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.