Review: Retreat at Elcot Park
Retreat at Elcot Park review - in a sentence:
Super stylish - and pleasantly affordable - design-led boutique hotel in an idyllic English countryside setting.
Design: 4/5
Retreat at Elcot is a Signet Collection property (fans will know the brand for the absolutely dreamy Mitre at Hampton Court), so the interior design was always going to be a large part of the experience, here!
Taylor & Turner are responsible for the schemes here, and I’d best describe the design aesthetic as traditional British countryside with modern, playful twists - think clashing patterns, printed wallpapers, statement headboards and Tatiana Alida prints. Each of the common spaces has its own feel and scheme, but all are beautifully done, honouring the building’s 18th century heritage.
Bedrooms have a more consistent aesthetic (there are 3 suites and 55 bedrooms in total, so quite large for an independent / boutique property). I booked the Sutton Suite based off just renderings, when the hotel was still being built, so we got a great room rate. But I’m still SO glad we plumped for one of the top categories. It was probably the largest hotel room I’ve ever stayed in, with some seriously special touches - check out that increddddible copper tub! (I feel like the Signet Collection hotels have become known for their stand-alone statement tubs, usually coupled with statement stools.)
Food & drink: 3/5
I only sampled 1772 Brasserie during what was an overnight stay, as Yu was closed. We really enjoyed everything we had; this is tasty, reliable, brasserie style food. The highlight was definitely the Nutella and raspberry bombolini - a must order!
Given our stay was timed during an insaaane heatwave in July 2022, it was also SUCH a treat to be able to dine on the veranda outside, enjoying the views over the Wessex Downs, watching rabbits hopping around in the hedgerows. Such a dreamy, Beatrix Potter-style setting!
Breakfast was a fairly standard, continental-style “help yourself” affair; it would be great to see Retreat at Elcot incorporate an a la carte / hot breakfast offering, in line with some of its peers.
Location: 4/5
Retreat at Elcot is nestled in the North Wessex Downs, part of the idyllic Berkshire countryside. It’s about 90 mins drive from London and easily accessible by train.
To-do: 4/5
The Retreat at Elcot packs a serious punch when it comes to amenities - the highlight is probably the lovely outdoor pool area (which was very welcome during our stay, given the insane heatwave temps!). But there’s also a very nice indoor pool area, in case the weather is a bit more inclement during your stay, as well as a full gym and spa/treatment set up.
One point to note is that the Retreat at Elcot is very child friendly, which is obviously great, but this was definitely apparent during our use of the pool facilities - less zen than some spa experiences.
Hungerford is just around the corner, as well as Highclere (made famous by Downton Abbey). So there’s plenty to do, if you can tear yourself away from the spa / your room!
Reasons to book
Stand-out outdoor pool & spa facilities
The Signet Collection’s signature, lauded design
Really great value for money
Any negatives?
Lack of accessibility from the outdoor pool, to the inside of the property - need to climb up a hilly verge to get drinks/snacks from the restaurant
Lack of a bedside plug / charger, or slippers! Seemed odd, in the top room category
The final word:
The Retreat at Elcot Park represents great value for money, if you’re looking for a speedy boutique retreat from London.