The Grove
Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, England

Just 40 minutes from London’s West End and 30 minutes from Heathrow Airport, the hotel combines an unrivalled location with an impressive range of facilities. Outside, a championship golf course winds through parklands, while the former stable block has been transformed into a beautiful spa and health and leisure club called Sequoia. Here, guests can choose from the striking black mosaic indoor pool, the contemporary exercise studio or the serenity of one of the treatment rooms.

The 18-hole championship golf course, host of the World Golf Championships 2006, fits seamlessly into the landscape and includes a clubhouse, golf academy and pro shop. Other leisure facilities include The Walled Garden with tennis courts, outdoor swimming pool and croquet lawn.

The accommodation blends tradition with modernity, resulting in light fresh interiors that are warm and welcoming. The 215 rooms and 12 suites have a timeless quality, with their marble fireplaces, chandeliers, white-lacquered Sycamore furniture and suede and silk furnishings.

Seventh Heaven and the Simply Divine Suites: Restored period rooms, with stylish sitting rooms, bedroom and original working fireplace and works of art.

Contemporary Guest Rooms: Stylish and timeless, the rooms feature white-lacquered furniture, clear Perspex and oriental ceramics. Other rooms are described as hot/sexy/classic, with their opulent and rich decors.

Super/Superb Rooms: Luxurious, tranquil and comfortable, with either balconies or terraces and views of the Formal and Walled Gardens. They evoke the natural calm of the Grove.

Dining at The Grove is a special experience, with a choice of three venues. Colette’s matches stunning views with modern cuisine with a classic twist. The Glasshouse is a ‘theatre of cooking’, serving Mediterranean, British and Asian dishes.

The Stables, over looking the golf course, features an open kitchen and wood-burning oven.
The social hub of The Grove is The Glasshouse Bar, off the main entrance lobby. There are also five drawing rooms leading onto private terraces, as well as the relaxed Stables Bar.

Business centre facilities include wired workstations and broadband internet access. In-room facilities include 24-hour room-service, broadband internet access, and laptop-friendly safe.

Historical attractions, family days out, and sports venues are just some of the pastimes available for those who wish to explore the local surroundings. Historical points of interest within easy reach of the hotel are Knebworth House, George Bernard Shaw’s home and gardens, Hatfield House, the Norman abbey of St Albans that dates from 1077 and Hughenden Manor, the former residence of Benjamin Disraeli.Sports fans should enjoy watching the local rugby teams, Saracens and Wasps, or heading down to the world-renowned Lord’s cricket ground, based in London. For family-oriented day trips, try Legoland in Windsor, Bucks Railway Centre in Aylesbury and the Roald Dahl Children’s Gallery in the Bucks County Museum.Shopping enthusiasts are advised to make the 40-minute trip to London’s bustling West End.