TheHotelaholic – REVIEW: Hampton Manor, Hampton in Arden, Solihull

The Hotel

Hampton Manor is a luxury country house hotel located on the outskirts of Birmingham in the little village of Hampton in Arden. Set in 45 acres of lush green surroundings, this 5 star hotel really does have it all. Home to stunning architecture, bags of history, award-winning Peel’s Restaurant and the perfect venue for weddings or celebrations, it has a touch of grandeur about it and you feel spoilt whilst staying here. This 19th-century Tudor country house apparently used to be a care home, before it was lovingly restored to all its glory. Inside it’s very grand, from the spiral staircase with huge chandelier at its centre, to wood panelled board rooms, a cosy bar, sumptuous dining room and The Parlour – a lavender coloured room with a warmly lit fireplace at either end which made for an unforgettable aroma.

The Grounds/What To Do

The manor has 45 acres of sheer green heaven to roam around with dedicated walking routes that take you around the exterior of the house – just don’t forget to bring a pair of wellies in the winter. We took the Victoria Walk – a tranquil escape to wonder and walk off your meal. If you fancy exploring what the local village of Hampton in Arden has to offer it’s only a short 5 minute walk. The village is home to a great little bakery and cosy White Lion Pub (complete with roaring fire) with a small train station that transports you into Birmingham’s City Centre in just 15 minutes. Birmingham has undergone so many changes in the past few years and has some truly exciting things on offer, from a fantastic array of markets, top theatre shows and a terrific music programme throughout the year. The Bullring shopping centre should not be missed in all its architectural glory. It’s very modern and very futuristic.

The Rooms

We stayed in the Henrietta Maria room, name after the wife of King Charles 1st. In total the hotel has 15 individually designed suites, all complete with desk space, large retractable flat screen TV, designer furniture, robes, slippers and the best spa toiletries I’ve had in a hotel to date. Little touches such as the homemade cookies were a lovely addition and the forest wallpaper and elements of foil green around the room made it feel very luxurious. Best part of it all? Well apart from the backdrop of that gorgeous wallpaper it had to be the in-room bath. A huge shell shaped tub which sits just under the window and looks out over the grounds. The spa products really turned it into an experience, full of smoky, amber scented aromas. The shower/toilet facilities had a room of their own with enormously high ceilings.

The Spa/Gym/Health & Fitness

There are no spa or gym facilities on site but the hotel is home to a treatment room for those in need of a little pampering. Dedicated therapists here at Hampton Manor can offer a full range of treatments from facials to a tailored massage. There’s also a resident health & beauty clinic and practising GP.

The Food & Drink

One of Hampton Manor’s biggest assets is its restaurant and kitchen team. Head chef here at Peel’s Restaurant is the incredibly talented Rob Palmer who is making waves over in this part of the UK. Food here is very playful, full of flavour, intriguing and absolutely delicious. The dining room is fantastic too, a bit gypsy/bohemian in style. For a more personal meal take over the private dining room. An intimate library setting which seats around eight people and looks directly into the kitchen – a truly unique experience. The hotel also offers a fantastic afternoon tea from what I hear, along with The Parlour for a pre-dinner drink and intimate bar for sipping on a cocktail. If all you want to do is eat and drink then you most certainly will never get bored at this country house retreat. Oh, and I had the best Espresso Martini I’ve ever sipped on. Fact. Breakfast is served in the main restaurant and while it wasn’t the best I’ve ever eaten, it was very satisfying. You can read about my full dining experience HERE.

The Verdict

Hampton Manor isn’t your usual hotel escape. It’s different. While it may look Gothic and old-fashioned on the outside, it’s vibrant and exciting on the inside. Compared to a lot of high-end hotels I’ve been to recently Hampton Manor feels young and the clientèle reflect that. This a modern, luxury hotel ready for 21st century hotel goers. If a cosy village, some of the best food you’ll eat all year and a room you won’t ever want to leave is what you’re looking for – then Hampton Manor is the place for you.

Hampton Manor
Shadowbrook Lane
Hampton in Arden
Solihull
B92 0DQ
Tel: 01675 446080