The London Reviewer

For those who long to find old world charm in an escape to the countryside, then look no further than Rookery Hall. Built in 1816 by William Hilton Cooke, this beautiful sandstone manor house is steeped in charm and one can feel the epoch of the place throughout the old wing.

The original part of the building (new wings to expand the hotel were added in the 20^th century) includes the public rooms: the salon (ie lounge), bar, and a large and small dining room – that are all breathtaking, wood-panelled sanctuaries with gilt-framed portraits, mahogany furniture and porcelain figurines – and the suites named after the months of the year.

While all the large bedrooms – which are lead to by a massive oak staircase – have plush furniture, deep bathtubs and stunning views over the grounds, the charm of the public rooms is that you feel like you are truly dining or relaxing in the nineteenth century. Whether you’re in the dining room and can stare serenely out onto the back gardens or just slouch back into an overstuffed chair, the place quickly settles you into a relaxed and happy mood for your entire stay.

Not only does the place feel truly in keeping with the period due to the effects, but also because of the friendly and traditional attitude of the staff. The maids sweep the front hall, paintings are polished with feather dusters, tables are set pristinely in white and silver and staff take their roles very seriously. Nothing that I asked for was too much trouble.

If you choose to stay in the old part of the building, you will have an eclectic visit through and through. However, the price can be quite steep (£250+/night for two people including breakfast). If, like me, you’d like a historic experience, but want to pay less, than opt to stay in the new part of the hotel, which offers modern accommodation at lowers rates (£120+/night for two including breakfast).

The rooms

The new rooms lack the character of the old part of the house and feel a bit like you’re in a modern hotel – like the Hilton. However, to their credit they have huge, gorgeous marble effect bathrooms with big soak-worthy tubs, large LCD TVs, DVD players and complementary Internet access available 24/7 (including wifi access in the public rooms).

The room generally had everything I needed and I was very impressed by the LCD TV and DVD player, supply of Glenlivet mineral water in glass bottles (much better than plastic) and the excellent cleaning and turndown service, as well as room service. I wish it did, however, have a chest of drawers for my tops, stationery, a minibar and bathrobe and slippers.

After getting settled in, a tour of the picturesque 38 acres of grounds is necessary, which include a pond with gazebo out the front, and a fountain surrounded by flora and fauna in back, which then turn into open, cultivated fields.

If you fancy doing more at Rookery Hall than relaxing in the house or strolling the grounds, then the old market town of Nantwich with its ‘black and white’ wooden buildings*, is nearby for sightseeing excursions and Chester‘s about a half-hour drive. Or, you can do what many guests come for, and head straight to the impressive redbrick spa, which provides a huge swimming pool, jacuzzi, steam and dry heat saunas, brasserie with light meals and ample treatments.

Overall, the large variety of treatments offered are of good quality at reasonable prices for the quality of spa (ie £50 for a 55-minute massage and £25 for a 40-minute manicure) and the staff make-up for any shortcomings with their beautiful personalities and professional attitude.

I found the manicures, pedicures and massage to be of reasonable quality, but, admittedly, have had better. However, I found the hot stone treatment, Rasul mud treatment and facials with Espa products to be excellent.

The other huge bonus that this spa has going for it is its dimly lit chill out room, which is done in husky, gold tones and you are able to curl up under a blanket on one of the little beds and have a snooze to the sound of the waterfall that runs down one of the walls. I don’t think I’ve ever been in a room so calming before.

The final glorious experience to be had at Rookery Hall is the evening dining, due to the ambience of the candlelit dining rooms and the quality of the food. A three-course dinner costs about £50/head and included starters such as tuna carpaccio or gala melon with parma ham. Example mains include roast breast of pheasant with fondant potato, chorizo sausage and wild mushroom sauce or seared salmon with Lyonnaise potatoes, wilted spinach and shellfish cream. And, desserts included iced rum and chestnut parfait with bitter chocolate sauce or orange bread and butter pudding with a vanilla Anglaise sauce.

I booked Rookery Hall as a short break in between Christmas and New Year’s due to its historic charm and also, partly, because I was impressed with another Handpicked* hotel I stayed at a couple of years ago. Despite a few minor flaws, this place – to be the American that I am – knocked my socks off. It was exquisite and homely at the same time, I was inspired to do much creative writing (one of my aims for this trip), and I do not hesitate to recommend it.

Further information:
Rookery Hall Photos (Flickr)
Rookery Hall (official site)
Nearest train station: Crewe – 5 miles.
Handpicked Hotels (official site)
Rookery Hall online photo exhibit: The Beauty of Small Things
(a collection of photos I took while there)

* which remind me of those Shakesperian times
** a chain that offers high quality stays in period properties