Ettington Park Hotel, Warwickshire

The beautiful exterior of Ettington Park Hotel

Ettington Park Hotel

There are few better ways to end an evening of watching a haunting and disturbing performance of King Lear, than driving up the oak-lined driveway of Ettington Park. Just a couple of miles outside Stratford is the setting for Robert Wise’s film The Haunting, here is a 4-star hotel in a glorious Grade-I-listed Gothic mansion replete with turrets and flags.

The grounds are spectacular, an exceptional 40 acres of well-maintained parkland and there’s every kind of English wildlife pottering around. Deer scamper across the fields, rabbits and squirrels scurry through the woods, and horses amble up to the fence to greet the new arrivals.

A ruined 12th-century church sits in the grounds accompanied by a plethora of ghosts. Mary, a servant girl who died after a fall following an argument with the squire, is one of the most notorious ghosts.

The haunted feel of Ettington Park continues inside and out of the hotel. Inside the hotel, there are eerie family paintings lining the wrought-iron staircase. The entrance area is also decorated to theme with dim lighting showcasing the antiques placed throughout.

Upon our arrival, my partner and I made our way from the car to reception via an impressive orangery-style conservatory. Our stay seemed heralded with such promise, until we were greeted at reception with a sullen manner, which felt a bit like a slap in the face. There was no greeting or welcoming smile. We waited patiently before being told to take a seat. While the service at check-in wasn’t bad, it certainly wasn’t in line with the kind of hospitality you would expect from a grand country house hotel.

We kept up a bit of competition throughout our stay to see who could receive a smile from reception. We believed venturing a greeting would receive a smile in return, but we’d push open the pleasingly heavy front door and enter reception to silence and, quite possibly, a glare. This conduct was so consistent that I wondered whether it was hotel policy. I thought possibly staff were directed to be discreet at all times and never bother the guests.

A rooom at Ettington Park Hotel
Ettington Park Hotel

Despite the staff’s lack of service, we were pleased with our room. The price of our stay at Ettington Park was well worth it, because of the lush surroundings, and the pool and tennis courts on the grounds. Our front-facing room was lovely. Our bed was comfortable, the furnishings were sumptuous and the room service was excellent.

On Saturday, we had lunch at the hotel restaurant and with it came a sea of change. To our surprise, the service in the dining area was friendly, welcoming and accommodating. It was an unusually sunny day, so we decided to sit outside and make the most of the weather among the hotel’s vast grounds. We enjoyed our meal outside, and despite the wind, our cheerful waiter endeavored to cleave our table cloth to the table for us. He stayed cheerful while constantly checking if we were warm enough. I’ll admit we weren’t, but we couldn’t lose face and we appreciated the fresh air.

I enjoyed a perfectly light pea and mushroom risotto followed by a selection of cheeses. My partner had smoked salmon salad followed by a deliciously dense dark chocolate terrine. The lovely food matched the perfect setting and service.

The pool of Ettington Park Hotel
Ettington Park Hotel

Breakfast the following day yielded the same exceptional results, and proved to be a thorough affair. There was a buffet with fruits, meats, cheeses and bread. The food was oddly laid out in the entrance hall, while the cooked food was served in the library, which proved a peaceful setting with its fireplace and ecclesiastical arches. We had opted for the full cooked works, of course. We splurged with local Lighthorne Lamb sausage, banana and cinammon waffles with cream, and a large bowl of fruit. It was quite possibly over indulgent, but why not? I’m pregnant, the sun was shining and the waiter was friendly.

On Saturday night I travelled downstairs to enquire about borrowing a DVD from the concierge. I was unsurprised when he scowled at me while nodding to a nearby cupboard, and letting me get on with it.

Leaving the hotel proved to be a whole different ball game, again. Reception showed a change in attitude, as the receptionist and duty manager were full of smiles and pleasant enquiries when we exited the hotel. A small quibble on the bill was cleared up with a smile and an apology, and the door was held open as we exited.

I couldn’t fault the standard of the room, the food or the décor of Ettington Park. It was all tasteful and in keeping with the architectural style, whilst also being functional and comfortable. I had a degree of expectation, due to the hotel’s exceptional history and grounds. While not everybody wants a fuss, but being acknowledged by front-of-house staff is a basic. I booked a stay at a grand country hotel and I wanted a Jeeves-style service to match. I would return to Ettington Park in a heartbeat, but I’d be inclined to check whose shift it was.

Ettington Park Hotel
Alderminster
Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire
Tel: 0845 072 7454.
Website: www.handpickedhotels.co.uk/hotels/ettington-park-hotel
Price: Rooms start at £130