A Luxury Hotel in Ascot

40 years of marriage with one of the most romantic men anyone could ask for, what could I do in return that could even slightly compare to all the magical things that have been done for me. I pictured it.... a romantic setting in the heart of Berkshires rolling countryside. A rural setting, log fires, old buildings with character, peaceful surroundings, cosy furnishings, manicured gardens, this is what I wanted. I wanted to feel as if I was going back in history so what better area to choose than one with lots of History itself. I was looking for a Luxury Hotel in the surrounding areas of Ascot and Windsor where I could nestle down and enjoy the countryside or venture out slightly and enjoy the delights of Berkshire and its best features. Perhaps we would enjoy a day at the races, at the long famous Ascot Racecourse, or maybe a day at Windsor Castle, exploring the enchanted way the long past royal members have lived. Finally deciding on a location I could start to narrow it down and look for a Luxury Hotel in Ascot.

There were so many to choose from, suddenly I felt daunted. So many names and reviews! Stirrups Country House Hotel seemed to feature often. I wondered what was so special about this Hotel, why were they soaring above the rest? What secret ingredient had they got their hands on.  With so many Luxury Hotels in Ascot, all having the same access to local features and amenities why was Stirrups standing so high above the rest? I’ve always been one for taking chances, I did no more research and booked a four night stay at Stirrups Hotel, just from the first impact this Hotel had on me. Well, what a delight! As a very comfortably retired couple we have stayed in many Luxury Hotels and this exceeded our expectations in so many ways. Defiantly modest when rating themselves. A home away from home. We were lucky enough to enjoy a day at the Ascot racecourse. Champagne flowing whilst the sun set over the course, catching the dust kicked up from galloping race horses. We felt like Kings and Queens drizzled in luxury. Ascot Village itself is an absolute treasure to come across. Historic buildings line the high street, glittered with small cafes and patisseries. The bustle in the morning was energetic yet calming as everyone enjoyed their start to the day, a true community with heart.

Stirrups Hotel really do themselves proud. A fantastic location! Equidistant from major key attractions, all with total ease of access.  We were both completely delighted with what we had stumbled across and would return to the Berkshire area again without hesitation, and most defiantly to Stirrups. Highly recommended by ourselves, I feel Stirrups to be the truest of Luxury Hotels in Ascot as it has all you would expect and so much more.
Trust your instincts, I’m glad I did!

2012 Olympics Accommodation

With the Olympics just around the corner at less than 3 weeks away, time is really starting to run out for making those last minute arrangements if you're visiting the games. Most importantly is of course making sure you've got your tickets for the events! Coming after that, but possibly being just as important, is making travel and accommodations arrangements.

It was originally not recommended to wait until last minute to book London 2012 Olympic accommodation, as London anticipated a huge surge of visitors flocking to the city. Indeed it is expected that 294,000 visitors will be coming from overseas, and 587,000 UK visitors, all needing overnight accommodation. However, to put it plainly, the bookings have just yet failed to materialise. Part of the reason for this may be because of the huge increase in room rates for the Olympic Period. Compared to last year's rates, most London hotel's prices have gone up by 75%. A study conducted by which? Travel finds some hotel chains have put their tariffs up by a ridiculous 400%. With prices that high, no wonder visitors are being put off staying over in the city and are looking elsewhere. Due to the lack of interest, many city hotels have since dropped their rates taking them to on average £160 per room per night, a drop of 24%.

This pricing is still unreasonably high for many people though, and so they are doing what is viewed as the sensible thing to do, and looking in the surrounding areas of the capital for their Olympic accommodation. After all there is plenty of it, and much more reasonably priced, as hotels in the surrounding areas have to compete with each other by offering the best deals.

Hotels in Berkshire are being praised for their locality with excellent transport links into London. Stirrups Country House Hotel near Bracknell for example has the benefit of being close to both Bracknell and Ascot train stations which get you into London in less than an hour, whilst remaining in the scenic Berkshire countryside away from endless crowds and noise. Other such hotels in this area are also close to Windsor, perfect for the Olympic rowing at Dorney Lake. These options may involve a little more travel time, but you are rewarded with wonderful views of two sides of Great Britain; glorious countryside for your overnight accommodation, and the hustle and bustle of the city during the day. A beautiful way to celebrate the games being in our green and pleasant land.

So the lesson to be reminded here is: booking your 2012 Olympic accommodation last minute and getting a good deal is achievable, but don't be fooled by the sudden drops in rates for London hotels. There are much better deals in the vicinity of the capital where you are likely to be a lot more comfortable and experience better value for money.