Brooklands Hotel & Spa has a unique position which sees its front exterior overlooking the famous Mercedes-Benz World track – of which the hotel takes its inspiration from. This modern and sleek hotel, with its monochrome exterior and contemporary art deco interior, has no outside grounds to speak of, and appeals to conference and business users – with several meeting suites and event teams available.
However, would you believe Brooklands also has hordes of guests looking for a special getaway and a pampering treat, great dining options and peace and relaxation? With the hotel’s spa doing a roaring trade – the hotel is looking into expanding the spa area due to its phenomenal success. Not hard to believe after witnessing myself how busy the hotel was even on a Sunday.
When I was invited to come and stay for a one night package sans Monkey, and bring along one of my best pals, I jumped at the chance. It’s not often we get the opportunity for a pampering treat so we were both excited to have some time to ourselves alongside our friend, Prosecco…
Location
The Brooklands site in Weybridge, Surrey, is home to one of Britain’s most famous racing heritage circuits – in fact it was the world’s first purpose-built real race track, which opened in 1907 by wealthy land owner Hugh Locke King and was the scene of the earliest motor racing in the country during the 1920s and 1930s. The hotel is easily accessed with direct train routes into London and, aside from the close proximity of Mercedes Benz World, the famous Brooklands Museum is also close by.
The Rooms
With rooms starting at the deluxe tier and rising to track-facing suites – there’s definitely an element of space and luxury to them all – with each room kitted out with the latest gadgets including a 42in flat-screen TV, iPod docking station, rain-showers and king-sized beds. We were lucky to be staying in one of four track-facing super suites, which consists of a large bedroom, a large sitting room, study section and dressing area.
It was palatial, especially as the pair of us lounged about in our complimentary dressing robes and slippers – enjoying the last of the sunshine on our huge balcony and ordering drinks via room service. We were living the dream, and our stylish surroundings helped us unwind before we got ready for dinner.
Meanwhile, the small touches such as the fruit bowl, personalised welcome note, spa-quality toiletries and complimentary wi-fi added a certain je ne sais quoi – and we both slept splendidly in the plus king-sized bed with piles of duck-down pillows and the comfortably soft duvet bathed in crisp white sheets.
Amenities
As soon as you step into the impressive lobby, you get an instant sense that Brooklands Hotel & Spa means business. Not only does the hotel have over six conference suites and meeting rooms with state-of-the-art facilities, but the capacity to hold large corporate events and even weddings. Meanwhile, the trendy 1907 Bar & Grill offers up plenty of space for guests to enjoy a drink or two. Head to the third floor and you’ll discover the BSpa – Brookland Hotel’s most popular hangout, as well as a gym and outside deck with hot tub.
BSpa
Out of the whole Brooklands Hotel experience, my time at the BSpa was what I was looking forward to the most. As most parents will admit, there is certainly time lacking when it comes to pampering one self, and my tired looking skin was in need of rejuvenation, while my aching muscles were in need of a firm hand.
As soon as we stepped out of the lift, the fragrant floral aromas from the gorgeous Caudalie products hit our senses as we walked into the spa reception, however, I was surprised on how small the area was – considering everywhere else in the hotel is so spacious. Brooklands has somehow managed to cram in several tables and chairs where guests can enjoy food and drink – and there were several groups of friends tucking into champagne afternoon tea. It looked scrumptious.
It was lovely to be shown to a table with our names written on it, and we enjoyed a coffee and a bite to eat while waiting for our treatments. As soon as we’d finished, we decided to get changed and explore the rest of the floor. On entering the compact changing rooms, we were disappointed to see them in disarray, with dirty towels piled high and used slippers littering the floor. But I do appreciate the Spa staff was under immense pressure from an unusually busy period – and we probably stumbled in just after an influx of women.
After checking out the steam and sauna rooms and relaxation areas, which again are rather cramped, we headed outside to the see the hot tub. It’s certainly seen better days – and very popular as there are no other swimming facilities in the hotel. Guests were trying to time it so they could have it to themselves. Totally understandable for the privacy aspect, however that meant there was a line of guests waiting for their turn.
The good news is Brooklands has recognised this problem and in a few weeks will be launching their new state-of-the-art hot tub which can seat up to 12 people with hydrotherapy and relaxation venturi jets. It sounds pretty amazing – and a much-needed addition. Jaman, the attentive night manager, also informed me that the hotel is looking into expanding the spa area as demand is now so high – but this will be determined by stringent planning laws.
Back to my treatments: After being led to one of nine treatment rooms, I had a 50-minute facial and 50-minute deep tissue massage – and both were gloriously relaxing and well executed. I did feel truly pampered. Afterwards, I found my friend napping in the relaxation room – a pitch black space with gloriously comfortable water beds. She thanked me rescuing her from a deep slumber!
Food
The 1907 Bar & Grill is a superb space within the hotel. Bright and welcoming, we were greeted by the friendly Julio, who really made our dining experience a treat. Only too happy to oblige in helping us choose from the extensive menu, he played waiter, sommelier and maitre d, really listened to our wine preferences and let us try several before we settled on the ones we liked.
While my friend opted for lobster starter and fish and chips, I went for the biggest bowl of mussels I have ever eaten and then a burger with the works. This is a rare occurrence for me, but so full was I, it was impossible to finish my main course, let alone have a dessert. We were both having such a good time, that an apologetic Julio had to come over to us later on in the evening and inform us they were closing! When we looked around we were stunned to realise we were the only guests in the whole restaurant!
The breakfast buffet is also served in the restaurant with a good selection of hot food with staples like sausages, bacon and eggs, as well as fruit, pastries, cereals, smoked salmon and yoghurts. After feeling quite stuffed from the previous night, we both took it easy…
Overall verdict
Our stay at Brooklands Hotel was a thoroughly pleasant experience. The hotel isn’t ‘pretty’ by any stretch, it’s a modern building with no gardens, set by a racing track – a combination you wouldn’t necessarily place in the suburbs of Weybridge. However, that’s the hidden beauty of it. Brooklands is modern by design and this is reflected in the interiors, the amenities and the staff.
Every staff member we encountered was friendly and professional, which is why I will forgive the niggles I encountered in the BSpa. When there was a problem, staff were only too happy to help or apologise and, at the end of the day, is what is most important. The BSpa is so popular because the treatments are fantastic as well as the therapists. The hotel has utilised the Spa space to its maximum potential – and, even though you could easily double it in size, they do the best they can within the parameters that are set.
As for my friend and I, it was such a special treat to be able to enjoy the hotel facilities, impressive suite and food for one night – and we’ve both agreed that we’d be only too happy to return and try out the new hot tub.
* We were invited as guests by Brooklands Spa & Hotel which included dinner, bed and breakfast. As always, my opinions are my own. Deluxe rooms available from £139 per night; Spa packages from £142 per night.
The post Reviewed: A Pampering Stay at Brooklands Hotel & Spa, Surrey appeared first on
My Travel Monkey