Just pulling up outside the huge colonnaded entrance to Luton Hoo Hotel is a thrill.
We were immediately greeted by a smartly liveried porter who escorted us to reception and then whisked our luggage up to our room. At check-in we were lucky enough to be upgraded to a Junior Suite in the main Mansion. Our bedroom and bathroom were spacious and luxuriously decorated to reflect the history of the house. We also had a small balcony with a view over Luton Hoo's beautiful grounds. However, the chief glory of Luton Hoo is its public rooms, which manage to be simultaneously grand and comfortable. Drifting from the Great Hall, through the Pillared Hall to the Italianate Drawing Room is to take a journey back though time.
A short walk (or golf buggy ride) from the main house are the Robert Adam stables which have been adapted for use as a brasserie, gym and spa. I spent my afternoon there by first enjoying a relaxing massage in the Spa before unwinding by the pool. There are saunas, a steam room and a fun "vitality" pool which was really invigorating.
That night we dined at the hotel's spectacular Wernher Restaurant. Before dinner we had a cocktail in the Pillared Hall. Sipping on a Martini and listening to the pianist while browsing the menu and nibbling on an amuse bouche was a wonderful way to begin the evening. The dining room itself is breathtaking but the warm, unobtrusive service means that it doesn't feel overwhelming. The menu is generous with most dishes employing British ingredients "with a twist" and there is a comprehensive and excellent wine list. After dinner we retired to the elegant Drawing Room for a nightcap.
The following morning we read the newspapers and ate a hearty breakfast once again served in the Wernher Restaurant. It was such a beautiful morning that I decided to take a gentle walk around the charming formal gardens and the park to clear away the cobwebs. Unfortunately, all too soon, it was time to take our leave. My only regret was that we weren't staying longer to take full advantage of all the facilities. Still, there's always the next time.