Actors can’t pick their schedules to suit them, my birthday was the fourth year running that Sam had a show on it. Which just meant that we got to celebrate a few days early by getting out of London for a few days. As a special birthday treat Sam booked us in to the St. Anne’s Manor Spa (a Hilton in Berkshire).
Despite the fact that the hotel was very busy because it was hosting both a wedding and a golden anniversary party AND it was a Bank Holiday weekend, the staff were very attentive. In fact, we were even given an upgrade on arrival which suited us perfectly! Not only that, but we were also informed that we were more than welcome to stay and continue to swim in the spa pools after check out on our last day before our train back to London.
The back gardens of the hotel.
Hotel lobby.
Enjoying the sun, even though it was possibly the only hour of sun all weekend.
Our room had been recently refurbished, but the highlight of it was the bathroom. The shower was amazing! The shower itself was bigger than the entire bathroom in our London flat Apparently other rooms in the hotel are still awaiting refurbishment, so if at all possible, request one that’s already been done up. The weekend break location drew us for two reasons. One, it was a day spa and all we really wanted from the weekend was relaxation. And two, the hotel had acres of ground for us to explore. (And despite the pouring rain for the vast majority of our time there, explore we did. If you follow me on instagram you’ll have seen some of these wet weather adventures.) The massage therapist at the spa was wonderful. She made me feel quickly at ease and if I was ever super wealthy I’d employ her to come round at least 3 times per week. The pool and hot tub made for some enjoyable swims, but they could use a little TLC in a future refurbishment.
We ate dinner in the restaurant one night and it far exceeded my expectations for previous Hilton dinner fare! Both of our mains were lovely (beef for me, pork for him) but the dessert was the star of the show. The only complaint I have about that meal was that the entree course was a bit too small, and some people might think the desserts were a tad large. (Although I’ve never met a dessert too large for me.) The first breakfast we had at the hotel was wonderful and the second standard. I was a bit disappointed, to be honest, because after the first morning’s breakfast I was so excited for the next day’s and it didn’t live up to my expectations. The second night of our stay, we dined elsewhere and loved our choice. If you’re in the area, I highly recommend going to The Three Frogs for dinner. My rating of the Hilton St Anne’s Manor Hotel- 3.5 Stars
More of the grounds.
Sam soaking up the sun.
Playing in the playground. It was my birthday weekend after all.
