Hand and Spear

I was surprised to find the hotel really as near to the train station as I had expected – it all felt wonderfully safe for me as a single traveller. The staff were extremely friendly without exception, everyone always had a smile for me and was full of kindness and warm-hearted humour. The room was spacious and bright, and equipped with lots of very tasty tea and an honesty bar with lots of lovely bits and pieces for the occasional sweet or savoury nibble. Even the little booklet with information about the hotel and things to see and do in the area was fun to read. The hotel is full of character, some places modern, some as if time had stood still and you were transported to cosier times. The staircase was wonderfully creaky and comfortably carpeted, the wallpaper rich, and the rooms easy to get to and safe. The curtains really darkened the room 100%, and the bed was equipped with plenty of cushions – great for reading in bed, sleeping and waking up relaxed! When I opened the curtains, the sunlight poured through the large window wall, and it was all just heavenly. The breakfast times were generous, from very early until 11 o’clock. The choice was wide, and I thoroughly enjoyed everything at my own table, with plenty of space to start the day at my own pace. Dinner in the pub was very tasty and plentiful, the prices all reasonable for both food and drinks, and I was welcomed very warmly. The pub was always well visited in the evenings and full of laughter and conversation, which I enjoyed from my single table. I always found just the right amount of entertainment or quiet, whatever I wished for. Help, if needed, was always near, and there was always a good, lighthearted spirit to feel throughout. This hotel isn’t for those who expect flawless polish or shiny perfection, but for those who love a place with soul. I would highly recommend this warm-hearted hotel. Was genuinely a bit sad I had to go.

Lovely room, superb breakfast, great atmosphere in the bar. A little on the expensive side but well worth the extra money.

Perfect location for my business meeting at Mercedes World (Brooklands) - I walked it in under 15mins. The hotel is charming and characterful, the service was brilliant (loads of staff, special mention to Sotty). I only ate breakfast there but it was exceptional. Cooked to order and everything was cooked to perfection, even the black pudding!

Lovely stay, accommodation lovely clean everything you needed, staff very helpful nothing to much trouble. Food was lovely, would highly recommended. Lovely location, very quiet but convenient location to many places.

Very disappointed general decor was tired with need of a refurbishment, breakfast was very basic with the fresh fruit display offering overripe bananas black on appearance, with very little choice for continental requirements. The staff were pleasant and helpful. Minibar and welcome hamper were not priced and as £50 was held back on our credit card we decided not to take advantage of the facility.

Perfect location for us. Lovely greeting on arrival and the room we had requested was waiting for us. Really well appointed, designed and imaginative retro room. Thoughtful home baked brownies. Excellent temperature controls. Quite dark for ladies applying makeup but the bathroom swivel mirror is well lit. The bathroom was a delight with a large Victorian claw foot bath to try as well as the modern shower. Maybe a hotel guest book would be a good addition. Thought the accommodation was good value.