A TUDOR MANOR HOTEL

MARYGREEN MANOR

It was late in the evening, on a cold dark November night, when my wife and I arrived at the Marygreen Manor Hotel in Brentwood Essex. We had travelled from London after a long and very tiring day, and all that was on our minds was a hot shower and a comfortable bed for the night. As we pulled into the car park and the hotel came into sight, our spirits lifted. Here was a most beautiful and welcoming hotel, and we knew immediately that we were in for a treat.

Marygreen Manor is a wonderful 4 star hotel and restaurant. The hotel is situated in the Essex town of Brentwood, just off junction 28 of the M25. With easy access to both the M25 and A12, the hotel is ideally situated for visiting London (under an hour by train or car), Lakeside (a mere 20 minute drive), or Bluewater (only 40 minutes drive).

Steeped in history, the hotel was originally a Tudor Manor House, built in the early 16^th century. Initially home to Henry Roper, a gentleman servant to Catherine of Aragon, the hotel proudly boasts many original features, including an abundance of oak beams. Besides the attraction of these beautiful old timbers, guests can also marvel at the ornate ceilings and wood paneled walls, there is even a secret door hidden by the paneling, which is best viewed from the outside. There is also a delightful courtyard garden, surrounded by the Garden Rooms. These spacious and attractive rooms are all connected to the main building by means of a covered walkway. The garden is well worth a visit, no matter what time of year, but if it does happen to be a bit chilly out, guests can warm themselves by the roaring open log fire.

 





 

 



Our visit to Marygreen Manor was in early November. My wife and I had travelled from London, where we had been attending the World Travel Market at London Excel. Our journey had taken us approximately 45 minutes by car, arriving at the hotel around 8.30pm. We parked in the free car park directly in front of the hotel. As we were only staying one night, we were travelling light. So, carrying only our overnight bag we made our way to reception. The staff were very welcoming, friendly and polite, and in no time at all we were checked in and on our way to our room for the night. A member of staff very kindly escorted us to our room, carrying our overnight bag for us.

 

 

This was the first time we had stayed overnight at the hotel, but as we had already eaten earlier in the evening, we would not be dining in the restaurant on this occasion. However, having previously dined in the restaurant on several occasions, I can wholeheartedly recommend the food and ambiance. I was, therefore, thoroughly looking forward to sampling the food once again at breakfast the following morning.

Accommodation at this delightful 44 bedroom hotel comprises 3 categories, Luxury Tudor Rooms and Suites, which are located in the main building, Delux Garden Rooms overlooking the courtyard garden, and Executive rooms located in the Brampton Lodge. All rooms are extremely well furnished and have all the features necessary for a comfortable stay. Features include freeview TV, tea/coffee making facilities, complimentary toiletries, telephone, iron, hairdryer, and free wi fi, fresh fruit and bottled mineral water. In addition to all these features, Executive rooms and Suites also have bathrobes and slippers, and some rooms feature four poster or canopy beds.

Our room for the night was a most comfortable and tastefully decorated Executive Double Room, located in the Brampton Lodge. The complimentary fruit and mineral water was very much appreciated, and the slippers and bathrobes (only available in Executive rooms and suites) were a nice touch.



Other features at the hotel include the AA four star rosetted restaurant. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Diners can choose to dine from the A La Carte Menu, the Chef's Tasting Menu, or Menu Du Jour. Guests can also enjoy light meals and snacks in the Lounge, or perhaps indulge in a delicious afternoon tea (booking is essential). There are also private dining rooms available for hire. Dinner is served between 7.15pm and 9.30pm Monday to Saturday. Lunch is served between 12.30pm and 2.30pm Tuesday to Saturday, and 12.30pm to 4pm Sunday. The restaurant is closed Monday lunchtime.



  



For business guests, the hotel has a choice of 3 conference and meeting rooms. With a maximum capacity of 50 delegates, the hotel can meet most business needs. Various equipment for use in the conference and meeting rooms is available for hire.

 

 

The next morning, following a most comfortable and restful nights sleep, my wife and I made our way to the restaurant for breakfast. Breakfast is served between 7am and 9.30am Monday to Friday, 7.30am and 10am Saturday, and 8am and 10am on Sunday. We were shown to our table by a very helpful member of staff who took our tea and coffee order, and then left us to help ourselves from the self service buffet of cereals, fruit, yogurts, fruit juice etc. There is also a wide choice of hot food available from the menu which is cooked to order.

We left Marygreen Manor mid morning, feeling rested and relaxed. This had been a perfect overnight stay, we were only sorry that we were not staying longer. I thoroughly recommend this hotel to anyone wishing to stay in the Brentwood area. I certainly hope to return in the not too distant future.

For more details on the hotel and restaurant, room rates and availability, please visit the hotel's website at: www.marygreenmanor.co.uk
or email: reservations@marygreenmanor.co.uk

Postcode for Sat. Nav: CM14 4NS Telephone number: 01277 225252