Covid-19 has had a disastrous consequences for the travel industry and it's so sad to see many wonderful peers and clients struggle and even go out of business this year. The overseas travel industry has been particularly hurt with the quarantine restrictions, no testing of visitors coming in and out of the country and little government support. I continue to hope the situation improves for UK tour operators and travel agents.
Thankfully the UK travel industry picked up again once some of our freedoms were restored so I decided to take the opportunity to enjoy a stay in a hotel in my home country - Beaverbook in Leatherhead, Surrey - and it was a real treat. I occasionally write hotel reviews for The Hotel Guru and this was one of them. The Hotel Guru's mission is to find the best boutique hotels with a high level of personal service, character and where guests can truly feel the atmosphere of the destination that they're visiting. Beaverbrook certainly meets these requirements and more. Staying here with Covid restrictions didn't feel too different to a normal hotel stay. Masks had to be worn when in public areas and during the spa treatment (and sadly the thermal area of the spa was closed), but masks could be removed when dining or outdoors.
Here is my review in full...
Hotel review: Beaverbrook
Overlooking the beautiful Surrey Hills, Beaverbrook is a luxurious country house estate formally owned by Lord Beaverbrook. Its opulence and grandeur combine well with chic interiors designed by Soho House's Susie Atkinson to give it a stylish, modern twist. Beaverbrook caters fantastically to couples, groups of friends or families and one of its wow-factors includes the Coach House Spa. Designed by the famous glass artist Brian Clarke, guests are awed by its vibrant, colourful stained-glass windows and tilework and can soak up an array of soothing treatments. The Health Club also boasts two grand swimming pools – one indoor, one outdoor - a Deli serving super-food salads and juices, and a spacious, modern gym. The Japanese Grill – quite rightly known as the ‘Nobu of Surrey’ - must not be missed either and guests can expect a truly special dining experience from start to finish. Head Chef Taiji Maruyama, former Sushi Chef at Nobu London, offers a sublime selection of sushi, sashimi and nigiri, as well as the finest cuts of meat and fish. Afterwards, retire to the Gatsby-esque art-deco Sir Frank’s Bar for a cocktail or catch a film in the hotel’s private cinema (said to be ‘Britain’s first cinema’ where Lord Beaverbrook and Winston Churchill shared many happy hours together).
Beaverbrook offers a selection of rooms across its main house, Garden and Coach House, where guests can expect the usual luxurious country house hotel touches such as roll-top baths, crisp white bed sheets, complimentary mini-bar and turn-down service. Book a Turret room in the main house for a breathtaking view of the countryside from your own private terrace – it’s the perfect place to enjoy sunset.
While many features appeal to adults, little guests are not forgotten. There’s a Sharky & George children's club available to keep kids entertained when the big people relax, as well as extensive woods to explore, a tree house and a playground.
Service is kind and attentive too, with bags whisked away on check-in and room service always arriving in minutes.