Everything about Stanbrook Abbey screams seclusion, solitude, and scenic landscapes, with the rolling Malvern Hills and its dense colony of trees blurring the line between Worcestershire’s countryside and the start of the hotel’s private 26-acre estate. Attached to the hotel, by its own cloisters, is The Manor House: a delightful five-bedroom, self-catering abode. It is here that I got to spend time with my family while relishing the combination of luxurious attentiveness and privacy. This is why it’s one of the best luxury hotels in Worcestershire that you should know about!
This post is in collaboration with Hand Picked Hotels but as ever, all thoughts, opinions and photographs are my own.
The staff at the Manor House went above and beyond to make our family getaway one to remember. They kicked off our stay by surprising us with an enormous welcome hamper, featuring two bottles of bubbly, a massive Ploughman’s style platter, Twining’s breakfast tea, and chocolate nibbles!
The surprises didn’t stop there. We were delighted to find personalised books left for Heidi; and the day after we arrived, the staff took a sumptuous picnic, a blanket, and a magnificent vase of lilac flowers down to the willow lake, and swing for us to enjoy. It was outstanding, and I could barely move afterwards!
Back at The Manor House, everything was very extravagant, delivering a real performance of grandeur. All five en-suite bedrooms were light and airy, adorned with pale blue walls, fine white bed frames, headboards, and ornate bedside tables. The tiered chandelier sparkled against the chequered white-and-black-tiled floor leading to the drawing-room. It is safe to say this room would not look out of place in a palace, and it’s clear to see why Stanbrook Abbey is one of the best luxury hotels in Worcestershire. Lots of gold, mahogany and green shades make the room a true piece of art. There’s also a snug little cosy TV room that’s great for forgetting the outside world.
The enormous kitchen is fully kitted out; however, you’d be forgiven for never making use of it, as the Stanbrook Abbey Hotel, like most luxury hotels in the West Midlands, has several dining options. During our stay, we supped in The Refectory, the new brasserie-style restaurant whose menu I couldn’t fault. Situated in the Abbey’s former dining area for nuns, The Refectory carries its ecclesiastical legacy in its restored period features and old photographs. While staying at Stanbrook Abbey, you can also ask the reception for the keys to the tower. I’d highly recommend climbing up to the top to experience the panoramic views of Worcestershire.
On the first evening, I had the succulent Chateaubriand with black garlic, creamed potatoes, kale, and vegetables. During the second evening, we sampled the Tasting Menu, featuring dishes like leek and potato soup with freshly-baked bread, corn-fed chicken with fondant potato and vegetables in red wine jus and a raspberry sorbet.
In the mornings, breakfast was delivered to the house on a sturdy wooden tray bearing vibrant orange and apple juices, cups of coffee, and plenty of sweet pastries to devour. There was an extensive selection of cooked options, from a full English to salmon on toast with lemon. I tucked into avocado toast – and, of course, the pastries!
Before saying goodbye, I made one final tour of the grounds, revisiting my favourite willow tree swing. I must say, I felt rather heavy-hearted leaving this great luxury hotel in the heart of the West Midlands.
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