Spa Weekend: The hotel

17-19 December 2022

I was in need of some relaxing. We were in need of some 'us' time. A spa weekend sounded good.

To find a reasonably priced spa weekend package wasn't easy. Actually, it was impossible. Nonetheless, we went for it.

I booked a package at Macdonald Alveston Manor in Stratford-upon-Avon called 'The Ultimate Spa Break' for £444 which included:

• Standard room with king-size bed for 2 nights with breakfast.
• 3-course dinner on the 1st night from a set menu.
• Afternoon tea on the 2nd day.
• 55min treatment per adult from a choice of facial, massages, manicure and pedicure.
• Bottle of prosecco in the room on arrival.

The hotel is just across the bridge from the centre so we could have some relaxing time and some sightseeing time. 

The hotel's main part is in an old 16th century hall, and a pretty one indeed, with timbered beams, wood panelling and stained glass. Some cosmetic issues here and there, nicks on the walls, outdate carpet, but overall good. 

The bedrooms' wings are all modern construction. We were lodged in one of the furthest rooms from reception but, more importantly, very close to the spa. Bedrooms are comfortable, the beds good to sleep, the bathroom was clean and the windows' blackout thick. It was very cold this weekend but the hotel kept the bedrooms toasty enough to sleep naked!

Food was great. The breakfast was plentiful with both Continental and English. Dinner was delicious from a multiple choice set menu. Afternoon tea's sandwiches were okay but the cakes were absolutely divine.

Staff was a bit hit and miss. Some receptionists were very helpful, some rushed the work even when there was no queue. My bedroom's key card stopped working as I was returning to our room from the spa and I had to go to reception to get a new one. There was no one there and I had to go to the bar asking for help, in robe and slippers and very wet hair... The waitresses at the restaurant were efficient and nice. The waiters at the bar looked and sounded like they didn't want to be there.

The hotel has implemented a very ecological initiative which we haven't seen before. Each room has a glass pitcher which you can fill with still or sparkling water from a water fountain located on the corridor. This is an excellent idea and will save throwing away what must be an enormous amount of plastic bottles.

Parking at the hotel is paid, £7/day, and the hotel automatically includes it in the bill, even when you informed them at check-in that you were not going to use the parking. Be careful, check the bill at check-out before paying. We parked in the nearby Manor Road for free, near the Manor Road Playing Fields.

The spa was great and definitely worth the visit.

The pool is big, flooded with natural light through the floor-to-ceiling windows, and the water was warmer than I was expecting. There is a sauna and a steam room. No jacuzzi but we did not miss it. The package gave us access to the spa anytime during our stay. It was open 8am-8pm.

We booked full body massages. Mine was exactly what I requested, firm and relaxing. Jorge wasn't as impressed with his masseuse but enjoyed it anyway.

It is a 4-star hotel and it delivers what you expect from one. However, I spent a 1-night spa break with a friend at the Macdonald Elmers Court Hotel & Resort in the New Forest and I must say it was better, both in terms of finishing of the building and service. And the spa had a jacuzzi!