Loved by celebrities, as well as being popular with families and avid golfers, The Grove is known for its picturesque setting, impressive buffet restaurant and its sprawling 300-acre grounds
Location
The Grove lies 18 miles to the north of London in Chandler’s Cross, Watford, making it popular with city-dwellers wanting a night or two away without having to make an arduous journey.
Getting to The Grove from the capital couldn’t be easier – the hotel is just off the M25 and the M1, or a 20-minute train journey from Euston to Watford Junction (followed by a 10-minute cab ride). If you’re so inclined, it is also a short drive to Harry Potter Studios.
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The vibe
High-end, ornate, and a bit flashy. The Grove is a mix of old-school grandeur and modern aesthetics. The Grade II listed, 18th-century mansion has several elegant-yet-quirky lounges and a library, as well as 25 rooms. Beyond this is the more contemporary West Wing – added in 2003 – which is home to the majority of the rooms, the Sequoia Spa and the famous Glasshouse buffet restaurant. This part of the hotel houses modern art, statement chandeliers, and has a more minimalist design aesthetic.
It’s loved by the celebrity crowd – a top footballer or other famous face could walk past you at any given moment.
Service
Restaurant staff are gracious and, thankfully for families, very used to young children causing chaos. The reception staff cannot do enough for you.
However, I had a couple of misunderstandings with housekeeping (who brought duvets with no covers on for my children) and they were very slow to attend to the issues.
Bed and bath
There are 189 rooms in the West Wing, which are categorised as Classic, Superior and Deluxe. The first two categories are similar in style and layout, though some have better views (my room overlooked The Grove’s gorgeous black walnut tree), and the Deluxe rooms have separate walk-in showers and rolltop baths.
The rooms in the West Wing are functional, but at the price tag of £300-plus a night I would expect a bit more personality (however, this is something you can find in the mansion suites). All rooms benefit from an Nespresso machine, apps such as Disney+ on the television, Bamford products, and a terrace or balcony.
A highlight for my kids was the Scandiborn Sleepover package. This is where staff install a teepee bed for little ones to sleep in and deck the room out with a selection of the brand’s toys.
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Food and drink
The Glasshouse is the main restaurant, which is an institution in its own right. It offers plenty of buffet options at breakfast and dinner, plus a handful of live cooking stations, where you can order pancakes and eggs at breakfast, and fresh pasta or sushi at dinner. Those with dietary requirements are very well catered for.
There’s also the Stables – a gastropub with a casual vibe, serving British fare – while Madhu’s is a celebrated Indian restaurant. One thing is for sure: you will not go hungry at The Grove.
Facilities
There’s lots to do at The Grove. Choose from activities including archery lessons, cycling, axe throwing and even laser clay pigeon shooting. It would be amiss to not mention golf – The Grove has an 18-hole championship course with exceptional, world-renowned facilities.
The Sequoia Spa was given an extensive £1.6m refurbishment a few years back. There are all the facilities you’d expect: a 22-metre pool, sauna, steam room and jacuzzi. Plus, there are 18 rooms for beauty and wellness treatments, which include a full-body massage using hot volcanic and cold marble stones, and a radiance-boosting facial. They cost from around £200 for an hour.
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Accessibility
There are two Classic rooms that are wheelchair-accessible, both with wider doors, wet rooms and alarms. Most of the rooms in the West Wing have lift access. A vast majority of the common spaces are also accessible.
Pet policy
Dogs weighing less than 30kg are welcome in a number of ground floor rooms for a charge of £50 per dog, per stay.
Check-in/check-out
Check-in is from 3pm, check-out is 11am.
Family-friendly?
Yes. Families can book interconnecting rooms, request cots and additional beds, and book a babysitter. Children are given little packs of colouring kits and other activities on arrival, which is a lovely touch. There’s a great selection of food on offer for children across all of The Grove’s restaurants. Kids aged three and under eat for free, while meals for children ages four to 12 are half price.
Be mindful that a lot of the children’s activities are seasonal or weekend only – such as Anoushka’s Kids’ Club, for children aged two to nine. Children aren’t allowed in the spa, but there is a dedicated children’s pool area which is fabulous, though you need to walk across two car parks to reach it.
At a glance
Best thing: The Glasshouse buffet, which will forever be in my thoughts.
Perfect for: A couple or family looking for a quick jaunt away from the city. The Grove is also a dream for golf-obsessives.
Not right for: Those in search of a rustic getaway.
Instagram from: Frankly: anywhere, and you’d be in good company.
Address: Chandler’s Cross, Hertfordshire WD3 4TG.
Phone: 01923 807807
Website: [email protected]
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Lizzie was a guest of The Grove.
