“Grand Italianate country house hotel with a spoiling spa set on a 100-acre estate. Elegant interiors and a swish new cocktail bar set the scene; rooms look out over manicured gardens & parkland. Dine at the modern British restaurant or indulge in traditional Afternoon Tea. Restful & relaxing.”
“Grand Italianate country house hotel with a spoiling spa set on a 100-acre estate. Elegant interiors and a swish new cocktail bar set the scene; rooms look out over manicured gardens & parkland. Dine at the modern British restaurant or indulge in traditional Afternoon Tea. Restful & relaxing.”
Hotel Review
Set within a large, old estate ideal for country walks, grand, Italianate Down Hall built in 1873 feels rural despite being just 20 minutes away from Stansted airport. Guest rooms are located in both the original building, as well as a newer wing that also houses a gym and small spa (extra charge) offering treatments, a sauna and steam room. Rooms typically have a traditional decor such as a cream colour palette with light patterned wallpaper, built in wardrobes, an antique-style desk and marble bathroom. For food and drink options you can choose between a sundowner on the terrace, afternoon tea in the large and rather regal lounge, a gin and tonic in the cocktail bar and hearty dishes in the restaurant. The decor varies considerably, from a rather dated lounge to a newly revamped cocktail bar that looks inviting, smart and cool.
Written by Ben West
Recommended For
- Families
- Family-friendly touches include interconnecting rooms, children's playground, kid's menu & activities during the school holidays
- Weddings
- Opulent interiors & sumptuous setting plus excellent on-site team makes this a popular choice for country weddings
- Country Escape
- Mixing the elegance of a period stately home with the contemporary comforts of a modern spa hotel
- Business meetings
- Well set-up for team building, away days, meetings & events
- Other Activities
- After a gourmet picnic at the property's picnic spot, try your hand at croquet or giant chess on the lawn
- Hotel Entertainment
- You might recognise the location as the set of 2020's series of the Great British Bake Off
- Tennis
- There are two hard court tennis courts with free equipment rental & tutition on request
- Great walks
- Expansive grounds are home to an array of woodland walks & parkland trails
- Museums
- Golf
- Restaurant
- Elegant Garden Room restaurant offers modern British food using ingredients sourced from the property's gardens
- Spa
- The Eden Spa boasts couple's treatment rooms, hydro pool, steam, sauna, relaxation terrace & beauty treatments
- Historic
- Revolutionary at the time, the mansion was built in 1873 by renowned architect Frederick Pepys Cockerell
- Family Suites
- A range of special packages include great benefits for those travelling with kids
- Gym
- The impressive gym features state-of-the-art equipment from Technogym
- Rooms with balcony/terrace
- Certain high level suites come with private terraces or patios
- Views
- Feature Rooms offer lovely views over the gardens
- Wedding license
- Conference facilities
- Sit-out Terrace
- Opulent
- Grand Hotel
- Antiques
- Pet friendly
- Child friendly
- Disabled access
- Remote
- Wellbeing
- Traditional
- Exclusive use
- Charming
- Luxury
- Romantic
- Secluded setting
Facilities
- Outdoor dining
- The protected restaurant terrace is an idyllic spot on warm summer days - there are heaters for the rest of the year
- Restaurant
- Elegant Garden Room restaurant offers modern British food using ingredients sourced from the property's gardens
- Spa
- The Eden Spa boasts couple's treatment rooms, hydro pool, steam, sauna, relaxation terrace & beauty treatments
- Family Suites
- A range of special packages include great benefits for those travelling with kids
- Gym
- The impressive gym features state-of-the-art equipment from Technogym
- Rooms with balcony/terrace
- Certain high level suites come with private terraces or patios
- Views
- Feature Rooms offer lovely views over the gardens
- Airport transfer
- An easy 25 minute drive from Stanstead Airport
- Fireplace
- Master Suites come with roaring fireplaces
- Safe
- Parking
- Bar
- Wedding license
- Laundry
- Sauna/Steam
- Hairdresser/Beauty Salon
- Meeting Room
- Cots available
- Massage
- Private dining room
- Sit-out Terrace
- Garden
- Pet friendly
- Child friendly
- Sitting Room
- Room service
- 24 Hour room service
- Disabled access
- Suites
- Conference facilities
- Hot Tub
- Satellite / Cable TV
- Wifi
Activities
- Other Activities
- After a gourmet picnic at the property's picnic spot, try your hand at croquet or giant chess on the lawn
- Hotel Entertainment
- You might recognise the location as the set of 2020's series of the Great British Bake Off
- Tennis
- There are two hard court tennis courts with free equipment rental & tutition on request
- Great walks
- Expansive grounds are home to an array of woodland walks & parkland trails
- Museums
- Golf
Map & Location
What's Nearby
Other Reviews
Down Hall
The Italianate Down Hall sits grandly in 110 acres of woodland, and despite being only 25 minutes away from Stansted Airport, it feels like you're miles away from everything. Its exquisite exterior is matched by the elegant interior, with nice facilities including a spa and a well priced restaurant to merit a stay
Originally published by The Telegraph
