One of Luton Hoo Hotel in Hertfordshire’s many claims to fame is having been the chosen venue for the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh’s 1947 honeymoon. Since then, several members of royalty and heads of state have made the hotel a holiday destination, Lord Mountbatten, Queen Mary and Edward VII among them. The building and grounds have also featured in an array of films and television shows, including Eyes Wide Shut, Four Weddings and a Funeral, Inspector Morse, Nicholas Nickleby, Bleak House, Enigma and Vanity Fair.
A brief survey of the five-star facilities reveals why the Luton Hoo is such a magnet for the rich and famous: a stunning façade, vast hallways, individually decorated period rooms, a luxurious spa, gourmet restaurants and 1,065 acres of landscaped gardens. Moreover, the convenient location – on the periphery of Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire – means that the hotel is just a stone’s throw away from Cambridge or London. Both are easily accessible via public transport.
Rooms
Beyond the building’s external grandeur, Luton Hoo Hotel in Hertfordshire offers a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere. Nine different rooms and rates are available, catering to a variety of needs and budgets. At the lower end of the price range are the Deluxe Bedrooms, at £280. At the other end are the Mansion State Suites – the Queen’s honeymoon choice – at £1,100, featuring balconies and tables for dressing and dining.
Every room is uniquely decorated, in keeping with the original interior of the late 18th century building. Think marble fire places, elaborate ceiling ornamentation and walls lined with silk. Nearly all rooms offer stunning views of the surrounding gardens and parklands, as well as all the mod cons – flat screen television, complimentary wifi, fridge, 24 hour room service, in room bar (upon request) and an indulgent selection of toiletries by Molton Brown.
Eating and drinking
Guests at Luton Hoo Hotel in Hertfordshire have an array options for sating an appetite. One of the most renowned is the Wernher Restaurant, offering high-end fine dining in a gorgeous part of the building, which was revamped about a hundred years ago by the architects behind London’s Ritz Hotel. For a more casual, informal experience The Adam’s Brasserie is the best option, with its bright, modern décor. There’s also The 19th – a relaxed themed bar providing quick snacks all day long.
The to do list
Many visitors choose to stay at Luton Hoo just to have a hit on the spectacular 250-acre, eighteen-hole championship golf course. With gardens designed by Capability Brown, it’s 7,107 yards long for men and 6,143 yard for women. Four different options for tees are available.
For post-game relaxation, there’s an onsite spa. One of its major drawcards is the use of exclusive treatments created from the herbs and flowers that grow on Luton Hoo’s grounds. An oak-framed swimming pool affords views over nearby woodlands.
