Skovshoved Hotel, Copenhagen

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This historic hotel has long been a favourite for foreigners visiting Copenhagen. Since the 17th century, Skovshoved Hotel has provided simple, spacious rooms and fine Danish cuisine. Located thirty minutes by bus from the inner city, it is necessary to be organised with your weekend itinerary when staying at this suburban location. The convenient A1 stops directly outside the hotel but it is vital to check the timetables to avoid freezing in the Copenhagen chill and wasting valuable time. Skovshoved would perhaps be a better option for those visitors on a longer holiday.

When we pulled up to the hotel, its Christmas lights were illuminating the street, magically festive amongst the bleak seaside surroundings. Our room, one of twenty-two, was on the second floor with a view of the sea. The large bedroom was basic but homely, featuring a colourful rug, wooden floorboards and functional furniture. With a balcony and big windows, the room was light and had a pleasant freshness in the mornings. Despite the rustic feel, our room had a giant flat screen TV with British channels much to our surprise and enjoyment.

The small bathroom sadly lacked a bath but the powerful shower was an efficient alternative. Molton Brown toiletries added a touch of luxury and the towels were thick and soft.

After a good night’s slumber, we wandered downstairs for breakfast which is plentiful and varied. Choose your preference: thick white breaded bacon sandwich or flaky croissants, there are also a few Danish options for those who wish to try something more local.

I cursed the location when we first arrived but after a weekend at this quaint, friendly, family-run hotel, I felt rather fond of my out-of-town base.

More information and book here: www.skovshovedhotel.dk

Many thanks to the Copenhagen Tourist Board for their help with the trip. More information here.

Fredrick’s Hotel and Spa, Maidenhead

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It was the vilest of English winter evenings… the kind where you would love nothing more than to curl up on a cosy sofa with the Strictly final to entertain you. We had a more glamorous alternative, a night’s stay at Fredrick’s hotel. Just thirty minutes train journey from London Paddington this hotel provided a perfect weekend retreat on the shortest, and possibly wettest day of the year.

After the ten minute walk from Maidenhead station we were relieved to arrive at the hotel. We were staying, for the night, in the Sandringham suite, conveniently located on the ground floor, next to the spa.

Our suite was spacious and civilised, the style of decor perhaps a little tired but everything in pristine condition with vintage china and artwork on display. The flat screen telly got a lot of use as we slumped on our king sized bed watching Christmas TV. Those who wish to work could do so at the large desk or sitting in one of the comfy chairs with a drink from the well stocked mini bar. The bathroom had a nice bath (though it took a long time to fill) and a powerful shower. Toiletries were provided by Gilchrist & Soames.

The restaurant and spa are both important assets to the hotel. I saw many day visitors here to experience these facilities rather than for a stay. Overnight guests who choose to dine at the restaurant receive a complimentary glass of sparkling wine in the bar before their meal, ours came with accompanying olives and ham hock canapés.

After earlier in the day promising ourselves that we would “not eat too much,” we instead opted to share four mains between the two of us! As a special request, we ordered starter size Fettuccine with chorizo and chicken, and King prawns with pappardelle, tomato and basil. Both were rich and tasty, the fettuccine in a pool of creamy sauce with big chunks of meat, while the pappardelle was more Mediterranean with a fresh tomato sauce.

For mains we decided on sirloin and ribeye 250g steaks with duck fat chips, tomato and shallot. Finding the meat too dry, I asked for some peppercorn sauce which the kitchen staff rustled up for us immediately. I couldn’t fit in dessert but my guest chose the warm chocolate pudding with salt caramel and yogurt sorbet which was a delicious, comforting winter sweet.

The spa was my favourite part of the Fredrick’s experience. With extensive facilities including an indoor-outdoor heated hydrotherapy pool, steam and sauna rooms, jacuzzi beds, health bar and luxurious private treatment rooms, there is everything you could ever desire for an indulgent day of bliss. After eighty lengths in the outdoor pool with the sun on my face I enjoyed an invigorating back massage, which eased my aching shoulders and tired muscles. A voucher for the Fredrick’s spa would be a great gift for a loved one in need of some ‘me’ time.

This countryside sanctuary, is a lovely escape from the city. You can enjoy a weekend of relaxation and recovery just a half hour from London.

For a special treat indulge at Heston Blumenthal’s Hinds Head gastro pub in Bray for a wonderful, Michelin starred lunch.

More information and book a night at Fredrick’s Hotel and Spa here.

Marriott County Hall, Southbank

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Marriott County Hall has an enviable location on the edge of Southbank, overlooking the Thames and many of London’s most famous landmarks. Housed in a beautifully restored historic building which boasts impressive architecture and polished marble floors, County Hall is reminiscent of a sophisticated bygone era.

Our room was spacious but quite dated in design, decorated in browns and beiges with simple furnishings. It felt a bit like visiting a great aunt but this is all part of the vintage appeal. A lovely gift had been left for me, a box of treats including spiced pear chutney, cider mustard and strawberry jam, a statement of the hotel’s proud British heritage. The ultra-comfortable king sized bed provided a peaceful night’s sleep. The bathroom was large and functional with a lovely deep bath and Aromatherapy Essentials toiletries.

The hotel has various gym and spa facilities as well as an indoor 25 metre pool, a rare asset for a central London hotel, and definitely a selling point. There are also eleven dedicated meeting rooms, perfect for fulfilling business needs.

The restaurant, Gillray’s Steakhouse & Bar is perhaps the nicest part of the hotel; with impressive views and a stylish contemporary look, it feels like it has been updated more recently than the rest of the hotel. We enjoyed a typically English meal, garlicky grilled prawns followed by the finest dry-aged Aberdeen Angus steaks. There is a huge range of steaks on offer to satisfy even the most fussy of meat fans. Various bone-in and bone-out options are available including a gigantic 1kg ‘Bull’s Head’ which I was amazed to see a small woman tackle alone on a nearby table. Our more modest fillet and sirloin steaks had a lovely depth of flavour and were cooked exactly to our specification. Truffle and Old Winchester chips are an indulgent side. The delicious Spanish wine accompanied the meat well.

Breakfast is also served in Gillray’s and looked lovely especially in the morning light. Big baskets of fruit, cereal, bread and pastries were laid out at the bar. There is an a la carte menu but we found the continental options more than adequate.

With Big Ben, the Thames and the London Eye on your doorstep, Marriott County Hall is ideal for those wishing to have  the London experience.

More information and book a stay here.