HOTEL << The bedrooms are well laid out. They are not bursting with character, but they are reasonably attractive and have all the facilities you would need (beds, tables, chairs, wardrobes, ensuite bath/shower/toilet, television, tea/coffee making facilities, trouserpress, hairdryer).
A BIG word of warning though. Do not stay at Sopwell House on weekends, especially at summer time. The hotel is often hired out for wedding receptions. On the one side of the building, you will have to listen to the music, chatter, howls of laughter etc until the small hours. On the other side, you have the car park and lots of drunk people chatting by their cars or waiting for taxis. We were awake for hours listening to squeals of laughter and slamming car doors.
After all the wedding guests left at midnight, then we had a few more hours of the most irritating noise I’ve ever heard. Under our window was a bottle bank and kitchen staff came out every few minutes to throw bottles into it. Cue: lots of smashing of glass! I could NOT believe they don’t wait until the morning to do that. We had to call reception and complain. We didn’t get to sleep until 3am!
Prices range from £129 per person per night for a single room to £239 for a mews apartment. There are occasionally special offers though (ours was £119.90).
>> EATING & DRINKING << There are two restaurants: The Magnolia (2 AA Rosettes and unsurprisingly rather expensive!) and Bejarano’s Brasserie (more informal). Our impressions were that the food at both restaurants was overpriced and bland. There are also 3 bars: a Terrace Lounge Bar, a Cocktail Bar and a Poolside Café.
>> FACILITIES << In the spa area, there is also a very pretty swimming pool, with lots of relaxing chairs and sun loungers. There is an impressive bridge over the pool. You can also use the Jacuzzi and sauna. If you feel like exercising, there is a separate cardio-vascular and weights gym. Hotel guests can use these facilities free of charge.
There is also a purpose built Conference Centre and business centre, which I cannot comment on as we did not see any of the rooms or use the facilities.
>> LOCATION AND HOW TO GET THERE << Sopwell House is based on Cottonmill Lane in St Albans, Hertfordshire. If you are coming by car, you can take the M1 (get off at Jct 7 to the M10. Follow the A414 in the direction of Hatfield. Take the 1st slip road on the left. At the end, turn left, then left again at the mini-roundabout. The hotel is approximately ¼ mile on the left). Alternatively, if you’re coming from the M25 (exit at Jct 21a and take the first exit following signs to St. Albans. At the 3rd roundabout, take the A414 in the direction of Hatfield. Follow the instructions given above from this point).
The nearest public transport points are: Watford Tube Station (10.7 miles away) and Park Street Railway Station (1.4 miles away).
>> OVERALL IMPRESSION << Sopwell House has aspirations of luxury. The reality is far tackier. Think footballers wives, people who dress head-to-toe in fake Burberry check, and people who think Jennifer Ellison and Jordan are glamorous. It all left a nasty taste in the mouth.
I had the worst night sleep of my life. We did complain to the Hotel Manager, who offered us another complimentary weekend. In a series of correspondence, we argued for our money back, but they would not relent. We never took them up on the offer of a complimentary stay … even if they paid me £200 I would not stay there! I think I would get a greater sense of relaxation in a packed rush-hour tube in London!
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A shame, but every hotel comes up short from time to time I only hope they learnt something from your complaint. I won't let the experiences of others put me off though!
Kezza88 22.09.2003 22:05
What a shame, after spending so much money. I hope that you have better luck next time. Kez :)
tyger 22.09.2003 12:44
I'm about as far from a footballer's wife as a person can get so I'll give it a miss! Too bad about your experience but at least you'll have warned others to stay away and have a real relaxing weekend. (The bottle bank is just bizarre!) Karen
Advantages: For a four star, the food is five star and the setting and gardens are magnificent Disadvantages: Very popular hotel so will always be full
Advantages: For a four star, the food is five star and the setting and gardens are magnificent Disadvantages: Very popular hotel so will always be full
very helpful by (94%):
helpful by (5%):
somewhat helpful by (2%):
