Melbourne Lodge

Housed in the former 18th century Grade 1 listed coach house of the imposing Brocket Hall, luxurious Melbourne Lodge is an intimate retreat with bags of style. Huge windows with opulent drapes look out onto the lovely Broadwater Lake and The Melbourne Golf Course. The 16 spacious rooms have stylish furnishings and huge comfortable beds. Original furniture and prints from the Brocket Hall Estate add atouch of grandeur to the country house feel. The atmosphere is peaceful broken only by the gentle cries of swans and geese as they fly over the shimmering lake.

Auberge du Lac, with chef John Barber, is set in the estate’s former hunting lodge, uses seasonal crops which are literally growing within metres of the tables where they are served. Different menus are available including an impressive seven course tasting menu with highlights including fallow deer. Its stylish Lounge Bar is the perfect place for fabulous pre-dinner cocktails which set the scene for an evening of memorable fine dining. Staff here are attentive and pleasant and although the setting is grand, the atmosphere is relaxed.

 

Written by Judith Baker

• Views
• Splendid views over golf courses and Brocket Hall
• Parking
• Free parking on site
• Restaurant
• Auberge du Lac
• Sit-out Terrace
• Bar
• Family Suites

• Games room
• Wifi
• Satellite / Cable TV
• Disabled access
• Pet friendly
• Garden

• Great walks
• A 4.6 mile circular walk takes in lovely countryside in the Brocket Hall estate, through the Lea Valley& along the Ayot Greenway
• Hotel Entertainment
• Dining at Chef John Barber's Auberge du Lac is a must, a fabulous restaurant in the estate’s historic former hunting lodge
• Golf
• With 2 courses, a Golf Academy and a state of the art swing studio Brocket Estate is bound to attract keen golfers

• Other Activities
• If you are looking for a historic experience, tunnel through time with a visit to Welwyn Roman Baths
• Sights nearby
• Historic Hatfield House is just a short drive away and well worth a visit

Why do people love staying in your hotel?  Peace and quiet, lovely country walks, high quality dining experience in the Auberge du Lac with great golf for those so inclined.

What is there to do in the area?

• Voted Hertfordshire’s ‘hidden gem’ in the Herts Tourism Awards 2017, Mill Green Mill and Museum is an 18th century working watermill and museum


• Tunnel through time with a visit to Welwyn Roman Baths, although you won’t be able to take a hot bath any more – as the boiler went out about 1,800 years ago when the Romans left, the site is still home to some fascinating remains.


• Containing the only dedicated skating rink in Hertfordshire, and home to a three-screen cinema, Campus West in Welwyn Garden City is a premier entertainment venue, and it also includes a Soft Play centre, a 320-seat theatre, café, and bar


• Stanborough Park comprises two large lakes and 126 acres of award-winning parkland. There are nature walks and orienteering trails with maps, a children’s play area, Vertigo Adventure’s high and low ropes course, angling, and a sailing lake. Rowing boats and pedalos are available to hire and it is the home of the Herts Disability Sports Hub.


• Hatfield House built in 1611 on the site of the former Hatfield Palace was the principal residence for Elizabeth I for three years prior to her becoming queen in 1558. The house is open to the public for tours and events and for visits to its Old Courtyard shops.


• Great walks including the Welwyn Garden Centenary trail.

What kind of breakfast do you offer? Traditional Full English Breakfast with healthy alternatives such as fresh fruit, yogurt and smashed avocado with poached eggs, served on the terrace in the summer or in the clubhouse during the winter.

Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally? In addition to the fine dining cuisine in the on-site Auberge du Lac, The Melbourne Club offeres a lighter, more brasserie-style menu with club favourites ranging from game pie, fish and chips to Ceasar salad in addition to the typical golf club fare such as club sandwich and burgers.

Which are your most popular room types, and why? The corner rooms are most popular, due to the size and double aspect views, and also because they can comfortably accommodate an extra bed and cot whenb requested.

What facilities do you have for children and can you fit extra beds in your rooms? Although specific entertainment for children is limited, the close proximity to Welwyn Garden City allows access to many children’s activities whilst the privacy of the location with the various walks is always popular.

What message would you like to give The Hotel Guru readers? A fabulous location, easily accessible from London and the Home Counties for a special weekend away, surrounded by stunning countryside and the choice of two championship golf courses for those who wish to play.